Pumphouse

'The Office' continues to be a work in progress

2012-01-26T14:33:00.001+11:00

Now there's room for two more posters, then space for advertising, photos and a mind map!!

Triple J Hottest 100 Today

2012-01-26T13:32:00.001+11:00

Sadly I reckon I'll know maybe ten of today's songs... Must be getting old... Or is it that I can't listen to the Js with the girls in the car?

Unreliable Ideas # ?? "Billy Cart Derby"

2012-01-26T11:33:00.000+11:00

I have been holding off on a series of activity suggestions for youth ministry and mission until I decide whether to switch to my new blog space...
BUT I can wait no longer to suggest in 2013...
The Cessnock Lions Club "Billy Cart Derby" or your local equivalent [which might mean you organise it for your local community.
I say 2013 because today's 'Australia Day' festivities have been cancelled due to the wet weather we are currently experiencing. Check it out here and build you cart according to the rules outlined on the entry form. Service Clubs and emergency services join groups, families and individuals...
Don't set yourself to join in for the next ten years [these ideas are best as a short term thing as groups roll over and move on to another fun alternative and revisit later...

Australia Day 2012

2012-01-26T08:32:00.003+11:00

I'm not gonna write about Australian values, the mixed messages of a national day celebrating invasion, the stories of refugees or the cricket score!! Writing about it here does bugger all!! I just have an annual tradition of listening to one song from my favourite band to remind me to actually 'do something' about any and all these issues in my corner of the world!! "Happy" Australia Day!!

New Office a work in progress

2012-01-22T15:15:00.000+11:00

The painting is done and now it's time for posters, ephemera etc and thinking about changing the aspect of the desk etc BUT here's my new office for my role as UCA Hunter Youth Ministry Development Worker!!
There's a new photoboard in the works and a brainstorming wall will look great against yellow... glad it's done now the real work has begun!!

The Yellow Wiggle Spin Cycle

2012-01-21T14:48:00.002+11:00

Talk about getting your message wrong at a celebratory time announcing the return of Greg Page to the Wiggles yellow skivvy!! Not only was the business decision carried out without grace, the presser interview with heavy hitting journo Richard Wilkins was an absolute shocker for Anthony Field. He behaved like a 'rabbit in the headlights' about the impact on Sam Moran as the replacement... note the stagemanaged image of the handover above...

What's happened:
- Four blokes, a creative promoter and one of the fours brother [who became Manager] launch an early childhood assignment from kids backyard birthday parties to a multi million dollar worldwide entertainment phenomenon...
- Greg Page, the yellow Wiggle, succumbs to a mystery illness and steps down 5 years ago
- Team dancer and understudy Sam Moran takes over from Greg
The original four were stakeholders and the remining three bought out Greg's share and employed Sam [reportedly for $200,000 pa]
- Greg Page joins the group at the ARIA Awards Hall of Fame moment and it's clear he has his illness under control
- In the background it's alledged that Sam had asked more than once for a greater share of profits and been rebuffed. The partnership appeared uneasy at times.
- Manager Paul Field negotiates a salaried return for Greg and doesn't renew Sam's contract for 2012 onwards.

- The moves are finalised and announced during the Wiggles January break and they demonstrate a rare lack of composure and forethought in announcing Greg's return while being dismissive of Sam's role in the Wiggles, his contribution or how this might effect his future. They acted surprised that anyone was interested in that part of the story... disingenuous!!

Classic media brouhaha ensues and you can read a more analytical account here rather than in the Daily Telegraph or coming to an evening 'current affairs program' near you!
The Wiggles closely guard thier image and product so this will have them in a total spin...

All they needed to do was to announce Greg's return acknowledging Sam's contribution, wishing him well and looking forward to a new future with the originals back together...

Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge

2012-01-17T18:57:00.001+11:00

In my new role I spend time working next to an aged care facility with a courtyard for sun and activities. With an open window it was obvious today that staff were engaging residents in some great mind games, remembering and news. The activities had a memory aspect like 'On This Day' from the newspaper, music, and a budgie in a cage alongside other props I couldn't see.
It reminded me of the the great Mem Fox story 'Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge.'
Wilfred spends time with some older folks and he works out that some props like flowers or an old football, music etc might help the struggling elderly to remember their stories and early lives. It's a moving and beautiful story. I thought it was a great, caring and smart activity to offer and enjoyed hearing the muted and brief engagements of those gathered.
All this as I undertook the reflective and engaging activity of painting my office!!

Top Ten 'Activities' of 2011

2012-01-01T08:34:00.000+11:00

My list anyway:
1. Rugby World Cup Finals in Auckland NZ
2. Turning 50
3. Open Air Cinema in Sydney
4. Annie Leibowitz Photos at MCA Sydney
5. Fairfax Photos at NSW Library
6. Royal Easter Show
7. Level 5 Food Atrium Centrepoint Westfield
8. Setting Up a small trampoline in the backyard for the girls
9. All the movies I saw including Captain America
10. Finishing up my role as Youth Unit Coordinator after 12 years

Top Ten TV Shows for 2011

2011-12-30T14:21:00.000+11:00

Now this is a challenge... essentially TV this year has just been a series of low lights but I'll give it a stab
1. 'Gruen Transfer/Nation'
2. 'The Slap' but it was on 30-60mins too early
2. 'Spicks n Specks' great entertainment as ever
3. 'Rock Wiz' for lazy Saturday nights, actually scored a five this year once
4. 'The Mentalist' patchy but entertaining
5. 'The Good Wife' even better off the internet in the right weeks
6. 'Big Bang Theory' current season
7. 'How I Met Your Mother' could almost be a must see and is nearly great
8. 'House' was better but still not great
9. '7pm Project' but suffered from George Negus failure
10. 'The Late Show with David Letterman' late night staple
just to see how stale Dave can get despite some great guests
Q&A. 'The Inbetweeners' and Major League Baseball are just outside the Top Ten for me...
All in all it was a terrible year for TV... and what's with all the late night NZ shows?
I can't bring myself to add NCIS [both coasts] or CSI as they get watched when I can't be bothered changing the channel. Gibbs is OK I guess!!

Best of in 2011 'Music'

2011-12-30T12:46:00.001+11:00

This is just the stuff I enjoyed [in no particular order]:
1. '21' Adele a great soundtrack for a rubbish year!!
2. 'Ukele Songs' Eddie Vedder
3. 'The World is a Picture' Josh Pyke from 'Chimneys Afire'
4. 'El Camino' The Black Keys
5. 'Moonfire' Boy & Bear
6. 'Mylo Xyloto' Coldplay up loud though!
7. 'Triple J's Like a Version 7'
8. 'Wasting Light' The Foo Fighters
9. 'Ceremonials' Florence & the Machine
10. 'Duals' U2

And the music that's been played incessantly at my house:
'Party Rock Anthem' LMFAO
'Price Tag' Jessie J
and one of those compilation albums of dance music full of samples, covers and hip hop

Australia's Summer of Cricket 'Boxing Day Test'

2011-12-28T08:20:00.001+11:00

First we crumbled at the might of New Zealand's 'Black Caps' and now we face the challenge of India [ranked second in Test Cricket at the moment behind England]!! There will be glimpses of promise but I think inconsistency will be the key word this summer. That's what comes with rebuilding a team and the mix of experience and youth in our batting and bowling ranks.
Yesterday India began their innings after our below par 333. The batters who made a start looked more in command of their own game and more assured than our top order, which comes with an established outfit who know their own game at this level. They also have the best of the conditions and the wicket.
Cricket is a game of statistics and someone worked out that between one day internationals and Tests, Sachin Tendulkar, the best batter since Bradman,* has made 99 centuries... he was out in the 90s in Mumbai so comes here chasing the hundredth 100... and looked for all money like it would happen this morning until a false stroke in the 70s.
Apologies to my OS reader/s for three paragraphs of indecipherable cricket jargon!!
Sadly, technology will be a talking point all summer. The game uses a 'Video Referrral System' to check aspects of the game.
- Whether a bowler oversteps the line in delivering the ball
- whether a catch is taken on the full
- whether a players bat or gloved hands touched a ball before it was caught behind them
- whether a ball that would have hit the stumps is stopped by a players body [principally the legs below the knee] and not their wooden bat

This last one is the most controversial. The teams have to agree to a set of playing conditions before each series. Whether to use floodlights on a dull afternoon and whether to have the video referral system are two bugbears for the Indians and they don't agree to either.
Yesterday we saw how farcical that is because the umpire is still able to use video checks to establish whether the bowler overstepped [and he did]. That day before, two Aussie betters were given out caught behind the stumps when they [by all replays] did not hit the ball. They had no recourse to technology.
There are great cameras used in the sport coverage and for some years there has been a belt strap camera with a stabiliser arm so a walking sideline camera can follow action up close and remain steady. This summer the TV coverage has added a special 'segway' scooter for close ups between official play and around the boundary. 'Joe the cameraman' failed to notice a protective helmet on the ground and ran over it in taking footage of the Aussie team warming up for the next session of play... great youtube blooper tape!!! Technology!!

"Must Be Christmas Tonight" Not Quite

2011-12-23T00:18:00.000+11:00

Didn't have time to do more with individual lyrics lines but here's another fav. tune!!

Rev. Series Two Episode 7 "Christmas"

2011-12-21T14:40:00.001+11:00

I love this show...
I remember reading about it in the beginning of year TV outlines from the UK in early 2010 but which is yet to make it to screens here in Oz!
The first series was only six episodes long and it's been a while until they picked it up again...

The program tells the story of Rev Adam Smallbone as he and his wife Alex [with her own career as a Solicitor] move to a small struggling parish in London called 'St Saviours in the Marshes.'
The small band of regular characters provide gritty comedy drama about a whole range of life and faith issues. It is not 'The Vicar of Dibley' because these characters are contemporary, complicated and from across the community on modern London.
This show nails it in terms of call/vocation, context, mission and the small details that grind away in the face of 21st C challenges for an urban vicar and each and everyone of the characters in the story.
I don't know what it's like for others but the echoes of everyday amplify the humour and the pathos for me.
I used two scenes from series one at a youth event last January and there are heaps of small moments and significant conversations bringing a visual reality to the everyday storylines... especially bench seat conversations between Adam and the brilliantly written Colin.

"Tom Hollander said,"[w]e wanted to define ourselves in opposition to the cliché of a country vicar, partly because we wanted to depict England as it is now, rather than having a sort of bucolic-y, over the hills and far away, bird-tweeting England – we wanted the complications of the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic inner-city, where everything is much harder."

SPOILER ALERT
In this Christmas episode Adam is busy doing the details of making Christmas Eve and Christmas Day a meaningful time for all and it ends up costing him at every step... it's advent writ large and I had tears streaming down my face as he attempted to wrangle things into a manageable mess!!
The pub drunks at Midnight Mass, the stolen bicycle tyres, Colin's punch in the eye... all took their toll!!
Adam perhaps felt worst about missing the final hours of friend Joan's life having promised to visit her at the retirement home and being held up a few times...
The 'Rev.' BBC website is here

21st December "How to Make Gravy"

2011-12-21T08:55:00.002+11:00

Now this is a Christmas song!!

Happy Christmas All!!

2011-12-19T20:22:00.002+11:00

One of my favourites!!

"White Wine in the Sun" Tim Minchin

2011-12-19T20:13:00.003+11:00

I didn't have time or head space to contribute to friend Darren's playlist for Advent BUT here's a new favourite track for your alternative Advent when you're tired of Buble, Jewel and the rest!!
In an entirely inadequate way I describe this as evocative of my childhood Christmases with the rel's but also of the context into which the advent message of hope might speak loudly if we could stop getting in it's way with religious piety and irrelevance!!

Stockland know how to commercialise Space

2011-12-17T08:47:00.000+11:00

The Picadilly complex in Pitt/Castlereagh Sts [attached to the Wesley Mission space] behind the Hilton Hotel is the Uniting Church' Sydney headquarters. The building has been managed by various developers over the years but Stockland are the champions when it comes to commercialising space.

You often see entry points to the building on the Aussie nightly news because ICAC [The Independent Commission Against Corruption] is in the building [and Graham Richardson lunches contacts at Georges Cafe]!!

There are occasional celebrity spottos as it's a thoroughfare thru to the Hilton and has a door through to David Jones menswear and down to the foodhall from there...

As someone with an eye for useless information I have often marvelled at the developers capacity to envisage an opportunity...

- the front wall alcove became a money change bureau

- a wall cavity near a bland rear entrance is now a small coffee cafe

- two walkways have had booths added and are currently a newsstand and phone seller

- as shops change hands they are sometimes divided in two to double the opportunity

I'm sure the latest 'one sticker' is testing the audience reaction ahead of more possibilities... as the lifts were being refurbished one creative obviously saw the potential of the blank canvass that is the grey lift door... hat tip to Elenie P for the photo... I forgot to take one on the way back down the other day as I was observing the latest innovation.

