I don't know who the first tea drinkers were. I'm not sure how the habit or tradition of all of it came about, but I do know that it is one of the greatest contributions of the British to the world they so thoroughly conquered.
Here in Alice we love our tea and drink it whenever possible (many people do substitute coffee for their tea now). It is a staple at church meetings, Bible studies, work days, mum's groups, children's meetings pretty much any time people are gathering together there must be tea. Temperature or weather conditions are irrelevant. You may be sweating, having biked in to church, but you will drink piping hot tea.
It certainly doesn't look the same for all people. Some like it white (that means with milk); some black. Some like it with sugar, some without. Some prefer green tea or roobius. Some like herbal, some just want it strong and plain. Basically, each person has their own thoughts about how it would be best prepared or served.
But, despite this diversity the real purpose of the tea is to provide a moment of pause. A moment to get to know others a bit better over "a cuppa". It provides a key element for fellowship, and refreshment.
I'm not sure if other people have really delved into the social constructs that surround the tradition of tea but I know that for me it has been a really helpful part of getting to know people here. Taking that moment to drink tea really has very little to do with tea and actually a whole lot more to do with deepening relationships with the people around you.
So here's a suggestion, the next time you're meeting someone or you have bit of business to conduct, stop for tea first. It doesn't have to be literally tea in china cups or anything, just an intentional moment to deepen the relationship. For some it might mean taking a minute to talk about family before jumping in to the next code review(that's for you daddy:) or taking a second at the grocery store to ask how the clerks day really has been. It could mean having a chat with your child when they come home from school, intentionally tuning out from any phone calls or house cleaning that's going on for a moment. Maybe for some of us it means intentionally taking a few moments with God before beginning the business of the day, putting the priority on our relationship with Him.
I think this is a key part of God's plan for reaching the world. Having followers who are willing to take a moment to build relationships with all people and basing their lives on their relationship with Him.
Enjoy your tea.
Thanks for reading,
Shannon
Acts 2:42 And the devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Lessons I learned in Sunday School
This past week in Sunday school I was helping with our youngest class, the 3 year old to 6 year old group. They are a very darling group of kids who are at an age where everything is fun and adventure and everyone is a potential friend.
The class was making telephones this week. You know, the kind you used to make with a couple of cans and a length of string. We poked the holes and tied knots in the string and then we really had a ball! Running around with one end of the phone to your mouth trying to find someone to listen. I had one kid run up to me with the listening cup extended towards me, I took the cup put it up to my ear and told him to say something. We stood there in silence for a moment when the little boy suddenly went, "LLLLLAAAAAAA". That was it no message, nothing special just LLLLLAAAAA. We both laughed at his game and then he ran off to find his next victim.
One child in the class had been having a bit of trouble listening and obey and so I thought he probably didn't get what all this was about. The lesson was about spreading the message about Jesus to people. We talked about how God gives us the courage we need to tell others the gospel. Well, when this little rascal came up to me and wanted me to listen, I was pretty sure I was going to get another LLLLAAA. Instead, from the other end of the string came that timeless message, "Jesus loves you!" So simple, yet so astoundingly profound. This little fellow was listening! On some level, he was absorbing the real message we wanted to share with those kids.
What a wonder it is to know that Jesus Christ loves me! Despite my natural bentness. Despite all that I truly am he loves me. If you take a look at Romans chapter one (like we did at my home group on Tuesday night) you see it laid out pretty clearly what people are like. Sinful to the core. And yet in the chapter Paul is telling people that he is not ashamed of the gospel which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1 vs. 24-32, vs. 16)
So this week I've been trying to live in light of the love of that father, that savior and remember that God will give me the courage I need to share that message with other people, who need to hear it, whether they seem like they are listening or not. :)
Thanks for reading,
Shannon
Prayer Points:
The church is going through a series focused on serving and reaching out. We are putting together some new ministry ideas, please pray that God would raise up leaders and ministries that will spread the good news here in Alice and around the world.
Please pray for a continuing deepening of the relationships I'm building with people here especially the children.
The class was making telephones this week. You know, the kind you used to make with a couple of cans and a length of string. We poked the holes and tied knots in the string and then we really had a ball! Running around with one end of the phone to your mouth trying to find someone to listen. I had one kid run up to me with the listening cup extended towards me, I took the cup put it up to my ear and told him to say something. We stood there in silence for a moment when the little boy suddenly went, "LLLLLAAAAAAA". That was it no message, nothing special just LLLLLAAAAA. We both laughed at his game and then he ran off to find his next victim.
One child in the class had been having a bit of trouble listening and obey and so I thought he probably didn't get what all this was about. The lesson was about spreading the message about Jesus to people. We talked about how God gives us the courage we need to tell others the gospel. Well, when this little rascal came up to me and wanted me to listen, I was pretty sure I was going to get another LLLLAAA. Instead, from the other end of the string came that timeless message, "Jesus loves you!" So simple, yet so astoundingly profound. This little fellow was listening! On some level, he was absorbing the real message we wanted to share with those kids.
