Advent Stuff for those still planning

Stations Ideas
[1] I'm not using it but I had an idea about wrapping some things that would be fun for the congregtaion/s or could be used during Christmas Worship and having the parcel there and referred to somehow each advent Sunday
[2] Nine photos of Gaza and Israel [including those of the artwork on the concrete wall] make a great Prayers for Others 'station' thinking about how many thousand years on and still they throw rocks at each other... maybe adding salt to water like tears
[3] Offerings of gifts in one bowl and money in another
[4] Printing off that week's Biblical story and inviting people to read and then write questions or thoughts on the spare space on the sheet

Miscellaneous
I'll upload my traditional Farside Christmas Cards

Advent Bits n Pieces
Liturgy, Resources,Comment, Art etc TextWeek Ideas
Creative Advent Resources
Brilliant collection from various sources at Jonny Baker's blog
For traditional settings Fresh Worship
Rethinking Youth Minsitry gathering a variety of stuff
The Worship Closet is a recent find
Advent Conspiracy has a couple of great videos for rethinking Christmas
Then there's the Digital Nativity
OR Social Network Christmas
Brick Nativity was a contest winner
Check out Darren's Digital Orthodoxy Storybook ideas
plus "Light the Lamps"
 AND generously the rest of Darren's colected ideas and some resources shared... here

Songs that are a Bit Different [listed here before]
"Christmas Must Be Tonight" The Band covered brilliantly by Paul Kelly
"How to Make Gravy" Paul Kelly for  reflection around what's not great about Christmas
"White Wine in the Sun" Tim Minchin asks great real questions for a young adult discussion
But 'Songs for Christmas' Sufjan Stevens has so many different vibes and themes it's great
I'm using "O Come O Come Emmanuel" as a backing for 'stations' this week...
Get the idea, I don't really like Christmas music... the above helps me make it through

Quade Cooper

   Injuries and his own attitude have prevented Quade Cooper from developing into the rugby legend he could have been. The Gen Y swagger and opinion of himself and others is not so new but team culture and respect for senior players and understanding of the overall endeavour have reeled in always present egos in the past.
   Even David Campese understood that at the end of the day it's a team sport. Campo had his non existent tackling technique to keep him humble, Cooper just shifts to fullback!!
   Schoolboy heroes need some hard yards in senior rugby to learn to use their gifts and skills against similarly gifted players or on the whole better teams because the opposition play together.
   I think the same has been true for Kurtley Beale who won everything at St Josephs and must have found it hard in the early stages at the Waratahs. Only now after the stint at fullback is he causing sufficient buzz with the Wallabies that they could afford to only offer Cooper an incentive deal [unthinkable 18 months ago]!! Michael Hawker is obviously enjoying the post John O'Neill perspective...
   I hope Quade Cooper gets his head sorted and actually signs the contract. He will not be a hit in rugby league... French rugby maybe or Japan!! On the other hand he could knuckle down and learn a thing or two from coaches and use his expansive game and once in a generation ability to threaten defences and grow as a player.
   Blokes his age do go out drinking, bingle cars, even steal the occasional laptop as a joke... most of them don't get to lay rugby for Australia though... don't be an idiot!!
I've no doubt the Wallaby game plans frustrated him as coach Deans had to decide that the team was clearly incapable of playing with flair so adapted match plans to suit our inability to catch pass and kick [effectively] we have no trouble kicking... we just do it too often and get the same lame results.
Take the game v England on the weekend. The early kicks were better', the short up and unders were used to turn the defence around but then later they kept kicking to nobody and brought England back into the game by giving them the ball...
   If it were up to me I'd pick Cooper at Inside Centre with Beale at 5/8th and Berrick Barnes at Fullback. This is the challenge schoolboy coaches had with Cooper and Beale and could use the best skills of both...
Anyhow, Quade, good luck to you whatever you choose to do!!