Others mind you are annoyed at Coke, apalled at the sight, aware that the full strength version carries 13 spoons full of sugar etc etc... I just marvel at Stockland wondering what's next... corporate jumpsuits on the cleaners? We don't actually have the tabletop adverts at the Level One Food area?

And what of the large empty foyer after the couches were removed years ago? Nothing to do with the huge crowd of english language students who congregate downstairs on their short breaks I'm sure?

Perhaps 'McCafe','Boost Juice', 'Footlocker','Foxtel' trailer, 'Corn on the Cob'... a branch of 'Uniting Bank'? Now that I won't be in the building every week I look forward to the full makeover I'll notice next time I'm in town!! Spare a thought for the upper floors and the possible nasal spray adverts on their yellow lift doors with a phone number in large red font...

Mea culpa: friends would know I can't be complaining about the commercialism, just noticing... if the advert were for Coke Zero then I'm pretty confident I paid for it. If the foyer had become an athletic shoe sales outlet I'd stop every time on my way through... just to look mind you, gearing up for the annual purchase!!

Wonderful Farewell Gift

2011-12-15T22:50:00.001+11:00

I've had a photo of Bar Beach, Newcastle in a frame on my desk at the Youth Unit in Sydney. It's been a reminder of one of my favourite places in the world in both good times and bad. At the same time I had talked of my hope to one day have a picture of Sydney Harbour that would remind me of my twelve years in the UCA Synod Youth Unit. The Harbour has always been and will continue to be a favourite spot to spend time. Whether walking there, thinking creatively along the way, heading to the Dendy or a late night meal at City Extra... I'll continue to be found there... just a bit less often!!
I'm staggered, humbled and very grateful to everyone responsible for a stunning Ken Duncan framed photo I was given as my farewell gift!! In all honesty I'm glad it wasn't a book or another shelf filler but I was surprised to see my dream suggestion taken up... thanks all!!
Imagine a white spacer and black wooden frame... I'm an urban dweller who considers a walk along the beach to be a stroll along the 2m wide concrete walkway above the sand. In Sydney [especially in spring/summer] I enjoyed the dusk walk to Circular Quay and the whole area pictured... to think, to compose talks, to reflect on meetings, listening and what we were doing... there's no place quite like it...

OpenAir Cinema Mrs Macquarie's Chair

2011-12-14T22:48:00.003+11:00

For nearly twenty years now we've made the annual trip once and twice BC [before children] to the OpenAir Cinema in Sydney. I think I've blogged about it every year...
A temporary stand to seat 5000 people is built in the Domain with a view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The seating is rows of locked together sebel plastic chairs. The screen is on a fixed pontoon in the water and it is raised into place ahead of the pre screening adverts.
The formerly Phillips OpenAir is now sponsored by St George Building Society and large middle section of deckchairs are for a few hundred account holders. There is a VIP sponsors bar for celebs...
The catering and bar area serve Belinda Franks catered gourmet food and charge the cost of a small child per drink.
The ticketing has changed over the years with technology and we figure with print at home tickets we now need to queue 30mins earlier from 5.30pm to have a run at our favourite 'general admission' seats.
You put your name on a card on your seats. One runs there and the other grabs a spot at a table... Apparently the catering area has been redesigned this year to allow more dining seats. We like to get the seating row with the crossover aisle behind for the film...
The seats are the only drawback so our rule is not to see films over 2 hours... no J. Edgar I'm afraid... perhaps 'The Ides of March'!! Tix are onsale from 9am tomorrow and films will sell out [they keep a few hundred for each night but it's a long queue until that allocation is exhausted... best to pre purchase!!]
It's a great day of shopping, relaxed dinner and spectacular setting for an outdoor film screening.
Free ponchos are distributed on showery nights and only extreme weather would see a cancellation... We've been very lucky in all that time... this years weather patterns are not encouraging... check out the season program and details here...

Sydney 'Bucketlist'

2011-12-14T08:34:00.002+11:00

As my time work based in Sydney draws to an end I have really enjoyed the strategy of deciding a few fun things to do during what was always going to be a 'crap' 2011!! It doesn't matter that I won't quite finish the list... I will in coming months anyway... it's been about enjoying the stay, having stuff to plan for that I'd look forward to and making sure I did all the stuff I wanted to across my 12 years with a desk in Pitt St!!
My next day trip will include a trip to the IMAX to view 'Hubble' or 'Mission Impossible' and lunch in Surry Hills. When I get to the 'Harry Potter' exhibit at the Powerhouse I'd classify it as a one off world class event. I will just need to get to Belvoir St next year and I'll be done!!
Very soon Sydney returns to the status of 'that place I go to for a day off' instead of the walking path outside my work... any meetings or training I attend, I'll choose... woo hoo!!

These Results will Happen

2011-12-13T12:58:00.000+11:00

Not sure which is the most unbalanced this week... the Australian Test Cricket Team or the Federal Labor Government Cabinet?
The difference is that the cricket team has a future and a few capable up and comers in the side and waiting to be selected. The team lacks balance with Phil Hughes opening and Ricky Ponting struggling early in the batting order.
But anyone who remembers the mid 1980s and a few other eras will remember the terrible days, matches and results which galvanise new players and give them a store of performances to improve on. We have to stick with the core of this new mob and manage the retirement of others, knowing it won't work everyday. Am I the only one impressed with Nathan Lyons reaction to being bowled and falling seven runs short. He was 'gutted' and the next time he's in a tough sporting situation he will remember how that felt and find extra motivation not to be back there...
Federal Labor on the other hand is a conflicted 'team' with infighting, lack of confidence, short term fear and the problem of minority government. It is amazing they have moved ahead on some major agenda this year but nobody looks like they're enjoying themselves... let's see what 2012 brings...

The Aussies turn today...

2011-12-10T13:40:00.001+11:00

So the aussie cricket team are really trying to make a game of it today at Bellerive Oval!!

NZ 'Black Caps' must have pulled them down over their eyes...

2011-12-09T22:02:00.001+11:00

The kiwi cricket team is on a steep learning curve this Australian tour as they fell a bit cheaply on a tough wicket in Hobart today. Phillip Hughes did himself no favours once again getting caught 'in the slips' neither back nor forward. It showed he's lacking confidence in his method as he attempts to 'save' his wicket and post a score that will keep him in the team v India later in the summer!!
Maybe they'd be better to decide one way or the other and give him the next three Tests... he's made three centuries and looks like if he could just cut loose once it might keep happening. His technique means he will get out for a 'zack' now and then...

More on those 'Reasons People Leave'

2011-12-09T14:00:00.001+11:00

   I've had a few contacts since the blog about the Barna Group Research here. The first thing to note is that my quick summary doesn't do the findings justice but points to the website and the free intro material!!
   Essentially they outline significant percentages in their research of US young adults who could be described as relating to each reason in some significant measure.
   I too think there's something deeper going on which these presenting reasons describe... I posted it as my own thought starter to return to after the holidays and I'll chase up those comments and connections too...
   Suffice to say the question of motivation, the nature of community and the way in which communities of faith identifying as Christian churches do and don't seem like places for young people to connect is more complex and individual than any sample size.
   For me it's also not about becoming relevant but being 'authentic' and in this 'we' have much to do in addressing who we are in the face of complex contextual and societal shifts with which the 'church' at large has failed to keep up with...
   How true that much of ministry and mission and connections into peoples lives revolves around 'relationship' and whether or not the values, ethos and lived out story make sense... how true that each indivisual will have their own reasosn for joining in and staying connected in ways that fit their 21st C lives.
   What I think the research points to is some presenting issues the church could do something about in reshaping itself to engage in God's mission in the world. The 'reasons' all have some connection to where that activity might be focused or not and many are not even asking the hard questions around this...
   OK, my posts for the next three to four weeks will be holiday and sport related, if there are any at all... for the purposes of my vocation... HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS re-membering the story of God become one of us and the impliactions of the invitation to join the party... see you in the New Year!!

The Black Keys "El Camino" CD

2011-12-09T00:31:00.001+11:00

New work from the 'Keys' whose quirky rock style is occasionally my chosen fix of loud music... turn it up here. They were on Letterman tonight here in Oz and I'll post the official clip of that song tomorrow when I'm actually awake!!

'Pumphouse' Changes...

2011-12-07T23:09:00.001+11:00

Hey it's that time of year and as I wind down to holidays and a new role in 2012 I'm pondering some blogging changes. I might split my blogging between 'Pumphouse' for the stuff 'nobody' wants to read but I want to write and a second more exclusively youth focused blog... with a working title of 'Ideas Big and Small'!! On the other hand it might be just too much to have two spaces... it could just be a facelift and new title... yes my last two years have been that forgettable, painful and in need of moving on from!!
Dunno, but I'll ponder this over the holidays and you'll be the first to know!!

Why Most Young People Leave the Church

2011-12-07T22:27:00.001+11:00

The Barna Group [obviously stealing inspiration from the Uniting Church in Australia] have launched a few years of work focused on 'Next Generations' and this post follows up from one previous entry. There is paid material and resources on their website but also teaser and free material to get you thinking.
A recent feature focused on 'why young people leave the church' and I do/don't agree with the emphasis transferred to our context here in Oz. This post introduces the topic and you can read all about it here

The article talks about:
#1 Churches seem over protective
Many mainstream churches are still trying to create 'safe' communities for young people and risking irrelevance as life becomes complex or restricts 'risk taking' adolescents from exploring their values and connecting popular culture and the world they live in.
The article cites attitudes to media, music etc. It's more far reaching than this and relates to the narrow 'salvation' restriction of 'the gospel.'
#2 Teens and twenty somethings experience of church is shallow
Our faith, teaching and the nature of our Christian community does not relate to daily life clearly enough in ways that make sense of the connections.
#3 Churches come across as antagonistic to science
The struggle with 'answers' in our faith and a vocation in the sciences [or working with technology] in a culture still arguing about evolution v creation
#4 Young peoples experiences in relation to sexuality are often simplistic/judgemental
Expectations v he complexity of modern life... judgementalism... two standards...
#5 They wrestle with the exclusive nature of Christianity
Suspicious of anyone's 'truth claims' and have been raised in a climate of acceptance, openness and tolerance...
#6 The church feels unfriendly to those who doubt
Feeling unsafe and not finding places and people to explore with...

The article questions the polarised responses of either ignoring the world of todays young adults or preferring to adopt their tastes, choices and expression at the exclusion of others. It questions hierarchical ways of focusing discipleship as preparing the next generation for church leadership. The opportunity exists for ministry and mission with young people that's multi-generational, more like the 'body' metaphor and is about the gifts and abilities, passions and questions of all...

OK, there's again much more to be said... but this is a start and I'll pick it up post holidays!!

Top Tens 2011: Movies

2011-11-30T13:00:00.001+11:00

I begin my 2011 Top Tens today... I must have other stuff I'm really supposed to be doing!! This year the Movies List is a bit different. It usually only includes films I've seen, not reputation, and this time it's about films I enjoyed for some reason and films that 'tanked' with me!! They are not recommendations, just reflections!!

Top Ten Films I Enjoyed in 2011
1. 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' better than it could have been... go Neville!!
2. 'Mr Poppers Penguins' surprisingly moving and a great deep story
3. 'The Guard' brilliantly dry and edgy
4. 'The Adjustment Bureau' could have been so much better but I enjoyed it
5. 'Captain America' appalling great scmaltz... can't wait for the 'Avengers'
6. 'Kung Fu Panda 2' classic
7. Gnomeo and Juliet/Rio as a family at the Heddon Greta Drive In [first visit for 30 years]
8. 'Bridesmaids' just wrong but a quirky likeable character
9. 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' almost rubbish but escapist fun!!
10. 'Larry Crowne' heartwarming and I could relate to the emotions

Lots of the silly escapist comedies I saw made the top twenty as a sign of the year I had but didn't make the final trim down. I might have missed one somewhere and I haven't yet see 'Red Dog'

Worst Ten Films that Didn't work for me
1. 'The Green Hornet' major disappointment badly acted
2. 'Real Steel' oh dear, Hugh? It sounded good, it wasn't...
3. 'Three Musketeers' It ain't no Pirates...
4. 'Thor' Almost but Chris Hemsworth spoilt it for me
5. 'Limitless' a great idea that went nowhere
6. 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' almost but not quite, patchy
7. 'X Men 1st Class' really, Kevin Bacon??? one film too many
8. 'Green Lantern' aweful
9. 'Cowboys & Aliens' so funny but you just shouldn't get funded for this
10. 'Jonny English Reborn' better than the first in my book but the story stopped

Jason Statham's 'The Mechanic' just missed the cut

News on the Vocation Front

2011-11-25T11:09:00.001+11:00

Well, it's November...
And I can now share that for the next three years I will be taking up the role of 'Youth Ministry Development Worker' in the Uniting Church Hunter Presbytery [region]!! I'm really looking forward to the role of mentor, teacher, resource person in some great team situations...

