Damascus Lunch: June Invitation

We were treated to fishes and loaves last meeting, so with June fast approaching, I extend to you an invitation to attend a luncheon with the Damascus 12 in the cities beautiful St Andrew’s Cathedral. There will be food, entertainment and conversation! The guitar virtuoso named Viken will be playing his amazing array of songs!

So what are we all about? The Damascus 12 are a group of people who worship Jesus as our God and saviour. We are experiencing the powerful work of God in our lives and we would love to share this hospitality with you (Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9).

Do I need to be a Christian to come? Absolutely not! Muslim, Jew, Atheist or Agnostic – everyone is welcome. Come and enjoy each other’s company and engage in some friendly discussion.

This topics meeting will centre around: “What does God think about people like Osama Bin Laden?”

When: Saturday, 4^th June 2011 at 12noon

Where: St Andrew’s Cathedral (Town Hall) Chapter House

How to get there: The best way is via train to Town Hall Station. Entry to hall via Bathurst St (Town Hall)

What to bring: Nothing!!

If you have any questions, please email damascus12@hotmail.com. We hope to see you then.

Damascus Lunch: May Report

How is it that a team made up of people from all walks of life and who are broken by sin work towards a common goal? The answer is an amazing testimony from the cross of Jesus Christ.

Saturday, 7^th May 2011 was an amazing experience for eleven people who ventured into the city for a nice day out, only to enter into a feast. We were treated to a delicious Subway platter, consisting of a range of mouth watering rolls. Thanks to Deb and Willem who organised these for everyone.

Viken, the guitar virtuoso, returned for his second Damascus lunch. He played a variety songs, some of which were requested by the audience. It is amazing how quickly Viken can pick up the tune of a song and identify the appropriate chord to play to replicate the song. At this point, Viken will be back for our June meeting so please come along to see his amazing guitar skills. Rob, our courageous accompanist guitarist, played a passionate rendition of Amazing Grace. Thanks Rob; we look forward to what you have in store for us in June!

Moving along, Rhys spoke to us from the gospel of Luke. Many questions were raised by this passage, one which is great to reflect upon individually. Do you remember the question that I asked at the beginning of this report? How can a group of very different broken people work together to glorify God? The answer is in the passage Rhys spoke to us from.

Jesus had been preaching to 5 000 people regarding the kingdom of God. The disciples realized their impending dilemma, that these 5 000 people would need food. In their desperation, they inquired of Jesus “What do we do”? Jesus explained “Why don’t you feed them”? Acknowledging their limitations, the disciples conceded that they could not feed these people. The disciples gave Jesus five loaves of bread and two fish. He then proceeded to perform an amazing miracle, which fed all 5 000 people.

The food was distributed by the disciples, which is an interesting point as this passage highlights both our need for Jesus death and resurrection to bring us back into relationship with God, and that he uses broken Christians in our weakness. How can a team of broken people serve together? The answer is in Jesus. Jesus empowers us to do his mission, which is about the reconciliation between humans and God!

A big thank you to all the team who came together to serve. If you are interested in attending, or even serving at a Damascus lunch, please email me at damascus12@hotmail.com.