What I would have done!!

Some of my reader/s will know that over the last year plus, our state body in the Uniting Church has been working on the latest [most urgent] attempt to reshape in the face of increasing challenges and decreasing resources. There were 'special disbursements' due to previous share market dividends, courageous decisions to spend bequests and to recognise that if some resources were 'for a rainy day' then it's friggin' pouring... the particularly galling 3 years of budget cuts to create a circuit breaker pool of funds to reorder how they were spent... and now the merger of our Boards of Mission and Education... meaning more than a dozen jobs end in December 2011 and a handful will be reshaped and advertised [sometime].

Affirmations or Givens:
- All these things are honest attempts by committed people to meet the challenges of our current context as a church shrinking and stuttering at engaging in God's mission in the world in 21st C ways
- Both Boards leadership has been telling our decisionmaking bodies for at least three years that a solution was needed and none was forthcoming from those bodies
- A Board Merger was 'almost inevitable' in the circumstances
- What's been planned offers a chance to break the mould of our incrementally changed former roles, Units and groups who all laboured hard to stay relevant and to address the real issues in our regions, congregations and how we fund our mission and discipleship
- After 11 years in my own current role it was time to look elsewhere anyhow BUT some plans had been considered and the timing was set to best allow good decisions around a hosting of our national youth event NCYC [or not] and that's been compromised
- The full positive potential for the merger has been limited by the 'non negotiables' which came into the idea once talks began. Creative ideas to value add to some of those areas were heard as something other than ideas of focusing the work so jobs that have been lost might have maintained some edge but been added to those ongoing areas.
- Some resources which could be diverted have been seen as not part of the equation as they don't 'cost' but instead the question could be 'are they a priority' or is that the best way to reflect this missional priority and could the resources be used differently on what things are a priority
-2011 is the year of the ticking clock for myself and all my colleagues and some around us are clueless, incapable or not interested in the personal cost of these journeys. Others are endlessly supportive and we all know God is at work in all the mess, creativity and possibilities.

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN BETTER
A proposal had developed alongside merger talks for a wider strategic review and I for one believe the 'wider' is important but that this review was not necessarily the right one. I said so to whoever asked, would listen or on bodies I participate in who asked these questions. I have also been active in the merger process when we've been asked for ideas and even see some of those concepts in the current plan... SO... I feel able to reflect and comment and mean no criticism to any group who've been trying to do what's been asked of them...

BUT,
We need a 'mission review' across the life of our mission field, the Synod of NSW/ACT. Not a structural review, but a discussion about who we are and why... to the point of practical resourcing...
A Steering Group could/should design consultation/s with local and regional stakeholders who come together for a facilitated discussion which doesn't ask 'what do you want to grab?' or what have you been unhappy about but draws us back to questions of 'who God is calling us to be in this place or places at this time?" OR 'where do we see God active in our communities that we are called to participate in and what wider resourcing would enhance that effort?'
Personally I would design a one day process for dealing with our annual Synod meeting business and devote the rest of the time to including that meeting as one consultation and then the following time it could work through some practical outcomes focused decision making. A Consultant and Team would drive the process towards a picture of our call, priorities, non priorities and then resourcing and institutional frameworks could be set up and reshaped accordingly...
Such a process would take seriously 'the five marks of mission,' the extent and need of our property resources and where we hold capital and property which could be sold and invested in missional activity.
This current context calls for changed institutional arrangements and we've been making small steps around funding focus, breaking open grants and special projects, regional generosity and use of the sales proceeds from property... are we up to the bigger stuff now. The one certainty is 'change' and the rest is about how we meet the adaptive challenges it presents. A 'ground up' consultation process is less about a large institution trying to reshape itself and more about individuals and groups envisaging what we need the monolith to do so what shape is needed becomes clearer. Previous Presbytery/Synod dialogues have by all reports been a blamefest and a standoff... we can no longer afford this...
The trouble is none of this is easy or orderly so people will be displaced either way. This idea is about asking who we are and whose we are, from big picture through to concerete arrangements. Others better at organisational structures than me could design central and regional resourcing to meet the plan. Maybe we could even include the voices from our 'growing edges' of: non anglo groups; young adults looking for new forms of church; and a few larger contemporary groups as we grapple with what that means across the theological spectrum.
To date the oft chanted criticism of our synod decisionmaking [that it's top heavy with employed leaders] could for this instance be true in some spheres where the problems have been examined... simply going ground up without a good process is no better.
Second lastly, we should adopt the Parramatta-Nepean approach of a fifty year plan... some find it amusing or befuddling... I think it's the only way to go.... we make the same kinds of cases for infrastructure and public transport in NSW and it doesn't have our contextual issues, mostly just funding pressures... that we have in common!!
Lastly for this post, these are the crazy thoughts that fill my sleepless and restless head... nothing more, nothing less... so perhaps more clarity will emerge in future posts... Anyhow, I'm just thinking out loud... a dangerous thing usually!!

Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan

Unbelievable!! After all the floods and Cyclone Yasi, the Christchurch earthquake and the wave of violence across the Middle East and Arab world comes the devastation in Japan!! The images were destructive and disturbing as whole towns were washed away and left a number missing in the ten thouands... prayers, thoughts and national resources are with the people of Japan as the stuff of CGI movies comes to life in their backyards...

Those looking for worship resources could start here at Text Week

Book Crossing

A guest on local ABC 702 radio here in Oz was tonight talking about sustainable living, community and sharing resources. As well as agreeing that bike helmets were the downfall of Melbourne's 'bike share' project he mentioned a website and idea called 'Book Crossing' which has a website here

The basic idea is to share your books by registering on the website and putting a Book Crossing ID [BCID] sticker in the book. After you've read the book you could leave it: on a train; at the shops; in a park etc. If anyone picks it up they might register the code on the website and you could follow your books journey across the country and perhaps the world.

iPad 2

In a rare moment of responsible purchasing I have been saving a few dollars here and there in a jar while impatiently waiting for the rumoured launch of the updated iPad 2 and this time it's been worth the wait with a hopeful date of March 25th and not delays until May [we wait to see the reality!!].