I've been focused on NSW/ACT and travelling to a Sydney base for twelve years... I am not going to finish my 'bucketlist' but I'll get close and I'll leave what has been a trying situation for the last 2-3 years [not just the last 12 months] with a 'Closing Time' celebration on 3rd December!! Probably if I visit IMAX next week and have lunch in Surry Hills, return to the Powerhouse Museum at the start of the school holidays then 'see a play' will be left... I missed tix to see Kevin Spacey does Shakespeare and Cate Blanchett earlier in the year...

I look forward to exploring 'capacity building' with faith communities, sustainable discipleship and leadership amongst youth & young adults and mentoring and resourcing great volunteers and others who are already doing what they can to engage in God's activity in the world where they live... and a few other things along the way!!

I am not enjoying looking for a used car... techniques and personality types have not changed in over a decade... having no trade in helps!!

Fun T-Shirt

2011-11-23T14:32:00.001+11:00

But even if I did buy it, I couldn't wear it anywhere could I?

Brilliant 'Rolling in the Deep' cover

2011-11-23T08:26:00.001+11:00

Great Adele cover from VazquezSounds

Myths about Why Young Adults Leave the Church

2011-11-17T21:15:00.001+11:00

The Barna Group are engaging in a five year study about young adults dropping out of church and the desire on the part of communities of faith to encourage growing faith. The Barna Research Group material is always thorough and often translatable to our context [or at least able to be understood for what it is and isn't saying]!!
In this case they are exploring 5 myths here and give a glimpse for free at the costed resources that flow from the project!!

"Myth 1: Most people lose their faith when they leave high school.
Reality: There has been considerable attention paid to the so-called loss of faith that happens between high school and early adulthood. Some have estimated this dropout in alarming terms, estimating that a large majority of young Christians will lose their faith. The reality is more nuanced. In general, there are three distinct patterns of loss: prodigals, nomads, and exiles.

Myth 2: Dropping out of church is just a natural part of young adults' maturation.
Reality: First, this line of reasoning ignores that tens of millions of young Christians never lose their faith or drop out of church. Thus, leaving church or losing faith should not be a foregone conclusion.

Myth 3: College experiences are the key factor that cause people to drop out.
Reality: College certainly plays a role in young Christians' spiritual journeys, but it is not necessarily the 'faith killer' many assume. College experiences, particularly in public universities, can be neutral or even adversarial to faith. However, it is too simplistic to blame college for today's young church dropouts. As evidence, many young Christians dissociate from their church upbringing well before they reach a college environment; in fact, many are emotionally disconnected from church before their 16th birthday.

Myth 4: This generation of young Christians is increasingly "biblically illiterate."
Reality: The study examined beliefs across the firm's 28-year history, looking for generational gaps in spiritual beliefs and knowledge. When comparing the faith of young practicing faith Christians (ages 18 to 29) to those of older practicing Christians (ages 30-plus), surprisingly few differences emerged between what the two groups believe. This means that within the Christian community, the theological differences between generations are not as pronounced as might be expected. Young Christians lack biblical knowledge on some matters, but not significantly more so than older Christians.

Myth 5: Young people will come back to church like they always do.
Reality: Some faith leaders minimize the church dropout problem by assuming that young adults will come back to the church when they get older, especially when they have children. However, previous research conducted by Barna Group raises doubts about this conclusion."

'Inside Sport' 20th Year

2011-11-17T20:08:00.001+11:00

The marketing and the first edition of 'Inside Sport' magazine promised cliche free insightful sports journalism and has pretty much delivered over the 20 years it's continued to be published here in Oz!!
My favourite section has always been 'Verbatim' with a page of quotable quotes from coaches, sports people or writers that pick up ones you've heard or read in the papers and can't wait to see if they've captured.

The action photos are always stunning. The magazine has been strong on the issues of drugs in sport, corrupt bidding processes for major events and heroes with 'feet of clay.'

It's a couple of years ago now that they made the decision to take the bikini models off the front cover citing feedback from their loyal readers who had reached an age where the purchase had to be explained and justified to bystanders and family members with the familiar 'but it's a brilliant sport magazine!!!'

I have not missed an edition in all twenty years. I went close when OS for nine weeks but managed to catch that issue from a friend and at the Drs waiting room weeks later. I subscribed early on but because I travel I have preferred to be able to grab a copy on the Wednesday it comes out wherever I happen to be.

Testament to the magazine is that given the sterotypical choices available for this months particularly celebratory edition it has Cadel Evans on the cover!! He is the obvious unbiased choice... well done 'Inside Sport' and here's hoping you're around for another twenty!!

Just When I Thought It was safe to Go Back to Youth Focus

2011-11-13T15:43:00.001+11:00

Aussie cricket dipped to a new low in South Africa this week. This will happen in a rebuilding era. There will be days when the side loses focus and momentum. It has to be said this was a day for a Simon Katich type player to step up and make a statement. But then he'd have to have been contracted, selected and not giving the current Captain and administration a shellacking in the media for that to occur...
In case you missed it or don't care... Australia played well until being all out for 47 and handing momentum back to the opposition. South Africa themselves had only doubled that in their innings but experienced players stood up when the chase became achievable in the second dig. At least the skipper made 150 in his first knock!! It's a long way from here to a Bonds commercial!!

Guest Post on 'More Than Dodgeball'

2011-11-04T22:52:00.001+11:00

My post on 'Space, Permission & Validity' can be found here at 'More Than Dodgeball'!! Thanks Graham Baldock for prompting me to write it down and Joshua Griffin for putting it out there...

St Jude's Uniting Church

2011-11-04T22:44:00.001+11:00

Mark Senter III wrote work leading to 'The Coming Revolution in Youth Ministry and it's Radical Impact on the Church' and released the book at the start of the 1990s. I recall mentor Fuzz Kitto showing me a typed copy and suggested I read some of the manuscript on the couch with a good coffee!!
To this day I remember that I didn't fully grasp what I was reading but somehow knew that it was important and would one day speak precisely into a context I did understand.
Coupled with 'Four Views of Youth Ministry and the Church' I believe Senter's work has 'arrived' in terms of our current challenges. But more than that the very titles of the books teach me an important lesson. You see I've been talking about them a lot [I'm not one for including subtitles] but not using the full name. '...And It's Radical Impact on the Church' and '...and the Church' don't shift my understanding of the key points very much but they do make sure the focus is on the community of God's people that is currently commonly represented by a local group or congregation. They are key to the future of mission and ministry with young people. This is true whether they are shaped for mission or for getting out of the way of God's action in the world. What I mean is that whatever Senter's wisdom in these books they reflect on how the church engages in or will be effected by the very issues he's raising

Why do I think his work is now more relevant than ever?

Because of a little hypothetical Uniting Church known as St Jude's. St Jude's could be a small rural church or a high density urban street corner or a large suburban centre or a neighbourhood group in a building too old or too large for their purposes... The congregation or main Sunday worshipping community aren't getting any younger. They as a group represent only a small slice of the culture/s, backgrounds, educational achievements and history of those in their wider community.
At St Jude's there are a few under 60s but a huge gap between 25 and 45. There precious few youth or young adults if any alongside the remnant of a small infants and primary aged Sunday School with one volunteer teacher engaging with kids right across the spectrum.
The older members are concerned about the lack of young people and especially the High School drop off rate. Who will we be without the youth? How can we have young people here again? Should we hire a Youth Ministry Worker?
This is a common scenario and connects strongly with one of the 'Four Views' explored by Senter and called the 'Preparatory' model. Say what you like but the majority of ministry with young people I've seen over the last thirty years is subtly or strongly aimed at preparing the young people to 'be' the church... to take up where they leave off... BUT the global context of these young people has so radically shifted in the last 40 years that the models of church most encounter are simply contextually irrelevant.
I don't blame the churches. The context has changed rapidly and radically and the generations who've left mean there are few change role models and we are still trying to share faith, foster discipleship and unpack the good news as it was taught to us...
We need to totally re-orient the church for engaging in God's mission in the world. We need to develop our ethos and values and live those out in the everyday and shape our life by what God is doing. The goal is not church engagement but discipleship or 'following.' So growing faith to maturity is an additional measure alongside attendance.
We need to develop skills in appreciative inquiry or at least 'listening' skills to understand the perspective of 'the other' not just our own narrowly expressed goal of 'saving people.' If a congregation is truly able to connect with a few areas where they believe God is active in their community then questions of numbers at worship and money through the offering will in time be irrelevant.
But one key ingredient in this is leadership. People with contextual skills are used to asking questions, adaptation and experimenting with ideas. What if our view of 'church' was that we exist to serve? Or the very radical idea that we exist to create other communities of faith and so initiate our connected groups to 'plant' missional churches elsewhere. They learn the skills from earlier but apply them to a new community. Even one step shy by engaging young people in activity with which they share an affinity and direct social justice action... we could change St Jude's forever... more soon... what are the practicalities...

Carrington Bowling Club

2011-10-30T19:10:00.001+11:00

Do you have a spare $150,000 lying around... you could participate in your very own 'Crackerjack' story by providing the funds for a kitchen refurbishment to allow this excellent if rustic community facility to upgrade and survive!!
Failing that if you can get to Newcastle here in Oz by 6th November [for OS friends that'll have to be via Emirates, Etihad or Virgin at the moment!!] then the Club is holding a fun day to try to give people a chance to enjoy the Bowls Club but also donate even $10 towards their survival... this is a common story but it's a place that has potential as a community space if the work can be done!!

Rugby mad NZ

2011-10-23T09:35:00.001+11:00

From my very first training session for University 4ths in Newcastle I knew I had found my game. A contact sport for all body shapes where stopping was as effective as tackling. In the early 80s it was ok to respect the All Blacks as the best in the apartheid effected game and we all owned steinlager sponsored Canterbury brand jerseys. Later as the wallabies improved it was less ok. Former kiwi team mate Glen Turner told me I hadn't experienced rugby unless I'd been to a Bledisloe Cup game at Eden Park and I'm so looking fwd to this next best thing... I'm so grateful to Simone and my family for this 50th birthday year opportunity for a break and to experience a rugby mad nervous Auckland as this tournament has driven them mad for 24 years.Switching to Wanderers after a season off I then enjoyed more than twenty years playing and later coaching in this wonderful world game.... As someone who enjoyed the physical contest on the field I still miss it every Saturday in winter... But two ruptured patella tendons will have that effect on you!!It won't kick off until 9pm And I have all day to decide whether to update that Canterbury jersey with a clima cool Adidas momento.Bring it on!!!Queens Wharf will likely host 20,000 plus people for the after party.... Will the tricolours spoil the fun. !

Rugby World Cup Final

2011-10-20T21:32:00.000+11:00

OK, so tomorrow [very early] I head to Auckland to catch the so-called Bronze playoff and the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final!! It's a repeat of 1987. This shouldn't surprise as the All Blacks only win the ones they host... and they again front the French team who are capable of anything!!
Normal 'Pumphouse' transmission to resume next Thursday!!

Too Good!!

2011-10-17T11:25:00.000+11:00

RWC 2011 #09 Semi Final Day

2011-10-16T10:25:00.002+11:00

What a shame for last nights semi-final Wales v France! I commented how difficult it was to sustain defence and keep rolling on when you play a man down for most of the match... bit it is possible if you pull down the shutters the way the French did!!
Wales were gutsy in their efforts but today the inaccuracy of their goal kicking, three dropped balls and the one kick which went within a few centimetres of winning them the game!!
France seemed to assume they'd wear Wales down and so tried to play risk free rugby and in some ways save their energies for next week. That said their defence was superb and in the way the game went they did enough... just!!
It was a shame the rain made Wales expansive style difficult and let's hope that by some miracle the forecast of sunny and a top of 17 is spot on in Auckland today.... of course 23-25 would be even better but this is Auckland we're talking about!!
In 2003 I read an article on the morning of the match with a comment about the Wallabies needing to keep the ball away from the All Blacks in that Sydney RWC Semi Final and I knew they were going to win... nobody believed me until the All Blacks kicked off and instead of kicking the ball straight back down field and into touch for a lineout the Wallabies ran it from their own 22m, depriving the All Blacks of the ball for up to 22 minutes, then Sterling Mortlock read their play and scored an intercept try...
Justin Marshall was injured in a fair tackle and from there the All Blacks became increasingly pressured and mistake riddled...
I've read articles today which describe exactly how this game should be played and won BUT I don't have quite the same confidence this side can do what it says needs to be done!! I agree the first 20mins will be crucial today but so will the ten minutes either side of half time... because that's about sustained effort and knowing when to run and when to consolidate!!
Come on Wallabies... move up in defence, kick well, run wide straight lines and back yourselves... Pocock and our scrum/lineout are the keys to getting the kind of ball we need for our star backline to have the room to move...
For the All Blacks, they will be working for a fair share of ball, kicking for errors and then swinging into their disciplined ruck and maul game with the best short back up passing rugby you'l ever see as it seems when you cut down a runner there's always a support player in space at speed to take the ball...

OK... come on Wallabies... I'd love to see you in Auckland on Sunday not Friday!!