"Liberating Visible Communities of Courage and Hope"

At our Presbytery [regional meeting] [3] of us on behalf of the organising committee responsible, organised a worship/discussion around this theme from the Presbytery vision statement...

1. Indigenous Acknowledgement [15sec]
Tonight as we begin,
we acknowledge and give our respect to
the traditional owners of the land on which we gather,
who have cared for it since time immemorial.
The Darkinjung people were here at the time Cessnock was established...

2. [3] Voice Call to Worship [2 mins]
Voice [1]
Here in this time and this place
God waits for us to be aware of God’s calling.
God of the anxious and calm alike knows
There are moments of clarity and moments of fear for us all.
How can we participate in liberating communities of courage and hope?
This is our worship. Not a concert or a play, a conversation with God and each other.

Voice [2]
We face difficulty with mixed feelings,
Are we slow to change, aware of the need, uncertain in direction or impatient for action?
We are a people on the way and that way is hard.
Fear can paralyse and it takes courage to act, to move, even in our grieving.
God is in action in the world, inviting us to join in ways small and large.
“It has to be believed to be seen”*

Voice [3]
Our loss of meaning and community is palpable
We need the Spirit of God to lead us
Make space to be a community, seeking to engage in God’s mission
Find ways within your worship and community life, to practice hospitality and grace
Bring reconciliation to all people because “hope only offers when justice is coming”*
We must practice the imagination required to bring on the change*.
*”Window in the Skies “ U2, “Time to Heal” and “Bring on the Change” Midnight Oil

3. Movie Trailer Clip
“Up” Pixar Teaser Trailer [43sec]


4. Prayer [15sec]
Missional God,
Give us the empathy to listen, the tools to imagine and the courage to act,
In the face of change help us be a pilgrim people, on the way…
Amen

5. Song
“The Wood Song” The Indigo Girls [4mins]
Lyrics onscreen



6. Stories of Courage and Hope
[a] Quotes [1min 15sec]

At the National Museum in Canberra,
the ‘Eternity’ display includes windows depicting stories around different emotions including ‘Hope’
and it says,

“To hope is to dream. Of what might or will be.
Of the possible and the mere possible — hope against hope.
To hope is to strive for the best. To build on glimmers of new beginnings.
To hope is to never give up.
To remain expectant, against hopes dashed, disappointments, falsities.
To hope is to believe there is a way.”

Just last week Barack Obama, returned to the theme of ‘hope’ saying,
“I'm not talking about blind optimism,
the kind of hope that just ignores the enormity of the tasks ahead
or the road blocks that stand in our path.
I'm not talking about the wishful idealism that allows us to just sit on the sidelines or shirk from a fight.

I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence
to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching,
to keep working, to keep fighting.”

[b] Stories on Tables [7 mins]
Stories on ‘some’ tables to be read aloud at a mic by [1] person from the table
1. David
2. Esther
3. Gideon
4. Kylie Sambo
5. Ahn Doh
6. St Nicholas Church, Leipzig


[c] Movie Clip Finish [49 secs]
“Shawshank Redemption” hope


7. TABLE DISCUSSION AND PRAYER [30 mins total until 6.20 or 6.25]

[a] Introduce the table discussion around how we live out the Presbytery Vision re:
‘liberating communities of courage and hope’

[b] Questions Discussion at Tables
Outcomes pinned up on wall

[c] Prayer at Table Groups
Maz explains Prayer Activity writing on paper squares/mix/pick and pray at tables

8. SENDING OUT by 6.30pm [9mins]

Only if time allows
“Stuck” storybook [4 mins]

FINISH with Communal Song [4mins]
“Holy Words Long Preserved” Lyrics on DVD

Cardinal Pell Gets It Sooo Wrong

This week here in Oz the government [under some pressure] announced a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse [yes there will be a more technical title and terms of reference]. It's really in response to a building story here about instances of abuse by Catholic Clergy that there's no doubt the media have increasingly highlighted as victims and support groups have seized on instances and ramifications to put pressure on governments.
It's clear from responses yesterday that Cardinal Pell [Sydney Arch Bishop] just doesn't get it...
For years the Church's institutional response has featured denial, punishment, legal advice never to admit liability, silence and 'moving Priests on.'
In more recent times ther church has put more transparent and fair processes in place, made settlements and sanctioned Priests BUT they continue to hold up changes, mediation, settlements etc as somehow meaning that things are OK...


