We are pleased to announce that we have Rowland Croucher for our next meeting. Rowland has been a christian for over 60 years with a wealth of scriptural knowledge and ministerial experience. This includes the pastoring of small and large churches in Australia and British Columbia (Canada), graduate of half a dozen tertiary institutions, writer of 13 books (best known: ‘Still Waters Deep Waters’), teacher in various Theological/Bible Colleges etc. Currently director of John Mark Ministries – serving pastors, ex-pastors, church leaders and their spouses – counselling, writing, preaching, seminaring, and running the busy JMM website – 100,000+ unique visitors a month, and several ’1Month’ blogs.- http://www.jmm.aaa.net.au

Rowland has recently celebrated 50 years of marriage to his wife Jan and is the father of 4 children and 6 Grandchildren!

This is an event not be be missed.

(There will also an invitation to make a donation on the night – which will go to Rowland’s daughter Lindy’s ministry with Urban Seed http://www.urbanseed.org in downtown Melbourne.. )

WHEN: Friday 19th March, 2010

TIME: 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start

TOPIC: ‘The Scriptures and Homosexuality- it’s possible to know the Bible well and yet miss the point!’

WHERE: Victorian Aids Council Building 6 Claremont St, South Yarra Melways reference 2L J5 The entrance is at the side of the building. Just ring the door bell and we will come and let you in. You are welcome to join us afterwards at La Porchetta, Toorak Rd South Yarra

Looking foward to seeing you

Linda and Michelle Contact No. 0430045585 Do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions!

> melbf2b@gmail.com

fantastic night last night……nearly 40 people…..and around 30 joined us for dinner afterwards.

Melbourne F2B is rocking…..

I have heard Rowland Croucher speak once before at a pentecostal church I attended many many moons ago. to Ann Maree

It was a good night with an informal atmosphere that later lent itself to a Q&A with Rowland and people lending support to questions raised.

The thing that struck me the most was that Rowland said that he hadn’t heard one sermon on justice which he spoke of as a major theme in the bible. I reflected on the Salvos and similar organisations that address the justice in their way – its not a major feature of the church which is interesting to think about.

He spoke of – Love the lord your go with all your heart and strength and love your neighbour as yourself – and what struck me is that churches often stop at the first bit an have nothing to do with their neighbour. So few imho tend to the last 2 words “as yourself” – who of us can say we truly love ourselves? Its a characteristic that is not present in many. *raises hand* I have work to do in this area.

It was good to hear someone from the gathering speak on this point of loving and accepting ourselves as we are. I think its really important to love who we are and put ourselves first – contrary to popular christian tradition. Whilst its good to show love to people its also about the quality of that love – otherwise it wouldnt have mentioned “as yourself”. We all know that our ability to love others is seriously impaired if we cannot love ourselves.

Thats my take on it anyway