Coming up in 2011: Sept 17th, Oct 15th, Nov 19th & Dec 17th.
A simple time of reflection, thought and prayer which follows on from Freedom Cafe. There’s no “heavy religion” forced on you, just a space, a time, for you, and maybe also for God. Here’s how one person experienced it:
At 1.30pm, café leader Mary Casey announces that the catering team is going to join remaining customers for lunch and at 1.45pm there will be something called 3.2.1 for Jesus. I half expected customers to head for the door in droves to avoid the ‘religious bit’ but no one left. In fact two young mums with toddlers arrived and took their seats.
We are each given a candle and a simple A5 service sheet of few words and a clear outline of what to expect. I am struck by how unthreatening the whole thing is. Still wearing her apron, Mary welcomes us and introduces us to 3.2.1. There are then:
Three minutes of music for reflection
Two short readings (one scripture, one a prayer)
One further song with lyrics that fit the theme and a short time of prayer based on the simple Celtic theme of ‘circling’.
It lasts 15 minutes at most and is an authentic sacred experience. We end with the Grace and Lord’s Prayer (words also on the sheet. Christians can’t assume everyone knows them any more).
For more on 3.2.1 for Jesus take a look in Christianity magazine. The content and the leaders change from month to month but the basic format remains the same. 3.2.1 for Jesus aims to reflect the ethos of Freedom Cafe: not to push God on others, but to create a simple space where God may be met and enjoyed.