Issues at the pub
Discussing issues at the pub: L-R Catherine Shields, Alister Palmer, John Middleton, Dennis O'Donnell, Margaret Steadman, Liz Smith, Peter Dufferin.
Pub ministry in Cygnet
On 7 Feb this year a pub ministry began at Cygnet with a gathering of about 50 people to discuss the community's response to climate change and peak oil. The meeting was advertised as being the first in a series of conversations to discuss issues of importance to the community, with the inclusion of Christ's perspective.
The challenge which sparked this ministry was that of sharing the gospel message amongst those in the community who don't attend church.
The message is too precious to be repeated only amongst those who, by and large, already have an active relationship with the Lord Jesus.
St Mark's has a healthy relationship with the local community, church members being held in high regard and having connections to a broad cross section. It was possible therefore to draw together those organisations and individuals who are actively engaged with and/or concerned about climate change.
Knowing that the Revd Alister Palmer would be in Tasmania at the time we took the opportunity to hear of the community response in Bristol UK, Alister's home.
We heard from Dennis O'Donnell about the current scientific understanding; the Cygnet Action Network who were formed specifically to address issues such as climate change; Sustainable Living Tasmania; and some individuals who had initiated projects of their own to raise public awareness about the issues at hand.
A follow-up meeting on 20 March attracted 18 people, most of whom are keen to pursue philosophical discussions about matters of concern to the community - this will result in an outcome.
Subjects for discussion will be determined by those who attend meetings. Spiritual content will no doubt vary, however the intention is to take the opportunity for Christ's perspective to be included as well as produce an editorial summary of the matter at hand.
John Middleton