24th June 2012.

Jane begins a new sub theme within the “handing on the eternal flame” in the lead up to the Olympics in a few weeks time. This is the place of prayer and spiritualty. In bringing together prayer, theology, and practical Christianity and how it shapes our deepening spirituality. Jane spoke of six areas for spiritual growth drawing from Baptist distinctives of spiritualty but recognising and celebrating too other church streams where we have many things in common. The weight and ingredients may vary but the drawing together of these help call us to areas which may have been neglected and from which we can learn and (re)discover from others such as stillness and journey.

Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the website.

17th June 2012.

Jane reviewed and recapped the mini series on Hospitality taking a whistle stop tour through each word of the acronym and puling it together around the fact that God had already set the precedent in the love of stranger and of even enemy and that we are both commanded and compelled to respond. Yet we also have to be inspired and strengthened by the Holy Spirit for our love for stranger as it is likely to be more than we can give or cope within ourselves.

Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the website.

6th June 2012.

Looking at “you” in the ”y” of Hospitality, when stranger becomes neighbour. In the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 Jane explores the inter relationships between the culture and background of the scribes and the casting of the Samaritan as the hero. Jane asks the questions as to what sort of people do you feel are your Samaritans and our willingness to learn from their kindness and example as well as extend our love of neighbour to strangers.

Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the website.

3rd June 2012.

Jane spoke from Ephesians 4:1-16 around the place of Team and hospitality and where God’s gifted people work together to share the tasks. As friends and co-workers our working together is maintained by prayer and speaking the truth in love. This helps us deal with the inevitable immaturities that can threaten the unity of the team and in exercising mutual accountability. As we consider the various areas of outreach linked to the forthcoming Olympics we (like Paul) can get excited about people joining together in Jesus to achieve God’s will.

Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the website.