December 5
All Ages Prayer
Labyrinth space
Conversation - what is Christmas for you?
Kid's Stuff is doing the Christmas story
December 12
All Ages Singing - carols!
Hot Topics - how many true meanings of Christmas have you got?
Kid's Stuff is doing the Christmas story
December 19 (our last Sunday for the year)
All Ages Jesus Meal and carol singing
Workshop - surviving Christmas by bringing a bit of Kingdom
Contemplation space
Kid's Stuff is doing the Christmas story
Christmas Day - get your donkeys ready, Gabriel's coming with a message.
9am champagne and salmon, stories and singing.
Sunday 2pm to 3:30pm. Chalice, 251 High St Northcote
Contact Paul Minty on paulm@solace.emc.org.au or 0418 307 475
http://solace.emc.org.au/SundayStuff.htm
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Owning a transforming initiative
I've written previously about the Sermon on the Mount and how the major section of it can be read as a set of transforming initiatives (thanks the Glen Stassen for the academic work behind this concept). This week at Solace, the staff sat down and worked through the Sermon on the Mount together, asking questions and seeking understanding together. We all liked the transforming initiatives, but some of the cultural gulf between us and the original readers prevented us from becoming fluent in the idea of transforming initiatives. We each attempted to write our own three-part teaching, to develop a better sense of what the Sermon on the Mount is about. Here's what I wrote.
You have heard it said that you should focus on your prosperity. But I say to you that only the control of all the world's resources and people can be considered truly prosperous. For true prosperity shall be measured by the removal of all threats to you and your families lives and lifestyles. So go, lose focus and be distracted by the scary and disaffected; waste your time on insoluble social ills, so that at least you can be part of the solution, rather than a cause, of the problem.
I must admit, I was quite pleased with my first effort! I tried to use the same sort of phrasing as I saw in the Sermon on the Mount and the result was a similarly confusing piece of writing. I picked a 'traditional righteousness' which is both common in our culture, but one that's actually pretty easy pick holes in (to give myself something easy to work with). I then explained how I thought seeking absolute prosperity can lead us down a vicious cycle of domination and greed and my transforming initiative is to relax about focusing on prosperity. I don't think my result is anywhere near as insightful as Jesus teachings! But it helped me understand how the teachings are communicated.
It's getting close to Christmas now, so this blog will start writing on that theme. We're hoping to take the theme of a transforming initiative into the season of Christmas. How could your experience of Christmas be made more joyful by sowing the seeds of the Kingdom?
You have heard it said that you should focus on your prosperity. But I say to you that only the control of all the world's resources and people can be considered truly prosperous. For true prosperity shall be measured by the removal of all threats to you and your families lives and lifestyles. So go, lose focus and be distracted by the scary and disaffected; waste your time on insoluble social ills, so that at least you can be part of the solution, rather than a cause, of the problem.
I must admit, I was quite pleased with my first effort! I tried to use the same sort of phrasing as I saw in the Sermon on the Mount and the result was a similarly confusing piece of writing. I picked a 'traditional righteousness' which is both common in our culture, but one that's actually pretty easy pick holes in (to give myself something easy to work with). I then explained how I thought seeking absolute prosperity can lead us down a vicious cycle of domination and greed and my transforming initiative is to relax about focusing on prosperity. I don't think my result is anywhere near as insightful as Jesus teachings! But it helped me understand how the teachings are communicated.
It's getting close to Christmas now, so this blog will start writing on that theme. We're hoping to take the theme of a transforming initiative into the season of Christmas. How could your experience of Christmas be made more joyful by sowing the seeds of the Kingdom?
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Jesus wisdom teachings in the Sermon on the Mount
Most of the Sermon on the Mount contains radical and transforming teachings from Jesus. The longest section of the Sermon on the Mount contains teachings of Jesus; I'll call this section 'the teachings of Jesus'. The teachings are written in an unfamiliar style, and most western interpretations of them disregard the teachings as too hard for normal people to live by. However, recently a bible scholar from the Fuller Seminary in the USA, Glen Stassen, published an interpretation of the teachings which has helped unlock the teachings of Jesus for contemporary readers.
Stassen's contribution was to return to the way Matthew is written and take seriously the style of writing that Matthew uses. Matthew uses a three-part style to communicate wisdom and uses this three-part style consistently throughout the gospel of Matthew. The three-part style is used in other documents written at a similar time to Matthew's time of writing, making Stassen's interpretation a credible and persuasive approach. The three-part style includes reminding the audience of a conventional wisdom, illustrating how the conventional wisdom leads to a vicious and unhealthy cycle and offers a transformative initiative to break out of the vicious cycle.
The three-part style is most obvious in the first part of the teachings of Jesus section. The conventional wisdom is 'do not murder'. The vicious cycle is the festering hatred between men, which could lead to murder, in spite of the law against murder. The transforming initiative is to prioritise reconciliation above anything else, even practicing religious rituals of purification. I've laid this out below, adapted from a table in an academic paper by Stassen.
Traditional Righteousness
Matt 5:21 You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.”
