How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”   
Rom 10:14-15
 
I have started to re-read the book. ‘Surprised by Hope’ by Tom Wright. (Tom Wright also writes his academic books under NT Wright).
 
In his book, Wright argues that what we believe about life after death directly affects what we believe about life before death. For if God intends to renew the whole creation - and if this has already begun in Jesus' resurrection (the physical resurrection of Jesus is a muddled thought by many these days, and not only is Wright’s historical evidence for and theological explanation of Jesus’ resurrection central to Wright’s polemic but, more importantly, it is at the crux of the Christian faith) - the church cannot stop at 'saving souls', but must anticipate the eventual renewal by working for God's kingdom in the wider world, bringing healing and hope in the present life. (If you have never read the book, I can highly recommend, overall, that it is a very helpful read. And as the title suggests, we should be surprised by hope!)
 
What Wright describes is where the Church (and in particular congregations) must live their lives: bringing, being and announcing the hope that is Christ Jesus to the community in which they live. The early church was known for caring for all people – the outcast and the needy, those who society shunned, the poor, the oppressed (think women and children or those with disease) – yet the early church were also known for boldly and passionately sharing the good news of Jesus Christ who was raised from the dead so that all people could be redeemed and have a saved and secure relationship with God. Read the book of Acts and see how many people become part of ‘the Way’!
 
In my last BB Connex you would have read:
 
God is a sending God. He took the initiative to pursue us, coming into our world, seeking, wooing, calling and restoring. It was the Father who sent the Son, and the Father and Son who sent the Spirit. The church is not sent on a mission by God, rather God is on a mission and the church is called to join Him. This is an important distinction, as much of what the church is about is trying to do ‘stuff’ for God instead of letting Him do ‘stuff’ through us because He is already active.
 
The mission is not the church’s – the Missio Dei – it is the “mission of God” that we are called to be part of. From Genesis to Revelation God is seen clearly on a pursuit to redeem humankind (and indeed all creation) from the bondage of sin and death. The pursuit of this mission must take us beyond the walls of our church buildings out into the places where people live, work and play.
 
The way we talk about this, in Uniting Church language, is that we are called to ‘proclaim the gospel in word and deed’. As I visit church councils and congregations, I often hear stories of wonderful service that connects with and brings life and hope to the community. This truly is an outworking of the Gospel. However, I also hear stories of how congregations are not seeing people become disciples of Christ. The stories goes, ‘but we are doing so much good for people – helping the Kingdom of God to be made present – so why don’t more people join the church?’ When all is said and done, making disciples means that people need to hear the Gospel – as clearly as we can share it – so they might also come to know the incredible grace, love, joy, life, and hope that is found in and through Christ.  Surely this is the ‘pointy’ end of the Gospel – helping people to discover the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
 
I wonder what your congregation does to equip you for this gospel sharing? I wonder how you, as a disciple, have taken responsibility for this? A deeper question to ask might be, are you passionate about seeing people come to faith in Christ? In the end, the Good News became good news not just because of good deeds but because people shared the Gospel and shared their testimony. After all, ‘how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?’.
 
If you and your church would like to pursue sharing the gospel in word as well as deed, I would love to share with you some resources to assist.
 
 
On a different tangent, next week (July 27-29) ministry agents will be engaging in the annual minister retreat. The retreat will be led by Rev Graham Keech with the theme ‘Follow your longings’. It is a strange theme, but I am sure God will bring out that which is necessary for our ministers as individuals and as a community of ministers. Would you please be in prayer for us! I would also like to thank those congregations who have supported financially in sending their ministers to this.
 
Lastly, I will be having some surgery on August 2 and will be absent from work for up to two weeks. Rev. Dr. David Mackay-Rankin will be available for urgent matters during this time. (I would appreciate your prayers!)
 
Grace and peace.

Glen

UnitingCare Qld - Blue Care Grief & Loss Program

Brisbane - August 18th - 20th

If you haven't heard of the Blue Care Grief & Loss Program before, here is a link to our page: https://www.bluecare.org.au/services/grief-and-loss-programs

While it is a Blue Care branded program, it is not something exclusively run by Blue Care. There are many external facilitators who run this program, and the participants in the program come from many community avenues.

The Facilitator Training program is over 3 days. Two days is for the Grief & Loss Program, which is designed to be run with groups of people who have experienced grief and loss from a death of a loved one. The 3rd day is for Grief, Loss and Dementia, which is a separate program run for those who have a loved one diagnosed with Dementia.

If this is something you are interested in attending or if you have any questions about the program, please contact Andrea Hogg on the details below. 


This year's Blue Care Sunday will be held on 22 August 2021. This is a very special day for Blue Care where we take the opportunity to remember and celebrate the Blue Care staff, volunteers, family members and supporters who have helped Blue Care to become what it is today.

For more than 65 years, one thing has continued to set Blue Care apart: our commitment to empowering Queenslanders to live life their way. Through a dedicated team of health professionals, Blue Care assists individuals and their families to enjoy the very best of care and support, in a nurturing and respectful environment.

We would like to invite you and your congregations to acknowledge this important day, to celebrate the past and recognise the present, and reflect on the incredible work that Blue Care staff, chaplaincy and volunteers do to keep Blue Care residents and clients safe and cared for with compassion and commitment.   A worship resources pack will be put together by Adam MacIntosh, Associate Director of Mission, Pastoral Care and sent to you all closer to the date to assist with Blue Care Sunday.

Although much of the work Blue Care does is made possible through government funding and client contributions, Blue Care relies on additional support from the community to deliver the services that do not receive any or only partial funding.

Help us continue our vital work. Blue Care Sunday is a great opportunity to raise funds for Blue Care or create an opportunity for congregations and members to make a donation to Blue Care. To make a donation or register your fundraising event please go to our website  https://fundraise.bluecare.org.au/sundaycongregation  

You can also share this website via your channels with any supporters or family members who may be interested to support Blue Care on this special day. 

For more information or any questions, please contact

Andrea Hogg 
Chaplaincy Coordinator
Blue Care Care & Wellbeing Service Care Coordinator
Mission Group t (07) 3253 4229  m 0436 522 636 e andrea.hogg@ucareqld.com.au e a.hogg@bluecare.org.au