Watch out for 'the rude finger'

2011-10-16T10:03:00.001+11:00

My daughters Lucy [10] and Ellie [7] have a lot of fun playing in our fenceless front yard on a street with moderate through traffic as a crossover in our suburb. They climb bottlebrush trees, play hide and seek, tips etc

From time to time they've run a lemonade and/or craft stall and whatever they're doing they pause and run together to the driveway and wave at passing traffic. One day some friendly local girls gave the gathered throng 'the bird' with a one middle fingered salute. This became known as a 'rude finger.'

Now it's entered our common language as something is described as being:

as long as...

about as wide as...

as naughty as...

as obvious as...

'a rude finger'!! Thanks those girls in the Nissan X-Trail!!

"Famine F Word" from ONE

2011-10-15T22:37:00.002+11:00

Craig posted a link to this new ONE Campaign clip!!

Laman St Fig Trees

2011-10-14T22:53:00.000+11:00

The fate of a street full of Morton Bay Fig trees is a big story here in Newcastle. Our City Council is in favour of following the arborists advice and insurers concerns and want to cut down the trees. We're talking major 100 year old canopy across from our city Library and Art Gallery and above a traditional Civic Park and fountain. The Mayor is aligning himself with the community group 'Save our Figs' and there's a call for 'independent assessment.' The Council do have the problem of an insurer now unwilling to cover in the event of public liability vs the PR problem of redevelopment plans and lack of willingness for further assessment. I have to state that I don't find Morton Bays attractive, though this streets cape is impressive. I have read about these trees before when some were removed from Lambton and Islington Parks. It does seem they have a safe and healthy life span of just over the hundred years and do begin to drop branches and start to die. Someone planted them back then... would it be so bad to see them out and new trees planted that we know will in the future give similar pleasure to future generations... It's a really tough call about change, decisionmaking, power and community reaction. At the moment the Security and project costs approach $1 million and the Art Gallery and Library are now apparently closed indefinitely because of security concerns and the need for the workers to have a safe environment... Is it a metaphor for other change scenarios? Does it have anything to say? Is it a reminder of stakeholders around an adaptive challenge and the need to do better at taking people along, explaining what's happening, why such change is needed and what the new future might look like... Even if we can't really see it...I wonder whether the Council should simply have sought the assessment and why there's no other insurer offering to jump in? The trees do look spectacular, but they ruin the footpath and road, are unsafe to walk around if you're not careful it's easy to trip. Other independent articles ive read talk about them as trees with a life span that does end. I think they're ugly at the trunk/roots level... that's just my view. I think I also understand why people want to protest and feel they are not getting a fair go... The whole episode stinks!!! So one lesson is that if you don't trust the decision maker it'll be hard to get people onboard. More soon...

RWC 2011 #08 Semi Finals

2011-10-10T21:25:00.002+11:00

As Rugby Union matches go next Sunday's World Cup Semi Final will be amongst the Wallabies toughest Tests and a massive opportunity!! They take on the All Blacks [tournament host] in their own playground... where we have failed to win a match since the mid 1980s.
But like 2003 in Sydney we have done just enough to worry them, should have a credible plan and are capable of this huge upset!!
The All Blacks are an amazing team!! Even struggling against Argentina's dogged defence, they still managed that short passing hand off game they so enjoy in counter attack... little shuffle passes to support players in numbers other sides simply fail to match. They play up tempo. They err on the wrong side of the rules when the ball is contested in a ruck better than any other team and they simply have the best coloured team uniforms!!
This is the week we find out if Robbie Deans is as a good a coach as his Canterbury record suggests. It starts with how the team 'recover' from Sunday and freshen up for next week... a relaxed day or two and then intense planning, a few sharp training runs and on to the bigger stage in Auckland!! Go the Wallabies!!

RWC 2011 #07 D Day for Australia

2011-10-09T09:21:00.001+11:00

it's nice to have some headspace today to watch the Rugby in an otherwise pretty crappy time!! The Wallabies are capable of winning today!What counts against is the weather, experience and skill of the opposition and the fact I reckon we have to play our best to win while the Springboks could grind out a win at less than their best!!Our advantages include David Pocock, the x factor in attack and Kurtley Beale at fullback... Hopefully they value possession of the ball and realize there's no tomorrow for the team that comes second. The biggest tension will be time... If we are threatened on the scoreboard, the tension will stretch some of blokes! those "we'll win it" calls always bemuse me. What will tell is how the Wallabies start and the 10mins either side of half way... Dare I say, watch for the drop goals!!Come on boys, back yourselves but have pride in getting it right!!

Eavesdrop at Speers Point Park

2011-10-08T16:02:00.000+11:00

We had the extended family of in-laws at Speers Point Park today for Charlotte's 3rd birthday. It's a brilliant use of recreational space with climbing, swings, music, big slide, flying foxes, wet area, scoot track, and growing tree maze with quiet toddler area and action swings for wheelchairs etc. Minding our table I couldn't help but overhear two mums talking about the way kids are learning and the need for them to have to figure things out as against their standard reply of "just Google it mum! Just Google it!!!" in the next breath they were talking about choosing movies and suggesting to her daughter that she "look a few up on the Internet, read about them, watch the trailers and make a choice" Hmmmn... So she should just Google it? There is a serious discussion behind all that which I'm always aware of preparing things and utilizing shared wisdom and creativity. The issue is, what am I putting out there for others to use, how am I developing thought and practice... Am I a member of the YouTube community or just a leech? Will we develop generations of young people who access content without contributing any... How will human wisdom be added to... Don't get me wrong, I think all that will happen in ways we can't yet envisage... It's different to whether you can learn to tell the time with a digital watch... It'll be interesting to watch in coming decades... I'll be able to just Google it of course!!

Words

2011-10-07T22:57:00.001+11:00

Listener
Ideas
Asks good questions
Always thinking which way
Helping people work stuff out
Simplifying
'Rocket Scientist'
Helping make space for people to lead
Contextual questions
Seeing things other people don't
Intuitive
Educator
Retainer or stories and learning
Mentor
Empathy
Encourager

Problem solving
Resources
Hospitality
Networks
Determination
Humour
Creativity

RWC 2011 #06 Quarter Finals

2011-10-05T21:52:00.000+11:00

What's the likely team for the Wallbies Quarter Final v the Springboks in windy Wellington?
1.Sekopi Kepu
2. Stephen Moore
3. Ben Alexander
4. Dan Vickerman though it seems Sharpey is still in the running
5. James Horwill
6. Rocky Elsom
7. David Pocock
8. Radike Samo
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Digby Ioane
12. Pat McCabe
13. Adam Ashley Cooper
14. James OConnor
15. Kurtley Beale

Res: James Slipper, Tatafe Polota Nau, Luke Burgess, Ben Mcalman, Berrick Barnes
It sounds like McCabe's games against South Africa will keep him in this physical side as to drop him might see him right out of the squad.
Barnes did everything he could to dislodge McCabe and would be itching on the bench to take kicks and come on if Cooper can't bring in a plan b.
I know Peter De Villiers isn't reading my blog so it's safe to speculate that with Bryce Lawrence as referee (probably the biggest negative of this fixture) the contested ball will be a bar room winner takes all stoush.
Look for the Wallabies to play straight but a little wider of the ruck with Pocock running the one and two channels and hopefully Elsom will get some space out wide...
That's if we commit enough blokes to the ball to keep it. I'd be tempted to play Barnes and bring Hodgson straight onto the bench having flown him in as a replacement for Palu (what did I write about him again?)Non comprende?
That's ok, once every four years I get to watch a competition on TV that I know a little bit about...
Less sporting analysis in three weeks!!!
We are in trouble in this match if the weather makes it an arm wrestle...
We will also need to counter a drop goal festival!!! If the Wallabies win this Sunday at least I get to watch them play in a couple of weeks...
After this match it's on to a semi final against Argentina I guess!! ;D

Space, Permission and Validity

2011-09-28T17:06:00.000+10:00

A new initiative, new form of church or a missional contextual ministry with young people rely on the interplay of [3] things if they are to have any chance. While we live in a western post modern, post church environment with all it's related challenges, there is an opportunity to join the missio dei [God's mission in the world].

Outward focused, spirit inspired, gift harnessing creativity will always allow people to come up with amazing ministry with young people BUT unless the existing 'church' makes room for this it is always a bigger challenge than it needs to be.

Space, permission and validity are all needed to give things the best chance of meeting 'the hurts and hopes' of people in your community.

SPACE includes facilities [and the keys or access] but also attention, support, resources and awareness

PERMISSION means genuine approval to 'be' without 'gate keeping' and unhelpful constraints

VALIDITY is taking something seriously and understanding it as creating new forms of 'church'

New initiatives or contextual missional activities are often fragile, fringe or experimental ideas. It can be a contest of ideas around 'what is the gospel?', focus, share of attention and 'open or closed set' thinking. That's all great jargon but it means we are not always good at allowing experiments.

Young people often encounter low or no expectations and are not taken seriously in faith shaping and discipleship. Faith communities can be afraid for the future or guilty of seeing young people as 'the church of tomorrow.' Sometimes SPACE is clearly not free and complaints about how it's left or padlocks on cupboards make that clear. PERMISSION can be conditional on meeting generational or committee expectations. Lots of things are barely tolerated and what we do know is that leaders and young people have good 'antennae' for sensing whether or not they are included.

St Laurence, Reading is the best example I've seen of all these things being evident just from entering their building and hearing their story. It's not about the billions of pounds spent but the space, permission and validity given to their mission. The same could be done with a flat screen TV, a coat of paint and a set of keys.

SPACE, PERMISSION & VALIDITY can facilitate:

- Healthy School Breakfast Programs

- Computer Game Parties

- Homework Centre

- Social Justice Club

- Holiday Clubs for Kids

- Missional Contextual Worship

- Leadership Programs

- Hall Games

- Sports Comps

- Skaters

- Bible Study Groups

- Day Camping

- Theme Nights

- Big Screen Movies

- alt.worship
- Art, Craft & Photography

UCA NSW/ACT Synod Meeting #02

2011-09-22T17:19:00.002+10:00

I don't know about others but I'll be borrowing the VicTas hashtag #synod2011 for twitter during the 18 monthly meeting where the Mod is Installed here in Newcastle on Friday night and business kicks off Saturday at Newcastle University... based on the maintenance mode Reports so far I hope there's more innovative material to come... between the pre-reading our corporatised thinking on structures I'm hoping to at least have some good conversations with some of the younger attendees and looking fwd to their non boomer generation take on the challenges ahead!! Stay tuned I guess... unless our procedures ban social networking, which I doubt will have been considered... and is just an opportunity to flout the rules if it has!!

Coldplay Done!!

2011-09-21T13:12:00.002+10:00

OK, so you've missed it now... but download it from youtube soon no doubt!!

Coldplay LIve on Letterman NOW!! 1pm AEST

2011-09-21T13:08:00.002+10:00

Watch Coldplay streamed live on the net from David Letterman's Late Show NOW!!! here
The internet webby thingy is amazing!!

Re-reading "The Shaping of Things to Come"

2011-09-20T08:28:00.001+10:00

Yes, I'm re-reading the Frost/Hirsch 'textbook' exploring innovation and mission for the 21st C! It's helpful because it's thorough, grounding and references the original works from which most of our current popcorn versions draw their inspiration.
The challenges of contextual mission and ministry and the ideas here are some of the reasons people tell me I speak a different language to them in some workshops and presentations... that won't be changing... but hopefully more people are beginning to grapple with the issues an increasingly irrelevant institution is facing.
This is diametrically opposed to the 'good news' we believe we share and our hopes for a world lived differently. If people don't see 'the church' as a place to explore their spirituality and life then we are going to find 'attractional ministry' difficult... being seen and helpful , connected and serving communities of people is actually doing and being our faithful selves differently and opens up opportunities for people to encounter God on their territory.
That said, I laugh every time I read about San Fransisco's 'Subterranean Shoe Room' knowing that he was trying to get a message to Michael Frost, asking him to stop telling the story. The shop ends up being full of Aussie and Kiwi backpackers 'cramping his style'!! whoops... keep it to yourselves!!

Event Cinemas: Anything to Learn?

2011-09-19T19:15:00.002+10:00

Greater Union have changed their identity to 'Event Cinemas' in most if not all locations and the other bigger companies have their own take on the local cinema being about more than movies. It seems an interesting diversification which no doubt has more than one motive...
1. Movie pirating and quick release of DVDs necessitate movie experiences you can't have at home
e.g. this week along you can catch the Pearl jam anniversary show 'Twenty' and Nirvana 'Live at the Paramount'
2. 3D has sporting and concert possibilities or even just normal projection puts State of Origin Rugby League or the Rugby Union World Cup Semi's and Final on the BIG screen
3. Live Concerts and alcohol licences will soon combine on site to create new venues
4. It's bigger and cheaper than a 3D TV at home

SO, what lessons if any are there for the Christian Church. No it's not as simple as 'how can we entertain people?' We lost that battle ages ago... I mean what can we learn about the kinds of experiences people are responding to? AND what might it inspire us to come up with as diverse uses of our buildings and gathering spaces?

