Poppies In The Wasteland

Like a poppy growing in the middle of some waste ground, I love to find signs of life in unexpected places. The Joshua tree in the desert or the tender care of one vulnerable person towards another.

 I’m writing these words whilst in Ukraine, a place I have visited on many occasions. I always go with the intentions of giving and serving, but always return feeling like I am the one who has been enriched by the community I have gone to serve.
 Something happens when we deliberately choose to live on the margins, when life among the marginalised becomes the norm rather than the exception or the token gesture.

 On one of my first visits to Ukraine many years ago, I sat with a fellow biker. His face was deeply scarred with a skin condition that was afflicted on him by the fallout of the Chernobyl disaster. We rode to the ruins of what once his orphanage home and he told me his story. All I did was listen, for maybe two hours. At the end of our time together he embraced me and thanked me for listening. This was the first time he had told his story to a foreigner. As far as he was concerned, he and his story, the plight of his community had been completely forgotten by his own government and the rest of the world.

 To feel forgotten, to be left bereft of any sense that your voice is heard or even matters if it is heard, is a desperately lonely place to be.
 Over the years, I have found great inspiration from the on the road stories of Jesus of Nazareth.

 On one such occasion, he and his mates travelled across a lake to a graveyard, adjacent to a pig farm, that probably supplied the Roman garrison its food. The purpose of their journey was to meet a man that was caught in a trap of bizarre behaviour that manifested itself in many ways including self-harm, living naked among the graves and displays of almost supernatural strength that rendered him so unpredictable the community tried to chain him up.

 As Jesus was a Jew, this man presented every reason under the sun why he shouldn’t be on Jesus’ radar for a conversation. An encounter with a naked, madman, living among the dead, next to a pig farm, would have ruffled more than a few feathers in the temple courtyard and effectively rendered Jesus untouchable.
 There are many levels to this story found in the Gospels, but the thought I want to leave for reflection is this.

 At the end of the encounter, the man was clothed and in his right mind. At the beginning of the encounter, we find Jesus, deliberately choosing to go out of his way, break some cultural taboos, put himself in a vulnerable position to demonstrate to this guy, he and his suffering was not forgotten.

 If our concern for those who are marginalised, for whatever reason, moves us to act, let us be prepared to cross borders, be vulnerable ourselves and be surprised at the poppies we find growing in the wastelands.

 Cheers and God bless.
 Sean Stillman

Is politics still about people?

As politicians and the media argue about who should take part in a TV debate, I find myself wondering what matters I’d like to put across if any of them roll up at my front door looking for my vote… 

I want to vote for a politician that with tell the truth, be humble enough to admit mistakes and who loves people more than power.

I want to vote for a party and believes in a system that looks beyond four year terms and sees its responsibility extending to future generations.

I want to see the young, the old and the vulnerable given priority when it comes to a duty of care.

How can I trust in a government and a plethora of tax payer funded institutions, that have routinely been found to withhold and manipulate the truth, whilst turning a blind eye to outrageous behaviour that heaps coals on the fires of the suffering of vulnerable people.

I want to vote for a politician that holds to virtues of truth, of grace, of mercy, of justice, of integrity, of kindness, of self control, of self sacrifice and dare I say, of love.

Is it too much to ask? Are there any such people left with a hunger for what is right, rather than what they will get out of it?

I'm not interested in your empty promises, your policies that shift around like the sand on the shore. I'm not interested in your spin, your posturing, your temporary allegiances nor the cut of your suit or your persuasive  words on a TV debate. I want to know what I see of your soul when I look in your eyes, what motivates you to play with the freedoms of people, to make choices that can cause immense good or immense pain & loss.

When you ask me what I would like to see, let it begin with a sense of deep sorrow from the seat of power itself, for the selfishness, greed, selective blindness  and manipulation of the truth at the expense of those most vulnerable in our community. Then let it continue with a renewed commitment to do what is right and just, to love people more than the pursuit of wealth, to look to the needs of others, to govern from a heart of service not privilege and power.

Have you ever thought of leading by example? Just a thought, before you post your propaganda through my door.

