An old favourite but centres which have mostly been redeveloped in recent years and some of which have employed Youth Workers or Activity Officers from time to time... Friday Night can include themes or Moonlight Bowling with lots of different competitions and kitsch prizes!!
Take a digital camera and get some snaps of everyone's participation to be plastered on your notice board/youth space area!!
An affordable group oriented and fun leveler of an activity...
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Music # 8 'New Beginnings' Tracy Chapman
Lighter yet just as poignant this was a different Tracy Chapman compared to her first two well known albums... hence I suspect the title!!
'Heaven's Here On Earth', 'New Beginning', and 'Give Me One Reason' are excellent tracks on a CD still hoping for a better world.
New Beginning
The whole world's broke and it ain't worth fixing
It's time to start all over, make a new beginning
There's too much pain, too much suffering
Let's resolve to start all over make a new beginning
Now don't get me wrong - I love life and living
But when you wake up and look around at everything that's going down -
All wrong
You see we need to change it now, this world with too few happy endings
We can resolve to start all over make a new beginning
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
The world is broken into fragments and pieces
That once were joined together in a unified whole
But now too many stand alone - There's too much separation
We can resolve to come together in the new beginning
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
We can break the cycle - We can break the chain
We can start all over - In the new beginning
We can learn, we can teach
We can share the myths the dream the prayer
The notion that we can do better
Change our lives and paths
Create a new world and
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
The whole world's broke and it ain't worth fixing
It's time to start all over, make a new beginning
There's too much fighting, too little understanding
It's time to stop and start all over
Make a new beginning
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
We need to make new symbols
Make new signs
Make a new language
With these we'll define the world
And start all over
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over ...
'Heaven's Here On Earth', 'New Beginning', and 'Give Me One Reason' are excellent tracks on a CD still hoping for a better world.
New Beginning
The whole world's broke and it ain't worth fixing
It's time to start all over, make a new beginning
There's too much pain, too much suffering
Let's resolve to start all over make a new beginning
Now don't get me wrong - I love life and living
But when you wake up and look around at everything that's going down -
All wrong
You see we need to change it now, this world with too few happy endings
We can resolve to start all over make a new beginning
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
The world is broken into fragments and pieces
That once were joined together in a unified whole
But now too many stand alone - There's too much separation
We can resolve to come together in the new beginning
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
We can break the cycle - We can break the chain
We can start all over - In the new beginning
We can learn, we can teach
We can share the myths the dream the prayer
The notion that we can do better
Change our lives and paths
Create a new world and
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
The whole world's broke and it ain't worth fixing
It's time to start all over, make a new beginning
There's too much fighting, too little understanding
It's time to stop and start all over
Make a new beginning
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over
We need to make new symbols
Make new signs
Make a new language
With these we'll define the world
And start all over
Start all over
Start all over
Start all over ...
Worship Unplugged # 15 Stations of the Cross Art
Until recently Mark Pierson was pastor at Cityside Church in Auckland and Curator for eight Easter 'Stations of the Cross' Art Installations [open to the whole community for 5 days]. I've heard about these first hand at more than one of Mark's Workshops with partner in crime Mike Riddell. Both are part of an alt.worship movement known as Parrallel Universe and have been involved in Creative Arts/Missional Worship Workshops and Greenbelt Festival for many years.
Essentially the artworks are a contemporary take on parts of the Easter story and have developed a community-wide reputation and impact.
Artspaces and helping people who perceive themselves to be not-creative can be such fulfilling endeavors with the spin off that they make these spiritual themes accessible to the average punter in an experiental way.
Check out Mark's own reflections and some photos at:
www.emergingchurch.info/stories/markpierson/itisfinished.htm
A variation on this theme revolves around sacred or chapel spaces which can be created by setting up an installation/artpiece... Like a scene from a story or piece of scripture.
e.g. Adrian G and Meaghan P set up a scene for their peers at last years UCA National Youth Workers Inservice as the scene of the Last Supper... Imagine a room after a meal as if everyone present has just left... Gravy and bread crusts on plates, half full glasses, stuff on the floor etc etc with smells and lighting to set the scene and allow the visitor 'into the scene'...
Essentially the artworks are a contemporary take on parts of the Easter story and have developed a community-wide reputation and impact.
Artspaces and helping people who perceive themselves to be not-creative can be such fulfilling endeavors with the spin off that they make these spiritual themes accessible to the average punter in an experiental way.
Check out Mark's own reflections and some photos at:
www.emergingchurch.info/stories/markpierson/itisfinished.htm
A variation on this theme revolves around sacred or chapel spaces which can be created by setting up an installation/artpiece... Like a scene from a story or piece of scripture.
e.g. Adrian G and Meaghan P set up a scene for their peers at last years UCA National Youth Workers Inservice as the scene of the Last Supper... Imagine a room after a meal as if everyone present has just left... Gravy and bread crusts on plates, half full glasses, stuff on the floor etc etc with smells and lighting to set the scene and allow the visitor 'into the scene'...
Monday, June 28, 2004
Music # 7 'Diesel and Dust'
Feeling nostalgic tonight and have been a little weary driving the car this week so if in doubt pull out the best CD album I've heard [albeit U2s 'Joshua Tree' isn't far off]
'Diesel and Dust' Midnight Oil 1986/87
Inspired by a journey through central Australia and time spent in remote and traditional Aboriginal communities. The Oils thought they were doing something unique until they discovered places Slim Dusty had been visiting for 30 years.