In the Greek, “shall not” and “shall be” are futures, not imperatives; as translations of the Hebrew in the Ten Commandments, they do of course imply a command. Jesus is quoting commands rather than giving them.
Vicious Cycle
5:22 But I say to you that every one being angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council, and whoever says, ‘You fool!” will be liable to the hell of fire.”
There are no imperatives in the Greek, so this sentence isn't written as an instruction or command from Jesus.
Transforming Initiative
5:23-26 So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there... and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then coming, offer your gift. Make friends quickly with your accuser....
Explanation: lest your accuser hand you over to the judge... you won’t get out till you’ve paid the last penny.
(Italics mark the Greek imperatives. The words Jesus are using as direct instructions.)
Matthew doesn't follow the three-part form slavishly as we might if we used a code or a poetic structure; he follows the three-part form as a logical form of persuasion. Other parts of the teachings of Jesus section don't follow the three-part form as obviously. I have worked through the teachings of Jesus section on my own, highlighting what I thought were the conventional wisdom, illustrations of vicious cycles and transforming initiatives and I am satisfied the whole section uses the three-part form. Sometimes the transforming initiatives or the vicious cycles are omitted as they would be repetitive or so clearly implied that to state them would insult the audience's intelligence. If you are really keen, try to find all fourteen sub-sections and work out the three parts for yourselves. If you don't care for that kind of thing (I love it!) then Glen Stassen has written academic articles that are publicly available or some popular books including "Living the Sermon on the Mount: A Practical Hope for Grace and Deliverance (Enduring Questions in Christian Life)", available from Amazon.
The transforming initiatives taught by Jesus are incredibly helpful and are still radical in our contemporary world. I hope to unpack them further in coming blogs. A useful thing to ponder is whether laws (whilst absolutely necessary to bring justice for the victims) can hope to prevent injustice and harm - they may be a deterrent, but can law affect our passions and instincts?
Stassen's contribution was to return to the way Matthew is written and take seriously the style of writing that Matthew uses. Matthew uses a three-part style to communicate wisdom and uses this three-part style consistently throughout the gospel of Matthew. The three-part style is used in other documents written at a similar time to Matthew's time of writing, making Stassen's interpretation a credible and persuasive approach. The three-part style includes reminding the audience of a conventional wisdom, illustrating how the conventional wisdom leads to a vicious and unhealthy cycle and offers a transformative initiative to break out of the vicious cycle.
The three-part style is most obvious in the first part of the teachings of Jesus section. The conventional wisdom is 'do not murder'. The vicious cycle is the festering hatred between men, which could lead to murder, in spite of the law against murder. The transforming initiative is to prioritise reconciliation above anything else, even practicing religious rituals of purification. I've laid this out below, adapted from a table in an academic paper by Stassen.
Traditional Righteousness
Matt 5:21 You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.”
In the Greek, “shall not” and “shall be” are futures, not imperatives; as translations of the Hebrew in the Ten Commandments, they do of course imply a command. Jesus is quoting commands rather than giving them.
Vicious Cycle
5:22 But I say to you that every one being angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council, and whoever says, ‘You fool!” will be liable to the hell of fire.”
There are no imperatives in the Greek, so this sentence isn't written as an instruction or command from Jesus.
Transforming Initiative
5:23-26 So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there... and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then coming, offer your gift. Make friends quickly with your accuser....
Explanation: lest your accuser hand you over to the judge... you won’t get out till you’ve paid the last penny.
(Italics mark the Greek imperatives. The words Jesus are using as direct instructions.)
Matthew doesn't follow the three-part form slavishly as we might if we used a code or a poetic structure; he follows the three-part form as a logical form of persuasion. Other parts of the teachings of Jesus section don't follow the three-part form as obviously. I have worked through the teachings of Jesus section on my own, highlighting what I thought were the conventional wisdom, illustrations of vicious cycles and transforming initiatives and I am satisfied the whole section uses the three-part form. Sometimes the transforming initiatives or the vicious cycles are omitted as they would be repetitive or so clearly implied that to state them would insult the audience's intelligence. If you are really keen, try to find all fourteen sub-sections and work out the three parts for yourselves. If you don't care for that kind of thing (I love it!) then Glen Stassen has written academic articles that are publicly available or some popular books including "Living the Sermon on the Mount: A Practical Hope for Grace and Deliverance (Enduring Questions in Christian Life)", available from Amazon.
The transforming initiatives taught by Jesus are incredibly helpful and are still radical in our contemporary world. I hope to unpack them further in coming blogs. A useful thing to ponder is whether laws (whilst absolutely necessary to bring justice for the victims) can hope to prevent injustice and harm - they may be a deterrent, but can law affect our passions and instincts?
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Beatitudes
The Sermon on the Mount is in Matthew 5-7. While it should be read as a whole, there are distinct sections within it. The first section is known as 'The Beatitudes'. I've put a copy of that text at the bottom of this.
