Men, mystery and God
A few of us guys from Littlehampton churches decided to invite some other blokes together from even more churches. It could’ve flopped miserably. But it didn’t. It succeeded wonderfully. And we had a good old natter over a beer and buffet.
Under the name of Momentum, we have made our own modest attempt to create a space in which men on a journey of faith can ‘talk God’ with their mates – and make some new friends, as well. We had no idea how it would work.
This is new territory for us, reaching across the denominational boundaries and drawing together blokes who are at various stages on the main road of belief. And we held our launch event at The Clockhouse Bar in East Preston, West Sussex.
Dave Sax spoke about the way men have been leaving churches across the country. This wasn’t a gripe or a grumble. It was statistically proven from a national survey by the relief and development agency Tearfund. We watched a compelling video by Carl Beech from Christian Vision For Men. We offered our little group as a resource to churches, by giving men their own time and territory to share their journey of faith with other blokes.
I chatted with a Welsh ‘enchanter’ (I cannot divulge his real name), who told me the most captivating story about a mysterious waterfall in the mountains of his homeland. Only he knows the location of this marvel, and how to actually walk behind the cascade. But if I find this wonder, and produce photographic evidence, he said he will buy me a pint. I caught up with old friend Nathan, who had a group of us totally entertained with a hilarious behind-the-scenes glimpse of the IT industry. Those were just bits of the evening. I saw God in the wild variety of people in that pub tonight.
Oh, and we ate like kings – thanks to our landlord Colin – who supplied us with a massive spread of Italian hams, Sussex cheeses, Spanish onions and a load of other stuff. It was just great. Thanks to everyone for making it a success. Follow us on facebook! I’m off to find a waterfall.
May you find yours.
(Photo: last ones out at the ‘Momentum’ launch event)
