Some of you will be aware that I am big on the merits of creating a positive atmosphere. I really do believe that there is something called ‘a vibe’ and the more positive it is the better things can be. I have been to lots of different places and organizations and I am always alert to the feel of a place. When I was in industry my position had me travelling around many different factories in the course of a normal week and each visit was a study in picking up the atmosphere of a place.

That preamble is to lead into my saying that I am overwhelmed right now by the highly positive atmosphere at NWUC! It is a buzz just to be a part of it. Last Sunday morning as we celebrated Palm Sunday and our World Premiere’ launch of Brad’s new single the level of excitement, acceptance and openness was terrific. I made no secret of the fact that due to some property issues I was not exactly at the top of my game that morning; but people need to know the healing power of a positive place!

I have had a number of people ask me how I am travelling since Sunday morning and I don’t think that people believe me when I say that I am fine. The spirit of Sunday’s service has given cause to remind me just what we are on about. Our call is to ‘build communities of care and hope’ and it strikes me that right now we are doing it quite well thank you very much.

Next Sunday is a great example of what I am burbling about today. Many months ago now a couple of ladies came to me and talked about the possibility of having Holy Communion classes for our older Primary school kids. Kath and I bounced the idea around and decided to give it a fly; neither of us having done such a thing before. Flowing out of those conversations last year, on Easter Sunday we will be baptizing two children and bringing six into closer community with God and the church as we celebrate one of our most important Holy Communion services.

There is such a buzz of excitement about this day that I am having sleepless nights worrying about getting it wrong!! Just kidding.

Another word that sums up our gathering right now is that of anticipation. Yes, we are anticipating a great day on Sunday but it is much deeper and longer term than that. I am seeing it in our revamped home groups and in the ever growing relationships. Of late I am seeing it in our social gatherings and the sense of fun that permeates so much of what we do. This kind of atmosphere becomes quite seductive and before you know it others will want to know what is going and even against their better judgment will come along to check it out.

Summing up it is a very good place to be and my dream is that the vibe will grow even more as we journey on.

This will come about if we remain committed to one another and have a strong sense of loyalty, care and support of each other. In doing this we will find ourselves drawn into the whole mission of God for us across our own communities. Yes, it might be in the formal stuff that we do; Playgroup, Go M.A.D, ANZAC Day etc; but the miracle comes when we see that mission of ‘building communities of care and hope’ happening in our immediate communities! Across the fence, at work, school or in casual encounters at sport, over a cup of coffee or at a party. You see, it really isn’t rocket science!

Cheers - John