So what is Fresh Expressions?

Fresh Expressions as a concept has been around for a while now, (and came out of the Mission Shaped Church thinking in the UK) but in the last few months it has made an impact amongst Anglicans - and some Presbyterians and others - in New Zealand, particularly in the light of the visit of Graham Cray. I don't think it's the first time Fresh Expressions has appeared on the radar here, but I haven't got anything to hand to back that idea up, and there are elements of Fresh Expressions that are similar to Messy Church, another British import, which has been functioning in NZ for quite some time in various forms.

Anyway for those who are still catching up on what Fresh Expressions is, and who would like to read a bit of good thinking about it, check out Mark Johnston's recent blog post on the subject: What is Fresh Expressions and what might we learn from it?

My God

Apparently there's been a series on NZ television called My God now for three seasons. I haven't manged to see any of them. Series one and two are now available on DVD and the third – having just finished on TVNZ - will be available from the end of October. The cost is $30 per series, with 10 programmes of 29 minutes in each DVD. Copyright has cleared so they can be used in group viewing situations if you choose.

The series covers a mix of New Zealanders and a mix of faiths. Christians get a fair look in, with Eteuati Ete and Tofiga Fepulea'l (comedians), Joy Cowley and Inky Tulloch in the first series, Bull Allen, Jo Randerson and Andrew Becroft in the second series, Llew Summers, Manuka Henare, Joanne Harvey, Bronwyn McFarlane and Andrew Johnston in the third. Tulloch and Johnston are both listed as Presbyterians. (I don't think I've missed out any other Christians participants.)

To get a copy of any of the three DVDs, you can post a $30 (NZ) cheque to
Pacific Crews Limited,
143 Dixon Street
Wellington
or contact Amanda Evans for bank account details to pay direct.