What are experiences we should be offering through our communities of faith, that you can't experience as well elsewhere? How might new cohorts of people be invited to enjoy communal experiences in our space?
What 'mission' could thinking this way serve???

RWC 2011 #05 Where to from here?

2011-09-19T19:02:00.001+10:00

The biggest problem for the Wallabies now in the wake of their World Cup loss to Ireland is the quality of the remaining opposition... unless the USA can bustle them as the Irish did we won't learn too much in their next two games about possible new combinations or players who 'put their hand up' for a forwards spot!!
My thoughts... whatever it takes Pocock and Moore must play in the big matches!! and the bigger solution to a problem is Berrick Barnes at inside centre. McCabe is OK but Barnes gives another option alongside Cooper, for clearing kicks, point of attack etc.
They must commit another man to the rucks and work out how to get forward so Genia has space to organise... that was the killer against Ireland. They played really well!
What of the pathway to the Final... it will be tougher but wow, what a Cup it would be if we make it!!
They can hope for Italy to upset Ireland but on the other side of the draw the French loom as yet again the All Black achilles heel!! Viva La Francais!!

RWC 2011 #04 Four Penalties and a Drop Goal

2011-09-18T09:49:00.002+10:00

That says it all really!! The Wallabies lacked the ability to go to plan B when a spirited Irish side put it to them in the scrum and out enthused them in defence!!
I have coached only lower grade blokes Rugby [with a little bit of success!] but I can tell you the secret to winning big games is to treat the ball as 'gold' and hold onto it for as long as you can.
You can overcome rain, bustling defence, poor timing and diabolical refereeing [everything the Wallabies faced last night] and still win those games!!
We never recovered from the absence of Ioane, Pocock and Moore. Polota Nau was off the pace and though Mcalman tried hard we missed that on the ball scrounging which may have seen an Irish forward sin binned and not just warned for their disruptive play at the rucks.
The Irish even used their bench more effectively as we left it too late to bring Hinginbotham onto the field. He and Palu may havebeen handy in that charge to the line inside the last 15mins...
It's a long way to the Final from here... unless 'the Azzurri' play out of their skins and down Ireland... even then the winner of last nights clash has the advantage!! THAT WAS AWEFUL, WALLABIES!!!

RWC 2011 #03 The Ireland Challenge

2011-09-16T08:36:00.000+10:00

It really has been a case of too much rugby too little time for me so far this World Cup but that stops on Saturday night when the Irish front up to challenge the Wallabies. Will it be 12 degrees, raining and windy... probably!!

The Wallabies should be focused enough to Ireland away unless ill discipline costs them too many 3 point penalties. It's a game the boys in green lift for but if it's 'fair dinkum' we should win by a fair bit.

In other matches it's been great to see a few sides trouble the northern hemisphere teams. It's a sign the rugby is being played the right way and attractive attack is possible.

I think the media is right, I expect Rocky Elsom to bounce back from being a bit invisible in the opener against Italy and Will Genia's reputation continues to grow.

You win World Cups by having [5] world class players stamp their authority on matches. For us it's a group focus on the forwards gaining ground. This will allow our talented but inexperienced backs the room to grow into their reputations. Wouldn't it be great to see Kurtley Beale score three tries on Saturday night.

Meanwhile if I were the All Black coaches I'd be looking to blow Japan off the park this weekend to get some confidence back into the side. It's time they settled on a winning combo or they risk a soft preparation for matches later on. 'Choking' is not an apt description of their World Cup history, it's been more a case of being too good for their pool and quarter final opponents so when they get to the serious matches they've been untested and underdone... bring it on!!

IKEA Have a Go

2011-09-16T01:04:00.002+10:00

Brilliant!! This is the one...

Where I'd Rather Be...

2011-09-15T08:15:00.006+10:00

I read three things this morning that made me ponder...
Where would I rather be?
It's been a long week, well two weeks actually, well four weeks...
And I'm not quite at the point where I can stop...BUT...
I'd rather be in:
1. New York City
Exploring more of the other four boroughs....
Brooklyn to begin with as well as catching 'Spiderman' the musical
2. New Zealand for the whole Rugby World Cup
Mind you somewhere actually warm would be better
I guess I'll settle for the week of the Final in Auckland and actually going to the game
3. Doing Laps of Lambton Pool or Homebush or the Cook+Phillip
Woke up after Mondays session at the Cook+Phillip Pool with a terrible throat so that's it for a week
4. Getting Acupuncture on my Sore Foot
It's getting better but not fast enough
5. Taking Photos around Newcastle for my latest Project
I have started and the weather today is magnificent
Maybe I'll take the camera when I go the Chiropractor
It's all manner of therapies here...
6. At the Movies
A couple of new films start today so there'd be something I haven't seen that I'd like to...
Jonny English could be great or could disappoint, next on my list though is 'The Guard'
7. At Bills 2 in Crown St for Breakfast
Mmmm corn fritters and honeycomb pancakes
8. Reading a book
Oh to have the time to stop
9. At the First Assembly for Sydney Alliance at the Town Hall tonight
One of the things this last two years has cost me is the energy and opportunity to fully participate in the community development made possible by the Alliance... I just feel I'm in a dead end with no idea where to next and so while I'd enjoy the interactions and be motivated to contribute I have no idea where it'd be heading... so I just have to wait...
Fortunately I don't need an organisation to teach me what I've done for years in terms of 'relational meetings,' deep listening and mission...
10. Driving to Sydney to see a Play at Bevoir St
Or Sydney Theatre Company
11. At a 'Midnight Oil' gig
Time machine required... Back to Selina's at Coogee!!
Packed in like sardines... too hot really, and the Oils working flat chat through 10,9,8...
And Diesel and Dust

"RU OK? Day" 15th September 2011

2011-09-14T14:45:00.000+10:00

Tomorrow my time is RU OK? Day here in Oz which is inspired by Gavin Larkin and the story of his own father's suicide. He was a top flight business entrepreneur who took his own life as a result of depression which he hadn't really been open about or sought or been given help...

Sadly Gavin himself has had his own share of illness and family struggles which are well told in an 'Australian Story' on ABC TV which you could currently view on ABC iView.

RU OK? Day is about asking friends and relatives that question... not so much just those at risk BUT all people... you can check out the website here

Schools and students have become involved in NSW through the 'Reachout' website and a group of young people were those who suggested ways to connect including video, facebook etc

"One Day" Movie Mistake

2011-09-14T11:44:00.003+10:00

I must have been weary as I trudged off to the George Street 'Event Cinemas' in Sydney last night!! I had read [for read you mean skimmed] a recent article about the project where people contributed youtube styled videos to hopefully be included in the "Life in a Day" movie!! I also noted the session times for "One Day" and turned up ready to go... only trouble... "One Day" is the Ann Hathaway, Jim Sturgess film and not the one I thought...
That said I really enjoyed it... many won't... it's a small story with big themes and is told in a really interesting way. I didn't get up and leave because I had seen the David and Margaret speil on it a week or so ago and knew they thought it interesting...
Essentially the story tracks these two people who surprisingly become friends out of University from Graduation Day [15th July, St Swithins Day]and it picks them up on a number of following July 15ths to see how their lives and friendship is going or not, over 20 years...
The script was quirky but could have been better but the story had some timely themes for me and an emotional setting just about right!! [3 stars].
I would write a discussion guide or more thorough handout but I can't be bothered...

It did remind me of the Billy Bragg song though, so there is that..

St Swithin's Day
Thinking back now,
I suppose you were just stating your views
What was it all for
For the weather or the battle of agincourt
And the times that we all hoped would last
Like a train they have gone by so fast
And though we stood together
At the edge of the platform
We were not moved by them

With my own hands
When i make love to your memory
It's not the same
I miss the thunder
I miss the rain
And the fact that you don't understand
Casts a shadow over this land
But the sun still shines from behind it.

Thanks all the same
But i just can't bring myself to answer your letters
It's not your fault
But your honesty touches me like a fire
The polaroids that hold us together
Will surely fade away
Like the love that we spoke of forever
On st swithin's day

Funny IKEA Advert

2011-09-14T11:14:00.001+10:00

I saw a great IKEA advert at the movies yesterday and came across this short lived one on youtube!! I'll post the other [completely different advert] when I find it... simple but funny!

September 11th 2011 Ten years...

2011-09-11T21:03:00.001+10:00

My favourite place in the world to travel is New York City and I've been lucky enough to travel there three times. We went in 1998 for 5 days of a 9 week holiday from London, through Europe and then across the Atlantic!! It was a warm Spring/Summer and the city was magnificent. We spent lots of time around Broadway, Times Square and many of the usual sites.
This included a trip to the top of the World Trade Centres Observation deck. We went to a Yankees game [my team] and most of the usual spots. Two returned tix saw us catch 'The Lion King' musical as well.
Again in the winter of 2000 Simone and I returned to join in celebrating 'Thanksgiving' and to see the Christmas Lights turned on in Rockefeller Plaza. It was soooo coooold!! This was our trip before starting a family.
In 2008 I was fortunate enough to go back as part of a 'study tour/work exploration trip and checked out a few 'new forms of church' alongside taking in the 9/11 Museum and Walking Tour led by people directly effected by the collapse of the Trade Centres that terrible day. As someone who values stories it's quite difficult to describe the depth of that experience.
Today people across the world will reflect on the event which has in many ways defined the times. That day when four passenger aircraft crashed in New York, Washington and a field in Pennsylvania.
Some will be mindful of terrorism, fundamentalist religious distortions and/or where they were!! Others will think about many lives lost in war, in the campaigns since and through violence in all it's forms.
I will be thinking about the postcards in the basement of the 9/11 Museum and the messages of hope, prayer and support offered to all effected by this tragic turn of events. I will marvel at the thoughts and symbolism which has gone into the design of the Memorial Garden and the new 1 World Trade Centre.
They will remind me of the importance of faith practices, reflection and creative spaces in which people can grieve, remember and move on... in their way and at their pace!!
I will be thinking about Tommy whose story I heard walking around the 'Ground Zero' site as told by his mum!! He was an FDNY Firefighter who selflessly raced up the stairwell of the building in the hope of rescuing people and was there when the building collapsed. His parents fundraise for a scholarship in his name and run an annual golf charity day for the Foundation. I will remember that the week I was there in 2008 there was a news item about how one steel beam had importantly been placed in the footprint of the former buildings, because despite recent wet weather at that time it meant the reflective pools would be able to be finished by today... one more weeks delay and probably not!!
I will ponder God's place in the sorrow, regret and lament and in the faces and lives of all who pause and pray or remember!!

RWC 2011 #03 Sydney Farewell

2011-09-05T14:50:00.002+10:00

I happened to be in Sydney working today so I attended my third ever Rugby World Cup team Farewell at the Town Hall Square. It was an autograph session as well so my cap that will make it's way to Auckland in October got a workout... I wanted to tell Quade Cooper to 'cut out the bad kicks' but he was too distracted laughing at a team photo of Kurtley Beale from someone's poster they were getting signed.

They looked fit and ready to go and I even managed to jag a word with and signature from the coach!!

I told them I'd see them in Auckland at the end of October... on the Sunday rather than the Friday!!

Cook + Phillip Pool Return

2011-09-05T14:39:00.000+10:00

It's been a while but after last week's false start I have finally returned to the pool for Spring/Summer and in particular those days when I am seemingly stuck in the city. I know I'm doing well when I can get my act together and head to the pool and so dragging myself through twenty laps today was a great reminder of how slack I've been letting my former 32 kg weight loss slip backwards and I'm desperately trying to get back on track... despite events and moments conspiring against me... anyhow!!

That's another tick on my Sydney list... now for Homebush and finally a return to outdoors [heated] at Lambton when the weather genuinely warms up!!

"Meaningful Soles" Installation

2011-09-02T12:09:00.003+10:00

Do you have or know of someone with a story to tell and a pair shoes they could give or lend to the cause of creating an art/installation/space made up of the shoes and people's stories on paper, with a backing track and a purpose designed space so people can come and circualte and engage with the stories.

The aim is for people to share their values, what's made them who they are or what shapes who they'd like to be... people of any faith or none!!

The space will be used at events and Festivals where young people and others gather and with 'at risk' youth to help them think about life and issues they face!!

The shoes will not end up on ebay...

I have sent almost 200 hundreds letters to people 'cold' when I've heard their story, found a contact or know who they are in the world of sport, movies, celebrity, politics...

I have shoes from:

Matthew Hayden cricketer

Dave Andrews writer/community builder/activist

Lisa Gorman telling her own journey

Geoff Smith and that sense of call/vocation

Who said "great idea but no"

Natasha Stott Despoja

Peter Garrett

Tim Flannery

Who said nothing:

Bono

Nelson Mandela

Nicole Kidman

I am now chasing Matt Noffs [Street University] and Juan Mann 'The Free Hugs Guy' [who said he was keen] BUT what's your story and who do you know that has one worth sharing... get them in touch with me.... I can talk postage, lending donation etc etc...

