In the next ten weeks to Easter we will be guided by the books of renowned theologian and previous Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams ‘Being Christian’ & ‘Being Disciples’. The themes from the books will structure our sermon times and our small groups. We have chosen these texts to explore the significance of our common practices and beliefs, digging into the riches of Christianity whether for the first time or the fiftieth.
Small Group runs on Thursday Evenings at 7:30pm in the Inner West contact info@paddington.church for location information.
EXCERPT FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF BEING CHRISTIAN
What are the essential elements of the Christian life? I am not thinking in terms of individuals leading wonderful lives, but just in terms of those simple and recognisable things that make you realise that you are part of a Christian community. This little book is designed to help you think about four of the most obvious of these things: baptism, Bible, Eucharist and prayer.
Christians are received into full membership of the Church by having water poured or sprinkled over them (or, in some traditions, being fully immersed); Christians read the Bible; Christians gather to share bread and wine in memory of the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth; and Christians pray. There is a huge and bewildering variety in Christian thinking and practice about all kinds of things, but these four basic activities have remained constant and indispensable for the majority of those who call themselves Christians.
In this book we shall be looking at what those activities tell us about the essence of Christian life, and what kind of people we might hope to become in a community where these things are done.