Silent on the subject

If I seem to have gone silent on the subject of my actual dissertation then that is because of two reasons. The first is that I'm doing more reading than writing on it. I've worked my way through a few books and hopefully will have time for a few more before I have to write anything. The second reason is that, at college, there are other more pressing worries for me to be working on. I've been doing essays on Deuteronomy and Corinthians (about idolatry and resurrection respectively) and I've two more to do before the end of term; a sermon on Elisha and something about the Holy Spirit too.

But I've not stopped my thinking process and I think I've learnt a lot from being a part (even a minor part) of Sanctus 1 recently. This has given me a real insight into how alt. worship functions within an emerging church, and not just as an interesting way of adding variety to the worship of a non-emerging church. I do think there is a difference between the two. In both the worship can be true and authentic - there is no doubt about that. But in a non-emerging setting there can be far too many expectations placed on worship that is different because it is not a natural 'lets do church and see what we think is the best way of doing it' but has often been a fight against people's expectations and traditions.

I've been asked to be part of the 'emerging culture' venue at easter people this year. I remain to be convinced that it's not just a name change to be seen to be cool and up with the latest ecclesiological trends, but it does sound like there has been a real shift in (some people's) thinking - and an acceptance of the change in others. Whatever it is it's not going to be like the 'new forms' venue at Greenbelt, but then it shouldn't be, it should have an 'easter people' flavour and not a greenbelt one!

Sanctus 1 (again)

I made it two months in a row to Sanctus 1's sunday service. And again I had a nice evening. I feel a bit guilty actually, I wonder if this church might just become a place for curiosity seekers like me (and my two friends who wanted to come along this time) and not for the people (I guess) it's intended for - people who don't fit in elsewhere. But everyone's been incredibly friendly and welcoming and I have felt very comfortable talking to people there. I've been very open about my intentions in going (just cause I was interested) and I've told a couple of people there about my wee project.

The service this time seemed to answer some of my questions about last time's service. This service was much more community-focused and we had chance in the middle of the service to talk to one another and share communion in a group (rather than it being a solitary affair). I guess that variety is part of the plan - sometimes one style, sometimes another (but I reckon I'll have to go a couple more times before I find out for sure).

Now I have a dilemma - the next time is 19th december, but I've already said to my friend I'll go to the last ever tribe gig which is the same night. Do I tell her I'm not going to go (and save myself £10) or do I go to the tribe gig anyway cause I said I would (and because the tribe surely consitute a form of alt.worship too!)?