Nevertheless, their White Fella Black Fella Tour with the Warumpi Band brought us 'Beds are Burning', 'the Dead Heart' and 'Warakurna' amongst others. Read about the journey in the book 'Strict Rules'
The combination of the Oils unique acoustic rock sound plus traditional instruments like Charlie McMahon's Didge produce a very special album of social comment on Australian society and our landscape/environment.
'Sometimes' is one of my favourite songs to see live and it closed many an Oils gig.
Beds are Burning
Out where the river broke
The bloodwood and the desert oak
Holden wrecks and boiling diesels
Steam in forty five degrees
The time has come
To say fair's fair
To pay the rent
To pay our share
The time has come
A fact's a fact
It belongs to them
Let's give it back
How can we dance when our earth is turning
How do we sleep when our beds are burning
Four wheels scare the cockatoos
From Kintore East to Yuendemu
The western desert lives and breathes
In forty five degrees
The time has come
A fact's a fact
It belongs to us all
Let's give it back)
Despite being keen to do something new 'The Oils' were encouraged and cajoled into playing this for the 2000 Sydney Olympics Closing Ceremony and that's where they wore the famous 'Sorry' suits by the designer who produced all their kitsch 80's shirts and overalls.
'Diesel and Dust' Midnight Oil 1986/87
Inspired by a journey through central Australia and time spent in remote and traditional Aboriginal communities. The Oils thought they were doing something unique until they discovered places Slim Dusty had been visiting for 30 years.
Nevertheless, their White Fella Black Fella Tour with the Warumpi Band brought us 'Beds are Burning', 'the Dead Heart' and 'Warakurna' amongst others. Read about the journey in the book 'Strict Rules'
The combination of the Oils unique acoustic rock sound plus traditional instruments like Charlie McMahon's Didge produce a very special album of social comment on Australian society and our landscape/environment.
'Sometimes' is one of my favourite songs to see live and it closed many an Oils gig.
Beds are Burning
Out where the river broke
The bloodwood and the desert oak
Holden wrecks and boiling diesels
Steam in forty five degrees
The time has come
To say fair's fair
To pay the rent
To pay our share
The time has come
A fact's a fact
It belongs to them
Let's give it back
How can we dance when our earth is turning
How do we sleep when our beds are burning
Four wheels scare the cockatoos
From Kintore East to Yuendemu
The western desert lives and breathes
In forty five degrees
The time has come
A fact's a fact
It belongs to us all
Let's give it back)
Despite being keen to do something new 'The Oils' were encouraged and cajoled into playing this for the 2000 Sydney Olympics Closing Ceremony and that's where they wore the famous 'Sorry' suits by the designer who produced all their kitsch 80's shirts and overalls.
Worship Unplugged # 14 Worship Stations
This is an EPIC worship in the sense that it encourages everyone's experience of the space to be unique, to their pace and to be an experience rather than just something led from the front and passively observed.
Set Up a Series of Worship Stations around the space where you gather. Each would have a coloured A4 sheet of instructions [laminated] on display and a collection of the necessary resources.
Give an Introduction/Call to Worship and invite people to spend time in the space engaging with those worship activities they choose:
1. CDs to listen to quietly on a Player [lyrics on a sheet]
2. Write your 'own words version' of the Lords Prayer
3. Scan a collection of magazines looking for themes, messages, context
4. Write a Prayer
5. Read and reflect on a set Bible Passage
6. Draw a picture/do some creative journaling or writing
7. Read a reflection, liturgy or prayer and respond
8. Graffiti Wall
9. Movie snippet looped and playing
10. Musical instruments for a 'jam'
11. World Map and tealights for prayer
12. Story extracts to read
13. Storybooks to read
14. Static tableau drama team... changes and refreezes over time
15. AV looping on screen
16. Create a collage using magazines, scissors, cardboard, glue and textas
17. And other ideas to fit the theme....
Set Up a Series of Worship Stations around the space where you gather. Each would have a coloured A4 sheet of instructions [laminated] on display and a collection of the necessary resources.
Give an Introduction/Call to Worship and invite people to spend time in the space engaging with those worship activities they choose:
1. CDs to listen to quietly on a Player [lyrics on a sheet]
2. Write your 'own words version' of the Lords Prayer
3. Scan a collection of magazines looking for themes, messages, context
4. Write a Prayer
5. Read and reflect on a set Bible Passage
6. Draw a picture/do some creative journaling or writing
7. Read a reflection, liturgy or prayer and respond
8. Graffiti Wall
9. Movie snippet looped and playing
10. Musical instruments for a 'jam'
11. World Map and tealights for prayer
12. Story extracts to read
13. Storybooks to read
14. Static tableau drama team... changes and refreezes over time
15. AV looping on screen
16. Create a collage using magazines, scissors, cardboard, glue and textas
17. And other ideas to fit the theme....
Worship Unplugged # 13 Eyewitness
One way to crack open a story from a new perspective is to encourage the listener/reader to explore the story as if 'through the eyes' of someone in the story. eg. a crowd, a follower, Jesus, etc Particularly focus on those on the edges or having an unusual experience. Encourage people to explore: what they saw, heard, experienced and might have felt about the experience as a way to unpack the story.
Worship Unplugged # 12 PLAYTIME continued
See below for the beginnings of this worship plan...
Around the worship space have up to four stations where items you can touch, collect, look at could be placed:
1. A bowl of sand, salt, or small rocks
2. A TV/vcr or DVD combo... not projected on the screens with relevant movie or worship footage [no audio]eg. Matrix
3. A bowl of M&Ms
4. A pile of phone notepad pages and pens/textas or crayons
On screen invitations come during the worship time to interact with any of these resources:
Run fingers through the sand reflecting on time, your past, the biblical story...