The Beatitudes is a collection of statements, with the phrase 'blessed are...' being repeated. The people who Jesus say are blessed (or will be blessed) are the opposite of what we would call 'succesful'. Success is commonly held to mean wealthy, influential, comfortable. Instead, Jesus focuses on those who are enlightened, generous, vulnerable, dissatisfied. It's easy to say that the Beatitudes is a good list of what it is to be 'good' and that we all should try to be 'good'. However, it is much harder to commit to the Beatitudes as a set of core ethical principles.
Dave Andrews of Brisbane has teamed up with the Bible Society to create a great resource for engaging with the wisdom in the Beatitudes. Dave's reading of the Beatitudes is that Jesus intended them to be a core set of ethical principles, and the adoption of these ethical principles was an important aspect of what Jesus meant by 'salvation'. Dave has worked hard on producing a rational and comprehensive theology supporting his view, and also an accessible set of resources that you can find at www.wecan.be. I particularly like Dave's riff on the name: he calls them the 'Be Attitudes', uses the phrase 'Be the change you want to see' (borrowed from Gandhi, I believe) and describes Jesus' intention as 'Plan Be'.
In contrast to Dave Andrew's reading of the Beatitudes is the view that the Beatitudes represent an unattainable ideal, which will only become a reality in an after-life. I don't find the 'unattainable ideal' view convincing. I think that Jesus intended the Kingdom of Heaven to become a reality in our current lives, even if only in an imperfect form. Given that I'm keen to somehow be pro-active in participating in the Kingdom of Heaven in my own life, I'd prefer to take the Beatitudes as the basis for my own ethics - as challenging as that may be.
As a middle-class male in a democratic and capitalist society, the Beatitudes present me with a different set of challenges and hopes than they would have to the peasants and aristocracy of 1st century Judaism. I think our political and economic freedoms are great; however, our reliance on individual consumption and our willingness to have economic losers in order to create more economic winners are challenged by the Beatitudes.
So, the Beatitudes have become an important part of my study and worship in recent times. They are both a comfort and a challenge for me. I think they raise difficult questions for anyone who chooses to engage with them; but those difficult questions are the kind that can really energise our lives.
Matthew 5.1-10
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The Beatitudes is a collection of statements, with the phrase 'blessed are...' being repeated. The people who Jesus say are blessed (or will be blessed) are the opposite of what we would call 'succesful'. Success is commonly held to mean wealthy, influential, comfortable. Instead, Jesus focuses on those who are enlightened, generous, vulnerable, dissatisfied. It's easy to say that the Beatitudes is a good list of what it is to be 'good' and that we all should try to be 'good'. However, it is much harder to commit to the Beatitudes as a set of core ethical principles.
Dave Andrews of Brisbane has teamed up with the Bible Society to create a great resource for engaging with the wisdom in the Beatitudes. Dave's reading of the Beatitudes is that Jesus intended them to be a core set of ethical principles, and the adoption of these ethical principles was an important aspect of what Jesus meant by 'salvation'. Dave has worked hard on producing a rational and comprehensive theology supporting his view, and also an accessible set of resources that you can find at www.wecan.be. I particularly like Dave's riff on the name: he calls them the 'Be Attitudes', uses the phrase 'Be the change you want to see' (borrowed from Gandhi, I believe) and describes Jesus' intention as 'Plan Be'.
In contrast to Dave Andrew's reading of the Beatitudes is the view that the Beatitudes represent an unattainable ideal, which will only become a reality in an after-life. I don't find the 'unattainable ideal' view convincing. I think that Jesus intended the Kingdom of Heaven to become a reality in our current lives, even if only in an imperfect form. Given that I'm keen to somehow be pro-active in participating in the Kingdom of Heaven in my own life, I'd prefer to take the Beatitudes as the basis for my own ethics - as challenging as that may be.
As a middle-class male in a democratic and capitalist society, the Beatitudes present me with a different set of challenges and hopes than they would have to the peasants and aristocracy of 1st century Judaism. I think our political and economic freedoms are great; however, our reliance on individual consumption and our willingness to have economic losers in order to create more economic winners are challenged by the Beatitudes.
So, the Beatitudes have become an important part of my study and worship in recent times. They are both a comfort and a challenge for me. I think they raise difficult questions for anyone who chooses to engage with them; but those difficult questions are the kind that can really energise our lives.
Matthew 5.1-10
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Thursday, October 14, 2010
How I encountered the Sermon on the Mount
Once upon a time, only a few weeks ago, I was pondering how I could find new inspiration in my own spiritual life, and to bring that inspiration into the Sunday Stuff community that I lead.
Every day I would read opinion pieces and study spiritual practices and theological themes and positions, and they were all good, but they lacked the spark I was looking for.
Until one day, I looked at a bible reading daily reading guide that my wife was reviewing for her work, and it struck me that most of the readings were either in the Old Testament, or from the Epistles, with only about 4 weeks of the year spent in the Gospels, looking directly at Jesus’ teachings and actions. It struck me that focusing my own spiritual journey on Jesus, and encouraging others to do the same, would be best inspired by actually focusing on Jesus.
