My current work with the Queensland Synod is focused largely on gathering the stories of local grassroots groups of people who are exploring their own approach to being the church in their community. I’m making the second and third series for Faith Stories, a DVD resource helping churches around Australia and New Zealand in their mission.

Two weeks ago I spent four days in Townsville with a Red Earth Productions film crew recording the experiences of three congregations: Mt Louisa House of Praise, Aitkenvale and Townsville Central.

We spent time with a group hosting 100 mums at MOPS (Mothers of Pre Schoolers) as they learned to cook Thai dishes for their children. Every two weeks a dedicated group of volunteers, most in their sixties and seventies, provide a safe and stimulating experience for preschoolers while their mothers get a chance to enjoy “adult time” with their peers.

We met with Greg, a recovering addict, who hosts “Greg’s Kitchen” in his backyard with twenty to thirty residents of his residential complex. Greg has been empowered by God to overcome burdens associated with years of drug and alcohol abuse. Now he’s sharing the generosity others have shown him.

We sat with a couple in their sixties, married only last year, who are involved in prison chaplaincy. Ian spent years living out his call to mission as a taxi driver, witnessing time and time again the intervention of God in the lives of his passengers. Now he and Jenny are exploring what it means to develop “church on the inside”.

We talked with Ann Harley, who last year was named Citizen of the Year in Townsville. In her role as minister at Mt Louisa House of Praise she’s been able to lead and coordinate volunteers from across Townsville as they put together Stable on the Strand, an annual interactive experience of Christmas by the beach.

Coming back to the Gold Coast it was a privilege to make our next filming assignment the Ashmore Uniting Op Shop Fashion Show. Interviews with Brad, Geoff, Di and Carol will be featured along with footage of the show to inspire people throughout Australia about the power of community, bridging and shared passion.