Rules

Interesting few days watching the news and also the amount of misinformation that is spread on sites such as Facebook. When reading something that is important I always double check on a couple of other sites to collaborate the story. It has also been interesting hearing peoples views on what caused the disturbances. My own view is that we now have a complete disregard for rules in this country. Rules are seen as being against our human rights, but what about the human rights of the victims.
I have had a couple of interesting conversations on the bus this week regarding rules. A couple of passengers tried to use their bus passes before 0900. I of course informed them that they could not. I received a mouthful of what a stupid thing, half an hour makes no difference etc. They then went on to discuss the behaviour of the rioters and if they had better discipline and obeyed the rules etc etc. So what is the difference between breaking one law or another. Some will say that some crimes are worse than others but they are still crimes. This I feel is where we are all going wrong. We must all respect the law and rules laid down. If we do not like them we must still obey them and then go through parliament to get them changed if necessary. the bible has some good direction on this.

James 2
⁸ If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing right. ⁹ But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. ¹⁰ For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. ¹¹ For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,”^] also said, “You shall not murder.”^] If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.  ¹² Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, ¹³ because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement.

Ephesians 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

These are only a couple of examples. Perhaps if we all 'went back to basics' as first laid out in the bible and other religious books we would not be in the position we find ourselves in today.

End of New Wine

Well here I am, at home after another very successful New Wine. There were the usual 'niggles' but lessons were learnt, some put into practice straight away, some will have to the wait till next year. However once again, it is thanks to the many people who volunteer, that makes this event run so smoothly. As a Steward team leader it was one again a privilege to watch a group of people, most Christian, but some not, come together and gel as a team. They at times had to put up some unpleasant conditions and some not so Christian comments. But they carried out their duties with a smile and got the job done.
So once again my heartfelt thanks goes out to all those people who acted as Stewards this year. I hope you take away something from your experiences and that I will have the honour to meet you again.

Workers Celebration

Nearly at the end of New Wine 2011 and I feeling a little sad. Today was the workers celebration which as the name suggest is a celebration which only team members are able to attend. There is a friendly competition to see who is the loudest team. The kids teams win this one as they have the most members. Anyway the event is a chance for the team to worship together and for New Wine to recognise the work all the teams do. It did bring a lump to my throat to see my team all together in worship. Late's tonight so finish at midnight when we close Blue gate.