Maybe there should be:
- apologies not encouragement to 'move on'
- acknowledgement of fallibility and mistakes rather than pronouncements of change
- humilty in the face of being shown up rather than cliams of media witch hunts
- openness and cooperation rather than constant minimising...
- Someone who hasn't been accused of cover ups and ignoring the truth might be a better spokesperson

Maybe everytime an announcement, question or comment is made they would do well to acknowledge the past and those effected even when the systems now in place would be much better at unearthing the truth and helping people move on...

Anyhow,having added their voice to the call for the Commission to be wider than just the Catholic Church, I would expect the Church to begin to focus on confession, humilty, transparency and letting better actiosn speak louder than shrill words!!

Rob Hirst talks about 'Diesel & Dust'

A Surpise Briefing Indeed!!

REGIONAL UCA YOUTH MINISTRY IN THE HUNTER, THE UNITING YOUTH FELLOWSIP [UYF] AND EASTER CAMP+

 
THOUGHTS FOR 'DYNAMO' READERS AND OTHERS...
   The Uniting Church in the Hunter has enjoyed a rich tradition of edgy [sometimes annoying] and dynamic ministry with young people since it's beginnings. The Youthleaders at the time of Union in 1977 chose to launch 'something new' to work on together... Easter Camp 1978 at Glenrock Campsite... and we have witnessed several 'waves' of young people, leaders, events that filled calendars, worship and that experience of various places being the 'latest' congregation to enjoy a growth spurt across the years....
   The Hunter UYF rode the wave of social change from the 1960s and 70s because of a radical discipleship vision and story. It became something more of a maintaining the energy beyond the 1980s and into the 1990s with Youth Workers funded or not at different periods and 'groups' of young people in their hundreds experiencing all that this had to offer.
   Over the last 5 or so years generation Y have come through into young adulthood and have wrestled with increasingly busy working and studying lives. They have embraced opportunities beyond the increasing generation gap in mainstream congregations but have engaged in those to greater or lesser extent along the way. It's true of the Hunter community but even moreso of our churches, that numbers thin around the age of 20 and certainly in our churches there's a gap in the age range which means that group of young adults have not been able to [and sometimes unwilling or unable to] hand on responsibilities to a next group of young people. It's been some years since the UYF had a raft of activities for all UCA youth alongside Easter Camp during each year. Thise events which have happened have often been attended by particular peer groups.
All this work has left a group tired, moving on to 'the next thing' or just 'moving on' in some cases and it's been tough for some. Youth Groups in the Hunter are mostly High Schoolers, at the younger end of the scale. Many are just 'dipping toes in the water' of faith and other have little or no concept they are part of a Uniting Church... To reinvigorate regional ministry with young people in the Hunter will require a unifying vision that excites young people and draws them in 'right where they are.' It raises questions way beyond 'will we or won't we do Easter Camp?'
   What to do about the UYF and regional ministry with young people in this scenario, especially having seen the enthusiasm of a group of adults lead to 'trying' Easter 24 as a measure for 2012 and it being 'not quite Easter Camp' and only attracting low numbers?
   This would have been a burden for the younger leaders who would have managed but would have needed to work pretty hard to sustain a 24hr+ program with 30+ people as a 'fun' event for those registered. It was cancelled very late in the scheme of things...
   There are at least three fronts to work on...
[1] growing a vision and identity for regional ministry
[2] equipping and encouraging young adults to be disciples in the next stage of their lives e.g. in congregations, new faith communities or experimental approaches to being people of God with an underlying goal of growing people who live out their faith in daily life whether they find a community to connect with or not
[3] to work with existing youthleaders to grow regional ministry that unites and multiplies their efforts... these things will or should determine the WHAT of this challenge...

