Frank's report 4th August 2012

At last we have completed the Crossan DVD! Meeting just once a month has made it seem a long haul, but we all found it helpful to be given such a comprehensive presentation of the Roman Imperial background - matrix- in which Jesus had to express his ministry . Questions still buzz in the mind....Was violence expressed in the words and actions of Jesus ? Jesus was executed for protesting non violently. How far was non violent protest a workable option in Syria? When we next meet – September 1st- we shall be exploring the first (June) issue of Progressive Voices, which will give us a sense of what is happening all over the country, what is being shared beyond our own group. We’ll begin the session by giving each person a chance to indicate one item which he/she thought to be of particular interest. Andy told us of a day conference planned by PCN – Saturday 15th September 2012 10.30 – 4.15, at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church 235 Shaftesbury Avenue London, leader is Adrian Alker , a Diocesan Director of Mission Resourcing.. Theme –A Jesus Shaped Faith leading on to A Church Shaped Christianity to A Jesus Shaped Church to A Christian Shaped Life Cost £8 members, £10 non members I can let you have a booking form. It would be great for the group if someone could share this event. Adrian Alker is founder of the St Mark’s centre for Radical Christianity at Sheffield, and is a Trustee of PCN. If the London venue is difficult – Adrian is visiting Carrs Lane church Birminham offering the same programme on Saturday 20th October @ £15 for the day (Bring your own lunch). A date you must book in your diary is October 7th, at 2.30p.m. when our Gloucestershire group has arranged an afternoon conference Our speaker is Mark Townsend, magician, and author of “The Gospel of Falling down” who ran a weekend conference for PCN last May. – ‘Progressive Voices’ reported that it was much appreciated. I sense so much grace in the Olympics. Hope it stays with us all. Frank G.

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