BBC Radio Wales Podcast

There is a chance to listen again to the BBC Radio Wales interview I did last year,  which was repeated again last Sunday - here's the link to their podcast page HERE or if that's expired you can now just listen here - was pleased with this one. It covers a fair bit of ground personally and also about Zac's Place:

New Email Address for Exousia Trust and Zac's Place

We continue to have issues with our phone line and main website, both of which we hope to have replaced soon. All previous @exousia.demon.co.uk email addresses are now obsolete and have been replaced by the following one,

This replaces all previous email addresses for
Exousia Trust and Zac's Place

Email and Website Problems

We are currently experiencing poor and erratic service from our Internet hosting company, Demon/Vodafone. As a result the main website and email addresses may be down for Exousia Trust including Zac's Place. In the meantime you have been redirected to the blog. We will keep you updated. Many thanks. You can also find Zac's Place on Twitter and Facebook.

Postcard from a Tribal Gathering

A few of Zac's Place Tribal Gathering Regulars

The Guardian have been requesting pictures of church congregations for a photo collection - here's one that was submitted by Liz one of our regulars, of a few of us at a Tues night at Zac's Place.

Rich Mullins film 'Ragamuffin' - first trailer .....

This will be well worth watching when it's released ....

Swansea: Back On The Streets

Due for broadcast from Weds 8 May, the new three part BBC Wales documentary returns. The initial three programmes broadcast last year provoked a big response and highlighted many unseen aspects of those who's lives involve homelessness. Many of those who's stories feature in this next run of three programmes are very much part of our community at Zac's Place one way or another - I would encourage you to watch each of these three, exceptionally thought provoking and moving programmes and would be very surprised if they didn't both challenge and inspire your thinking and actions.

TV Guide Listing

Watch Episode 1 on iPlayer Here

Brennan Manning - Welcome Home

If you have ever wondered why Zac's Place is subtitled "A Church For Ragamuffins", then you need look no further than the writings of Brennan Manning, who's long road to freedom came to completion on 12 April when he passed away aged 78. 

His book The Ragamuffin Gospel goes down in my life as one of the most influential reads of my life. It was released back in 1990 and was marketed as, "good news for the bedraggled, beat up and burnt out". It's a label I and many others have taken to heart over the years and by that same grace of God that Brennan bathed in, it's a label that resonates so much with what Zac's Place has matured into. He continued to be a fierce advocate for the marginalised, poor and church-abused, all the while battling his own demons. I longed for an opportunity for him to sit alongside us one day at Zac's Place, but the opportunity never came - but alas, the Spirit with which he lived and struggled, is alive and well, not just in our humble bunch of ragamuffins, but among the many who benefitted from his writing and gentle ability to communicate the profoundness of God's love wherever he took opportunity to speak.

My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. My hope is that the legacy of his testimony will continue to inspire many to live in the revelation of "Abba's" love. Sometimes the profoundest of truths comes by way of the most gentle whisper, I'm so glad I was listening....

“My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it.”
― Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel

http://brennanmanning.com           Books by Brennan Manning

“Because salvation is by grace through faith, I believe that among the countless number of people standing in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palms in their hands (see Revelation 7:9), I shall see the prostitute from the Kit-Kat Ranch in Carson City, Nevada, who tearfully told me that she could find no other employment to support her two-year-old son. I shall see the woman who had an abortion and is haunted by guilt and remorse but did the best she could faced with grueling alternatives; the businessman besieged with debt who sold his integrity in a series of desperate transactions; the insecure clergyman addicted to being liked, who never challenged his people from the pulpit and longed for unconditional love; the sexually abused teen molested by his father and now selling his body on the street, who, as he falls asleep each night after his last 'trick', whispers the name of the unknown God he learned about in Sunday school.

'But how?' we ask.

Then the voice says, 'They have washed their robes and have made them white in the blood of the Lamb.'

There they are. There *we* are - the multitude who so wanted to be faithful, who at times got defeated, soiled by life, and bested by trials, wearing the bloodied garments of life's tribulations, but through it all clung to faith.

My friends, if this is not good news to you, you have never understood the gospel of grace.”

― Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out

Philip Yancey on Brennan Manning (archive)

Sorted!

Zac's Place features in a three page article in the March/April edition of 'Sorted' magazine. You can purchase it in WH Smith's or online at this link.


If you've not checked out this alternative men's magazine before, this is a good opportunity!

