Getting Ready for Lent One 9th March at Scone

"Alienation" Silvia Carpizo

They blocked my lyrics version but,
This most likely won't be the song I choose to use in Scone,
But this...
will be... with lyrics only onscreen...



"Bad" by U2 but performed by LUKA BLOOM

If you twist and turn away If you tear yourself in two again

If I could, yes I would If I could, I would Let it go

Surrender Dislocate

If I could throw this Lifeless lifeline to the wind

Leave this heart of clay See you walk, walk away

Into the night And through the rain

Into the half-light And through the flame

If I could through myself Set your spirit free

I'd lead your heart away See you break, break away

Into the light And to the day

To let it go And so to fade away

To let it go And so fade away

I'm wide awake I'm wide awake Wide awake

I'm not sleeping Oh, no, no, no

If you should ask then maybe they'd Tell you what I would say

True colors fly in blue and black Bruised silken sky and burning flag

Colors crash, collide in blood shot eyes

If I could, you know I would If I could, I would

Let it go...

This desperation Dislocation Separation Condemnation

Revelation In temptation Isolation

Desolation Let it go

And so fade away To let it go…

I'm wide awake I'm wide awake Wide awake

I'm not sleeping Oh, no, no, no

   I'm taking a thought from Walter Brueggemann about alienation and reconciliation, from Sarah Dylan Brauer about what the 'temptation' story is not about and as ever inspired by Bill Loader's focus on broader questions beyond the patronising western preoccupation reducing stuff to personal morality. Personal morality is important but it's so often not the focus of 'the story.'

Instead, this is a story about alienation from God, felt, experienced, questioning isolation that calls us to reflection and action to 'get involved' in God's mission where it emerges, mostly on the edges of who we are as community...

Anyhow, I'm now trying not to cheapen that through some crafty but irrelevant symbol... instead making a space for people to really engage... makes me tired just thinking about it...

Black, grey, leaves, charcoal, white pencils... cloth, images... hmmnn...

Will let that sit for a day or two

Taking time to gather, write, pray... "Melancholy and the Infinite Sadness" by Smashing Pumpkins as a timing soundtrack... 

OR NOT, and I'll be thinking, if only this was an installation in a deserted shopfront in Hunter St Newcastle or...

More than Enough - Asylum Seeker Shoe Campaign

Or 'why did I send a pair of Shoes to Hon. Scott Morrison MP?'

   With both major political parties in Oz pandering to the 'lowest common denominator' policy of deterring 'boats' at any cost, we now have a group of desperate people 'locked up' in Manus Island Detention Centre in less than ideal conditions. They are the face of everything that's wrong with this country's current answers to the challenging questions of a global refugee problem.

   It's hard to know what to do as it's clear that no narrative, no individual story and with respect, no candlight vigil alone will bring change. I think frustrated venting and lengthy despair driven advice to the government on Facebook is the beginning of the end for that form of social media as young people head elsewhere to connect.

   Then came this idea that Amnesty International had identified a 'lack of shoes' as one negative in people's experience on Manus Island. There are recreation opportunities and bush walking which could relieve fears and stress. You can't participate without proper shoes. Detainees do receive thongs/flip flops!! No need to send your Havianas!!

   So responding to a great idea you can read all about here I decided to choose a relatively new pair of my shoes I could send to The Minister so he can pass them on to someone at Manus Island. I hope lots of people I know will do the same NOW!! It cost me $10.95 in a shoe box but they sell the equivalent boxes at the Post Office!! The other reason I sent the shoes is...

 
Matthew 25:35-40 (NRSV)

³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ ³⁷ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? ³⁸ And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? ³⁹ And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ ⁴⁰ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,^[a] you did it to me.’

I believe 'another world is possible' and it's values and ethos are taught and lived out by a young man who was himself a refugee. Who lived and told stories of grace and compassion, who called us to do likewise and who dreamed of communities where people could find refuge, resilience, hope and inclusion.

   Can you spare a pair of shoes [or buy a pair of average sized Dunlop Volleys or as 'no sweat shop' a pair as you are able to find and post them to the Minister for Immigration at the address listed on the FB Page... share your story and a pic on that page if you can...

Address Mail to:
The Hon. Scott Morrison
Po Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Maybe whole groups of young people could be informed, engaed and motivated to join in and take opportunity to reflect on their action and how that can be part of a faithful response to the values they choose to live by and whose example they follow!!

Wrong Worship ?

I'd actually forgotten I had a copy of this...

U2 Full Performance on the Tonight Show

U2 Start Up Jimmy Fallon

"Fox on the Run" The Sweet released 1975

I was in Year 8 and others may be familiar with "Ballroom Blitz"!! They are touring... good grief!!

"Invisible" U2

   Something many people wish U2 were... yet they continue to strive to outlive their own hype [self created or otherwise] in search of a better world for those who most need it!!

Superbowl Ads 2014

Although ESPN itself has some great new TV adverts for their coverage, the creatives get busy every year with some great ads for the Superbowl NFL American Football Grand Final... check them out here...
http://www.superbowl-commercials.org/

U2 'Invisible' 24hr free download

http://smarturl.it/Connect4Red #U2 Invisible

   With a new album out 'sometime' this year U2 have combined in a partnership with ( RED ) and Bank of America to donate a dollar a download for each free iTunes download of their new song 'Invisible' in the 24hrs from the American NFL Superbowl today... go to iTunes to download... it looks like it'll raise $8 million for anti poverty and HIV AIDS prevention...

Do it whether or not you like the song... but it is great!!

Where are they Now? #01 Patrick Moberg and Camille Hayton

Where are they Now #01?
In the temporary world that is the viral internet, lots of people experience Andy Warhols now overused expression '15mins of fame'
Does anyone know where this guy is now.....
He is the young man who saw 'the girl of his dreams' on the subway and found her by sharing his sketch online. They met and explored a relationship, remaining friends... where is he now? Like and share and let's see what happens? Patrick Moberg and Camille Hayton... where are you now?

http://www.nygirlofmydreams.com/