Because of this, I did some research into the Gospels and discovered that they contained large chunks of teachings from Jesus, as well as stories about healing, leadership and the ultimate story of Jesus death and resurrection. The first chunk of teachings, and one of the most famous, is a set of three chapters from Matthew (6-8), which is the first gospel in the New Testament, known as the Sermon on the Mount. So I read the Sermon several times, and started researching, looking at how others have understood the it through history and how the Sermon on the Mount has shaped the Christian Tradition.
Because of this, I discovered the complicated and disputed nature of the Sermon on the Mount. It is probably the most read text, not only in the Christian Tradition, but also in Western thought (perhaps globally). The Sermon on the Mount is hard to read: there are apparent contradictions, some parts seem to be metaphors, other parts are meant to be taken literally, it’s a big chunk of text presented in a way that is very foreign to me, there isn’t the structured argument or the story-telling conventions that I’m used to. The fact that the Sermon on the Mount has inspired so many people through history was both a big selling point and a barrier to getting to grips with it. Opinions, books, papers, ideas, and things written on paper started to rise on my digital and hard-light desktops, rising above my head and continually growing. There came a point when I despaired: would my attempt to understand the Sermon on the Mount be overwhelmed by a mountain of sermons?
Until finally I concentrated on the first little bit of the Sermon on the Mount: the Beatitudes. I thought about them as something that could be done right here and now, something that described an inspirational and tantalizing concept: the Kingdom of God. The rest of the Sermon on the Mount started making more sense and I found that thing I was looking for: a source of inspiration and a rich insight into Jesus’ teachings, ministry, purpose, spirituality and passion.
And ever since that day I’ve been excited about what I’ve been reading, both the raw text of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, and also the writings and thoughts of many humble servants and great leaders in the Christian Tradition. I suspected that focusing on Jesus would bring inspiration to my spiritual journey, and it has. The Sermon on the Mount is now a rich source for ongoing inspiration, learning and contemplation.
I'll be blogging more about the Sermon on the Mount over the next weeks - join in the conversation!
Solace picnic day
If you're reading this and are in the Melbourne area, then we've got a family-friendly picnic day coming up to help our dispersed network and our congregations connect.
The Solace picnic day
The Saturday of Melbourne Cup Weekend (30th October)
Start 11am and run to 3ish
Darebin parklands in Alphington
Eastern end of Separation St, Alphington
http://www.dcmc.org.au/parklands/index.php
BYO for BBQ lunch (and treats for late morning tea and early afternoon tea)
Organised games for kids, giving adults a chance to play, catch-up or walk the spiritual healing trail that is in the parklands
Sports challenges for kids and adults as teams
The Solace picnic day
The Saturday of Melbourne Cup Weekend (30th October)
Start 11am and run to 3ish
Darebin parklands in Alphington
Eastern end of Separation St, Alphington
http://www.dcmc.org.au/parklands/index.php
BYO for BBQ lunch (and treats for late morning tea and early afternoon tea)
Organised games for kids, giving adults a chance to play, catch-up or walk the spiritual healing trail that is in the parklands
Sports challenges for kids and adults as teams
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Kingdom of God parables
I'm doing the research and early writing for a new theme across the Solace network: the Kingdom of God. It's a foundational concept in Jesus' teachings and well-worth studying.
We'll also use it as a theme in our contemplative practices: at the moment I'm preparing a contemplative time on the parable of the Mustard Seed from Luke 13:18-19. A tiny seed (most people get the symbolism here) grows into the gnarliest, weediest, tree that's actually very healthy for you (know that's symbolism).
Right now, we're stilling rolling out our theme on 'The Sermon on the Mount' across the Solace network. Sunday Stuff used it for the Winter 2010 term, Tuesday Stuff is looking at it for the next of their cycles and I'll be posting regularly to our blog, Solace Facebook group and online community over the next couple of months. It's a great theme and is really developing into a lived thing as people incorporate into their spiritual practices.
We'll also use it as a theme in our contemplative practices: at the moment I'm preparing a contemplative time on the parable of the Mustard Seed from Luke 13:18-19. A tiny seed (most people get the symbolism here) grows into the gnarliest, weediest, tree that's actually very healthy for you (know that's symbolism).
Right now, we're stilling rolling out our theme on 'The Sermon on the Mount' across the Solace network. Sunday Stuff used it for the Winter 2010 term, Tuesday Stuff is looking at it for the next of their cycles and I'll be posting regularly to our blog, Solace Facebook group and online community over the next couple of months. It's a great theme and is really developing into a lived thing as people incorporate into their spiritual practices.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
October at Sunday Stuff
Sunday Stuff is an emerging Christian church, combining contemplative practices, contemporary readings of the bible and a focus on personal well-being to create a dynamic and rich spirituality in the Christian tradition. After a two-week break for school holidays, Sunday Stuff returns for the Spring term. Below is the program for October, head on over to www.solace.emc.org.au/sundaystuff/ for a full calendar and more information.
The learning theme for Spring is the 'Kingdom of God', a brilliant concept from ancient Judaism that has grown and developed in the Christian tradition and remains an inspiring and life-giving wisdom for today.