WHERE TO FROM HERE:
As YOUTH MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT WORKER my role in part encourages me to engage in ministry that will...
- facilitate communication between different networks
- encourage the youth & young adult network to initiate intentional and creative ways for discipleship building and belonging
- resource, mentor and train youth & leaders towards mature discipleship with leadership skills for their roles
- assist the Youthleaders to develop their combined activities
- equip congregations to develop youth ministry
-facilitate connections with the wider church and community
-work towards connecting smaller groups in
There's a focus on 'sustainable' events or programs and leadership practice...

  As someone whose life and leadership were findamentally shaped by Easter Camp I too grieve it's loss in 2012... for me it's not about doing what ot takes to hold Camp... but doing what it takes to encourage young adults in their journey and to fashion what might work for the next generation. The younger generations already feel the pressure of being involved for a 'whole Easter Weekend', working part time, needing to fund University studies at some point and living. These young people have a more tenuous sense of belonging within the UCA and are at present mostly early to mid High School age so rely on parents and others for transport etc.
   These young people value choice and lots of activities compete for their time... entertainment is sought in lots of places so the church needs to focus on it's uniqueness and what will excite and motivate young people to invest, not just opening the doors or the flyers and expecting them to come... it's tough...
  
I AM WORKING ON:
- individual conversations with those who've given UYF leadership to care for and encourage them
- a celebratory event with food, to celebrate all things UYF and thank lots of people for their recent years of engagement and allow some to 'let go of' feelings of responsibility and in some cases 'guilt'
- a gathering or series of gatherings of any young people and young adults who do want to continue offering regional leadership, to see if we can't envisage some possibilities alongside the Youthleaders and their local groups
- equipping and supporting local group leaders to build grassroots ministry with young people so regional connections make sense and help grow beyond local borders
- we now know some significant adults would help with whatever is tried... but the shaping of that needs to be generated by the young people or we are just floating our own version. However valuable it has been or could be,
ownership of what is planned is crucial to it's chances of success...
I'd welcome questions, comments, offers, energy, waiting, prayer and encouragement in this important time!!

Upper Hunter "Muster" October 21st

This is a terrible phtot but the adults and kids were hooked in...

Here's what we did before a BBQ and Salads Lunch to mark about 12 months of the agreed Upper Hunter Resource Ministry approach across Merriwa, Muswellbrrok and Scone and Districts... there's some great progress, some hard work ahead and some slow moving transformation in train!!

We changed the 'outdoors' decision taking account of musicians we knew we had vs those we hoped to have and so moved [4] pews etc to create a Godly Play story space and room to move

1. CD/iTunes music x 3 in lead up to 11am (Rob)
Though we ended up using instrumentals from the band
2. "on New & Risky Paths" CALL TO WORSHIP (4) Voices
“New and Risky Paths” Call to Worship” [4] Voices

Voice ONE:
Now is the time to worship.
We come together today in hope and expectation.
We bring ourselves, we bring our lives.

Voice TWO:
Today and every day we are called to be the people of God.
We wait and listen for God’s Spirit in our world.
Called to new and risky paths we aren’t always ready…

Voice THREE:
Look for God’s action in the world.
Feel the need for change and have courage.
Know God is with us always, even in our questions and doubts.

Voice FOUR:
Today let’s celebrate.
We are part of a ‘big story’ and God offers us reconciliation and grace.
How will we live in response?

