Wednesday, 22 October 2008

Ethical Shopping

I just dropped down to the local supermarket to grab a few things with Carolyn, and while we were there we noticed how much effort it takes to find out where some products actually come from. On top of that, how can we be confident that companies that we support with our purchase are ethically responsible?

A bit of searching on the 'net when I got back has turned up this little beauty: "The Guide to Ethical Supermarket Shopping" - an Australian publication which is a simple pocket-sized guide to products with icons showing their ethical status and whether or not the company is Australian owned.

It describes the system that has been used to determine the status of each company, and features more detailed information on some larger companies with explanations for their ranking. It would be nice to have a way of signalling Aussie produce as well as company ownership, but I think this guide is a ripper!

To check it out, visit http://www.ethical.org.au/. You can download the guide or order the booklet.

Being aware and responsible in our shopping is one thing we can all do to make a significant difference! If you are a Christian, you will recognise that "your" money is actually God's, and you are to steward it wisely & ethically. Maybe this guide can help us do that.

The Horror of Modern Slavery

I was just invited to join a cause on facebook called "Stop Human Trafficking", and had no hesitation in joining.

One of the speakers at this year's Global Leadership Summit (which was faaantastic by the way and well worth getting to if you have the chance - very encouraging and challenging!) was Gary Haugen from International Justice Mission.

The issue of the exploitation & abuse of vulnerable people - very often children - is something that is obviously close to the heart of God, and something He expects His children to do something about - anyone read Matthew 25 lately? (or Isaiah 58...)

Here's a link to IJM's website: http://www.ijm.org/

Also there's a "Rockumentary" called "Call + Response" which is worth a look


The main thing is though, don't just take a look.... don't even take a look and feel heartbroken.... take a look, feel heartbroken and then do something!

pray, donate, volunteer, spread awareness, join campaigns to promote the issue and provoke governments... there's so many options, so let's do something

Monday, 20 October 2008

Sermon - Knowing God's Will pt 3 - Growing Together in Holiness

Knowing and living in the will of God is not an individual pursuit. We are called to be vitally involved in a community of people who are growing together in holiness. Throughout history Christians have gathered in cathedrals, chapels, halls, homes, cafés, beaches, sheds, outdoors & many other places in order to pursue holiness together: to pray, meditate on Scripture, serve and praise God together. From Colossians 1:15 – 2:7 we explore 7 principles for how we can build a community that grows in holiness together.