Pick up a rock and sit and reflect on its shape and texture, wonder at its story
Taste the salt as you ponder Matthew 5: 11-13
Be aware of the AV footage and answer an onscreen question
Take different coloured M&Ms to represent different kinds of prayers: thanks, confession, for others, hopes, hurts, commitments...
Write responses, questions, prayers, thoughts, hopes etc on the paper and place them amongst the symbols in the centre of the space or in an offering bowl provided.
and so it continues.....
Around the worship space have up to four stations where items you can touch, collect, look at could be placed:
1. A bowl of sand, salt, or small rocks
2. A TV/vcr or DVD combo... not projected on the screens with relevant movie or worship footage [no audio]eg. Matrix
3. A bowl of M&Ms
4. A pile of phone notepad pages and pens/textas or crayons
On screen invitations come during the worship time to interact with any of these resources:
Run fingers through the sand reflecting on time, your past, the biblical story...
Pick up a rock and sit and reflect on its shape and texture, wonder at its story
Taste the salt as you ponder Matthew 5: 11-13
Be aware of the AV footage and answer an onscreen question
Take different coloured M&Ms to represent different kinds of prayers: thanks, confession, for others, hopes, hurts, commitments...
Write responses, questions, prayers, thoughts, hopes etc on the paper and place them amongst the symbols in the centre of the space or in an offering bowl provided.
and so it continues.....
Unreliable Idea # 13 Youth Week
Australia now has a national focus on Youth Week in March/April each year where local and state governments promote a range of music, arts and participation events.
DO NOT BE THE CHURCH WHICH RUNS ITS OWN GENERIC VERSION but instead encourage your young people to enter competitions, attend events as a group and bring their perspective to the various aspects of the week.
You might work through art competition themes with them and encourage them to bring a view informed by their faith or perspective... encourage them to demonstrate an enthusiasm... give them access to a video camera for any movie competitions and/or work through and discuss their experience of Youth Week after the event. This encourages a praxis approach to faith of having an experience and then reflecting on it theologically. What themes, messages, issues emerged for them in the stories of their peers about life in their community?
www.youthweek.nsw.gov.au/index.asp
DO NOT BE THE CHURCH WHICH RUNS ITS OWN GENERIC VERSION but instead encourage your young people to enter competitions, attend events as a group and bring their perspective to the various aspects of the week.
You might work through art competition themes with them and encourage them to bring a view informed by their faith or perspective... encourage them to demonstrate an enthusiasm... give them access to a video camera for any movie competitions and/or work through and discuss their experience of Youth Week after the event. This encourages a praxis approach to faith of having an experience and then reflecting on it theologically. What themes, messages, issues emerged for them in the stories of their peers about life in their community?
www.youthweek.nsw.gov.au/index.asp
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Music # 6 'The Rising' Bruce Springsteen
Inspired by The Boss' reaction to the events of September 11, this is a powerful album [and now DVD of the Concert I believe]. Not the usual fist pumping patriotism, instead Bruce Springsteen's music is drawn from the stories and experiences of victims, survivors and families. It paints a different picture of what the day represents and provides a haunting soundtrack.
I first used 'Into the Fire' at a worship Expo together with an AV of images representing worship and as an example of reframing or in some ways juxtaposition. These are two tools for creating experiences that fit with a post modern mindset or worship possibility. i.e. a feature of post modern thinking or life is the way that clashing ideas or unusual combinations are held together in the arts, ideas and spirituality. This is fun to play with and can get people thinking. What does a song about the bravery and sacrifice of fire fighters going into a building already alight have to do with different images and ideas about worship. In a sense it was as much about the mood and depth of the music and any lyrics and that is what brought the audio-visual to life.
NOTE:
Reframing is altering the value or meaning of something by altering its context
Juxtaposition is about putting two things alongside which normally don't go together
Into the Fire
The sky was falling and streaked with blood
I heard you calling me, then you disappeared into the dust
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need your kiss, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love [repeat]
You gave your love to see, in fields of red and autumn brown
You gave your love to me and lay your young body down
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need you near, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love [repeat]
It was dark, too dark to see, you held me in the light you gave
You lay your hand on me
Then walked into the darkness of your smoky grave
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need your kiss, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love [repeat]
The sky was falling and streaked with blood
I heard you calling me, then you disappeared into the dust
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need your kiss, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love [repeat]
You gave your love to see, in fields of red and autumn brown
You gave your love to me and lay your young body down
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need you near, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love [repeat]
It was dark, too dark to see, you held me in the light you gave
You lay your hand on me
Then walked into the darkness of your smoky grave
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need your kiss, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love... [repeat]
May your love bring us love
A number of other tracks are stunning and tell the story of family waiting for someone who isn't coming home or offer visions of hope where none seems possible or sensible.
I first used 'Into the Fire' at a worship Expo together with an AV of images representing worship and as an example of reframing or in some ways juxtaposition. These are two tools for creating experiences that fit with a post modern mindset or worship possibility. i.e. a feature of post modern thinking or life is the way that clashing ideas or unusual combinations are held together in the arts, ideas and spirituality. This is fun to play with and can get people thinking. What does a song about the bravery and sacrifice of fire fighters going into a building already alight have to do with different images and ideas about worship. In a sense it was as much about the mood and depth of the music and any lyrics and that is what brought the audio-visual to life.
