Gosford Anglican Church Goes Viral Global

Well this seems to have attracted some debate... it's not the only headline grabber from Gosford Anglican!!

Clever

   Thanks for the share Chris Lockley... this could be quite a clever campaign in a city, in the lead up to a new missional initiative in the community... when I have the headspace I might think about the follow up or additional signs!!

Good Advice!!

Thanks for this example Graham A
Good advice!!

Getting Hot and Cross about Buns

Facebook friends have been sharing Ken Day's post about the UCA noticeboard at Terrigal reflecting the appearance of 'Hot Cross Buns' in the supermarkets.I had noticed them in February in recent years but January is a classic expansion of the commercial cycle. It fits with AFL shaped chocolate eggs in August, Christmas foods in October etc etc... I like the slogan and the possibility it could start a conversation but I'm still uncomfortable about verbal engagements from a formerly well regarded institution that's now on the sidelines trying to offer commentary.. either way I wondered how we might 'act' differently to draw attention to whether hot cross buns are just part of what Valentine's Day and Australia Day offer retailers or is it a deeper symbol with it's own story. Is there some way communities of faith could react to their early sale to do good and have the conversation at the same time.... I wondered who could be helped in the community from questions being asked... aha!! Then from that authoritative source 'Wikipedia' "In many historically Christian countries, buns are traditionally eaten hot or toasted on Good Friday, with the cross standing as a symbol of the Crucifixion. They are believed by some to pre-date Christianity, although the first recorded use of the term "hot cross bun" was not until 1733. It is believed that buns marked with a cross were eaten by Saxons in honour of the goddess Eostre (the cross is thought to have symbolised the four quarters of the moon);[2] "Eostre" is probably the origin of the name "Easter". Others claim that the Greeks marked cakes with a cross, much earlier.[3] In the times of Elizabeth I of England (1592), the London Clerk of Markets issued a decree forbidding the sale of hot cross buns and other spiced breads, except at burials, on Good Friday, or at Christmas. The punishment for violation of the decree was forfeiture of all the forbidden product to the poor. As a result of this decree, hot cross buns at the time were primarily made in home kitchens. Further attempts to suppress the sale of these items took place during the reign of James I (1603-1625).[4] So what I'm wondering is.. What if lots of communities of faith bought quantities of hot cross buns from their local supermarket and gave them away as part of free meal programs, community helping agency efforts or even to residents of Unitingcare facilities... anything but giving them away with tracts or a lecture... fire a press release if you must but enjoy 'acting differently' and see what happens... whatever!!

Good work Mountview

Topical and an argument against my premise!!

St Matthews in the City, Auckland GOLD!!

   Showing their support for same gender couples!! This one smashes my theory that our crap noticeboards confirm all the

A reasonable effort from St Johns following up their Aussie Olympic themed "God loves you even if you come Fourth"

 

Thanks to PaperCatTales for this one!!

Three 'New' Entries proving my point

Hmmnn, of course, much better to be closed minded!!

I'd love to have been at that Church Council evaluation meeting!!

If intentional that's quite clever...

So is Bob the boss?

Thanks [I think] to Kent for sending these through a few weeks back!!

Worst this year!!

The sign monitor at New Lambton Uniting Church is keen to turn away a few dozen people from checking out worship or joining their faith community....

It's Been a While But if this is a Genuine Sign It's Pretty Good!!

Nic made me aware of this set of church signs from 'Blacklicks' Ohio and the 'Havens Corners' Church who obvioulsy didn't like the Katy Perry song 'I Kissed a Girl'!! But then someone decided to respond!!

It's Been a While But Here's Evidence Against My Theory

This one comes from the fertile ground of the Riverina via Darren from Wagga Wagga Presbyterians... full of surprises... and great evidence against my premise!!
This is a ripper!

Merewether Uniting Church back in fine form

I couldn't believe this noticeboard when I drove past earlier in the week so I went back again today to double check... a classic example of inability to see the world through the eyes of others! Anyhow, Merewether can often be counted on for a post!!

I think it's time for John W to sort out a mentor for the sign makers roster!!

Wagga Wagga Uniting

Good grief!
On what planet is that any more than confirmation the bunch of hypocrites and wierdos see around the building on Sundays and ocassionally other days of the week are anything other than a collection of 'nutbars.'
Here we are once again answering questions nobody is asking!!

OK, get over it, what's the harm...
Well, is it politics, sexuality, ethics, or road rules... I ask you?

The Election inspires All Saints Petersham

The scale of the decoration at All Saints Petersham is impressive and shows that if they struck a theme which would genuinely appeal broadly to gen y or mosiacs then they'd make a real splash! The trouble is the Jesus is either Liar, Lunatic or Lord is way to intellectual a faith argument... I suppose they'd argue if you join the All Saints family you'll experience faith in action through acceptance, inclusion and enthusiasm for the Lordship of Jesus BUT in a drive by impact MOST punters will see it as an exercise they're just not that interested to engage in... or is that just me?

The display is completed by a set of white vinyl polling booths on the side lawn as well!

Clever, ernest, creative and appropriately large... just maybe missing the mark with the audience!!

It's Cheesy alright!!

Amy sent me this beauty from All Souls Leichardt pre Christmas!!

Jesus Loves Osama

Biblically correct PERHAPS!!
Sensible, credible, accurate, helpful, funny and noticeable.... YES noticeable!!

The braniacs at Outreach Media have scored some publicity for their client churches with this poster... their Telstra one wasn't bad but most of the rest state the bleeding obvious!!

"Thank God You're Here"

Things have been quiet on the clever church noticeboard front until this one appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday 31st January.... and due to another story will receive even more publicity for the rest of this week!!

"Thank God You're Here" is the Working Dog produced improv drama show that's been such a hit for Aussie Network Ten in 2006!! The show involves competitors/actors/celebrities/comics walking through a door where a skit unfolds from the first line "thank God you're here".

Participants are marked on humour, cleverness and how they handle the curve balls they receive... very funny show and I've blogged elsewhere about its use as a youth group activity!!

St Barnabas Anglican. The Broadway

As mentioned at the ouset of this blog....
St Barnabas is the Column 8 Sydney Morning Herald regular from its days of Robert Forsythe and Arthur from the Broadway Hotel having fun across the road trading signs. The book used to be onsale at the pub before it closed.
IT all started with "Hear John Smith [of God Squad fame] here 7.30pm Sunday." It just so happened the pub had a talkative old bloke as a regular so the chalk board said "Hear Jack Smith here every night"...
"The wages of sin is death".... "apply within" and so on...
"Jesus bowls over death"... "Dennis Lillee bowls over batsmen"

Well, St Barnabas was recently gutted by fire and the succession of noticeboards since have been a cut above thats for sure!!

This one is a later one in the sequence!!

What the...?

An 'e' and 'e' my kingdom for an 'e'