DO IT NOW!!!!!!!

Can you help out???

robhanks@bigpond.net.au

"Someone Like You" Adele

2011-08-29T14:01:00.001+10:00

Wow!! She just gets better and better and this live this morning on the MTV Video Music Awards [VMAs] was amazing!! I'll wait for that live clip but here's the original official video now...

Greenbelt Festival 2011 looks great

2011-08-28T22:09:00.007+10:00

It took me just over 20 years to get to the Greenbelt Festival [now at Cheltenham Racecourse] when I made it in 2008. It was a bittersweet experience because it was everything I expected and more and so I've watched and read about it each year since and seen our exploration groups and wished I was joining them. For the trip to London? The visits to interesting communities engaging in contextual mission? Well, that's part of it.... but it's actually because it's a space and a community of people 'who get it' and whose creativity, experimentation, faithfulness, humanity and story are just so inspirational and challenging at the same time!!
The Festival and each of the groups we've visited in recent years are part of those 'thin places' where our awareness of God and our lives touch and where the artificial gap between the secular and the sacred is challenged and breaks.

My trip was full on for a number of reasons and 2008 was an eventful year besides...
It's August bank holiday weekend and a bunch of aussies from Victoria are there experiencing the wonder that is Greenbelt and you can check out the action here and here.

This is an aweful year [energy sapping, boring, de-energising, uncertain etc] counting down to the end of my current role and thoughts and memories of that 2008 trip and al the amazing things I saw and heard about still fuels my thinking and energy for mission, creative endeavour and 'shaping the future.'

Wonder whose playing mainstage in 2012?

I'm also aware that I'm writing these thoughts in a public forum... so trust me it's edited and restrained... but mostly [for me] blogging is one aspect of me processing thoughts and happenings and moving forward [some might call it venting, I think I'm more varied than that] anyhow... no need to respond because I really write for me and anyone finding this in anyway interesting. well that's a bonus... tomorrow is another day!! I will get my camera out tomorrow and express my own creative side and that'll be a nice break!!

RWC 2011 #02 Wallbies v All Blacks

2011-08-28T08:02:00.002+10:00

I haven't had my second viewing of the match BUT last nights win in the rugby is good news for the Wallabies who will still need to conquer NZ conditions but who showed if they are totally committed they can win big games. the team mix was good, they kept their heads and the power forwards were up to the task. The coach almost left the replacements a little late but we finally got some second half possession and defended well in the end. Our scrum had some trouble they'll ramp that up should we meet again and they learnt a lot from going up the middle when under pressure.

I still think we kick too much and the tactic of Genia box kicking is suspect, especially given two charge downs and one where he kicked his own player and captain in the head!! I'd have more to say on that after a second view to check alternative options and a look at individual players to see who was still contributing after 50 mins and how much better we did at the breakdown...

BRING BACK BILL!!!!

'Kondoot' about to go viral globally

2011-08-27T11:13:00.006+10:00

' Come up with a simple idea of how people everywhere can access and add content to the world wide web and set up a website user friendly interface and you could make your fortune and satisfy your creative bent all at once!!'

The Aussie boys behind 'Kondoot' have come up with a website where you can upload and ''broadcast' live and saved video footage for all to see...

Imagine your club, group or friends producing a weekly TV show styled video, sports reports, presentations etc and loading them up onto Kondoot. It's more than youtube/vimeo, different to Facebook and Twitter [yet linkable].

I could do a weekly sports report, youth work resource clip etc and load it onto youtube but Kondoot opens up different ways of sharing, including live...

Looks really interesting but uses flash so I'm still not sure if it was my net connection or my Mac which had a problem but my desktop PC worked well with it's netcam!!

All Blacks v Wallabies Suncorp Stadium

2011-08-26T21:55:00.003+10:00

What are the chances? The last time these two teams met was the opportunity to break a long drought at Eden Park but the Wallabies were not able to do it, despite their opportunities. They failed to build any pressure and were denied space and time by the ruthless Blacks defence.

Tomorrow night is not about the World Cup, it's not even about the Tri-Nations... it's about whether the Wallabies have learnt anything and are capable of adjusting their attack to give themselves the time they need. Let us hope the chip and chase does not seem like the answer!!

The blueprint is to control the ball... it has always been the case in big rugby matches... treat it like gold and hang onto it when you have it... tackle, tackle, tackle to get it back when you don't and take any opportunity which comes your way.

The All Blacks should be unbackable favourites but our mob could just put up a better showing with the change of leadership... allowing Elsom to do what he does best without having to try to work out how to steer our backline... double dutch to the non enthusiast? I guess so...

"Pillow Fight"

2011-08-26T12:55:00.002+10:00

Could the staple activity of 1980s youth stuff become the next craze after 'planking'? Channel TEN here in Oz think so... or at least their researcher who trawls popular youtube videos does... no doubt if it takes off we'll soon be warned against hitting strangers who bypass the pillow and just give you a belting, or idiots who walk out into traffic while distracted by each other flailing away with the tontine!! Looks like fun though!!

"Ban Exports of Live People to Malaysia"

2011-08-25T13:47:00.003+10:00

What an embarrassing and shameful policy Australia is currently pursuing in relation to 'boat people' who attempt to seek asylum here by travelling from Asia or the sub-continent on leaky boats. We have set up funded 'detention centres' on various island nations [as well as here in Oz] and more recently signed a deal with Malaysia to take 900 people [in an exchange]. This after a pre-emptive announcement about a deal with East Timor went quickly sour. The logic is we'll stop the trade for 'people smugglers' and choke off the demand...

What it really represents is a government which has lost control of the 'politics' in the situation and teeters on the brink as a minority government trying to plug huge holes in policy to appease middle voters.

Colleague and friend Craig has found a creative outlet for his opposition to this idea and you too can purchase one of his t-shirt designs [subtle or not so] and show support for another option here.

I don't think we fully understand the long term negatives of:

- children in detention

- anyone in detention

- how 'terrorists' win every time we deprive someone of basic freedoms

- the long term harm to these nations as we prop up their economy to pay for this

What would be so wrong with releasing people into the community, testing their claims and allowing them to stay if they are genuinely under threat elsewhere? The economic arguments that "they'll take our jobs" are without basis... you mean they'll start out doing the jobs we don't stoop to do and by becoming contributors and consumers they create demand for products and services just like the rest of us... each person who consumes, creates a job for those who supply...

'Scmap' for London Tourists

2011-08-25T10:28:00.003+10:00

So when I was in London in 2008 I took a few photos and one of them ended up on a touist map and info site [with permission] as it came to light on flickr. The site is here and my pic turns up here where they seem to have recently revamped things and let me know I was still featured!!

I'm only a little jealous that lots of people I know and whose blogs I read are heading off to the very same Greenbelt Festival and exploration trip for this weekend!! Leartn lots on that tour in 2008 and do hope to return soon!!

"Chaperone Dad" in 2012

2011-08-24T13:29:00.004+10:00

When 'Hamish & Andy' met Taylor Swift on their 'Gap Year' TV show a couple of weeks ago they encouraged her to write a song on the spot, about those Dad's who accompany their daughters to Taylor's concerts... a huge number of them given Swift's fanbase... and I laughed knowing that I had promised Lucy I'd take her the next time Taylor Swift toured here in Oz...

That's be March next year and we're doing what we've done for years and ignored whether a Newcastle gig will be added later [at the local tin shed called an Entertainment Centre, which even cruelled an 'Oils' show and sent Silverchair into fits with the echo and muddy sound... but I'll save that for a rant another day] and signed up for Acer Arena in Sydney on March 9th!!

I wonder how many more boys will have cruched her heart by then... by all reports we're talking five guitars/ukele and piano, nine different dresses and various stages across the venue to bring her closer to the fans!!

Dad's first live concert with daughter Lucy [who is now 10]!! If you don't count the Wiggles!! I suspect Ellie will be more a Pearl Jam fan!!

Elermore Vale Mosque Stopped for Traffic Reasons

2011-08-23T20:59:00.004+10:00

A Regional Planning Panel knocked back the plans for a new local Mosque this week after what has been a drawn out process of review and study. It's a difficult issue because I am completely supportive of the idea of a Mosque in our area [with the group already present in a local Wallsend hall but hoping to expand]. My issue is that it was being planned for completely the wrong location...

It's a suitably large block of land [with some bush at the rear of the site] nestled in the local neighbourhood and just off the road for traffic from the city and Glendale/Cardiff etc. Entry/Exit from Croudace Rd would add to an already painful and dangerous short stretch of road.... otherwise...

Despite the discipline and level headedness of a local community group, there are still plenty of prejudiced people who were hoping for this outcome and I am uncomfortable being counted amongst their number... I really hope that Lake Rd or Glendale could provide a suitable alternative and that plans move swiftly but it's hard to say.

I made it my business to checkout the plans for the Garsdale/Croudace Rd roundabout at our access point which drives me nuts twice a day trying to turn right... that was Christmas and it's still not built... it was no panacea though... we have hassles without a new development!!

'Miniature Earth' Newer Version

2011-08-21T18:57:00.001+10:00

Thanks to Craig for highlighting this new version of the simple but significant 'Miniature Earth' clip... I've seen it with John Lennon soundtrack and would be tempted to sub in 'The World is a Picture' Josh Pyke for a younger audience!!

The New Spare Room

2011-08-21T18:09:00.002+10:00

We've been dealing with, trying to fix and now finally restoring a room after water leaks in the downstairs study.... the half without my desk etc!! It's looking good thanks to Simone's design skills!!

RWC 2011 #01 Plenty of Positives from Springboks v All Blacks

2011-08-21T12:21:00.003+10:00

18 days to go...

From now on my rugby union musings will carry the RWC 2011 #xx markers so you know whether or not to bother!! Being a tired old bloke after a long week I waited to watch the replay this weekend rather than stay up for the SA v NZ match from Port Elizabeth.

The 'All Blacks' did what all the sides are this year and chose a 'B' team to have a look at World Cup squad players... that said the match was informative and scary...

Watch for the Springboks attempts to kick themselves to a World Cup, with plenty of physical aggression thrown in... they did the work to win, if helped by a poor referee decision and a let dropped ball.

What impressed me with this mixed All Black combination was the shape of their attack when they went wide with the ball. The try in the 37th minute saw a backline move where the flat wide ball allowed 2-3 players to straighten inside and hold defenders... then the ball went wide but was switched back inside to a straight runner who went through a gap and the support play allowed a terrific try from there to Richard Kahui.

It was used a few times from so called 'set pieces', in this case a lineout which went long and created speed and questions.

What you do is try this 2 or 3 times a game BUT the players play who/what is in front of them and pass to a different player depending on how the defence reacts... pass to one of those inside runners, do what they did or keep going wide as needed...

The other thing they did well was to pass two wide of the ruck and have 2 or 3 forwards queue-ing up to drive him forward in the tackle and make sure they secure the bal and make metres... this is where they beat us in Auckland...

So, what does all this jargon mean... despite the loss, watch out for the 'All Blacks' and watch for the Springboks to implode over tactics and selections!!

Footnote:

Looks like brand O'Connor has been a little tarnished over a 'no-show' at the team announcement this week but hopefully Beale and others cop a serve for being out late too... they just had a louder alarm clock apparently...

Worship Unplugged # 64 Latest Music

2011-08-21T10:33:00.004+10:00

In recent months I've enjoyed using a number of songs in a variety of worship settings:

- 'Beautiful Mess' Kasey Chambers reflecting on the parent/child relationship

- 'Light Today' Eddie Vedder from his 'Ukelele Songs' CD as a reflection time

- 'The World is a Picture' Josh Pyke for a photo reflection

Colleague Darren would want me to mention the clips from the new Goyte [Goy-tee-ay] CD!!

- 'Rolling in the Deep' Adele [great set of lungs] as a rollicking prayer about life in general

- 'Every Teardrop is a Waterfall' Coldplay...

the clip is a great attention grabbing opener for media driven worship

I feel a walk from the office to the Opera House with the headphones on is in order!!

What are you listening to and finding useful for worship or youth ministry?

'Space, Permission and Validity'

2011-08-21T09:53:00.005+10:00

Ministry and mission with young people [and new forms of church or contextual missional experiments] are given 'oxygen' and the chance to grow when they are given SPACE, PERMISSION and VALIDITY. This thought struck at least one peer this week at our 'Messy Ministry Context' Inservice this week at Nth Parramatta!! Graham suggested I submit a guest post to 'More Than Dodgeball' and I may yet do that... but in my current tired state I'll try a 'rewind' with a wordy reminder to help me sharpen my thoughts...

These three elements became clear to me in the lead up and during my 2008 participation in our Youth Unit 'Greenbelt Festival/UK Fresh Expressions' trip. It was true of a number of 'new experimental faith communities' including some exemplary ministry with young people. Many learnings on that trip echoed the same needs for youth ministry.