Having trialled the boss' original for uses, apps and limitations it has a few of all of these but would still be a useful tool beyond the 'iPhone on steroids' call and not quite Macbook niche!!

I'll use it for AV stuff, notes, meetings, calendar and on the spot web stuff I can't read so well on the phone... bring it on!!

Check it out here

Christchurch Earthquake

Thoughts and prayers are with all those effected by the devastating earthquake in Christchurch NZ this week... it's not a time for lots of words and yet it's a reminder that we as humanity are kidding ourselves to think we are 'in charge'... and... yet also sees us at our best responding by helping, listening and praying!!

I'm mindful of colleagues/friends and their sense of 'loss of place' being here in Oz when this is all happening!!

Radiohead 'The King of Limbs'

My [what's the right word?] 'deep thinking'/sanguine/reflective... friends will be excitedly clearing their schedule and putting on the brand new music from 'Radiohead'!!

Here's a taster for the new album!!

"Lent Event" 2011

"Lent Event" is a brilliant and inspired story of one person's idea being supported and encouraged by a faith community's key leaders as God's activity in [and desire for] the world finding a way to be exercised. The idea is to breathe life into the faith practice of 'giving up...' for Lent and by living simply in some way, give the money saved to change lives somewhere in the world where that's needed... in fact through a few chosen projects!!

Lent is that period from Ash Wednesday through to Easter Sunday [40 days not counting Sundays] and encourages a time of reflection and preparation.

I particularly like the part of the story where the Uniting Church expression of partnerships with churches across the world known as 'Uniting World' quickly sees the inspired nature of this and joins the project of one person after hundreds of churches and thousands of individuals have signed up.

The other aspect of Lent Event are the resources for worship or personal reflection which resource your time... get onboard by checking it out here.

Contextual Tools for Ministry and Mission

There's a lot of focus these days [wisely] on 'contextual tools for ministry' and only certain writing, workshops and focus available. I think much of this comes from it's intuitive nature, context being local and diverse by definition, the need for experiments and a rapidly changing context. After some time 'banging on' about the need to take the context seriously, no wonder those convinced are looking for access to the 'how to' or at least measuring their own hunches... This post is about my 'thinking out loud' about general tools and some things specific to my context and will of course later be contradicted, retracted and corrected by smart people... so it's provisional, but...

'Tools'

1. Reading

I/you cannot avoid the need at some point to read stuff by people who have wisdom to offer in this whole area. Even skimming ideas you test out in your context is a start but like being exposed to missional thinking and then finally reading David Bosch who inspired so many to explore, it's good to go to the seminal source and hear where those echoes came from.

'The Shaping of Things to Come' Frost/Hirsch is not a bad place to start because there's stuff there: to agree and disagree with; original stories; and stuff poached from people who know what they're on about. It's just one example.

2. Listening, listening, listening [what Steve Taylor calls] 'in your local...'

For me that includes: the newsagent; pub; school playground with other waiting parents; in the media; and on radio. Where is the intersection between your faith communities desire to be servants and the hurts and hopes of the community around you?

I heard a news item last night about an urging that community organisations consider 'healthy breakfast programs' in every school in NSW... what an invitation to church's to offer this ministry to their local schools as a visible symbol of their hospitality and desire to helpfully serve and care!!

3. Reading newspapers and magazines

There are endless stories, spin and community issues canvassed in the newspapers etc... things you'll worry about, disagree with or take onboard for exploring further. I store up an tremendous ammount of trivia, gossip, and factoids alongside news stories but later when I'm reading someone's take on our context/culture/s I can test whether I've seen evidence of what they say in the media or in my listening/observing. About 2-3 years ago I recall [3] newspaper stories within one week which prompted an email to a community of faith nearby:

- One was a story about local residents taking matters into their own hands and organising crews to do weekend graffiti clean up and making a point that this included a range of senior citizens. I sent an email wondering if the local Uniting Church could see itself organising sandwiches for lunches to offer the participants... just a thought...

- The second was about a local girl organising an 18th birthday party where the Function Centre cancelled the booking at the 11th hour. Another local congregation had purchased a former function centre building and I wondered if they might be able to offer a venue.

- Thirdly, a Hunter Valley man was ready to move on/donate his expansive Elvis memorabilia collection then housed at the local Leagues Club. Aware of the Parkes 'Elvis' Festival I wondered if the locals might like to do what they could to broker a move to Parkes alongside the growing collection of Greg Page [the original Yellow Wiggle]... you'd augment the gospel jazz worship and develop a healthy reputation 'on the community grapevine' [Kennon Callahan]

None of these progressed but that's not the point... 'it's not rocket science!'

4. Reading [again] blogs, research

In ministry with young people the Aussie Christian Research Association did great work on Gen Y and even the split team who wrote seperate books provides a good contrast to explore.
I reckon one blog leads to another, so start with 'Rethinking Youth Ministry'

5. TV 'behind the news'

Programs like the Aussie Network TEN '7pm Project' and many others [e.g. Triple J 'Hack' orABC 'The Drum' ] take a longer and 'behind the story' view of many issues, trends and events. Always compare and contrast media stories, test research and 'listen' to check whether stuff is 'on the money' or just banging on e.g. Father Bob and Ruby Rose spend a day at Melbourne's BIG DAY OUT here

6. ARIA Music Charts or equivalent

Finally too old to wade through many of the current music shows on TV the actual charts are helpful in sourcing music which addresses issues, perspectives and questions that are out there.

They are often addressing issues simply not canvassed elsewhere and help open them up with groups in worship, Bible Study and group work generally... here's a recent example... adding to a Bible Study but making room for punters to 'make meaning' themselves.

“Plans”

We made plans to kiss the sun at night

Hopeless dreamers, hopeless types

Shedding skin you show your beauty scars

Don't forget me or who you are

You know this don't feel right Who knows what we feel?

