Deeper

The setup of the building was dark, a welcome screen as people entered, cushions (and blankets!) thrown around the main space, two sheets draped either side of the main screen back lit to brighten the place up (and because of a projector fault that stopped us using more video).  We played some old time gospel music by The Blind Boys of Alabama because it would contrast with the other music later in the evening (and also as a nod towards getting back to basics).  We have struggled in the past with how to set up the space and how to help people get into the right frame of mind – asking for silence, starting worship early, etc. never seemed to make a difference as people would simply come in and chat.  So, how did playing loud Gospel music work?To start we faded the lights, music and video which was looping, and played an opening theme video which was made for this series of Deepers.  This video will be added to each month to remind people of where in the series we are and what it is all about.  This led directly into the opening worship set.

Gordon’s talk to launch this series (available here on mp3) included a reminder of the talk from the last Deeper service illustration where aspects of our life (love, joy, peace, etc) were symbolically hung on a tree and asking why so many people are dissatisfied with their faith.  He asked us to think about how we are feeling about our faith life right now and where we want to be with God.  At this point JJ took over to lead a short period of reflective meditation.

Where is my heart just now, what are the things I’m thinking about and wrestling with?
What is the general feeling of my heart right now?
When, recently, have I wished that God had acted in a different manner than he did?
What was it that I had hoped for?
What does it feel like to have my desires thwarted?
What is the truth of this situation, where were you with me?
If my heart were a type of soil right now what would it be? Would it be soft, cracked, concrete… is it ready to be planted in?
What needs to be rooted out in order to plant new seed?

To round off this time, Gordon questioned whether there should be more to faith that what we are experiencing and challenged us to rediscover our relationship with Jesus (pointing out that this will take time – there are not quick, instant answers):

“Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unploughed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12

As a response to this, we invited all those present to take part in this journey with us, by giving us their email addresses…