SPACE

Any group, event, program or activity involving 'gathering' needs dedicated space in which to happen... not a damp room the size of a box, not the locked crockery cupboard or anywhere you need to borrow keys to access. Shared use is fine if it's marked by generosity, resourcing and a willingness to 'live and let live'.

PERMISSION

With space comes the need for permission to 'be' and to use it. Is it easier to seek 'forgiveness' than permission... it's often said BUT is it true?

Your using the hall, but is it a hassle? Are you always 'copping grief' for tidyness, the power bill, leaving things alone, the 'special' cups or tension over scheduling...

Alternatively, permission means respect, genuine access and shared enthusiasm for your use of the space. You have keys, alarm codes and space to store what you need. Permission is about genuine ACCESS to SPACE.

VALIDITY

Without this the other two are only ideas!! If ministry with young people is genuinely embraced and valued then equal partners will thrive in a shared space. If on the other hand, even space and permission are given begrudgingly and withdrawn at every opportunity... if what's happening is viewed as not 'real' ministry, then lack of being seen as valid will limit the long term possibilities!!

My EXAMPLE is St Laurence, Reading. A regional review, hierarchy and finance were crucial in allowing a heritage church with 9 parishioners to be transformed through the catalyst of a Minister and a Young Adult mission team. Over ten years later its a reinvigorated all age congregation in mission and ministry with young people, building a new form of church and impacting it's local community and the world.

BUT it's not about the millions of pounds as the key factors have still been space, permission & validity. Any congregation willing to dedicate some hall space and a bbq, finance/training/promotion/website and who see what's happening as their call and mission... could do likewise with a coat of paint and an LCD TV...

Seinfeld Highlight

2011-08-21T09:41:00.004+10:00

Here's a link to one of the great Seinfeld moments in what to me is the funniest show ever!! The plot complexity and agony of 'Fawlty Towers' with the dry humour and introspection in the writing of Larry David who lives vicariously in the George Costanza character. I enjoy the more edgy and grainy 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' but my fun theory is that life is full of Seinfeld moments and I'm often reminded of an episode or scenario in life's more crazy moments!!

Couldn't embed so check it out here

I might crank out a few episodes as I could use a good laugh!!

Wallabies World Cup Squad!! Wow!!

2011-08-18T11:53:00.004+10:00

There will continue to be a few posts interrupting the stream of mission and youth work posts here at Pumphouse!!

The Rugby World Cup starts September 9th and there were few surprises in the leaked squad [given the walking wounded fitness tests at Coogee yesterday!! Yeah right, except we've changed Captain a few weeks out... well done Robbie Deans!! I reckon Rocky Elsom will rise to the challenge and be better for the lack of responsibility!! James Horwill is a great choice... a hard nut, a competitor [dare I say it, a Queenslander!!] BRING BACK BILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's the Australian squad:

Backs - Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor, Drew Mitchell, Digby Ioane, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Pat McCabe, Anthony Faingaa, Berrick Barnes, Quade Cooper, Nick Phipps, Luke Burgess, Will Genia.

Forwards - Ben McCalman, Radike Samo, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, Nathan Sharpe, Dan Vickerman, Ben Alexander, Sekope Kepu, James Slipper, Salesi Ma'afu, Stephen Moore, Saia Faingaa, Tatafu Polota-Nau.

I've never been a Matt Giteau fan... only because his solidity and skill have always been shackled by an overblown sense of importance... he has sometimes not listened to the game plan and just done his own thing... and especially coveted 5/8th when he is clearly an inside centre... Barnes, Palu and others owe the coach big time... hopefully they are aware of that...

Wallabies v Springboks

2011-08-14T23:22:00.002+10:00

I stayed up to watch the Wallabies drop so many balls, miss a few goal kicks and yet still get away with a win!! A hard fought win is much better than a loss and some individual players stood up in a week where the Aussie squad for the World Cup will be announced... I enjoyed staying up for the game but think we still have so much to learn about how to win games. As an aside the Referee was an unpredictable factor in the match [and we took a caning in the penalties]!! He's our referee vs Ireland in the Cup so look out!!

I don't envy the coach the need to select our best 30 players for Thursday... bring on the net game v All Blacks in Brisbane in 2 weeks!!

Run Out # 05 Haunting Questions

2011-08-08T22:51:00.004+10:00

I'm reading 'OMG Youth Ministry Handbook' and it does a good job of framing a way to think about the 'failure' of youth ministry over the last thirty years in western mainline denominations. There's much more to read but this part is suggesting that the models we've used have not delivered the hoped for results of young people shaping a mature Christian faith and that is true... many have BUT it's not a success story generationally.

Enculturation, community building and keeping young people busy with in-house activity has lots of positive outcomes but does not automatically lead to faith being 'caught' or 'tools' for shaping faith being passed on... It especially in my 'experience alone' does not necessarily prepare anyone for the 'stuff' that happens in life and how resilient faith survives such questioning.

The 'haunting questions' are questions about authenticity... they don't deny enthusiasm, commitment or longevity but point to the fact that we are [as colleague Duncan would put it] 'good at belonging' but passing on the 'tools' for young people to make meaning and explore faith for themselves is less effective... fire away with counter examples... they certainly exist BUT the evidence across the globe delivers low numbers.

One of the pitfalls is that a goal is still to get young people joining the Sunday gathering to pray and sing... this is instead of asking, 'what does Jesus look like 'where they are', how is grace or good news experienced and how can we bring that presence to the world we live in? It's not just about the club we retreat to... we don't need to train leaders to be like 'Bondi Rescue'... we need to form leaders to live out their faith in the world and to invite others on the same journey... right where they are!!

What practices will bring life to this?

How can we be people who bring grace, reconciliation, forgiveness and more... to all we meet!!

OMG picks up Andrew Root's ponderings about 'place sharing' and I'll continue to read and be inspired by the developing wisdom coming from the discipline of practical theology and some rigour brought to what for me are hunches and intuitive questions... Get a copy!!

My Wallabies Team

2011-08-08T22:37:00.003+10:00

1. Sekope Kepu

2. Stephen Moore

3. Ben Alexander

4. James Horwill

5. Dan Vickerman

6. Rocky Elsom [c]

7. David Pocock

8. Scott Higginbotham

9. Will Genia

10. Quade Cooper

11. Digby Ioane

12. Pat McCabe

13. Adam Ashley-Cooper

14. James O'Connor

15. Kurtley Beale

Bench

16. Luke Burgess

17. Tatafa Poluta Nau

18. Rob Horne

19. James Slipper

20. Rob Simmons

21. Ben McCalman/Beau Robinson

22. Drew Mitchell

All Blacks too Good

2011-08-08T09:31:00.002+10:00

One more post about this weekends rugby union! The All Blacks were once again too good for the Wallabies. The 'men in gold' improved and it took some time to be out of touch on the scoreboard but in truth we were never in the match. The All Black opening 20mins [venting their spleen at being written off] was too aggressive and targeted and we didn't respond well enough!

The game was gone by the 43 minute when we missed another penalty goal and nailed in the 52nd minute when having scored, we allowed a return try from the ensuing kick off... criminal!!

Start well, contain the ball and convert that 60% of the ball into points and it's a different game with Horwill and later Higginbotham and 'Vicks' taking the ball forward and Genia and Cooper with space to put Beale and Ioane in space. Instead Conrad Smith and McCaw killed us...

Pros:

- Good scrum

- Stephen Moore and Kurtley Beale

- Charge downs and front on defence were good

- Kick 3 goals and at 17-9 you can turn it around

- Subs were strong

- It wasn't for 'Bill Ellis'

Cons:

- No plan B

- Too slow

- Back row beaten

- Cooper looked ordinary under pressure

- not enough commitment of 2s and 3s to going fwd [too much one out running]

- 26 years beaten at Eden Park unless that changes in October

OK, back to my working week!!

Bozo Macansh plays 500th Game for Wanderers

2011-08-06T14:45:00.002+10:00

While on a rugby theme... Andrew 'Bozo' Macansh played his 500th club game for my club Wanderers in the Newcastle and Hunter C Grade today v University at No5 Sportsground!!

One of my favourite team mates and a member of the generation 'just' before me in the club [after my 2 seasons with University] Bozo is an evergreen bloke who enjoys the playing and the social side of the game...

I have enjoyed playing with and coaching teams with Bozo in them!! I couldn't get there today but as I've said elsewhere I wish I was not only there but still playing!!

Two ruptured patella tendons put paid to that in 2003 and I miss that every Saturday in winter still. If two good mates coach C grade next year I will offer to help out and re-engage in 'the game they play in heaven'... though as the old joke goes, I have always been sceptical about that, purely on the strength that if that were the case then there'd be no referees!! 511 is Sammy Lee's club record and that should tumble next year... I'd like to be there...

Read Bozo's story here

Rugby Mind Games this Week

2011-08-06T14:28:00.003+10:00

You can tell when the All Blacks actual rate the Wallabies as a genuinely tough assignment. The media mind games go into top gear!! First there was Justin Marshall in an article talking about the awakening of the sleeping giant that is Australian Rugby between World Cups [they who peak in between them would know I guess].

Then came reminders of Quade Cooper shoving Richie McCaw in Hong Kong last year when we actually one a game [the dead rubber junket]!!

Now serial pest Steve Hanson brings up the 'they don't show us respect' chesnut and various comments to and fro... all revealing how much of the game is played between the ears. Graham Henry and Ma'a Nonu were in good form, pretending to be either surprised at the use of Digby Ioane as defending at 5/8th or claiming knowledge of how many tackles he made last match as having been gleaned from the newspapers.

Make no mistake, the All Blacks will have been studying video of that... of Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale... where the foolish chip kicks happen, whether our scrum is better and what lines to run in attack to best pressure our defensive structure. I think we are odds on to implode this afternoon and to lack the polish to convert pressure to points [but we would learn a lot from such a game] yet there is a chance, if the forwards play with aggression, that we could actually do something great.

It's interesting to think that when I first took up an interest in Rugby Union [early 1980s] that it was OK to own and wear an All Black jersey... a sign that you respected the best of the best and somehow knew we were at best happy to be having a stab... who wore golden yellow anyhow!! But as we began to get competitive, suddenly that was no longer OK and you'd be mistaken for a kiwi instantly, why else would you wear that...

I keep thinking 27-16 to the Wallabies.... let's see!! Is it raining in Auckland?

When I spoke to Phil Hawthorne about Test Rugby he talked about the ebb and flow of momentum and how simple things can turn a match and you just knew in an arm wrestle that something was going to break the tension... we have not had the ability or application to play that way for a few years... now we have close to our best side available... we'll see if we can compete!! I for one would not be telling the All Blacks they are old and slow... that will come back to haunt!!

Do not bother phoning me between 5.30pm and 7.30pm tonight!!

Photographic Idea takes a step forward

2011-08-04T16:29:00.004+10:00

Having decided to invest in a new camera I've done the whole compact v interchangeable lenses v 3/4 camera exploration and with a hat tip to Justin I have decided to start with a Canon Powershot SX230 HS [a good competitor for the Panasonic Lumix TZ20] and maybe next year if I'm still exploring projects and need lenses and effects I might go the Panasonic G3 for those specific ideas [if I'm employed that is].

For now we are talking 12MP, big zoom wide angle lens and good for low light but it'll still fit in a pocket for family snaps and my NZ trip in October. Best part is they started at $490, were in the US as low as $309 [but not posting to Oz] so the best I could do was $366 in Sydney next week. At JB it was $449 last week, $396 this week and they matched and did it for $360 for me today!! The Panasonic would have cost me $450-500!!

Sure if money were no object I've have bought this and a Canon EOS or probably the G3 and used them for specific tasks with extra zooms but... and it'd be set on auto for some time to come until I had headspace to do some learning!!

Anyhow stay tuned for some snaps and my 'Where is God?' project unfolding on a weekend before years end somewhere near you!! I like the vivid, super vivid and fish eye menu for a small digital it just may do the trick!!

School Chaplains> Ethics Classes It's all Happening!!

2011-08-03T18:34:00.004+10:00

As our societal shifts and changes continue to hurtle the Christian church in Australia towards the status of another 'helping institution' which continues to shrink [according to it's own main game] there are a few consequent challenges which require careful responses, not just 'kneejerk' protest.

1. School Chaplains

In NSW [apart from private schools] it's by and large true that remunerated Chaplains have only become a presence in our schools since the Howard government initiative to offer $20,000 per funded position. Some 'Youth Workers' practiced 'Godly loitering' or other lunchtime connections to build links [others for years helped run ISCH groups or Christian Fellowships] but essentially this is a new thing.

It was a political move around a set of values and a political landscape where conservatives were seeking signs of commitment to Christian values from our pollies.

On the whole, if a Chaplain offers pastoral support, any effort to improve the lot of our school kids is a good thing. When 'some' groups have crossed a line and inevitably seen this as an evangelical opportunity [or a space for more controversial views] you have a conflict. This conflict adds fuel to the fire that is an upcoming High Court action to rule the practice unconstitutional.

