Digital bridge across generation gap

School Chaplain urges MU members to get connected 

TECH SUPPORT: Macquarie Anglican Grammar School Chaplain Nick Hurford told mermbers of the Bathurst MU Chapter that digital technology could enable them to “walk with and encourage the people in their spheres of influence”.

At a recent meeting of the Bathurst Chapter of MU, Macquarie Anglican Grammar School Chaplain Nick Hurford spoke on the topic, How do we encourage Christian journeys?

He told the gathering that women could have a considerable sphere of influence, and could be powerful role models for younger generations. In this, they could be like the great matriarchs of the Bible.

He urged his audience to "get involved in the digital worlds of their immediate families and friends," and referred specifically to so-called "smartphones" through which they could use text messages and Facebook to "walk with and encourage the people in their sphere of influence".

Nick Hurford said that an online presence "enables us to be salt and light to the people in our lives via a medium that can often have an absence of positive Christian influences".

He said that our Diocese would in the not-too-distant future make greater use of digital networking to bring the extended body of Christ together in community via digital means.

"This is an adjunct to the irreplaceable nature of church: meeting together in person to worship," he added.

He cited St Paul in 1 Corinthians, who wrote of being "all things to all men", and encouraged the MU members to get involved in the world of those nearest to them, "reaching out to them in order that our love and our interest in them reveals the love of Christ".