The EMBA Retired Baptist Ministers’ Network (RBMN) met via Zoom on December 10th for our Advent Gathering. For several years now the EMBA have gifted a chosen book in the Autumn to those Retired Ministers in our Region who would like a copy. This year’s choice was by Malcolm Duncan : Flipped - Life In The Upside Down Kingdom (SPCK: London, 2023). This is a brief, accessible and practical exploration of the teaching of Jesus in Matthew’s gospel. Over 40 copies were requested and posted out in preparation for this meeting.
An introductory review of the book, two “breakout room” sessions, and a plenary formed the heart of the morning’s meeting. It soon became clear that, after reading the 170 or so pages of Flipped ,we had found new or rediscovered truths and some helpful life and ministry examples. This is not surprising for as Malcolm Duncan puts it: ‘…what I am now writing is an invitation to the whole church to return to a call to be radically different from the world and radically faithful to Jesus.’
Our Advent Gathering ended with an Advent carol and one of the fine prayers that seal each section of Flipped:
Help us to dream again for You – let Your kingdom come!
Help us to go again for You – let Your kingdom come!
Help us to step into the unknown again for You – let Your kingdom come!
Where we are jaded, shake away our cynicism – let Your kingdom come!
Where we are hurt, bring healing – let Your kingdom come!
Where we are frightened, release faith – let Your kingdom come!
Where we are weary, bring fresh energy – let Your kingdom come!
Where we are confused, bring wisdom – let Your kingdom come!
Maranatha – Come Lord Jesus.
Michael Bochenski (RBMN Co-ordinator),
Advent 2024