What a wonder it is to know that Jesus Christ loves me! Despite my natural bentness. Despite all that I truly am he loves me. If you take a look at Romans chapter one (like we did at my home group on Tuesday night) you see it laid out pretty clearly what people are like. Sinful to the core. And yet in the chapter Paul is telling people that he is not ashamed of the gospel which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1 vs. 24-32, vs. 16)
So this week I've been trying to live in light of the love of that father, that savior and remember that God will give me the courage I need to share that message with other people, who need to hear it, whether they seem like they are listening or not. :)
Thanks for reading,
Shannon
Prayer Points:
The church is going through a series focused on serving and reaching out. We are putting together some new ministry ideas, please pray that God would raise up leaders and ministries that will spread the good news here in Alice and around the world.
Please pray for a continuing deepening of the relationships I'm building with people here especially the children.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Day by Day
So I've decided to post an entry that is just about my life in Australia. What I do day to day, what the town is like, what life in the town is like, what church is like etc. All the things I know you've all been dying to hear. And hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures to show you some of my life.
So first What I do day to day:
The average work-day is pretty similar to the US work day although while I'm still settling in it's a bit different and really quite short. I head in to church right around 8:20 and I usually get there in 6-8 min. I head home right around 3 or 3:30. It's across town but really it not far at all. I spent the first week driving my uncle's smaller car, to get used to the right hand drive and the opposite side of the road thing and this week we traded and I'm driving his Pajero since I work much closer to home so the gas mileage isn't as much of an issue.
So far, my job has mostly been orientation, helping get Sunday morning programs up and running for the new year which seems to start in February here. This is mainly due to the fact that the schools run on a different schedule here and they have tri-mesters with school all year round. The old year ends in December before Christmas and the new year begins late in January. So a lot of people leave town for long trips and vacations and the church (and the whole town) sees a bit of a turn-over of people. When February starts though, schools are up and running and we start back into the normal programming. So, we've kicked off the new year and last Sunday was the first week in the new program so I got a bit of a feel for it. I've been helping with scripts and memory verses and things for our large group time, which is fun. And other than that we're still trying to define my position a little bit. But, it's only two weeks in so that's to be expected.
Other than that at home I do a lot of chilling. I'm past the point with jet lag where all I want to do is sleep so that's nice. So I spend time online, watch a bit of TV, read or work on craft projects (knitting beanie caps or beading lately). I think for the most part I'm getting a feel for it although now I have a bike so I could do a lot more riding and such. I also have not been over to the pool yet, somehow that is intimidating to me. I think it's the whole sharing a lap lane thing that's really getting to me, but I think today I'm going to be brave and go over.
What is the town like:
Alice is a bonza town! It's got a small town feel but it isn't too small where there's nothing to do. This has been the last week of the ice rink which was a holiday set-up and a huge success. I was able to go with some people from church and we really had a great time. It was not the best conditions but, I'm not a pro so I'm not too picky and besides, we're in the middle of the desert, ice skating!
There's plenty of shops in town and some are quite interesting due to the tourist population. They sell everything from stuffed echindas to didgeridoos. There is a great little craft store in town called The Polka Dot (which immediately endears the place to me) which is run by a lady from church. They have great stuff and seem to be able to order just about anything. I'm afraid my budget will not allow for too many trips in there but, it's a great little place.
The primary day in day out shopping is done at Coles, Woolworths, and Kmart. They have all the things you need for daily life and it's not too hard to figure your way around as they are very similar to U.S. grocery stores. There is also a Target, and though it's not large there is definitely a great selection of ladies clothing at reasonable prices which is why we all really love Target anyway!
What church is like:
Alice Springs Baptist Church is a great place and I'm beginning to feel really at home here. It's a very busy church with lots going on every day of every week. There are home groups for varying life stages and topics. The Love groups is the 18-? group and our first meeting was last night. It was really great to meet everyone that is part of those groups and just socialize for an evening. There are two separate meeting places but the groups do the same materials so next week I have to pick one to participate in. Monday during the day there is a ladies Bible study that I am probably going to be a part of. It is a group with mixed ages and the lady who leads it is a wonderful older lady, Veryl. I'm really excited to be apart of that group and to get to know some more ladies really well. Wednesday mornings is Tiny Tunes, a playgroup for moms of preschoolers and their preschoolers to come out and sing and dance and have some fun. This morning was the first meeting of that group and it seems to have gone really well.
Sunday mornings we have church from 10:00-11:30ish. I've only been here two weeks but so far I'm really enjoying the fellowship and the worship and the teaching. After service we have tea and just enjoy each others company and get to know each other better. It's a little strange drinking hot tea when it's about 100 degrees but, it's good in the name of fellowship.
Sunday evening we have another service. This is an overlapping group, but some of the congregants only go to evening church. It is a different type of service, more intimate and small. It seems to be a little bit of a younger crowd too. Not as many families go to that service. We have dessert beforehand and uncle Cliff seems to do a lot of the baking for that. He is in fact quite famous for his baking skills, and is highly appreciated for them.