NOTE:
Reframing is altering the value or meaning of something by altering its context
Juxtaposition is about putting two things alongside which normally don't go together
Into the Fire
The sky was falling and streaked with blood
I heard you calling me, then you disappeared into the dust
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need your kiss, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love [repeat]
You gave your love to see, in fields of red and autumn brown
You gave your love to me and lay your young body down
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need you near, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love [repeat]
It was dark, too dark to see, you held me in the light you gave
You lay your hand on me
Then walked into the darkness of your smoky grave
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need your kiss, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love [repeat]
The sky was falling and streaked with blood
I heard you calling me, then you disappeared into the dust
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need your kiss, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love [repeat]
You gave your love to see, in fields of red and autumn brown
You gave your love to me and lay your young body down
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need you near, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love [repeat]
It was dark, too dark to see, you held me in the light you gave
You lay your hand on me
Then walked into the darkness of your smoky grave
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need your kiss, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love... [repeat]
May your love bring us love
A number of other tracks are stunning and tell the story of family waiting for someone who isn't coming home or offer visions of hope where none seems possible or sensible.
Saturday, June 26, 2004
England reign short-lived
Sun Herald Greg Growden Sunday, June 27, 2004
"A Clyde Rathbone fairytale and the exciting reality of Australia scoring six tries enabled the Wallabies to end a five-match losing streak to England and gain some relief from the World Cup final loss last year with a 36-point thrashing last night.
And Wallaby coach Eddie Jones finally achieved a victory over his long-time foe Clive Woodward.
It could not have come in more enjoyable fashion as his team played with such attacking extravagance, and an outright pursuit of tries, exciting the capacity Suncorp Stadium crowd with endless memorable moments.
While fullback Joe Roff was a standout and deserved the man-of-the-match award with a swashbuckling performance, the big star of Australia's first victory over England since 1999 was Rathbone, who was told only a few minutes before kick-off that he was in the starting line-up.
Winger Wendell Sailor damaged his hamstring during the warm-up and Rathbone was moved into the team. Queensland No.8 John Roe went onto the bench, meaning that Australia had only two back reserves - halfback Matt Henjak and utility Chris Latham."
To their credit England played expansive rugby [ran with the ball] but went sideways up against a Wallabies defense which had clearly 'run dead' in the two games against Scotland so as to not over exert or give too much away as to tactics and capabilities. With 35% of the ball they put 50 points on the reigning World Champions. As George Gregan observed, "the World Cup is over, we can't win that..." but it'll do for now!!
"A Clyde Rathbone fairytale and the exciting reality of Australia scoring six tries enabled the Wallabies to end a five-match losing streak to England and gain some relief from the World Cup final loss last year with a 36-point thrashing last night.
And Wallaby coach Eddie Jones finally achieved a victory over his long-time foe Clive Woodward.
It could not have come in more enjoyable fashion as his team played with such attacking extravagance, and an outright pursuit of tries, exciting the capacity Suncorp Stadium crowd with endless memorable moments.
While fullback Joe Roff was a standout and deserved the man-of-the-match award with a swashbuckling performance, the big star of Australia's first victory over England since 1999 was Rathbone, who was told only a few minutes before kick-off that he was in the starting line-up.
Winger Wendell Sailor damaged his hamstring during the warm-up and Rathbone was moved into the team. Queensland No.8 John Roe went onto the bench, meaning that Australia had only two back reserves - halfback Matt Henjak and utility Chris Latham."
To their credit England played expansive rugby [ran with the ball] but went sideways up against a Wallabies defense which had clearly 'run dead' in the two games against Scotland so as to not over exert or give too much away as to tactics and capabilities. With 35% of the ball they put 50 points on the reigning World Champions. As George Gregan observed, "the World Cup is over, we can't win that..." but it'll do for now!!
Music # 5 'Diamonds on the Inside' Ben Harper
The two tracks from this album which I've seen used creatively in various settings have been 'Blessed to Be a Witness' and 'Picture of Jesus'.
Blessed To Be A Witness
Corcovado parted the sky
And through the darkness
On us He shined
Crucified in stone
Still his blood is my own
Glory behold all my eyes have seen
I am blessed to be a witness
Some have flown away
And can't be with us here today
Like the hills of my home
Some have crumbled and are now gone
Gather around for today won't come again
I am blessed to be a witness
So much sorrow and pain
Still I will not live in pain
Like good questions never asked
Is wisdom wasted on the past
Only by the grace of God do I
I am blessed to be a witness
Picture of Jesus
It hangs above my altar
Like they hung Him from a cross
I keep one in my wallet
For the times I feel lost
In a wooden frame with splinters
Where my family kneels to pray
And if you listen close
You'll hear the words He used to say
I've got a picture of Jesus
In His arms so many prayers rest
We've got a picture of Jesus
And with Him we shall be forever blessed
Now it has been spoken
He would come again
But would we recognize
This king among men
There was a man in our time
His words shine bright like the sun
He tried to lift the masses
And was crucified by gun
He was a picture of Jesus
With Him so many prayers rest
He is a picture of Jesus
In His arms so many prayers rest
With Him we shall be forever blessed
Somedays have no beginning
Some days have no end
Some roads are straight and narrow
And some roads only bend
So let us say a prayer
For every living thing
Walking towards a light
From the cross of a King
We long to be a picture of Jesus
In His arms so many prayers rest
I long to be a picture of Jesus
With Him we shall be forever blessed
Both fit really well with themes around the Easter story.'Picture of Jesus' suggests a slideshow of different images both traditional and contemporary plus some modern day Jesus imagery of people incarnating his call, life and example to us in ordinary ways to call and inspire us to do/be likewise. 'Blessed to Be A Witness' is inspired by the image of Christ on Corcovado Mountain in Rio this song features a capella with Ladysmith Black Mambazo aka the backers on Paul Simon's 'Graceland'.
