By BRIDGET COOK
ST JOHN’s Cranbourne has invited the community to join them for a night out packed with comedy, entertainment and reflection of faith – outside a church setting.
As part of the churches’ 150th anniversary celebrations, the church will host three comedy club type nights named Calling Cranbourne on Thursday 22 Friday 23 and Saturday 24 May.
The events are free and will include performances by live singers Greg Jones, Chris Newman and Peter York, complimentary drinks and nibbles, stand-up comedy, some brief stories about faith and life from locals and a short reflection by guest preacher Dave Fuller.
Vicar David Powys encouraged the community to come along to the informal nights, where Mr Fuller will talk about a range of topics including God, sex, meaning and money.
“Coming won’t be like going to church,” he said.
“Dave Fuller features on signs up round Cranbourne.
“He rides a Harley, belongs to God’s Squad, knows about Aussies and speaks plain and true.
“You won’t be sitting in lines and asked to sing.
“You’ll be around tables, chatting and enjoying yourself – taking an opportunity to think again about whether you should make more space for God in your life and your future.”
Rev Powys said the nights would be informal and an opportunity for people to consider making more time for God in their lives.
“There are no prizes for guessing which religion is under greatest attack in Australia,” he said.
“Christianity is copping it from every direction, sometimes for good reason, but not always.
“But is the attack all fair? Do ordinary Aussies, most who say they are Christians, know much about what they are being invited to reject?
“Do Cranbourne people want to throw the baby out with the bathwater? Or do they believe in the worth of every human being, the importance fairness, forgiveness and living lovingly, and want a real antidote to death.
“These things are taken for granted by many Aussies, but have flowed into our values and beliefs from the good news about Jesus Christ.”
The events will start at 7pm at BJ’s Café, 27 Childers Street, Cranbourne.
For more information call 5995 9364.