I just met you I can read your thoughts

What they tell me is what I want

I'll keep you guessing keep you wanting more

'Cos where we're going no one knows

You know this don't feel right

Who knows this could feel right

I just met you, I swear I read your thoughts

So don't forget me or what you want

Light up the stage, make your move, give me something

So I can dance in your light and to your rhythm

Soon it unfolds who we are in this masquerade of stars

Tear off the mask, the face you hide is what I'm missing

We made plans to kiss the sun at night

Hopeless dreamers, hopeless types

One was turning, one was standing still

I won't forget what was promised here

You know this don't feel right Who knows what we feel?

Birds of Tokyo EMI 2010

7. Non judgemental questions for reflection or that shape your time, space and listening. Colleagues like Duncan McLeod point to a specific form of questioning and reflection called'Appreciative Inquiry'

This is a way of thinking, seeing and acting for change in a community or organisation. It's kind of about seeking the positive life giving potential which exists and working out how to have 'more'. It's not a problem based approach but is about observation and unconditional questions seeking to grow possibilities, recognising we are changed by our conversations. So in this case it's about being in conversation with your context/community/world.

I live in an area of mixed social circumstances where at least one of the three nearby shopping complexes [small suburban basics] appears to attract a poorer crowd. I often sit and listen, observe and wonder. I see anti-social behaviour, a gambling tavern onsite open all day and people young and old, unwell or struggling. I am challenged to remember that they too are created, loved and cherished by God. We seem different in some ways and very similar in others and I try really hard to Christ in all the faces and to represent that in honest communication and relationships. My reflections and questioning need that tone to engage me in genuine connection with my world. It seems to me appreciative inquiry is a methodology and standpoint for helpful engagement. More on what questions might help, later...

8. Ask, 'where is God active here and inviting me/us to join that activity?'... then where do we connect, find energy for, seem to fit... in that activity... being the people of God in this place at this time... One example could be by becoming familiar with the local 'community calendar' of festivals, fetes, celebrations and commemorations. These are opportunities to volunteer, contribute a stall, serve, bring a unique flavour, design worship, engage in debate etc...

9. What about 'worship'?

Key ideas:

- access the creative arts and media and local images/stories/issues/themes

- build participation in the planning and leading of worship as authentic expression

- try to ask but but not always specify the answers to questions

- question your assumptions, language and hoped for outcomes

- ...

Grab a copy of 'The Art of Curating Worship' by Mark Pierson and see how much that challenges or affirms your approach...

do something different
worship challenge and focus on participation
unshockable

10. Build a culture of 'experiments'

Avoid the 'we tried that 15 years ago and it didn't work' culture and step out of some generational or attitudinal stereotypes by understanding that some things ventured may not work out or be the long term way forward. Utilise these as learning steps, not stumbling blocks. It's all trial and error or trial and effect!!

11. 'Intuition, science, theology'

What do you reckon? Out of all you've read, feel, see and hear... what makes sense by whatever methodology predominates for you...

The critical thing is 'evaluation'.... how did that work out, do I need to explore, listen, question my theory or my understanding...?

12. Gather Stories

How do your stories:

a. define identity

b. create community

c. resonate

d. determine reality

They are tools of transformation just like the old stories they used to tell 'in the Shire' as stories of HOPE [Sam in Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings"]

13. Avoid the goal of 'Excellence'

This is a tricky topic because people use the term 'excellence' in subtly different ways. I'm saying avoid the false goal of wanting everything you do to be 'impressive' in performance terms as it may come at the expense of 'having a go', up and comers or more authentic expressions of who you are as a community. On the other hand there's nothing wrong with wanting to do things well, rehearsal, mentoring, evaluation and seeking to avoid cringe worthy moments when with a little guidance or experience, people could do better.

It's about asking and being reminded of what your priorities are... how you shape a culture of power sharing, exploring and trial and error. Making space for the contribution of others is one empowering style of leadership... but forget about the old BHP Steelworks model of 'throwing people in at the deep end' in favour of resourcing, supporting and mentoring people to grow their skills. More on this in future... but it's also the case that people learn through struggle, pain, and challenges or through opportunity... an 'excellence' culture can squash honesty or create the impression that we don't share those experiences here...

14. Affinity, Social Justice Action, Rights of Passage and 'Communion'

Borrowing from a few sources I bring together:

- Rather than 'groups' or programs lending themselves to membership, think about activities, causes, reasons to gather, with which people in your community share an affinity or connection

- Particularly younger generations seem at the moment to find great motivation for social justice action experiences and the relationship between values and acting them out

- Some 'rights of passage' have become blurred or have disappeared in contemporary society and we could help design liturgy, movement, activities and gathering around modern forms

-Authenticty, authenticity.... or a community in which people experience a sense of the transcendent are attractive to many

15. Cross and Multicultural sensibilities

Different cultural groups generally complicate all of the above by ensuring the need for more than one emphasis and different skills of observing and interpreting values and what's at play. This doesn't just mean 'other than' Anglo but the whole mix. It does mean factoring in another layer around the spectrums of theology, cultural practices etc etc.. what voices are missing? what's the picture when you compare a community profile with that of your existing congregation? How do multi-faith dynamics play out?

Who is your 'mission field' and who is Christ in that time and place?

Art Express 2011

Art Express 2011 exhibits a selection of 'the best' 2010 HSC [final year at high school] student art across NSW and it's currently at the Art Gallery of NSW until April 10th!! Check the website for regional places and dates... a newspaper article I read about it focused on the curator's opinion that this years collection showed a more positive hopeful kind of outlook or perspective than recent years... I'm going to have a look as soon as I can get there...

Ben Elton [on life support] from Planet Earth

"Oh dear!!" Those were my first words when I tuned in last Tuesday excitedly hoping that the brilliant comedy of Ben Elton would find a place at self proclaimed Channel Nine 'the home of comedy.' Elton writes and does stand up brilliantly but what I saw on Tuesday night was akin to the worst bits of the 'Comedy Company' or a Camp Concert. I got the idea, just not the jokes!!