October 3
All Ages Prayer
Labyrinth Space - conversation
Kid's Stuff - The Dinner Party (7 love languages)
October 10
All Ages Singing
Presentation - The Kingdom of God
Kid's Stuff - The Dinner Party (7 love languages)
October 17
All Ages Jesus Meal
Workshop on the Kingdom of God
Contemplation time
Kid's Stuff - The Dinner Party (7 love languages)
October 24
All Ages Stories
Solace Liturgy - a contemporary and multi-sensory liturgy
Kid's Stuff - The Dinner Party (7 love languages)
October 31
Games
Blokes to lead kid's stuff, Olivia to lead the adults
Kid's Stuff - The Dinner Party (7 love languages)
Sunday 2pm to 3:30pm. Chalice, 251 High St Northcote
The learning theme for Spring is the 'Kingdom of God', a brilliant concept from ancient Judaism that has grown and developed in the Christian tradition and remains an inspiring and life-giving wisdom for today.
October 3
All Ages Prayer
Labyrinth Space - conversation
Kid's Stuff - The Dinner Party (7 love languages)
October 10
All Ages Singing
Presentation - The Kingdom of God
Kid's Stuff - The Dinner Party (7 love languages)
October 17
All Ages Jesus Meal
Workshop on the Kingdom of God
Contemplation time
Kid's Stuff - The Dinner Party (7 love languages)
October 24
All Ages Stories
Solace Liturgy - a contemporary and multi-sensory liturgy
Kid's Stuff - The Dinner Party (7 love languages)
October 31
Games
Blokes to lead kid's stuff, Olivia to lead the adults
Kid's Stuff - The Dinner Party (7 love languages)
Sunday 2pm to 3:30pm. Chalice, 251 High St Northcote
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Church for August
We've had a short July at Sunday Stuff - but lots of fun! August is coming up, so why don't you consider visiting us at Sunday Stuff?
There's a nice calendar at Solace Sunday Stuff Emerging Christian Church
August 1
All Ages Prayer - prayerful bits using voice, body and soul that anyone can do anytime (very refreshing)
The Labyrinth - our unique take on an ancient contemplative practice.
Conversation time - 'cause chatting is what comes natural. This month: what is scripture?
August 8
All Ages Singing - a joyful noise
Presentations on the 'Sermon on the Mount' from Paul and others, actions, images, music and more.
August 15
All Ages Jesus Meal - when we come together in a sacred ritual of remembrance and hospitality
Small groups on interesting bits of the Sermon on the Mount - salt, light, ostentatious piety!
Contemplation time - experience the transcendent in a supportive and accessible environment.
August 22
All Ages Stories
Taize style liturgy
August 29
Games week! Maybe a simulation game exploring poverty in Cambodia
Blokes will be taking the kid's program and Olivia will be taking the Adults - come here our best teacher on the Sermon on the Mount
Sunday 1:45pm (doors open) for 2pm to 3:30pm. Chalice, 251 High St Northcote
There's a nice calendar at Solace Sunday Stuff Emerging Christian Church
August 1
All Ages Prayer - prayerful bits using voice, body and soul that anyone can do anytime (very refreshing)
The Labyrinth - our unique take on an ancient contemplative practice.
Conversation time - 'cause chatting is what comes natural. This month: what is scripture?
August 8
All Ages Singing - a joyful noise
Presentations on the 'Sermon on the Mount' from Paul and others, actions, images, music and more.
August 15
All Ages Jesus Meal - when we come together in a sacred ritual of remembrance and hospitality
Small groups on interesting bits of the Sermon on the Mount - salt, light, ostentatious piety!
Contemplation time - experience the transcendent in a supportive and accessible environment.
August 22
All Ages Stories
Taize style liturgy
August 29
Games week! Maybe a simulation game exploring poverty in Cambodia
Blokes will be taking the kid's program and Olivia will be taking the Adults - come here our best teacher on the Sermon on the Mount
Sunday 1:45pm (doors open) for 2pm to 3:30pm. Chalice, 251 High St Northcote
Friday, July 23, 2010
mission is best called "compassionate service"
Last term the sunday adults community spent a number of weeks exploring the idea of "mission". The tools used, and the conversation generated was excellent. Hopefully the sense of freedom AND call has expanded some people's lives as well.
The resources are easy to grab and so i am including them in this email. You might like to use them with a group you are part of or perhaps do some of your own private work, or with a friend/partner over a meal.
If you are interested read on......
Mission as compassionate service table of contents:
good questions to start a conversation on the topic
notes from a conversation Olivia and Paul had together
some great talks on compassion at one of solace's favourite websites
a broad view of mission using the 7 ways
GOOD QUESTIONS TO START A CONVERSATION ON THE TOPIC
lets start close to home with our real life flesh and blood neighbours
*What are the names of the people living around us? How long have we known them? Do we like them? do they know or like us?
*What are the names of the people we work with? What are they like as people?
*What are the names of the people we buy from? Do we know the names of any of their customers?
*How frequently do you see/connect with someone in order to regard them as a neighbour?
*How selective are we in our relationships? (Can you describe what happens?)
*What good things are our neighbours up to?
*What could/do our neighbours teach us?
*How could/do our neighbours participate on our "salvation"
*Who is the neighbour most different to us?
