Almost without fail, at this time of year, fireworks become a part of my life... and I have noticed a distinct increase in large fireworks displays in this 20th Century. Rugby World Cup, A&P Showgrounds, Millenium celebrations - all very spectacular! However, I can't help but think that the small boxes of fireworks with the family in the back yard are the best kind of all. I guess that comes from my childhood where I remember us all gathering around and Dad letting off the little box of rockets, and us kids having sparkler sword fights late into the night.
I reckon there are a couple of things about backyard fireworks that can encourage us today:
1. It's intimate and interactive.
Everyone can play some part and we all laugh together when the bottle accidentally tips over and the rocket whizzes around and hits dad on the backside. It's a bit like that for us as a church. There is something great about being able to know one another and to share in fellowship and friendship as we seek to be "living faith from the inside out" - even when things don't go exactly as planned.
2. We all have a backyard.
One thing I like to do is invite neighbours around when we let off fireworks - I got that from my childhood too! Putting that into our church context: it's nice that we can gather together as a church and share fellowship and friendship in faith, but it's also great that we don't just have one meeting place - we all have a metaphorical back yard. We all have the opportunity to engage with and get to know our neighbours. In the end this can be one of the best and most natural ways for us to share our faith - through hospitality and just sharing life with the people around us.
I hope you enjoy the fireworks this year!
Blessings,
Pastor David Auty
I reckon there are a couple of things about backyard fireworks that can encourage us today:
1. It's intimate and interactive.
Everyone can play some part and we all laugh together when the bottle accidentally tips over and the rocket whizzes around and hits dad on the backside. It's a bit like that for us as a church. There is something great about being able to know one another and to share in fellowship and friendship as we seek to be "living faith from the inside out" - even when things don't go exactly as planned.
2. We all have a backyard.
One thing I like to do is invite neighbours around when we let off fireworks - I got that from my childhood too! Putting that into our church context: it's nice that we can gather together as a church and share fellowship and friendship in faith, but it's also great that we don't just have one meeting place - we all have a metaphorical back yard. We all have the opportunity to engage with and get to know our neighbours. In the end this can be one of the best and most natural ways for us to share our faith - through hospitality and just sharing life with the people around us.
I hope you enjoy the fireworks this year!
Blessings,
Pastor David Auty
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