The skits were introduced and then referred to after like an RSL skit comedy gig from the 1980s and I thought it might bomb!! The 'Top Gear' lead in with 900,000+ viewers started well, dropping to 600,000 in 15 mins for a low of just under 300,000 at the end [luckily this is spoken of in averages] but NCIS basically picked up a lost audience very quickly!

I then tuned in the next night to Adam Hills at Gordon St, a foray into chat show by Hills while Spicks n Specks takes a rest.... a bit old school, low budget, tame... but it seemed brilliant by comparison. Highlights included simple ideas like being prepared for audience interaction by pre reading their online Q&A answers so Adam could extract a funny story or in this case send Pete Rowsthorn to Perth with a 'digger' to retrieve $15 buried rather than handed in to a fundraiser way too late when the audience member was in High School. It wasn't earth shattering but it was made to look great by comparison with the previous night. I enjoyed the idea that 'guests bring a gift' and that audience surprise could be a strength in coming episodes!!

My worst fears were confirmed by reading in the Sunday papers that Ben Elton basically has one more week before either being shifted to GEM or heading home to Perth to lick his wounds and write another blisteringly funny novel!!

BEN, more of your stand up, observational stuff, maybe bookend some videos to make your point, choose one skit and a band each week and put it on an hour later and you've got me [and maybe 500,000 others]If not I'll give it another go on Tuesday before it disappears into the archives next to Mick Molloy's tapes!! Adam Hills Show is plugging the 'Spicks' timeslot but should also be at 10:30pm!! imho...

Rugby Union 2011 Here We Go Again

While I've increasingly stuck more to core topics here at Pumphouse it's still my main blog [besides Church Noticeboreds] and so occasionally sport, life and stories break in...

This is a huge year in rugby union:

- World Cup in NZ [where I am going to the Final!!!!!!!]

- New Super 15 comp with more local derby's

- Thinking about getting back into helping with coaching at my club 'Wanderers Newcastle'

And so we again read the foolhardy hopefulness of 'The Waratahs' [NSW Rugby] as they identify being 'outmuscled' by the South Africans in last years Finals and embarked on a pre season bulk up of their forwards [good grief] and then celebrate the return of the tackle busting, ball carrying Wycliff Palu...

First we've seen the stupidity of the muscle debate with Stephen Hoiles under national coach John Conolly and Kurtley Beale under the various Waratahs coaches in previous years. Please note the recent rule changes suited the formerly speedy and creative Hoiles who slimmed down again and was a revelation for the ACT 'Brumbies'. Kurtley Beale lay off the McD's and has been a World XV class player. Hopefully the new improved Ben Mowen isn't just stucck to the ground and needing to be replaced by a taller player to begin with.

As for Palu, he is all the things people claim, but he's also lazy and goes missing. Totai Kefu from QLD had similar talents but rarely shirked his defensive or decoy duties. I left Palu out of my last pick of the World Cup Wallaby XV so I'll be the first to acknowledge he had a heart transplant along with his knee surgery if he proves me wrong.

This is one of those rare occasions where I'd refer to a previous post here re Hoiles/Beale and hope the selectors/coaches don't go backwards in this World Cup year... as I said in June 2010, these 'Wallabies' CAN win the World Cup [perhaps prizing it from Kiwi hands in a boilover Final] but will only if everything goes right!!

Why such a Beale fan... some of it is six degrees of separation or getting word early that he could 'be' one of our greats and then watching him through Schoolboys, as a developing player and now seeing the early 'fruits' of that... A mate from Wanderers came back from Sydney's GPS rugby [wanting to support one of his junior centres who's gone off to school] raving about this other Year 10 kid [Kurtley] playing 5/8th and that he'd be a 'Wallaby' one day... seeing he and Quade Cooper in the crowd of an ACT Brumbies trial in Canberra when they were at the AIS for a development squad in Year 12.... he's the closest to the famous Ella brothers that I've seen and caps it off by moving last year not just to fullback but from Northern Suburbs to Randwick and keeping them in a Grand Final run against the likes of Sydney Uni right up to the GF!!

Anyhow.... back to ministry, mission, pop culture and media.... for now!!

Here's what all the fuss is about:

Top 5s A tentative beginning to 2011

Although I have a few days holidays left I am beginning to think about 2011 and beyond and enjoy blogging and gearing up for things. I also wrenched my left knee last week so I am doing plenty of lounge surfing and TV catch ups... so this is a good diversion... In 2011 I plan to include a sporadic post of Top 5s to encapsulate resource ideas, thoughts, leadership or some other musing around ministry with young people, culture & context, mission or whatever comes along... kicking off today as I was reminded of an article in our Youth Unit 'MESH' magazine about 'Resources which can change the world' e.g. a pair of rolled up socks for instance.... the article talks about games they can facilitate

TOP 5 Worship Ideas

1. Worship should reflect the missional context, culture and presence of the participants so a Top 5 list will always need to be tested by those parameters rather than just being a list you steal

2. Engaging responses through: grafitti wall; post it notes; taking symbolic cards; dropping a pinch of sparkler powder in a bowl of lit metho soaked clay based kitty litter [be very careful as metho causes severe burns and requires risk assessment and planning alongside competent supervision and practices]; choosing a red or blue jelly bean; taking an orange card and blue card for 2 different responses to remember; creative writing; photo reflections; artwork etc etc

3. Newspaper Prayers with clippings or full copies asking individuals, pairs or groups:

- what's the story?

- what's the story behind the story or what questions does it ask?

- therefore what should we pray for/about?

- how might we act locally to make a difference globally in light of these issues?

4. Brown paper lunch bags, a handful of sand and tealight candles. Making sure they are clear of the bag, these make great instant outdoor lanterns or worship space ambience creators. They can light a path or mark a journey as well.

