This question has been asked at bible study and housegroups all over the world. It provokes discussion about the focus of each major celebration in the liturgical calendar.

So here it is for our visitors to discuss: which is more important, Easter or Advent? Be sure to share your reasons why…

Jesus was born outside; he died outside; outside was where where he spent his days. He had ‘nowhere to lay his head’. Jesus is never found ‘inside’, where it is safe and comfortable. He moved among outsiders – those suffering from disfiguring diseases; the hated tax collectors; those whom the pious wrote off as ‘sinners’. All ‘the last, the least and the lost’. Jesus was one with all those outside the circles of power and influence, not least women and little children.

Many of us feel the need to be part of something greater than ourselves, part of a community that can nurture us, protect us and be there with us during times of need. For those visiting our churches for the first time, it is so important that we make them feel welcome, not to be received as ‘outsiders’ but as part of our Christian community, to receive them as though we were receiving Jesus Himself.

It is a sad truth that some churches neglect their visitors (the ‘outsider’) because members are often so busy talking to their friends after the service. Can you recall times where you have been made to feel like an ‘outsider’? At St Peter’s we try our best to ensure everyone is made to feel welcome, how would you rate us on a ‘good at hospitality’ scale (0 = poor; 10 = excellent).

God is sitting in Heaven when a scientist says to Him, “God, we don’t need you anymore. Science has finally figured out a way to create life out of nothing – in other words, we can now do what you did in the beginning.”
“Oh, is that so? Tell Me.” replies God.
“Well,” says the scientist, “we can take plain dirt and form it into the likeness of you, and breathe life into it, thus creating man.”
“Well, that’s very interesting … show Me,” says God. So the scientist bends down to the earth and starts to mold the soil into the shape of a man.
“No, no, no …” interrupts God, ”get your own dirt.”

How far can:

a) Science alone

b) Faith in God alone

explain the ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions of life?