3. PRAYER (Ross and others)
With a confessional response to close
4. INTRODUCTION, WELCOME, EXPLANATIONS
5. SONG/S
Come now is the time to Worship
Gather Us In TiS 474
On New and Risky Paths
6. GODLY PLAY STORY Leonie O'Keefe (10-15mins)
'The risk of leaving Egypt'
includes Video Camera attached to projector for those who won't move closer
7. SHARING STORY 'the new paths'
8. BIBLE READING LUKE 24: 45-52
9. STORY and PRAYER
including "Stuck by Oliver Jeffers with images onscreen and sharing about what motivates me to 'keep going' in encouraging 'missional thinking and action'
then opportunity to REFLECT on pictures spread around the space as a Prayer for Others
10. LORD'S PRAYER DIALOGUE
11. SONG/S
On New and Risky Paths
Here I Am Lord TiS 658
12. SPOKEN SENDING OUT (Rob)
Now,
Go out from this place,
With less fear of ‘new and risky paths’
Aware of God who sends you,
Jesus Christ who goes ahead of you
And God’s Spirit who gives energy and spark for the journey…
including explanation of GTKY cards/activity
13. Band play instrumental [no sung blessing]

It was what, after some feedback on earlier 'stations' plans, we felt people could cope with being stretched by...

"Poor Jen!"

Gruen reminded me of this funny footage tonight!!

Julia Takes a Tumble in India

Absolute cracker!!!

Energy Australia Treadmill advert

So someone installed a secret video camera in my house damn it!!!

"Hurts Like Heaven" Coldplay Video

Idiot Footballers and their Club!!

   I wasn't at the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs 'Mad Monday' so called celebrations the other day but I have read some of the media reports about their boorish behaviour and sexist and inappropriate interactions with the media who showed up for post Grand Final coverage.
   Surely in 2012 the Club, the minders and the players themselves have this 'sorted'... assemble at an arranged time [costumes and all] and do some interviews, pose for the TV news and then politely remove yourselves to a secure private location for whatever antics, food and fun times you choose. This should include security/welfare minders who help players enjoy but not overdo the partying. Some will drink to excess, others will be sensible and enjoy a 'let down' party but stay within reasonable limits.
   There's no doubt the media's desire to 'get the story' the day after a Grand Final [win or lose] is a provocative and silly opportunity to show players in tights/costumes/drunk/being silly. Maybe they could be left at that point to just be a team and mark the end of months of hard physical work themselves.
   Either way the insensitive players/staff who've done stupid things should be accountable for their actions and should be fined and warned about the consequences of any further foolishness.
   I've been part of some amazing, euphoric, consoling, bonding and fun celebrations in 25 years of rugby union and seen the occasional idiocy of over indulgence and I understand the significance of the chance to 'let your hair down' after months of hard work' but stupidity doesn't have to be part of the deal!! Canterbury Bulldogs club didn't do enough to prevent what happened and the players shouldn't have done what they did!!

A Lots Been Happening in September

 Ok so not entirely sure why I wrote and saved the following blog entry the other day BUT here goes...
  I've been quiet on blogging as family and vocation have taken up a busy time this month...
I've also been working on my monthly Dynamo email as an annual edition that's taken plenty of time but will be emailed out tonight!!

September has been a busy time:
- the VMAs highlighted Psy's Gangnam Style
- Bernard Tomic tanked at the US Open Tennis
- 'Trolls' hit the news, not just their twitter accounts
- another 9/11 went by
- Kate Windsor nee Middleton became even more popular
- several serious car or bus accidents cost lives
- Quade Cooper played his last game for the Wallabies
- US Presidential hopefuls came [and perhaps went]
- ABC Melbourne staffer Jill Meagher sadly lost her life
To name just a few...