5. Playback Theatre has been on my wishlist for worship and Bible Study with groups for years. Recently we made time for it twice at our national youth event by selecting a troupe of punters as 'players' who at session end were given 2 minutes to design a skit which demonstrated what they had learnt or experienced in that time.... worked really well and created an immediacy and participation

Perhaps I'll include a resource/book/website idea outside the 5

'The Art of Curating Worship: Reshaping the role of the worship leader' Mark Pierson is a must read I will blog about seperately another day soon... read about it here at this great new website

'Generation Y' the Media and Beyond

Sonny Bill Williams, Anthony Mundine and Michael Clarke make interesting high profile case studies in how the mainstream media, their traditional sports and we the public deal with the values of their generation. I'm not bringing solid analysis of academic rigour here, just a few observations and hunches which will no doubt be tested in time. Toss in the 'party boy' Cory Worthington for good measure...

The media coverage might be a factor in itself but essentially each of these characters display traits and values from their generation which are different to previous ones and often the media are using the prism of the latter to make judgements or create 'spin' on their stories.

Let me first set the scene where I was musing about this with friends at a Christmas BBQ a few years ago... one friend was contrasting his own perception and insight with that of a colleague in relation to interviewing 'Gen Y' candidates for an engineering contractor. The only slightly older colleague was bemoaning the short term thinking and lack of perceived stickability of the youngsters. You see these youngsters didn't give any indication of their desire to 'stay with the company' and openly acknowledged this employment opportunity as a step on a much bigger journey. They didn't speak of loyalty, commitment, belonging but rather the vibe, gaining valuable experience and taking challenges on for the future. They were unable to describe the future in terms of the current job on offer or indeed whether this field was viewed as their career in the long term.

This is the generation for whom stereotypically and perhaps in reality in many cases, it's all about the subjective experience, they envisage a series of career changes, focus on the immediate and don't feel embarrassed identifying they seek self interest and couldn't possibly find the words for seeking a gold watch on retirement from the job they are interviewing for after 50 years service. Change is a constant for this generation, 'Manhattanisation' has taken effect in terms of young people talking themselves up. There is evidence of a consumer culture, lack of awareness of certain expectations, manners and conventions... mind you these are only some Gen Yers... there are other motivators, cultures and sub cultures...

Back to my examples which may help explain what I am thinking about...

1. Anthony Mundine

Anthony is a flighty character who pursues his image as 'The Man.' He makes hard to argue with claims about racism in rugby league [his first professional sport] but also talks about having outplayed people selected ahead of him in rep football as part of the case. He has become a Muslim, is an strong anti drugs campaigner, seems to attract friendship with other well known figures adding chapters to his intruiging story. He speaks his mind and then thinks later. The criticism of his boxing career revolves around soft opponents in easier weight divisions.

What's missing: circumspection; respect for tradition; loyalty to contracts signed and deals entered into. He and his Manager are credited with convincing Sonny Bill Williams he was undervalued at the Bulldogs in rugby league and they helped him break a contract and disappear to France to play club rugby. His Manager is painted as an influential shady figure. I sometimes think Anthony just sees things differently... do what works for you, say what's on your mind even if it's going to be taken the wrong way and talk yourself up.

2. Sonny Bill Williams

Sonny Bill Williams seems clueless as to the impact on others of his walkout to France. It's all about what was happening for him. He has since signed with the 'Canterbury Crusaders' and has made his rugby union debut with the All Blacks ahead of a World Cup year.

Somehow I think previous generations would be more careful in their comments about a possible return to rugby league after the Rugby World Cup. What picture does that paint?

It's more than the impact of professional sport and the fact that clubs would cut you at will so why show loyalty in reverse. Does it cheapen the national jersey of any team if you can chop and change or does it speak of an exceptional sportsperson who can chop and change and make both squads, SBW also enjoys the diversion of boxing.

3. Michael Clarke

Michael or 'pup' achieved selection in cricket at a young age and some said by reputation before results. He was trumpeted as a western suburbs success story but quickly adapted to eastern suburbs socialising, fast cars and a model girlfriend... Kerry O'Keefe tells a great joke about all this involving Michael Clarke asking him if he thinks his sporting success has 'changed him' at all...

The media seems to have the finger on the pulse in identifying that the public per se don't seem to 'warm' to Michael Clarke [he gets a mixture of cheers and boos when taking the field] and his current form slump isn't helping.

But this week the ridiculous claim was that his activity on twitter was distracting him and basically outlining that because he's a 'pretty boy' and not a hard as nails, beer drinking, thug... we don't see him as worthy of our admiration. Again I contend it's more than sporting values being judged... pierced ear, sports car, wine drinker, confident about his ability, talking openly about his expected succession to the Australian cricket captaincy... he may well soon be branded an 'enigma'... but then just in time in the last two 'One Day Internationals' he has demonstrated cricket nouse, skills as a leader and innovative and skilled use of his bowlers and field settings... causing at least a media pause...

Now I know they're all Anglo blokes... I'll keep tabs on these and other stories... teasing out whether it's a media thing, a sport thing or a generational thing!!

As a footnote, Cory was the kid a couple of years ago who advertised a party at his parents home while they were away and it and the street were 'trashed' if you believe the media reports. I'm more interested in the interview with Leila Mackinnon on Summer 'A Current Affair' where she was gobsmacked that Cory didn't think he had anything to apologise for, that he wouldn't take off his sunglasses on camera and didn't seem to have anything to say to his parents... while the story had merit the clash of values was most stark and the longer it went the bigger the divide... Cory went on to advertise himself as a party organiser, appeared on 'Big Brother' and just recently did a round of 'he's grown up and settled down stories'...

'Lucky Country' Another View from 1982

Check out the lyrics for 'Lucky Country' Midnight Oil here for a more 1970s/80s viewpoint

Australia Day 26th January

I'm not alone in believing that we live in an amazing place!! Australia's natural environment, the cities, east and west, the laidback approach etc etc.

Whenever I travel I am struck by how much lower the sky feels and generally how much thicker and more grey. I travel to NZ for the first time later this year [did I mention I'm going to the Rugby World Cup Final!!] and so I look fwd to the delights of Auckland and beyond...

I am struck by the radio debate today about: who we are? whether Parky should be doing our NSW Aussie Day address; and whether it's rehash of Clive James or an contemporary view we need to hear.