I have also used 'Picture' in connection with clips from the film 'Pay It Forward'. Key scenes include the classroom assignment, kids responses and kevin's answer, and his mothers discussion with the heroine addict through to the explanation of 'Pay It Forward'.
Blessed To Be A Witness
Corcovado parted the sky
And through the darkness
On us He shined
Crucified in stone
Still his blood is my own
Glory behold all my eyes have seen
I am blessed to be a witness
Some have flown away
And can't be with us here today
Like the hills of my home
Some have crumbled and are now gone
Gather around for today won't come again
I am blessed to be a witness
So much sorrow and pain
Still I will not live in pain
Like good questions never asked
Is wisdom wasted on the past
Only by the grace of God do I
I am blessed to be a witness
Picture of Jesus
It hangs above my altar
Like they hung Him from a cross
I keep one in my wallet
For the times I feel lost
In a wooden frame with splinters
Where my family kneels to pray
And if you listen close
You'll hear the words He used to say
I've got a picture of Jesus
In His arms so many prayers rest
We've got a picture of Jesus
And with Him we shall be forever blessed
Now it has been spoken
He would come again
But would we recognize
This king among men
There was a man in our time
His words shine bright like the sun
He tried to lift the masses
And was crucified by gun
He was a picture of Jesus
With Him so many prayers rest
He is a picture of Jesus
In His arms so many prayers rest
With Him we shall be forever blessed
Somedays have no beginning
Some days have no end
Some roads are straight and narrow
And some roads only bend
So let us say a prayer
For every living thing
Walking towards a light
From the cross of a King
We long to be a picture of Jesus
In His arms so many prayers rest
I long to be a picture of Jesus
With Him we shall be forever blessed
Both fit really well with themes around the Easter story.'Picture of Jesus' suggests a slideshow of different images both traditional and contemporary plus some modern day Jesus imagery of people incarnating his call, life and example to us in ordinary ways to call and inspire us to do/be likewise. 'Blessed to Be A Witness' is inspired by the image of Christ on Corcovado Mountain in Rio this song features a capella with Ladysmith Black Mambazo aka the backers on Paul Simon's 'Graceland'.
I have also used 'Picture' in connection with clips from the film 'Pay It Forward'. Key scenes include the classroom assignment, kids responses and kevin's answer, and his mothers discussion with the heroine addict through to the explanation of 'Pay It Forward'.
Friday, June 25, 2004
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Worship Unplugged # 12 PLAYTIME
Well,
I'm going to start a regular bit here about what I'd put together as a worship experience given the chance to remove most of the expectations of others....
Scene:
Clear a space in the room for an 'in the round' set up
Add [4] cloth sheet screens held up/suspended with a length of timber along the top
Set up data projectors to rear project for each screen [or use a slide projector too]
Surround the space with a few desklamps shining on the wall outwards or the floor
Organise an ambient playlist on the laptop mediaplayer
Down light
Have a collection of symbols on the centre
Fill the floor space with rugs and cushions
Use 2 of the 4 screens for slideshow pictures
Use the other two for instructions; input etc
Build instructions for prayer, conversation, music etc into the AVs on show
The theme should be a life issue and how we might respond or support others in doing so
There is no MC/Leader needed
The instructions on screen and music guide us through the planned experience
It involves good coffee/drinks and quality warm food available throughout
The music is a mix of REM, Sting, Sarah McLachlan, U2, the Oils, and Brian Eno
Well, thats a START
More details as we go... OR it might change completely... look out the next place I'm booked to be!!
I'm going to start a regular bit here about what I'd put together as a worship experience given the chance to remove most of the expectations of others....
Scene:
Clear a space in the room for an 'in the round' set up
Add [4] cloth sheet screens held up/suspended with a length of timber along the top
Set up data projectors to rear project for each screen [or use a slide projector too]
Surround the space with a few desklamps shining on the wall outwards or the floor
Organise an ambient playlist on the laptop mediaplayer
Down light
Have a collection of symbols on the centre
Fill the floor space with rugs and cushions
Use 2 of the 4 screens for slideshow pictures
Use the other two for instructions; input etc
Build instructions for prayer, conversation, music etc into the AVs on show
The theme should be a life issue and how we might respond or support others in doing so
There is no MC/Leader needed
The instructions on screen and music guide us through the planned experience
It involves good coffee/drinks and quality warm food available throughout
The music is a mix of REM, Sting, Sarah McLachlan, U2, the Oils, and Brian Eno
Well, thats a START
More details as we go... OR it might change completely... look out the next place I'm booked to be!!
Winner of Best Picture 2004 [Palm d'Or] at Cannes Film Festival this latest documentary from Michael Moore explores how members of the Bin Laden Family could be flown around the US and out of the country in the days after 9/11 when all air traffic was grounded. How did business and family connections effect the decisionmaking and actions of President Bush at that time? These are not state secrets as the events and allegations were carried by national and regional mainstream daily newspapers in the US at the time. Michael Moore is as always provocative and subjective, but makes his point!