*Who is the neighbour most similar to us?
NOTES FROM A CONVERSATION BETWEEN OLIVIA AND PAUL
Mission is one of those terrible words that gets used by the Church and carries a big stick. the word "should" gets used with it a lot and we tend to feel guilt and duty at its mention. We are keen to divest ourselves of that baggage!! The words and ideas of mission and evangelism are often mentioned together and seem to be used more by fundamentalist or conservative groups. YEt their take on the idea is fairly narrow.
Mission is an outward focus -the wellbeing of others not yourself. (Life with God has a huge and primary place for every person's wellbeing and whilst we start at the place to be renewed we are inevitably urged by God to focus on "others" as well.)
Jesus' whole attitude was "missional" -focused on "other" - he was sent and sends his friends and followers in a likewise manner.
Compassion seems to be the motivator and the compass. If we can be soft hearted and full of love for the "other" then perhaps we may not go too far wrong. So practices and lifestyles that grow our hearts are vital - much more so than messages or techniques.
Loving God and loving our neighbour are the core of God's commands to us and make up the communal fabric of our life on earth. They are the same command with different faces and as all the letters of John in the NT make clear you can NOT love God and hate your brother.So service to God and the world is the same thing.
To really care for people and get involved in being changed and offering positive change is hard work, so the word "Service" seems apt.
Solace will use the term "compassionate service" to talk broadly and deeply about Jesus' command to be sent out into the world in his name. (The thing some parts of the Church call "mission")
Compassionate service makes sense of and is integral to Jesus' teaching. It is the fulfilment of our true nature.
We wish to include people in the things of God that we have found and enjoy NOT convert. We do not think it has much future focus (apart from hope on the renewing of the earth and heavens), we do not think that it is about getting energy from end times and judgement. It is about God and goodness and each individual and group having a unique and respectful place before God. IT is not about universal homogeneity (we are not all going to look the same, do the same, believe the same etc). It is a dialogue, we are learners in every way. We do not seek to make others like "us".
Can we expand peace and love in the midst of diversity and confusion? Can we truly serve with compassionate hearts?
GREAT TALKS FROM TED
Robin Wright: The evolution of compassion
Pasted from http://www.ted.com/talks/robert_wright_the_evolution_of_compassion.html
Natural History of compassion. Compassion as part of the gene pool. Atheistic take on the golden rule.
Rabbi Jackie Tabick: The balancing act of compassion
Pasted from http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/jackie_tabick.html
Woman, UK, Rabbi. Love one's neighbor. The challenges of compassion.
15:46 min.
A TABLE OF THE 7 WAYS AND COMPASSIONATE SERVICE
see the next blog entry!
The resources are easy to grab and so i am including them in this email. You might like to use them with a group you are part of or perhaps do some of your own private work, or with a friend/partner over a meal.
If you are interested read on......
Mission as compassionate service table of contents:
good questions to start a conversation on the topic
notes from a conversation Olivia and Paul had together
some great talks on compassion at one of solace's favourite websites
a broad view of mission using the 7 ways
GOOD QUESTIONS TO START A CONVERSATION ON THE TOPIC
lets start close to home with our real life flesh and blood neighbours
*What are the names of the people living around us? How long have we known them? Do we like them? do they know or like us?
*What are the names of the people we work with? What are they like as people?
*What are the names of the people we buy from? Do we know the names of any of their customers?
*How frequently do you see/connect with someone in order to regard them as a neighbour?
*How selective are we in our relationships? (Can you describe what happens?)
*What good things are our neighbours up to?
*What could/do our neighbours teach us?
*How could/do our neighbours participate on our "salvation"
*Who is the neighbour most different to us?
*Who is the neighbour most similar to us?
NOTES FROM A CONVERSATION BETWEEN OLIVIA AND PAUL
Mission is one of those terrible words that gets used by the Church and carries a big stick. the word "should" gets used with it a lot and we tend to feel guilt and duty at its mention. We are keen to divest ourselves of that baggage!! The words and ideas of mission and evangelism are often mentioned together and seem to be used more by fundamentalist or conservative groups. YEt their take on the idea is fairly narrow.
Mission is an outward focus -the wellbeing of others not yourself. (Life with God has a huge and primary place for every person's wellbeing and whilst we start at the place to be renewed we are inevitably urged by God to focus on "others" as well.)
Jesus' whole attitude was "missional" -focused on "other" - he was sent and sends his friends and followers in a likewise manner.
Compassion seems to be the motivator and the compass. If we can be soft hearted and full of love for the "other" then perhaps we may not go too far wrong. So practices and lifestyles that grow our hearts are vital - much more so than messages or techniques.
Loving God and loving our neighbour are the core of God's commands to us and make up the communal fabric of our life on earth. They are the same command with different faces and as all the letters of John in the NT make clear you can NOT love God and hate your brother.So service to God and the world is the same thing.
To really care for people and get involved in being changed and offering positive change is hard work, so the word "Service" seems apt.
Solace will use the term "compassionate service" to talk broadly and deeply about Jesus' command to be sent out into the world in his name. (The thing some parts of the Church call "mission")
Compassionate service makes sense of and is integral to Jesus' teaching. It is the fulfilment of our true nature.