There's echoes of: our jingoism; Cronulla beach riots; the "F&^%$ off, we're full" racist stickers/shirts; and the chain store adoption of popular flag surfwear or undies.

There are also average boomers, families and the WW2 generations wondering what all the fuss is about...

All this alongside the debate about whether we should move the day away from a commemoration of the European invasion of the great southland and the beginning of the destruction of precious indigenous culture which despite our 'sorry' we are yet to truly deal with....

Anyhow, heavy stuff ahead of a day we celebrate and appreciate all things Aussie!! I used to enjoy 'Survival Day' concerts at La Perouse [koori revenge making us sit in 36 degrees on a treeless oval listening to great music] ... I used to wonder how it felt for Yothu Yindi, Paul Kelly and Christine Anu to drive across town and include a Darling Harbour appearance in their day? I felt especially motivated having chosen the 'Survival March' in 1988 and sat in the Park listening to many indigenous and anglo speakers lay out a vision for what could be and is still possible...

Anyhow, reflective 'toss' or otherwise I have penned a poem for the day [part procrastination from a household reno and part response to the radio chat, the boardies and the flag adorned cars everywhere]!! It might be a little familiar... and comes ahead of my obligatory youtube song of choice for this year...

My Country

The love of field and pruning

Of green tree shaded lanes

Of pommie woods and gardens

Is the backpackers domain

Putting up with grey-blue distance

Brown streams and that low sky

Is nice to sometimes visit

But we could pass it by

I love a sunburnt country

Across the great western plains

Of bushwalkers mountain ranges

Of droughts and flooding rains

I love our far horizons

I love the Bar Beach sea

The beauty and the terror

The wide brown land for me

A stark white ring-barked forest

The loggers lop in tune

The sapphire misted mountains

The midday sun breaks through

Annoying spikey shrubs

Lantana and pesky weeds

A bunch of 40 dollar natives

A protea is all you need

Core of our soul, our country

The levelling blue sky

One minute cattle are dying

But then the grey clouds gather

And we can dance again

That sound on tin roofs clapping

The steady soaking rain

Core of their soul, their country

Land of the Rainbow snake

For flood and fire and famine

The dreaming stories make

Sand through the hand is poured

Lingiari was his name

The greenness will return

When they the land can claim

An opal hearted country

A willful, lavish land

We celebrate Australia

With coasters and board shorts

The flag we hold in hand

Brawls, beer and Hot 100

Disrupt our reflective or family time

We revel in the ANZAC

And sadly 'turn the boats around'

Rob Hanks [adapted from the poem by Dorothea Mackellar]

And the lyrics for 'My Country' Midnight Oil can be explored here

If I wasn't there this night I was at one just like it and can still recall that feeling!!

Stuff White People Like

I've blogged about this website before but holidays means time to read again the very funny spin on consumer culture so check it out here

'Fade You Out' Edens March

Keep up to date with the latest news on 'Edens March' and guitarist Lachlan Dolbel here

And enjoy the clip filmed in the old deserted Wangi Wangi Power Station on Lake Macquarie!

Family Stick Figure Stickers

Following the frangipani fad the latest stickers on the rear windscreens of cars in this part of the world are the family of stick figures. You can choose different characters pursuing their hobbies and interests and build up the family set by ordering from various websites and now the local newsagent. What's it about?

I actually like the artistic style, the fact there are choices/variety and they don't look too bad except now I've identified it as a trend I can't possibly participate...

So, my theory is they are like social media and Christmas lights in the way they communicate information about us into the community we're part of without us having to say anything or go out of our comfort zone to speak to or connect with others. Are they a substitute in the era where many no longer really know their neighbours... are we personifying a consumer item in the family motor vehicle, are we emphasising difference? Hmmnn I will have to ask a few people at the local newsagent as they browse the poster. I wonder how long it will last?

Of course read a little more on the 'interweb thingy' and you'll read about:

- an attempt at individuality ending up being another fad

- fears about people 'knowing stuff about you' [you can get names etc]

- others saying 'live and let live'

- requests for the 'Daddy ran away with another woman' sticker, the goth or the kids with a red circle and line thru it

- And then there's the anti-version....

'The Green Hornet' Movie

That was quick... woo hoo... I hope it's worth the wait as Seth Rogan was trimmed down and talking up this film more than 12 months ago!! Check out the Teaser and Trailers here at the Oz website. Hollywood loves redemption story and this one looks entertaining in an escapist Cameron Diaz kind of way!!

Postcript

Sadly it was rubbish!! A bit of escapist fun but a great example of how they musn't know how it's going to shape up as they're making it e.g. they wouldn't have been sure of the warmth and humour of 'Ironman' as they made it. On the other hand my mantra has always been 'good scripts make good films' and this is true even in the most action oriented or comedy filled examples... here 'The Green Hornet' also falls short and Seth Rogan is stilted and clunky in his delivery... 2 out of 5!!

A Little Bit of a Break

Tempted though I am to blog about: the plight of aussie cricket; the QLD and beyond floods etc [and aren't the images of volunteers helping in the clean up amazing] I am on holidays and finally feel a bit relaxed.... so I won't be here much until February!! See ya!!

Top Ten 2010

I already blogged about some of these things but it seems timely to revisit...

My Top Ten Movie of 2010 [I'll be seeing 'The Kings Speech' in 2011]

These are films I enjoyed [for many reasons]

1. Toy Story 3

2. Kick A$%

3. Harry Potter

4. Scott Pilgrim vs the World

5. Ironman 2

6. RED

7. The Edge of Darkness

8. Get Him to the Greek

9. The Social Network

10. Fair Game

NCYC Bible Study #04

START WITH ‘Countdown 24’ 5 min video clip

OPENING SONG CLIP

‘Fireflies’ Owl City here

‘Continental Soup adv’ just to break things up here

MURRAYS NCYC

FLASH MOB FEEDBACK

BIBLE READING Matt 5: 13-16 SALT and LIGHT

BIBLE Factoid

Talk #01 SALT and LIGHT

What strikes you about this imagery…?