"One of the most controversial and provocative films of the year, Fahrenheit 9/11 is Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore's searing examination of the Bush administration's actions in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11. With his characteristic humor and dogged commitment to uncovering the facts, Moore considers the presidency of George W. Bush and where it has led us. He looks at how - and why - Bush and his inner circle avoided pursuing the Saudi connection to 9/11, despite the fact that 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudis and Saudi money had funded Al Qaeda. Fahrenheit 9/11 shows us a nation kept in constant fear by FBI alerts and lulled into accepting a piece of legislation, the USA Patriot Act, that infringes on basic civil rights. It is in this atmosphere of confusion, suspicion and dread that the Bush Administration makes its headlong rush towards war in Iraq - and Fahrenheit 9/11 takes us inside that war to tell the stories we haven't heard, illustrating the awful human cost to U.S. soldiers and their families. Due for release in Australia later in 2004"
Moore was his usual uncomfortable yet compelling self on the Late Show with David Letterman last week.
www.fahrenheit911.com for lots of links and a trailer
www.michaelmoore.com
"One of the most controversial and provocative films of the year, Fahrenheit 9/11 is Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore's searing examination of the Bush administration's actions in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11. With his characteristic humor and dogged commitment to uncovering the facts, Moore considers the presidency of George W. Bush and where it has led us. He looks at how - and why - Bush and his inner circle avoided pursuing the Saudi connection to 9/11, despite the fact that 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudis and Saudi money had funded Al Qaeda. Fahrenheit 9/11 shows us a nation kept in constant fear by FBI alerts and lulled into accepting a piece of legislation, the USA Patriot Act, that infringes on basic civil rights. It is in this atmosphere of confusion, suspicion and dread that the Bush Administration makes its headlong rush towards war in Iraq - and Fahrenheit 9/11 takes us inside that war to tell the stories we haven't heard, illustrating the awful human cost to U.S. soldiers and their families. Due for release in Australia later in 2004"
Moore was his usual uncomfortable yet compelling self on the Late Show with David Letterman last week.
www.fahrenheit911.com for lots of links and a trailer
www.michaelmoore.com
Esther MY HERO!
Sydney Morning Herald June
Madonna may have undergone a few image shifts during her tumultuous career - but now she wants to be called Esther. The Material Girl was inspired to take on a new name by her study of Jewish mysticism known as Kabbalah. But in an interview broadcast in the US, she also paints a picture of a normal home life, with messy children and marital tiffs.
"Even my children have to clean up their mess, clean up their rooms," she said. "Manners, thank you, please, take your dishes to the sink. I mean... Gratitude, being grateful, that is, that has to happen. "If it's traditional to be a decent human being, then I'm traditional," she told American ABC News. Less traditional is her tidiness mantra for her children: "Pick up your s--t."
Madonna and her husband, film director Guy Ritchie, have a son together, four-year-old Rocco, and Madonna has a seven-year-old daughter, Lourdes, from her previous relationship with her former personal trainer, Carlos Leon. She said the best thing about growing older was "getting smarter". The key to a successful marriage is "learning to apologise", she said. She also told of her and Ritchie's ritual after she has had a tough stage performance - she takes a bath and he comes and chats about his day.
The interview showed a mature Madonna who has put her wild days behind her. She said she prays every day. She admitted: "I brought a lot of chaos to people's lives, because of my selfish behavior." But despite being a mother and children's author she insists that being a rebel is still good.
She said Kabbalah is "incredibly punk rock" and anti-establishment. "Kabbalists believe in immortality. They believe that you can overcome death, overcome illness, whatever, so, it's incredibly good to be a rebel," she said. And she told that she had taken on the Hebrew name Esther. "I was named after my mother. My mother died when she was very young, of cancer, and I wanted to attach myself to another name," she said. "This is in no way a negation of who my mother is. I wanted to attach myself to the energy of a different name."
Its yet another fascinating example of spirituality explored outside the mainstream church. Is it selfishly crafting a faith in the image of who we wish we were? Rejection of organised religion? Valid self expression with a sense of 'the other/transcendent'? AND what can you and I learn from modern movements or expressions of faith which might shape our futures as part of a community of people called Christians gathering in something like what we might define as 'church'.
Esther as Cheryl, an esteemed colleague from Victoria noted, is an interesting choice... wonder why?
As an aside has anybody read either of Madonna/Esther' childrens books... 'Mr Peabody's Apples' is a terrific story about the power of 'gossip' or spreading untruths about others and the damage this trade in heresay can cause!! Beautifully illustrated too!
Madonna may have undergone a few image shifts during her tumultuous career - but now she wants to be called Esther. The Material Girl was inspired to take on a new name by her study of Jewish mysticism known as Kabbalah. But in an interview broadcast in the US, she also paints a picture of a normal home life, with messy children and marital tiffs.
"Even my children have to clean up their mess, clean up their rooms," she said. "Manners, thank you, please, take your dishes to the sink. I mean... Gratitude, being grateful, that is, that has to happen. "If it's traditional to be a decent human being, then I'm traditional," she told American ABC News. Less traditional is her tidiness mantra for her children: "Pick up your s--t."
Madonna and her husband, film director Guy Ritchie, have a son together, four-year-old Rocco, and Madonna has a seven-year-old daughter, Lourdes, from her previous relationship with her former personal trainer, Carlos Leon. She said the best thing about growing older was "getting smarter". The key to a successful marriage is "learning to apologise", she said. She also told of her and Ritchie's ritual after she has had a tough stage performance - she takes a bath and he comes and chats about his day.
The interview showed a mature Madonna who has put her wild days behind her. She said she prays every day. She admitted: "I brought a lot of chaos to people's lives, because of my selfish behavior." But despite being a mother and children's author she insists that being a rebel is still good.