We wish to include people in the things of God that we have found and enjoy NOT convert. We do not think it has much future focus (apart from hope on the renewing of the earth and heavens), we do not think that it is about getting energy from end times and judgement. It is about God and goodness and each individual and group having a unique and respectful place before God. IT is not about universal homogeneity (we are not all going to look the same, do the same, believe the same etc). It is a dialogue, we are learners in every way. We do not seek to make others like "us".
Can we expand peace and love in the midst of diversity and confusion? Can we truly serve with compassionate hearts?
GREAT TALKS FROM TED
Robin Wright: The evolution of compassion
Pasted from http://www.ted.com/talks/robert_wright_the_evolution_of_compassion.html
Natural History of compassion. Compassion as part of the gene pool. Atheistic take on the golden rule.
Rabbi Jackie Tabick: The balancing act of compassion
Pasted from http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/jackie_tabick.html
Woman, UK, Rabbi. Love one's neighbor. The challenges of compassion.
15:46 min.
A TABLE OF THE 7 WAYS AND COMPASSIONATE SERVICE
see the next blog entry!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
July at Sunday Stuff Emerging Christian Church
Sunday Stuff is continuing our fun journey together as an emerging christian church after the mid-year holidays. We're going to be looking at the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes over the season, as well as all the rich contemplative practices that we enjoy so much.
July 11
All Ages Singing
Informal All Ages Time - some simple things to celebrate the new season together. No Kid's Stuff this week, we'll all be doing things that kids can enjoy alongside adults.
July 18
All Ages Jesus Meal - our central ritual
Learning time for adults - workshop the beatitudes from the sermon on the mount
Contemplation time - a short time for practicing contemplation, with a bit of help!
July 25
All Ages Stories
The Solace Liturgy
Sunday 1:45pm (doors open) for 2pm to 3:30pm. Chalice, 251 High St Northcote
Contact Paul Minty on paulm@solace.emc.org.au or 0418 307 475
July 11
All Ages Singing
Informal All Ages Time - some simple things to celebrate the new season together. No Kid's Stuff this week, we'll all be doing things that kids can enjoy alongside adults.
July 18
All Ages Jesus Meal - our central ritual
Learning time for adults - workshop the beatitudes from the sermon on the mount
Contemplation time - a short time for practicing contemplation, with a bit of help!
July 25
All Ages Stories
The Solace Liturgy
Sunday 1:45pm (doors open) for 2pm to 3:30pm. Chalice, 251 High St Northcote
Contact Paul Minty on paulm@solace.emc.org.au or 0418 307 475
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
June at Solace Sunday Stuff emerging church
6 June
All Ages Prayer
Labyrinth and contemplative prayer for adults - disorient and re-orient.
Small group - our own connection to land and place; where do you come from?
13 June
All Ages Singing
A visit from the folks at the Indigenous Hospitality House - offering hospitality to indigenous Australians on land traditionally owned by indigenous Australians.
20 June
Mid-Winter Feast! Yule Tide celebration. All welcome, so bring your friends! Carol singing, a message of hope, yummy warm things to eat.
No Sunday Stuff until July 11 - enjoy the winter holidays!
Solace Sunday Stuff. An emerging church in Northcote Melbourne Victoria Australia.
Sunday 1:45pm (doors open) for 2pm to 3:30pm. Chalice, 251 High St Northcote
Contact Paul Minty on paulm@solace.emc.org.au or 0418 307 475
www.solace.emc.org.au/sundaystuff
All Ages Prayer
Labyrinth and contemplative prayer for adults - disorient and re-orient.
Small group - our own connection to land and place; where do you come from?
13 June
All Ages Singing
A visit from the folks at the Indigenous Hospitality House - offering hospitality to indigenous Australians on land traditionally owned by indigenous Australians.
20 June
Mid-Winter Feast! Yule Tide celebration. All welcome, so bring your friends! Carol singing, a message of hope, yummy warm things to eat.
No Sunday Stuff until July 11 - enjoy the winter holidays!
Solace Sunday Stuff. An emerging church in Northcote Melbourne Victoria Australia.
Sunday 1:45pm (doors open) for 2pm to 3:30pm. Chalice, 251 High St Northcote
Contact Paul Minty on paulm@solace.emc.org.au or 0418 307 475
www.solace.emc.org.au/sundaystuff
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Rabbi Jackie Tabick on Compassion
We used a great Ted talk from Rabbi Jackie Tabick on compassion at Sunday Stuff last week. Rabbi Tabick is a cheerful and engaging woman with a gently passionate manner. Her talk is part of the 'Charter for Compassion', a project to gather support for compassion as the central value uniting humanity and religions.
Rabbi Tabick focuses on the everyday challenges of being compassionate. She reminds us that saying we will love our neighbors is all very well, but often we dislike them! She draws on the ancient Jewish teachings of the Torah and the ongoing Rabbinic teachings to illustrate the idea that compassion and justice need to be in balance so that compassion is possible. Our capacity to be compassionate is enhanced by accepting our true selves, understanding when compassion needs to be moderated by justice and then performing acts of kindness as we can.