   I'm getting back into catching up with people who need support, ideas, encouragement and challenge!! There are some important threads to draw together in what's left of 2012 and it's also been a sad and tough time!!
   I read lots of the quotable quotes, platitudes, cliches and frankly 'crap' people write all over Facebook and other places. I'm aware of the struggles, mishaps and issues faced by lots of people alongside some outstandingly celebratory moments for others!!
But if some of what I read is our best effort to understand the mystical, the creator and the spirit amongst and within us, no wonder we are in trouble!!!!
   It reminds me of the wisdom of reflection, listening and taking pause... it reminds me to think of 'others' and to take ideas to their sometimes logical or illogical conclusions and it helps me know that the search for meaning in the middle of all this is a journey accompanied [not manipulated] by God and truly explored in all dimensions by a the son of a tradie in the middle/near East over 2000 years ago...
   Who is Jesus Christ in our lives and all it's happenings? How can I best tell that story? How do I best allow others their story, though we often cannot share the same path... especially a 'path of least resistence' Hmmnn... might save this post and let it sit for a day!!
 

 

Worship/Reflection Time at 'Unfiltered'

Here's what I put together for Thursday Worship/Reflection at 'Unfiltered'
I had been pondering something with a large sheet of newsprint and paint, or stations, or a traditional framework with communal singing BUT it's always a chance to do something different so that's how I ended up with music, again...

Before worship/reflection time the 'vestry prayer' was a clip of Midnight Oil "The Deadheart" recorded live from Canberra Theatre as a 'rehearsal' for Sound Relief.

At start time we played the clip for "Default" Django Django
[3] Participants read aloud the [3] Voice Call
Voice ONE:
Like it or not we are all on journeys…
And imagination fuels our faith.
We know we are called to be people who participate
in God’s action in the world,
inviting others to recognize the same sense of call…
This worship is an opportunity to reflect and wonder…

Voice TWO:
This is not a concert,
not entertainment or a movie.
This is our worship.
We are people, responding to God.
We bring ourselves,
seeking to shape faith and to share love.

Voice THREE:
We are part of a ‘BIG story’ !!
God offers us grace and reconciliation and is in action in the world…
What will we do? Who will we be?
Not ‘what does the Bible say?’ but how will we live in response?
Not who can we get young people to be,
But how will we share ‘places’ with them?
Let’s worship God…

People were invited to reflect/pray while listening to "It's Only Life" The Shins
with lyrics onscreen

“It’s Only Life” The Shins
Dyed in the wool, you've been cornered by a natural desire
You want to hop along with this giddy throng through life
But how will you learn to steer when you're grinding all your gears?
You've been talking for hours
You say "time will wash every tower to the sea"
And now you've got this worry in your heart
Well, I guess it's only life.
It's only natural
We all spend a little while going down the rabbit hole
The things they taught you
They're lining up to haunt you
They've got your back against the wall
I call you on the telephone
Won't you pick up the receiver?
I've been down the very road you're walking now
It doesn't have to be so dark and lonesome
It takes a while but we can figure this thing out and turn it back around
You used to be such a lion
Before you got into all this crying on my lap
Back when you never thought I'd never get this far
But did you really think I'd shut the door?
The futures calling and I'm going to answer
The wheels in motion
I never drank your potion and I know it breaks your heart
Open up your parachute
Something's got to stop the free-fall
I've been down the very road you're walking on
It takes a while but we can figure this thing out and turn it back around
It doesn't have to be so dark and lonesome

Hearing the Story
We watched "meet Me in the Middle of the Air"

Paul Kelly Live at Sound Relief


Then [2] Participants read
Luke 13: 10-21
Luke 7: 36-50

Clip: Liberty Mutual "Humans" Advert


Then the [7] Characterisations of Young People/Young Adults and we spent time reflecting on who they were/weren't reminded of AND what they'd learnt this week...
It was a prayer time as well

Soundtrack 1/2 volume:
"Sweet Arms of a Tune" Missy Higgins
"Light All My Lights" Seeker Lover Keeper

Sending Out
"Cannot Buy My Soul" Kev Carmody

RIP Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong is the complete opposite of the dominant idea of fame today!! Human endeavour? US Politics? either way amazing!!

Some great Youtube Clips

I've found some new songs and a couple of impressive time lapse videos BUT I'm using them in the next 2 weeks and then I'll post here...

Beyonce at the UN

It's amazing what lots of money can do!!