She said Kabbalah is "incredibly punk rock" and anti-establishment. "Kabbalists believe in immortality. They believe that you can overcome death, overcome illness, whatever, so, it's incredibly good to be a rebel," she said. And she told that she had taken on the Hebrew name Esther. "I was named after my mother. My mother died when she was very young, of cancer, and I wanted to attach myself to another name," she said. "This is in no way a negation of who my mother is. I wanted to attach myself to the energy of a different name."
Its yet another fascinating example of spirituality explored outside the mainstream church. Is it selfishly crafting a faith in the image of who we wish we were? Rejection of organised religion? Valid self expression with a sense of 'the other/transcendent'? AND what can you and I learn from modern movements or expressions of faith which might shape our futures as part of a community of people called Christians gathering in something like what we might define as 'church'.
Esther as Cheryl, an esteemed colleague from Victoria noted, is an interesting choice... wonder why?
As an aside has anybody read either of Madonna/Esther' childrens books... 'Mr Peabody's Apples' is a terrific story about the power of 'gossip' or spreading untruths about others and the damage this trade in heresay can cause!! Beautifully illustrated too!
Worship Unplugged # 11 One Small Barking Dog
Jonny Baker reminds me that osbd.org has some great Video/DVD and still Picture resources for worship. There are also links to other parts of the UK alt.worship networks.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Micah 6: 6-8
What does God require of us? What kind of worship should we offer?
Normally resistant to short quoted sections of scripture... which can be made to say all kinds of things... this brief segment from the Book of Micah in the Old Testament continues to crop up and challenge me in all kinds of ways and all kinds of settings.
Micah suggests that the kind of worship God asked people for was:
TO DO JUSTICE
TO LOVE MERCY
AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH GOD
I reckon this translates pretty well into today's setting...
The answer to the question is the same!!
That our worship ought to be represented in how we actually live our lives each day...
Worship involves action, integrity, real life situations!
Its about a connection or relationship with God
Its about a focus on the needs and interests of others
It is not, the social gospel or a justice freak distortion of scripture BUT a mainstream appeal for people to match their faith and their lives in committed action!!
A spin off to this would be a question about how we should pray... And I reckon the answer is the same!!
That our best prayer is lived out in action... As people of hope, living in community, sharing faith and questions, concerned and active for change in places where we can make a difference... Or wear ourselves out trying!!
Personally I find it inspiring when I hear about people successfully doing this:
UCATSA students turning up to rallies
Friends being there for others
People of integrity going in to try to reinvent politics
Gifted and talented people giving their time for training and mentoring others
Leaders who work hard to be genuinely 'inclusive' with others... Not just talking about it!!
What else might it mean?
NOT attending worship as a duty
NOT crapping on about sexuality and leadership for its own sake
NOT being apathetic
NOT blaming someone or something else
BUT
Taking control of things I can change
Making regular prayer time to stop and reflect on how I'm doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God
Normally resistant to short quoted sections of scripture... which can be made to say all kinds of things... this brief segment from the Book of Micah in the Old Testament continues to crop up and challenge me in all kinds of ways and all kinds of settings.
Micah suggests that the kind of worship God asked people for was:
TO DO JUSTICE
TO LOVE MERCY
AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH GOD
I reckon this translates pretty well into today's setting...
The answer to the question is the same!!
That our worship ought to be represented in how we actually live our lives each day...
Worship involves action, integrity, real life situations!
Its about a connection or relationship with God
Its about a focus on the needs and interests of others
It is not, the social gospel or a justice freak distortion of scripture BUT a mainstream appeal for people to match their faith and their lives in committed action!!
A spin off to this would be a question about how we should pray... And I reckon the answer is the same!!
That our best prayer is lived out in action... As people of hope, living in community, sharing faith and questions, concerned and active for change in places where we can make a difference... Or wear ourselves out trying!!
Personally I find it inspiring when I hear about people successfully doing this:
UCATSA students turning up to rallies
Friends being there for others
People of integrity going in to try to reinvent politics
Gifted and talented people giving their time for training and mentoring others
Leaders who work hard to be genuinely 'inclusive' with others... Not just talking about it!!
What else might it mean?
NOT attending worship as a duty
NOT crapping on about sexuality and leadership for its own sake
NOT being apathetic
NOT blaming someone or something else
BUT
Taking control of things I can change
Making regular prayer time to stop and reflect on how I'm doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God
Monday, June 21, 2004
Worship Unplugged # 10 EPIC Worship
The reality of our western society and worldview is that we live in postmodern times.
[We could insert links here to literally hundreds of articles, authors, websites]
What does this mean... If you're still reading this post you would get the basics that for younger/many people in our society:
*There is skepticism about the idea of absolute truth [which I think is more a skepticism about anyone claiming to have hold of 'the truth']
*This effects peoples perspectives on meta narratives [big overarching stories]ie. If that works for you that's OK for you... I see it differently [or] as long as you're not trying to 'shove it down my throat'.
*Institutions are mistrusted or questioned as to their relevance and so the church is not central to society but more a minority activity on the fringes
*Interestingly though, the last National Church Life Survey highlighted 12% of the population who had tried to 'get into' a church at some time over a five year period and had failed.
*There is an obvious hunger for spirituality and its experiences its just that many would be surprised to hear that the church might be a place to go and foster it.
Leonard Sweet and others have tried to point to the kind of worship required for people from the current younger western generations and uses the acronyms EPIC!!