Federal Labor has taken the policy position that by and large the project has shown benefits so 'why rock the boat'... this is an interesting part of the mix!!

I wish the charter/rules for Chaplains were more broadly agreed and adhered to... and that if we were serious the roles would be full time... allowing the development of student welfare structures, missional meeting of hurts and hopes by mobilised churches and positive press for real value in those learning communities which represent the last great gathering space of the aussie population.

I for one would grab such a role and certainly encouraged churches with part time Youth Workers to consider $20,000 extra funding and hours that built on their existing efforts through relationship and authentic connections, not sheep stealing!! Alas the idiots always spoil it for the rest!!

2. The NSW State legislation allowing for religious instruction 'should churches wish to take it up' creates a second live issue. The practice here is that if classes or seminars are offered then the alternative open to parents is for their kids to do 'other non productive activity.' The St james Ethics Centre and other partners have developed and trialled and now offer an 'Ethics' course for students and it is being offered at that time.

The church's problem is that many demand the 'right' to teach scripture or believe the very fabric of our society will rupture if it doesn't happen BUT a not necessarily small band of willing volunteers are hamstrung by others with little or no educational skills, again abusing the privilege or at best boring students with poor methods [never could spell pedagogy].

My problem is I would like effective discipleship education to be happening but don't believe in our inalienable right to have it and especially bemoan bad teaching!!

I love the example of an effective Youth Worker whose SRE is so creative and engaging that a neighbouring school have asked them to consider being their 'Ethics' teacher. It so happens the other school has a tight group who handle the SRE there and so this is a non confronting way to be 'present' at both schools and grow connections for what does happen at the local congregation, but through appropriate relationship building not a concerted effort to draw a crowd.

Summary:

1. I think School Chaplains can be a good thing BUT it must be done authentically and ethically as focused on student pastoral care and engagement in God's mission in the world

2. School SRE should be provided by skilled and resourced volunteers and not poorly by keen amateurs. I also believe God is BIG enough to withstand the withdrawal of a right to teach in favour of a desire to do so... I especially think any content needs an overhaul and people need to understand their goal and the 21st C ways of getting there... e.g. not jug and mug info transfer but contextually relevant storytelling and meaning making...

It's not just about delivering content and 'saving souls' but could be an effective part of any church's engagement if it's backed up by genuine involvement.

When it comes to Chaplains and SRE are we so committed to inclusion of young people in God's mission or are we afraid of who we are without them?

UCA NSW/ACT Synod Meeting 'On New and Risky Paths' #01

2011-08-03T08:52:00.005+10:00

This is my first pre annual meeting post [to see how much trouble I can get into I'm starting a series] and today I'm wondering what some people I know would say about our theme... a creative, interesting and enticing idea which reflects our context... but so rarely our reality!!

What would they offer as our actual theme:

- On old familiar paths worried about our grumbling elders

- Forming a committee to explore a few alternative paths

- Looking for those maps of the path we thought we've been on

- what paths???

Not me, you understand, just some people I know... OK that's enough to get me rolling... more when I read a mailing of papers about what we might be doing... one thing I do know is that local efforts in the Hunter to engage younger members and visitors and the arrangements in general will be spot on and worth a look!!

One disappointing thing for me is that 'knee deep in a restructure' and finishing my role at years end sees me focused on current work, what's next and anything but the creative possibilities of a home town synod... worship, young adults stuff etc... hopefully there's still time to make some meaningful contribution!!

Check out details here

All Blacks v Wallabies Eden Park Auckland 6th August 2011

2011-08-02T22:03:00.006+10:00

I'm marking this date and match because for the rugby union tragic it's the latest significant contest in the ongoing fortunes of a developing Wallabies team vs the worlds best team who are hopeless at winning World Cups!! They only win the ones they host i.e. 1987

We have not beaten the All Blacks at Eden Park for years [1986?] and will need to if we are to win the World Cup in late October... doesn't mean it has to be this weekend, but it does need to happen this year.

What's going to happen on Saturday?

I have no idea...

I know we need a superlative performance from our forwards if our growing backline is to put in a mistake free display of what they are capable of doing...

What would be great is if our scrum held it's own, our lineout worked smoothly [spot on throws and no errors] and Pocock secured some 50-50 ball and exposed McCaw as the offside cheat he's so good at being. This would allow us not to do those stupid chip kicks, sideways runs etc...

If we could post some tries then we will see if the All Blacks can click or let the pressure get to them... if it rains a lot we're screwed, if we drop ball in our own half, we're screwed... etc etc

In one way I don't mind if we lose, as long as we step forward and do some fundamental things well... It'll likely be close or we'll get belted and wonder what our best combo is... I hope it's the former. The final question mark is whether being in hard training leaves us with weary legs like in 2007 but that would stifle our development and so is a risky approach...

Of course the more likely scenario is that the All Blacks go up a notch on last week, do enough to disrupt our ball at scrum, in the loose and at lineouts. The loose forwards will push up on any turn over ball and crowd the inside backs... if they get possession they'll run straight at Quade Cooper who won't then be hiding on the wing or at fullback... he will need to tackle...

From there it depends whether Carter dominates with the boot or the AB centres and wingers can get combos going... if they do it'll get ugly for us... can we run their forwards off their feet?

I note the All Blacks have unveiled their new 2011 jersey, with the slimfit version of a white collar [the look of their old style heavy jerseys in 1987... it's just missing the Steinlager advert...

2011 A Big Year for Movies

2011-07-29T18:28:00.004+10:00

I have been catching up on some films this last week and thinking about how many I've watched in 2011:

Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Pt 2
Captain America
Transformers Dark of the Moon
Source Code
X Men First Class
Limitless
Bad Teacher
Bridesmaids
The Adjustment Bureau
Hall Pass
I Am Number Four
Thor
Cars 2
Green Lantern
Larry Crowne
Rio
The Hangover Part 2
The Mechanic
The Green Hornet
Kung Fu Panda 2
Gnome & Juliet
Hop

And I've missed a few... With more to come:

The Ship Song Project

2011-07-27T22:09:00.003+10:00

This absolutely brilliant clip is doing the media rounds this week as a part of the Sydney Opera House determination to promote itself as a venue for all kinds of people... Various Aussie [or those we claim] artists contribute to this reworking of a Nick Cave classic!! It fits my descriptor for brilliant creativity... simple things done well!!

"The Ship Song"
Come sail your ships around me
And burn your bridges down
We make a little history, baby
Every time you come around

Come loose your dogs upon me
And let your hair hang down
You are a little mystery to me
Every time you come around

We talk about it all night long
We define our moral ground
But when I crawl into your arms
Everything comes tumbling down

Come sail your ships around me
And burn your bridges down
We make a little history, baby
Every time you come around

Your face has fallen sad now
For you know the time is nigh
When I must remove your wings
And you, you must try to fly

Come sail your ships around me
And burn your bridges down
We make a little history, baby
Every time you come around

Come loose your dogs upon me
And let your hair hang down
You are a little mystery to me
Every time you come around

For me it's a beautiful song with a sense of wanting what their relationship offers and appreciating intimacy. For me it's a worship song, celebrating creativity and connections.

Latest Creative Idea

2011-07-26T08:35:00.003+10:00

OK two happenings have inspired my latest thinking about something I'd enjoy spending time on and would find refreshing. The first was a decision that this might be the time to invest in a new digital camera and the second complicates the choice as I have been so drawn to Louise Hawson's "52 Suburbs".
Originally the camera choice was a 'no brainer' with the Panasonic Lumix TZ20 a standout compact digital and it's 16x optical zoom still makes it an option up against:
SONY NEX 5
Nikon D3100
Panasonic 3/4 camera with interchangeable lenses
To name a few...
Which form a choice for uses from multiple quick family snaps, travel and yet specific projects which might benefit from some pixel and lens grunt. Of course if money were no object I'd buy the TZ20 and one other... All the time knowing any option will be firmly set on 'auto' and hence entry level DSLR is fine as well as affordable.

AND the current idea... Is not quite 52 Suburbs but a search for faith/spirit in the community. it probably meshes with my recent thinking about the question 'where is God?' and whether that photographic search could become an exhibition to raise funds for a worthy cause?
Maybe the upcoming UCA Synod meeting in late September could be a task oriented timeline for the first display as an associated event?

So, there you have it... leisure time spent seeking images from buildings, landscape, activity and people... asking whatever question emerges from my thinking so far... maybe a blog along the way...

What I like about this idea is it's lack of reliance on inspiring others to contribute (I've never been deluged with shoe donations for Meaningful Soles or contributions for We Believe, despite lots of invitations) but this one is me and a camera... hmm!!

Cadel and the Today Show

2011-07-25T08:18:00.002+10:00

This morning on Aussie TV on the 9 TODAY Show they have been showing snippets of the footage from Paris where overnight Cadel Evans from Barwon Heads in Victoria (of 'Seachange' and tourist fame.... great bridge) won the Tour de France cycling event!!
Cut then to 'behind the news commentator' Mia Freedman who is underwhelmed by the standing ovation for Tina Arena's national anthem rendition on the Champs Eleysee.... Her point... being concerned that we laud such personal sporting achievements ahead of and at the expense of volunteers, doctors, firefighters and those 'changing the world' in other ways. I don't disagree with that observation but find it fascinating that a fashion magazine editor doesn't see the negativity of her own timing and opinion. She doesn't 'get' sport so she engages in the other great Aussie obsession of pulling one thing down to raise others, not the reverse....

Here's my TODAY Show email...
This'd be my second email ever to TODAY since the invention of the idea!!

Mia couldn't be more wrong!!!
It 's true that we don't always celebrate science and service in the same way as our elite sports people's achievements BUT she 's doing the other great Aussie thing of pulling one thing down to the level of others rather than elevating her point. Now is not the time to project your own lack of understanding of sport onto such a great achievement.

To call it 'being paid well' is petty... This from a fashion magazine editor who uses a 'shoe analogy' about things we do and don't relate to 'takes the prize'.

Today is not the day to do what we each can to celebrate firefighters, social workers etc... It's the day to recognize a great achievement of someone who works hard for their reward, who will inspire and who deserves success... As do so many other people.

Separate your comment from your own bias Mia!

Nobody need pretend they love this or understand... Perhaps do the fashion segment or a feature on cycling footwear instead!!

Then let us know what you're doing in your weekend column to foster recognition of medical experts, peacekeepers and inventors....

Well done Cadel!!

Our call should be to change the world... recreation is a vital part of that, as is drawing hope and energy from others, wherever you can get it... My high school assembly used to celebrate scientists, maths geeks and our fledgling soccer team and it's 0-7 defeats alongside our all conquering rugby league side so maybe I've learnt to agitate for both rather than drag the popular one down thinking I was doing the right thing!!

Cadel who? Part 2

2011-07-24T14:12:00.003+10:00

Read my original post here

While I've had the week from 'that other place' with horrendous gall stone pain and an op to remove my gall bladder with a few fun moments in recovery, I have maintained my Tour de France viewing until not being up late last night!! but WOO HOO CADEL EVANS!!!
While Alberto Contador lies awake at night dreaming of reversing his vegetarian diet and Andy Schleck wonders why 'yellow' didn't deliver him the needed 'wings' Cadel Evans only needs to stay upright and uninjured on the 'final stage' into the 'Champs' tonight to claim victory in the Grand Tour!! my Aussie mates who are on a cycling have certainly pulled the right rein in taking their trip this year... Well done Hancapie... One more ride to enjoy!!

Run Out # 04 'Hospitality'

2011-07-18T12:43:00.002+10:00

Orange cordial and salmon sandwiches or pizza and coke? It doesn't matter, but what does is the spirit of generosity and genuine hospitality offered whenever young people encounter the local community of faith in the form of the local church... whether in a mission setting or on the property. [For the record, pizza and soft drinks or homemade soup and damper, a 'fair dinkum' BBQ or bring a plate feast are far better than orange cordial].

Hospitality includes: sense of welcome; the love of God; inclusiveness; access to resources; keys to the crockery; and a shelf in the fridge. [1] of my tests for whether a congregation is 'on board' in mission and ministry with young people, is whether the paid Youth Worker or voluntary Leader/s have a set of keys to the spaces they need to use... hospitality extends to respect and trust.

A few years ago I visited a rural NSW town where the Uniting Church had a difficult recent history exacerbating the universal challenge of connecting with young people.

One adult Leader who was a good networker and Scout Leader drew a crowd which on one occasion included some local homeless youth. On this night the boisterous game of soccer led to some ball marks on the wall and at the time of my visit the Church Council were holding out on a paint job for some sort of certainty the hall would remain in good condition. I have no idea if the painting has gone ahead but I am sure there are few if any young people meeting in the aptly titled "Youth Hall" [or that's what it's named on the brass sign in the foyer].

I understand the apprehension but you need to move past it and risk the rough and tumble signs of use that come with people traffic and hospitality. Make your expectations clear, but don't hold people to ransom and betray what you really value!! Hospitality is one key marker of SPACE, PERMISSION and VALIDITY!!