So, there's the basics. Town is laid back and bike-friendly, Church is laid back and people-friendly, and home is quiet and just friendly:)
All this to say I think I'm settling in well and getting a feeling for the place. I certainly miss home a good bit and sometimes wonder what I'm doing here, but I think overall I'm getting to like it.
So there, a big informational post to whet your curiosities. Maybe the next one will be Aussie sayings and the joys of Outback living. We'll see.
Thanks for reading!
Shannon
Prayer Points:
Build some strong relationships and friendships here.
Clarity in the job position.
My pursuit of God in all things.
So first What I do day to day:
The average work-day is pretty similar to the US work day although while I'm still settling in it's a bit different and really quite short. I head in to church right around 8:20 and I usually get there in 6-8 min. I head home right around 3 or 3:30. It's across town but really it not far at all. I spent the first week driving my uncle's smaller car, to get used to the right hand drive and the opposite side of the road thing and this week we traded and I'm driving his Pajero since I work much closer to home so the gas mileage isn't as much of an issue.
So far, my job has mostly been orientation, helping get Sunday morning programs up and running for the new year which seems to start in February here. This is mainly due to the fact that the schools run on a different schedule here and they have tri-mesters with school all year round. The old year ends in December before Christmas and the new year begins late in January. So a lot of people leave town for long trips and vacations and the church (and the whole town) sees a bit of a turn-over of people. When February starts though, schools are up and running and we start back into the normal programming. So, we've kicked off the new year and last Sunday was the first week in the new program so I got a bit of a feel for it. I've been helping with scripts and memory verses and things for our large group time, which is fun. And other than that we're still trying to define my position a little bit. But, it's only two weeks in so that's to be expected.
Other than that at home I do a lot of chilling. I'm past the point with jet lag where all I want to do is sleep so that's nice. So I spend time online, watch a bit of TV, read or work on craft projects (knitting beanie caps or beading lately). I think for the most part I'm getting a feel for it although now I have a bike so I could do a lot more riding and such. I also have not been over to the pool yet, somehow that is intimidating to me. I think it's the whole sharing a lap lane thing that's really getting to me, but I think today I'm going to be brave and go over.
What is the town like:
Alice is a bonza town! It's got a small town feel but it isn't too small where there's nothing to do. This has been the last week of the ice rink which was a holiday set-up and a huge success. I was able to go with some people from church and we really had a great time. It was not the best conditions but, I'm not a pro so I'm not too picky and besides, we're in the middle of the desert, ice skating!
There's plenty of shops in town and some are quite interesting due to the tourist population. They sell everything from stuffed echindas to didgeridoos. There is a great little craft store in town called The Polka Dot (which immediately endears the place to me) which is run by a lady from church. They have great stuff and seem to be able to order just about anything. I'm afraid my budget will not allow for too many trips in there but, it's a great little place.
The primary day in day out shopping is done at Coles, Woolworths, and Kmart. They have all the things you need for daily life and it's not too hard to figure your way around as they are very similar to U.S. grocery stores. There is also a Target, and though it's not large there is definitely a great selection of ladies clothing at reasonable prices which is why we all really love Target anyway!
What church is like:
Alice Springs Baptist Church is a great place and I'm beginning to feel really at home here. It's a very busy church with lots going on every day of every week. There are home groups for varying life stages and topics. The Love groups is the 18-? group and our first meeting was last night. It was really great to meet everyone that is part of those groups and just socialize for an evening. There are two separate meeting places but the groups do the same materials so next week I have to pick one to participate in. Monday during the day there is a ladies Bible study that I am probably going to be a part of. It is a group with mixed ages and the lady who leads it is a wonderful older lady, Veryl. I'm really excited to be apart of that group and to get to know some more ladies really well. Wednesday mornings is Tiny Tunes, a playgroup for moms of preschoolers and their preschoolers to come out and sing and dance and have some fun. This morning was the first meeting of that group and it seems to have gone really well.
Sunday mornings we have church from 10:00-11:30ish. I've only been here two weeks but so far I'm really enjoying the fellowship and the worship and the teaching. After service we have tea and just enjoy each others company and get to know each other better. It's a little strange drinking hot tea when it's about 100 degrees but, it's good in the name of fellowship.
Sunday evening we have another service. This is an overlapping group, but some of the congregants only go to evening church. It is a different type of service, more intimate and small. It seems to be a little bit of a younger crowd too. Not as many families go to that service. We have dessert beforehand and uncle Cliff seems to do a lot of the baking for that. He is in fact quite famous for his baking skills, and is highly appreciated for them.
So, there's the basics. Town is laid back and bike-friendly, Church is laid back and people-friendly, and home is quiet and just friendly:)
All this to say I think I'm settling in well and getting a feeling for the place. I certainly miss home a good bit and sometimes wonder what I'm doing here, but I think overall I'm getting to like it.
So there, a big informational post to whet your curiosities. Maybe the next one will be Aussie sayings and the joys of Outback living. We'll see.
Thanks for reading!
Shannon
Prayer Points:
Build some strong relationships and friendships here.
Clarity in the job position.
My pursuit of God in all things.
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