E = experiential
P = participatory
I = interactivity or image driven
C = connectedness or community
E is about the vibe, feel or experience of God or faith... Not just intellectual propositions or passive participation. Most often this opens up non-linear worship [ie. Not necessarily enter, hear, respond, sent but a more organic development out of life related`experiences and activity]
P means involvement of a range of people in visioning, planning and leadership of experiences. Paid or ordained leaders become facilitators of others gifts and skills.
I reminds us about being a visual culture where the 15 minute 3 points and story homily is one limited method of conveying information in relation to the Word of God.
C recognises that its real connections in relationships with integrity, not just appeals to commitment.
'pumphouse' will continue to be a place where EPIC ideas and possibilities are explored. We don't have all the answers now nor is all the argument and persuasion as to its importance contained here!!
The good news is that EPIC:
*affirms the power and role of good stories
*relates to a generation who don't know the Christian meta-narrative rather than one which has rejected it
*is creative and engaging
*is limited only by your definition of worship and your imagination within that
*tradition is not the problem... empty unexplained practice is...
www.leonardsweet.com
www.epictivity.com
[We could insert links here to literally hundreds of articles, authors, websites]
What does this mean... If you're still reading this post you would get the basics that for younger/many people in our society:
*There is skepticism about the idea of absolute truth [which I think is more a skepticism about anyone claiming to have hold of 'the truth']
*This effects peoples perspectives on meta narratives [big overarching stories]ie. If that works for you that's OK for you... I see it differently [or] as long as you're not trying to 'shove it down my throat'.
*Institutions are mistrusted or questioned as to their relevance and so the church is not central to society but more a minority activity on the fringes
*Interestingly though, the last National Church Life Survey highlighted 12% of the population who had tried to 'get into' a church at some time over a five year period and had failed.
*There is an obvious hunger for spirituality and its experiences its just that many would be surprised to hear that the church might be a place to go and foster it.
Leonard Sweet and others have tried to point to the kind of worship required for people from the current younger western generations and uses the acronyms EPIC!!
E = experiential
P = participatory
I = interactivity or image driven
C = connectedness or community
E is about the vibe, feel or experience of God or faith... Not just intellectual propositions or passive participation. Most often this opens up non-linear worship [ie. Not necessarily enter, hear, respond, sent but a more organic development out of life related`experiences and activity]
P means involvement of a range of people in visioning, planning and leadership of experiences. Paid or ordained leaders become facilitators of others gifts and skills.
I reminds us about being a visual culture where the 15 minute 3 points and story homily is one limited method of conveying information in relation to the Word of God.
C recognises that its real connections in relationships with integrity, not just appeals to commitment.
'pumphouse' will continue to be a place where EPIC ideas and possibilities are explored. We don't have all the answers now nor is all the argument and persuasion as to its importance contained here!!
The good news is that EPIC:
*affirms the power and role of good stories
*relates to a generation who don't know the Christian meta-narrative rather than one which has rejected it
*is creative and engaging
*is limited only by your definition of worship and your imagination within that
*tradition is not the problem... empty unexplained practice is...
www.leonardsweet.com
www.epictivity.com
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Unreliable Idea # 12 Five Fivers for Fred
The Fred Hollows Foundation carries on some amazing work. Fred's pioneering work in eye surgery, aboriginal health and factories and doctors in places like Eritrea are amazing. We talk a lot about the miraculous in Christian circles... imagine being able to offer someone the gift of sight for $25!! Groups could raise significant funds through a dinner, cake stall, door knock, simple meal reflection time and/or a guessing competition. Especially if these efforts target people in the wider community!!
Do the action and then offer the group reflection on what they have done...
http://www.hollows.org/
Do the action and then offer the group reflection on what they have done...
http://www.hollows.org/
Von Dutch Trucker Hats
If I see two more people walking around Sydney in 'Von Dutch' caps I'll bang their heads together!! Fancy something made so popular by Paris Hilton and Britney Spears taking off amongst the male population of Sydney-town. Actually the brown corduroy looks good... I'll be back!!
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Row M Seat 30 # 5 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner from Azkaban
In this third instalment Cauron [Director] and his screenwriter take some shortcuts from JK Rowlings book and I feel whilst it deals well with some themes and issues the story is flatter as a result!
Harry, Ron and Hermione [alongside Malfoy] are thrown into dealing with all the adolescent issues of turning thirteen. They are learning new powers and dealing with the impending struggles that will result.
Professors Lupin and Trelawney [Emma Thompson is a scream]are well cast and well played.
Sacrifice, mercy and the challenge of becoming familiar with your fears are the themes of this story. Harry is comforted and inspired to learn the truth about fugitive Sirius Black [his godfather], to understand more about the sacrifice of his parents and to experience the saving graces of his friends.
All in all a good story with brilliant special effects [a Zemeckis trademark]. Bring on the next instalment!!
www.harrypotter.warnerbros.com
Harry, Ron and Hermione [alongside Malfoy] are thrown into dealing with all the adolescent issues of turning thirteen. They are learning new powers and dealing with the impending struggles that will result.
Professors Lupin and Trelawney [Emma Thompson is a scream]are well cast and well played.
Sacrifice, mercy and the challenge of becoming familiar with your fears are the themes of this story. Harry is comforted and inspired to learn the truth about fugitive Sirius Black [his godfather], to understand more about the sacrifice of his parents and to experience the saving graces of his friends.
All in all a good story with brilliant special effects [a Zemeckis trademark]. Bring on the next instalment!!
www.harrypotter.warnerbros.com
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