The Battle within: Castrol Edge Rugby Championship

   The new rugby comp in the southern hemisphere that includes new team Argentina pales compared to the interest and the pages of newsprint generated by the Bledisloe Cup clashes within it that start on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium in Sydney (shouldn't they all be held in Brisbane?)
   It should be a great challenge... Next phase of the Wallabies 'development' and a the post Rugby World Cup retirements All Blacks!!
 
Please stop writing about:
-the work the forwards are doing
-the new immovable scrum
-Wallaby favoritism
-All Black nerves
-skills sessions about kick and catch etc etc

   I'm sick of it.... Let's see it in the game, shut up and deliver!!!
Media, please stop writing about it and team.... Time to play!!!
Kurtley Beale please stop kicking non tactical ball away
Scrum, stop going backwards...

Otherwise we'll see one close loss, one gutsy win and one thrashing at least...

Looking fwd to Pocock v McCaw, these miracle scrums, Barnes at 5/8th with a full strength line up....rain and storms go away....... Please be sunny all day!!
 Anything less and it'll be just another night out for the ABs.... 
If we can control ball and get on the front foot of course we can win... We just need to do it not talk about it as though we have done anything other than train together!

Very glad Brad Thorn et al won't be out there and I have a funny feeling that SBW with a settled future will be a huge danger in our 22m zone...

Usain Bolt wins 100m and 200m Sprint Double at London Olympics

Simply amazing!!!

"Blue Like Jazz" The Movie

   I've just ordered my DVD copy of the film based on Donald Miller's "Blue Like Jazz" [a region 1 from the US] and have the pdf discussion guide...
   It's likely there will be a viewing at 'ministry Unfiltered' at the CFM in a couple of weeks BUT I'm also planning one or more Newcastle/Hunter viewings... just need to check the dates with a few people to avoid clashes where possible... I ordered here through Atomic Movies!!

Combined Worship at Wesley East Maitland 29.7.12

We took the opportunity of the normal 5th Sunday practice of a combined happening, to gather a small team of young people and leaders to plan worship as they envisaged it! We met with about 3-4 weeks space BUT started with a BLANK SHEET...

'Givens', venue, who we would expect to attend and what they were used to or could cope with were noted, then people were asked to share:
What is worship?
What would make that meaningful or significant for you?
What would you like to see happen?
What themes do you sense emerging?

Of those ideas what will we do?
A theme of "Imagination.God.Life" emerged and the challenge of including:
Lego, computer games, Harry Potter, contemporary music, imagination, and a U2 song
[which could have been teased out further to include how those would reflect the gathered group but some clear themes emerged.

We wanted to include a video vox pop around:
What books, movies, stories inspire?
What is it about them?
How might they teach/reflect the nature of God?

We took the risk of inviting some musicians to set up so the band included violins, piano and vocal with others who may join in future [that was the hope]

Using Macbook Keynote [a much better alternative to Powerpoint]here's roughly what we did:

Pre worship music
[1] A single slide with 30sec 'A Hopeful Transmission' Coldplay to catch attention
[2] Announcements & Concerns
[3] A Call to Worship for [3] Voices
[added soon]
[4] Communal Song "Dreams & Visions"
[5] Greeting/Welcome/Words
[6] LEGO Prayer with brief words:
LEGO was used as a symbol of 'building blocks' oflfe and belief' but participants were invited to collaborate and build a symbol of this through discussion together, then bring those to a front table... some brilliantly simple symbols resulted.
[7] Movie Clip Collage 2min 40

[8] Communal Song "Faith, Hope & Love"
[9] Scripture reworked Hebrews 11:1+ and Luke 13: 18-21
[10] Reflection on 'Imagination.God.Life'
[11] Communal Song "God Version 1.0" including Offering
[12] Prayers for the World choosing from 80+ photos stuck on the side walls
[13] Communal Song "Here I am Lord"
[14] Spoken Sending Out
Followed by opportunity for all planners/participants to shake hands at the door

In my role I'm available to work with other groups and places to develop capacity to put together linear experiences like this, alt.worship or other styles etc through workshopping, discussions and curating across the UCA in the Hunter!!!