Meanwhile in Melbourne

After a rather cool sub zero 150 mile ride to Berkshire, where I left the bike in the very capable hands of Grub for some routine work whilst I'm away, I've headed a long way south from Heathrow. Some dates to follow in NZ next week, but in the meantime I shall be getting rid of jet lag and preparing in Melbourne. Catching up with great friends here and speaking at St. Martin's in Collingwood on Sunday  - on a day when many remember the tragic fires that burned four years ago taking the lives of dear ones. Every stop along the way is punctuated by people and their stories - sometimes it's óur story' as many of the folks I spend time with I've know for a few decades now - whether it be lunch with my mechanic mate back home, my hosts here in Melbourne, dear friends at St Martin's I shall try to encourage, Buckshot out in NZ who's organised my itinerary there and the New South Wales crew I'll see for 24 hours enroute home. As I reflect on 25 years of ministry this year, the 'story' involves so many people and places. So many complex interwoven threads of friendships, support and challenges. As we remember the Transfiguration of Christ this week, I am reminded of the ongoing transformational power of the living God - occasionally it's a miraculous mountain top experience, more often it's back down the hill, in the valley, where Jesus took his mates directly afterwards amid the chaos and questions.

New Zealand Dates

I'll be hitting the road in New Zealand 14-25 Feb for a few dates on the road - full info available here. I'll be on the North Island  in the regions of Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerstone and Wellington covering a variety of speaking engagements and retreats and finishing up at Passion Fest. Looking forward to travelling somewhere new, immensely grateful  for the opportunity and looking forward to sharing the journey with two club brothers and meeting a heap of interesting folk along the way.

Additional Tribal Gatherings At Zac's Place

Deliberately different to most 'church' gatherings, but in a similar vein to our long running Tuesday night Tribal Gatherings, Zac's Place - A Church For Ragamuffins, will also provide opportunity for Jesus followers to gather, to share stories, prayers, readings, songs, art and struggles in a unique environment on the first Sunday of each month from 3rd Feb.

It will be similar, in as much that group participation is encouraged, (but not compulsory) and a little more structure to Tuesdays  - but it's not about a couple of people entertaining a congregation, more about a corporate adventure rather than any heroic individual pursuit.  It continues to be about a community of people working out together what it is to live under the rule of Christ. So come along and feel free to bring something to the table - either to eat or to share in words, or just be in the company of like minded pilgrims and feed on the fellowship, conversation and honesty that marks our gatherings.

For this first gathering we'll be looking at what Jesus meant when he said; "Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 5 v 3) - using Bill Taylor- Beales painting based on the words, as inspiration.
Psalm 31 will also feature - so have a read of it, at this link first and see what it stirs up.

Zac's Place - A Church For Ragamuffins

Sunday 3 Feb and each first Sunday of the month, from 4pm 

Tuesday Night Tribal Gatherings continue each week from 7.30pm

Map:

Zac's Place, George Street, Swansea, SA1 4HH.

Big thanks and warmest greetings

Many thanks to all our friends, supporters, volunteers and purveyors of occasional choreographed chaos for a wonderfully eventful 2012 at Zac's Place. 

It works, cause it's all about people - thanks for being part of it. May something of 'Immanuel', God With Us, be evident during this Christmas time to each one - evident in the gaze of a friend, the smell of the rain, the security of a cwtch and the evidence of hope in unexpected places. Cheers, God bless and watch this space for some Zac's Place developments into 2013 . . . 

In the mean time here's a video to ponder on, with the sound track of one of my favourite Christmas themed songs: written by Bruce Cockburn and joined, live, by Lou Reed and Rosanne Cash.

New Creations of God's Grace

Some of our friends and supporters will be aware of Zac's Place connections with Fresh Expressions, originally a joint initiative of both the Church of England and Methodist denominations, for exploring new ways of being church. Some may wonder how and where Zac's Place fits in as it is neither Anglican or Methodist by formal association!

Here in a farewell speech from Rowan Williams, whilst speaking at 'Following The Missionary Spirit' last week in London, summing up the progress of the Fresh Expressions movement, he gives some indication where Zac's Place fitted in with his early thinking behind it and why we have the connection we do.

It's also a message the wholeheartedly endorses much of the way we have been functioning as a community of faith together, as a 'new creation of God's grace'. Have a listen and be encouraged about the bigger picture. We have been very grateful for Rowan's ongoing keen interest and support over this past ten years during his time as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Lancashire Visit - Sunday 25 Nov

I will be speaking at Lowton Independant Methodist Church's morning service on Sunday 25 Nov if any friends in that neck of the woods are interested in dropping by. It's a 10.45 am start and I'll be speaking around some similar themes to those on the recent tour.
It's near Leigh in South West Lancashire not far from M6 Junction 22. Google Map Here.

