Edward Green [future-shape-of-church.org] pops in for a dry martini
[09.03]

Hi, welcome to our virtual coffee shop. Pull up a chair, take the load of your feet. Let's chat.

So who are you, where you from, what do you do in life?
I am Edward Green, Eddie or Ed to my mates. I am a trainee minister in the Church of England.

Can I get you a drink? Cappucino, earl grey, dandelion and burdock, pale ale?
Gin Martini, fairly dry with a twist please.

Would you like a doughnut or pastry to go with that?
Er, got any Nachos?

So, if you had to describe the church/project/experiment/thingy you are currently involved with in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
Friendship, stillness, chant, bread, wine, incense, reflection, ancient and future, at 5oclock on a sunday afternoon at www.st-edwards-cam.org.uk. :o)

Are you an instigator? / new recruit? / have absolutely no recollection of how you got involved?
Fell into it really. When I was working for a Parish church a couple of years back I discovered the church and service and found it to be a haven of peace from the demands of being a Pastoral Assistant.

What do you value most about being part of it?
The act of worship really helped me get to know my more introverted side, but the community aspect, which involves drinks at 6:30pm, allows me to be my more extrovert self too!

What excites you most about it?
There is a sense of God's presence in the clearly Christian worship, but it attracts people of many faiths and none. It is truely inclusive and honest, which is really important to me right now.

Has anyone ever turned up out of the blue not knowing what to expect?
What did they say?
This happens a lot, and lot of people come irregularly and slip out at the end - which is a real refereshing change from the 'membership mentality' of some faith communities. I remember one athiest saying that althought they didn't believe in God they found the gathering really good for reflecting on their life and week. That says a lot to me.

Three words that describe your attitude to 'being church' in the big wide world: Relaxed. Honest. Intimate. Also my top tips for good relationships!

Three words that DON'T:
Jabez. WWJD. Commercialism.

You have this weird dream - you meet Jesus face to face.
Where does it happen, what does he say to you?
He's cooking Fish. 'Here have some fish' he says. I'm hoping he has some wine too!

What's the big secret you're itching to share with everyone?
I like Justin Timberlake.

What would your 'emerging church survival kit' contain?
Bread, Wine, Incense, and a lot of stories. Apart from that I will grab anything I can get hold of.

Anything else you'd like to share with us before you have to rush off?
Learn to fly a kite - www.khite.co.uk!

Thanks. have a good day!

ed plays with pebbles (visit www.worshipcafe.co.uk to find out why)