Neil's blog

The Aussies love to extract the Michael, so I’m fitting in very nicely! Check out the photo of me on the 35th floor of the Sofitel Hotel, overlooking the MCG stadium, where I saw the Socceroos beat Japan 2 - 1 to top their World Cup Qualifying Group. I understand Ozzie culture a bit better now that I’ve been to an Aussie Rules Football (Footy) game. 18 guys chasing a rugby ball around 50 acres like mad gold prospectors, allowed to tackle between knees & shoulders, & to stop you from getting to the ball, when within 10 meters of the ball. With the speed they go at it’s no wonder they can bring on & off as many substitutes as they like. When a 4 yellow clad ‘Umpire’ (ref&rsquo gets it wrong, folk shout “Ya Yella Maggot!” & when the ball gets trapped in a tackle, cry, “BALL!” Like Ozzie culture it’s a bit chaotic & mixed up, but great fun, highly competitive, colourful, & straight to the point. It’s really 4 games rolled into one: soccer, rugby, basketball & volleyball, & requires 8 ref’s!

I presently have my feet under Richard O’Brien’s desk here in the Scots Church, Melbourne; I was introduced to the 3 Sunday services yesterday & will preach at the lunch time service this Wed’. I’m signed up to preach at the ‘Kirking of the Tartan’ on 5th July when they all turn up in kilts & put tartan all over the shop; sounds very colourful, so I’ll have my best Scottish brogue at the ready! They’ve all been very kind & welcoming!

The Sports Chaplaincy course was first class! The key phrase for me is, ‘The Pastor-hood of all believers’. I’ve long believed in the priesthood of all believers, where we encourage all God’s People to pray & participate in the life & ministry of Christ; but that includes bein little Jesuses, ready to care for & shepherd people in their work place, schools, homes & neighbourhoods. Jesus looked upon the crowds as ‘sheep without shepherd’, I want to encourage all my Fullarton flock to see themselves as mini-shepherds, ready to care for people beyond church walls & spread Gospel love of Christ! Half of those on the sports chaplains course are not ordained ministers, actively involved in local sports clubs! They’re giving a lead to other Christians to be involved in getting alongside & caring for people in the community, not simply waiting for folk to come to church gatherings. ‘The Pastor-hood of all believers’ - I like it!

Gotta go, nature's calling!