The BBC Radio Wales 'All Things Considered' Interview with Sean Stillman - 30/9/12

The BBC Radio Wales 'All Things Considered' Interview with Sean Stillman - 30/9/12

Sean Stillman is interviewed by Roy Jenkins for the award winning BBC Radio Wales programme, 'All Things Considered'. Original transmission date was 30/9/12. Produced by Lisa Hawkins.

Roy Jenkins is in Swansea to meet Sean Stillman, the Harley Davidson riding preacher who is behind one of the most distinctive places of worship in Wales - ‘Zac’s Place’ which describes itself as ‘A Church for Ragamuffins’.

Religious and ethical affairs programme, tackling the thornier issues of the day in a thought-provoking manner. Also available as a free weekly podcast athttp://bbc.co.uk/radio/podcasts/atc
Visit the programme web site for current episodes at:http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0079fx0

This podcast upload by Exousia Trust (Zac's Place) has been granted permission from BBC Radio Wales and is subject to the conditions set out below.

Terms of Use
The BBC Podcasts are for your personal non-commercial use only.
All title, ownership rights and intellectual property rights in and to the BBC Podcasts shall remain the property of the BBC or third parties. You may not edit, alter, adapt or add to the BBC Podcast in any way. The BBC Podcasts are made available by the BBC on an "as is" and "as available" basis and the BBC gives no warranty of any kind in relation to the BBC Podcast. To the maximum extent permitted by law the BBC will not be liable for any loss or damage which you may suffer as a result of, or connected to, the download or use of the BBC Podcasts.

Video Update for Fresh Expressions

Here's a short video update I did for Fresh Expressions just prior to the tour dates back in September - mainly chatting about the struggles and encouragements we experience at Zac's Place. Hope you find it helpful.
See the video in it's context on the Fresh Expressions site here and have a bit of an explore around the site to see what else is going on. For those with specific interest in the Fresh Expressions initiatives, there's an event in London on 22 Nov which maybe of interest.

Never Stop Asking The Questions

When Zac's Place began 14 years ago, we called it, 'Zac's Place - Church In A Pub?' The question mark was always very important, as we really didn't know what, if anything, it would develop into. In many ways, although we are now 'Zac's Place - A Church For Ragamuffins', it remains important to ask the questions - What is Church and are we fulfilling the mandate that we find in the Scriptures?

In the current series of studies and discussions at our Tuesday evening Tribal Gatherings, we are looking at those issues. I often ask three questions of any church activity to ascertain whether it fulfills a role or whether it's just something we do because that's what we've always done. They are all based on relationship - how does what we do affect our relationship, (and therefore connection, view, understanding etc) with a) God b) each other and c) the wider community we serve. If we struggle to answer at least one of those positively for any endeavor as 'church', we really did ought to be asking ourselves, 'what are we doing it all for then?'

This week, we also welcomed Roy Jenkins from BBC Radio Wales to join with us. You can catch an interview with me and various  sound bites from our time together on his 'All Things Considered' Programme on BBC Radio Wales this Sunday, 30 Sep at 9am and it will be available on iPlayer afterwards and on their Podcast.


UPDATE:
Listen to this interview here:

... And Home Again

It was great to have had so much opportunity on the road this past week. Meeting new people and catching up with so many old friends along the way was a great encouragement. Each event attracted a wide diversity of people, which is exactly how I think it should be. The final two dates in Leeds and Stoke were no exception to this and I enjoyed the varied dialogue with as many people as possible.

Feedback has been really positive and very kind - certainly enough to make me think the week on the road has been worthwhile. I really do hope that some have been inspired to re-evaluate the basis of what it means to be a follow of Christ on the margins and others who came along, feeling somewhat walking wounded, feel they have had some food for the soul to keep going.

The week finished off with a diversion back north to the BBC in Manchester, to do a short interview for Radio 4, before heading south to Swansea.

Thanks to everyone that helped out at the venues, put me up, fed me and supported the dates.

For those that weren't able to get along, here's a few snippets of feedback that have come our way:

"My head is spinning today, I couldn't get to sleep last night. What you said hit me and the mrs like a sniper's bullet. Daring to take up the challenge of following the Lord where he leads us."

"It was great to hear your radical and refreshing approach Sean in Reading on Monday."

"170 MILES, bit damp and chilly after a days work. BUT oh so worth it mate, enjoyed the entire evening. Keep up the good work."

"Encouraging, uplifting, honest, down to earth and to the point!
Nothing more than I would expect from Sean Stillman but I wouldn't have missed it for the world."