DISCUSSION…

- bringing out the God colours and flavours

- salt as preservative and flavour

- the building blocks of ‘community’

- missio dei, engaging in God’s mission in the world

- living out those God values of K of G mustard bush, yeast, near….

e.g. ‘As It Is in Heaven’ Movie Show precis here

- community, transformation, culturemaking

- choice to criticize, copy, consume, create… xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

e.g. ‘The Blindside Interviews’ here

- ‘you’re changing that boys life, no he’s changing mine’

LIVE MUSIC 'Caught in the Crowd' Kate Miller Heidke [performed by our Katie]

THEN ‘Woman at the Well’ clip Who is this woman? [All of us] [ran out of time]

Like the action of giving people voice in the movie JC builds a world differently…

“Cadbury Scientist TV advert” some people take their culturemaking very seriously… here

RESPONSE OPPORTUNITY Toilet Roll Response Video

[check the newsflash on Facebook courtesy Wes Champion!!]

Toilet Roll characters construction

GOING HOME to be SALT/LIGHT

‘Life Uncommon’ Jewel explain it being played on ABC radio on rotation around 9/11 updates

here

or

‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ U2

OK there you have it, with some stories necessarily just in dot points BUT I do hope to produce a four session booklet early this year for others to use with groups... drop me a line for more details!!

NCYC Bible Study #03

START WITH ‘Countdown Restricted area’ 5 min video clip

OPENING SONG CLIP

"Revolution" John Butler

‘If I ruled the World….” Clip

then punters could stand on a Milk crate at the mic and share their answer

Murray’s NCYC Report back…. Nominate new person!!

Hearing how Murray the Red Wiggle Doll enjoyed the day

FILM CLIP Free Hugs’ clip/Sick Puppies here

TALK #01 Juan Mann FREE HUGS story explained

- Juan’s back story

- first day at Pitt St Mall

- first LADY whose daughter and dog had died 12 months ago and just that day respectively

- my FB convo ‘just because you’re a person of faith…..’

-‘missio dei’ engaging in God’s activity in the world

TRANSMIT OUT

'Free Hugs' as an example of surprising missional/community activity making a difference

An example of one thing you could do.... to inspire other ideas...

Intro ‘Free Hugs’ Flash Mob [for main worship time]

- FREE, risky, open to abuse

- think safety - offer not demand

- when? And how?

- transmitting out God to others…

BIBLE READING Matthew 7: 7-12

Bible Factoid

CLIP ‘Ask Seek Knock’ Erwin McManus here

TALK #02

- wrestle between BIBLE, theme and YOU

- YOU’re being thrown a lot of stuff/response…

- I’m focusing on ‘transmit out’ BUT exploring it as a faith response

not just a good thing to do…

- Q and A, ME and Chaplains happy to talk…

- ASK, SEEK, KNOCK and GOLDEN RULE…

SHOW CLIP THEN TALK/ WARNING…

‘GOOD WILL HUNTING’ Not just knowledge BUT experience… here

ACTIVITY “I Wonder….” USING CONTEMPORARY PICTURES OF YOUNG ADULTS

How would some of those who met Jesus handle our dilemmas and experiences?????

ZACK

WOMAN AT THE WELL

WOMAN AT SIMON’S HOME

- Hear the story on the back of the card...

- I wonder…. What happened to them…

GROUPWORK........

PLAYBACK THEATRE if time

FINAL SONG IF TIME ALLOWS… “These Days” Powderfinger here

NCYC Bible Study #02

Kick Off each day included a different 5 minute 'Countdown' video

to allow stragglers to arrive...
Opening Song CLIP
OPENING SONG CLIP "Plans" Birds of Tokyo here

READING Matt 6: 5-13 [2] VOICES

Voice ONE:

5When you pray, don't be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward.

Voice TWO:

6When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you. 7When you pray, don't talk on and on as people do who don't know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. 8Don't be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask. 9You should pray like this:

Voice ONE:

Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name.

Voice TWO:

Our parent, creator, who loves us unconditionally and invites us into relationship, help us live out your values every day

Voice ONE:

10Come and set up your kingdom, so that everyone on earth

will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven.

Voice TWO:

We need to be counter cultural subversive agents of change ‘turning it up’ as we live differently… We can be like yeast, salt and light in the world

Voice ONE:

11Give us our food for today. 12Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others. 13Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil.

Voice TWO:

We should share our food with those who have none Forgive our speaking and acting or our lack of speaking and acting Keep us real, in the world, making choices for compassion and grace, Not self seeking, measuring by the exterior or superficial things.

‘Lord’s Prayer Voices’ CLIP

Bible Factoid - GREGOR taking on a character and sharing 1st person reflections

on what they heard

TALK #01

THIS HOW TO NOT TO PRAY…

and… THIS IS HOW TO PRAY…

- could there be an area of ‘faith’ with more questions…

- will God hear, how does God answer..

we’re told, it might be yes, no or wait [nice avoidance…]

BUT, there are lots of ways to pray… apparently…

COLLECTED CLIPS…. Please don’t be offended…

Meet the Parents/Talledega Nights/Bruce Almighty [prayers]

MURRAY, the RED WIGGLE… [KATIE]

TALK #02

In VERSE 5, don’t be like the show offs,

they already have their [reward] misthis earned thru showing off…

compensation or payment

BUT in v6 it’s apodidimi or GIFT

and in 1 Thessalonians we’re urged to pray continually [in the greek]

it’s like a little raspy cough, so as natural as clearing your throat…

BUT LET’S GO A LITTLE FURTHER, WITH THIS FAMILIAR PRAYER…

or is it? LORDS PRAYER…. Words on screen what do you notice? [responses….]