'Yurora' or NCYC 2014... the wheels are beginning to turn...

NCYC - Yurora 2014 Promo from UCA Assembly on Vimeo.

London Olympics Opening Ceremony Rumours

*SPECULATIVE SPOILERS ALERT!!!!!
Daniel Craig, Sheep and Sir Paul McCartney may be locked in to Danny Boyle's extravaganza... but what else can we expect...

David Beckham
Mary Poppins
Voldermort
Cricket
The Industrial Revolution
Armed Forces
The Rolling Stones
Not sure about a 7 months pregnant Adele
The Spice Girls
Red Buses
National Health Nurses
London Cabs
It seems Coldplay are in for the Paralympic Closing...

Who will light the cauldron? And where is it if as is claimed it's not part of the red art tower...
Steve Redgrave, Daly Thompson or Roger Bannister...???

Oh well, Saturday morning Oz time I guess!!

'They Became What They Beheld'

Hat Tip: Tristan and Rah

This clip is a clear reminder and inspiration around creativity, theology and engagement that would be a great intro to a workshop about communicating faith, curating worship, discipleship, running youth Camps etc.... as well as a personal reminder about what I'm creating/doing and hoping not to 'sell'

Australian Olympic Uniforms 2012

   Who cares really, but in about 4 days I will be consumed by the endeavours of the athletes at the London Olympics... I love sport!!

   I will have chuckled at the naysayers and about the event being 4,000 security staff short, the rain etc. I will be exasperated by the Nine Network commentators and the aussie obsession with swimming. I will be driven crazy by the advertising and be grateful for t-box and Foxtel IQ so I can record and fast fwd footage...

   But with this many days to go it's time to talk Oz uniforms [although I know UK friends will be obsessing over beating Oz to the Top 5 in the medal tally and we will be sick of hearing about PBs]. Adidas and others have the gig... and this time athletes got a say...

   I like the official uniform and don't mind that they look like lawn bowlers... it's a classic old style with name lined faded green blazers and off white clothes... the Dunlop volleys are great!! the casual polos could have actually benefitted from the three greem stripes on the plain canary yellow shirts but otherwise the traditional colours are good!!
Now comes the Opening Ceremony but watch out for athletes 'on the juice' and 'The Spice Girls' et al in the Closing Ceremony!!

Qantas and Daniel Johns

   The weekend newspapers all featured the story of the roll out of QANTAS new music/Olympic advertising, put together by Daniel Johns and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, in search of a grand international sound.
   Daniel's creativity is boundless for a vegan hippy who could be bumped into outside Merewether's 'Prince of Wales Hotel', mid winter, barefoot and wearing a tea cosy, late evening, walking his small dog as we left various rugby victory parties on
a Saturday night. Oh yeah and of course onstage with 'Silverchair' for some stunning live shows!!

IDEAS only in Need of Collaborators

THINKING ALOUD!!
- Monthly Cafe Space Faith Community of Young Adults built around music/discussion
- Local version of 'Live at the Chapel' because we have plenty of talented musos
- U2 360 Live [in LA] on the big screen
[both raising funds for social justice action]
- Using a local UCA with no existing PM worship for a monthly regional worship
[day and time negotiable, maybe schedule 3 to see how it goes]
probably including a focus on 1. discipleship and 2. social justice action individually or in groups
Not sure which are 'pet' projects or must have collaborators to 'fly'...

Nadia Bolz Weber for Denver's 'House for All Saints & Sinners'

Tim Hart Solo Album "Milling the Wind"

  "Milling the Wind"is the solo album from Boy & Bear's Tim Hart [due out August 17th...]
The single "A Number of Us"sounds like an interesting 'story' and is also proving more accessible to me than Angus Stone's latest effort in search of a tune!!