WORDS AND IMPLIED ACTIONS or FAITH PRACTICES

Like the TWO VOICE READING…

Intro and play clip ‘Shadowlands’ CLIP CS Lewis and prayer [from 9:14 to end]

About US being changed…

Intro MARY FROM ‘SAVED’ edited from the film [swearing at the church spire]

God hears our struggles, complaints & anger… SO PRAYER CAN BE VARIED

e.g. 1 word, walking, music, tealight candles, drawing

AND OTHER FAITH PRACTICES:

- CONNECT THE STORY WDJD

- BODY/IDENTITY/CHOICES - STUFF

- FASTING/FEASTING - CREATION/CONTEXT

- CREATIVITY - WORK OR VOCATION

- PLAY

- TRUTH

- CHOICES… FORGIVENESS/COMPASSION ETC

- MUSIC

- PRAYER

‘DISCUSSION:

WHICH OF THESE CAN OR COULD GROW AND SUSTAIN YOUR FAITH AND ENERGY….

The Prayer’ Rhema Marvanne CLIP [scrapped for time] here

WRITING A LINE EACH FOR A PRAYER [INTRO THE ZINES]

PLAYBACK THEATRE

TWO CLOSING ALTERNATIVES.... chose A. but also talked about B.

A. ‘WATCH OVER ME’ Bernard Fanning which doesn't seem to be on youtube anymore

Writing his prayer after watching JP2 Funeral

Or B. U2 360 Auckland

Praying about the PIKE RIVER MINE DISASTER

NCYC Bible Study 29 Dec- 4 Jan 2011 SURFING in the Annand Theatre

DAY ONE: How We Tune Into God Beatitudes Matt 5: 1-12

Pre session Si Smith's 'Beatitudes' video looped [from Proost UK]

Then 5 min Countdown Video

Opening Song Clip 'Burn Your Name' Powderfinger found here

Welcome and Introductions

What we're doing this week...

Explain the response/Q&A box/Murray the Red Wiggle etc

Talk #01 'This is am amazing book........'

- Describing scripture as unique, inspired, to an audience,

into and out of a culture so needing 'interpretation'
CLIP from BBC Show 'Rev.' when the evangelicals take over and the Rev argues

'faith needs to encounter doubt...' and about not barring anyone from the church

- Talked about 'thin places' where God's activity in the world is 'touchable'

- Talked about 'getting in tune with God'

- we're asked to 'Turn It Up'... turn up what?

CLIP 'Reality Bites' 'turn that up please Sir, you won't be sorry!' here

- Talked about how we might understand God and try to connect our story to God's story

Brief intro to NOOMA 'Rythm'

CLIP 'Rythm' about getting into tune.... download it here
+5 min discussion with neighbours

Bible Reading Matt 5: 1-12 [2 voices] MILK CRATES….
CLIP ‘Monty Python Sermon on the Mount’ edit version of this
'Blessed are the cheesemakers...

Bible Factoid #01 a character from the time

CLIP U2 ‘Wave of Sorrow’ Union Chapel on a phone

Intro
- Not a wall poster verse, but a vision of something real and different…

- ‘Beatitudes Plan Be Intro’ clip [scrapped for time]

TALK #02 The ‘Beatitudes Plan Be’ There’s a vision of a world where all are equal…

- not platitudes but a pic of hoped for future

- JC location re those on the edges

- the K of G thru joining God’s activity in the world

Group Graffiti Wall

Modern beatitudes/anti-beatitudes

Crayons and newsprint on newsprint…..

Play background clips lower volume

“Something in the Water” Brooke Fraser

“I Found God” The Fray

“Anthem” TIDDAS

Sending Out comment

NCYC 2011 on the Gold Coast Dec 29 - Jan 4

Our BS theme pic for the day!!

Hey,

Later I'll blog about what my role has been but here's the 'prayer' our Bible Study Group contributed a line each to... it's a work in progress with possible changes from 'I' to 'we' a few everyday words and some different imaging of who God is to us relationally. But as I explianed to the group it could be our group prayer despite each only writing a line because even parts we might no agree with are there to 'bump up against and get us thinking' and allow us to express a belonging to a community on the journey!! Well done 'surfers' in Annand Theatre!!

‘Turn It Up’ NCYC ‘Surfing’ Bible Study Prayer 31^st January 2010

God I pray

Your will be done in my life and through my life

Help me live your word and be passionate in doing so

I pray God will inspire me everyday in the things that I do

Help me find who I am to give me hope and visions

‘Be Thou our vision’

Love, all you need is love

God please help me maintain my faith and hope

God are you really there? How often I see/hear/feel you is very rare

Save me from myself please, save me from myself

Lord Give me thought and wisdom that I may join you where I belong

Light our path when it is dark “would you walk with me alone into the dark?”

Remind us you are always with us even as we lose our sight

Please let the sun shine bright and let all those living in darkness smile

May your light shine bringing light and hope for all

Lord, please help us to be patient in life, work, choices.

Love and prayer

Protect me and love me

Father please help me maintain the friends that I have

Lord give us grace and help us seek your face

Give us small signs of hope to keep us going

May we learn of God’s love for us and may it change the way we live

I pray that each and everyone grows closer to God in their own time and own way

In a way that allows them to grow in their faith

We thank you Lord, for the music, conversation and discussion that

helps us praise you and bring together those in community

Thankyou for friends and the community they bring with them

Lord , we thank you for all walks of life

Thankyou for the food we eat and the clothes we’re in

We pray for a good, peaceful and happy 2011 and a good end to 2010

Help us to make 2011 as good a year as 2010 was

Help us love more each day Lord we pray that each and everyone will experience NCYC Thankyou God for being here at the Gold Coast and for all the people we have met

That we turn it up!

In our church and NCYC

Thanks God for NCYC

Peace

Thankyou for everything you’ve done for us and all the opportunities we have

Thankyou for walking with us as I cannot do this alone

Thankyou for your forgiveness and unconditional love

Thankyou for those who bring us fun, entertainment and companionship

Be with those who have lost loved ones

Lord helps us to do justice in your world

Lord I pray for the safety of my family and friends

Blessed are the foster and orphaned children

I pray for all sick and homeless people throughout Australia and the world

For poverty

Let there be love across all barriers

We pray that we can grow as a community of faith, influencing and growing with each other. Amen.