Rabbi Tabick's talk at Ted is worth watching (it's only 18 minutes), I personally found it very interesting inspiring and comforting. I found the insights into the Torah and Rabbinic teachings gave me a fresh perspective on Jesus' teachings, as Jesus was certainly a Jewish wisdom teacher.
After engaging with Jackie's ideas, I have started exploring the idea that 'mission' may be best described as an act of compassion. I'm inspired to deepen my understanding of mission by exploring how compassion has been a part of Christian spirituality since Jesus time.
So, a good video, well worth watching, and more ideas to engage with.
Rabbi Tabick focuses on the everyday challenges of being compassionate. She reminds us that saying we will love our neighbors is all very well, but often we dislike them! She draws on the ancient Jewish teachings of the Torah and the ongoing Rabbinic teachings to illustrate the idea that compassion and justice need to be in balance so that compassion is possible. Our capacity to be compassionate is enhanced by accepting our true selves, understanding when compassion needs to be moderated by justice and then performing acts of kindness as we can.
Rabbi Tabick's talk at Ted is worth watching (it's only 18 minutes), I personally found it very interesting inspiring and comforting. I found the insights into the Torah and Rabbinic teachings gave me a fresh perspective on Jesus' teachings, as Jesus was certainly a Jewish wisdom teacher.
After engaging with Jackie's ideas, I have started exploring the idea that 'mission' may be best described as an act of compassion. I'm inspired to deepen my understanding of mission by exploring how compassion has been a part of Christian spirituality since Jesus time.
So, a good video, well worth watching, and more ideas to engage with.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Sunday Stuff is back on for May
Solace Sunday Stuff has started back for May.
9 May
All Ages Singing
Video - the challenges of compassion & facilitated chat about being compassionate
Multi-Sensory Prayer options
16 May
All Ages Jesus Meal
Meditation practice
Video - a secular view on compassion
23 May
All Ages Story Time
Taize
30 May
Games for everyone!
Olivia McLean on compassion in the Seven Ways of the Christian tradition.
Sunday Stuff is an experimental emergent church in Melbourne.
Sunday 1:45pm (doors open) for 2pm to 3:30pm. Chalice, 251 High St Northcote
Contact Paul Minty on paulm@solace.emc.org.au or 0418 307 475
9 May
All Ages Singing
Video - the challenges of compassion & facilitated chat about being compassionate
Multi-Sensory Prayer options
16 May
All Ages Jesus Meal
Meditation practice
Video - a secular view on compassion
23 May
All Ages Story Time
Taize
30 May
Games for everyone!
Olivia McLean on compassion in the Seven Ways of the Christian tradition.
Sunday Stuff is an experimental emergent church in Melbourne.
Sunday 1:45pm (doors open) for 2pm to 3:30pm. Chalice, 251 High St Northcote
Contact Paul Minty on paulm@solace.emc.org.au or 0418 307 475
Thursday, April 1, 2010
April 2010 at Sunday Stuff
It's a new month, so here's a reminder about Sunday Stuff for the next month.
April 4 - Easter Sunday
In the Chalice hall. Singing, Jesus Meal, Resurrection story and celebration. Easter chick hunt for the young at heart and body.
No Sunday Stuff during school holidays or for Rusty Spring
April 4 - Easter Sunday
In the Chalice hall. Singing, Jesus Meal, Resurrection story and celebration. Easter chick hunt for the young at heart and body.
No Sunday Stuff during school holidays or for Rusty Spring
- Apr 11 No Sunday Stuff
- Apr 18 No Sunday Stuff
- Apr 25 No Sunday Stuff - Rusty Spring Festival www.rustyspring.net
- May 2 Sunday Stuff
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
John was a bit different
Across Solace and for all Lent, we're all considering the Gospel of John and also looking at the Glenferrie Gospel by our very own Stuart Davey. When I looked at John in preparation, I was most struck by how different it is compared to the other Gospels. If you asked me why look at John, then my answer is 'because John was a bit different'.
John has the whole 'logos' ('word of God') theme, especially in the prologue, which is a real difference to the other gospels. It appears that John was addressing his gospel to Jewish people of the day who were adopting Greek philosophical ideas into the Jewish story. John’s assertion that Jesus was both spirit and man was a really vital part of the theological debate of the time and remains a vital concept today.
John is also different because the gospel is missing most of the stuff the other Gospels talk about. Check out this list at Wikipedia of omissions in John's Gospel. Some big differences for me is the relative absence of 'the Kingdom of God' language, no mention of forgiveness, no mention of loving enemies - important stuff for me. Why wouldn't John have it?
John is a long gospel and full of unique things: Jesus delivers long essay-style speeches in various parts (there are no parables as such); Jesus talks about himself a lot and; Jesus asserts himself as a God a lot more. The emphasis in John is different from the other Gospels; my understadning is that there is more about Jesus as a timeless revelation of the loving creator.
Given that John is so different from the other Gospels, why wouldn’t we simply discard it? After all, John seems to contradict the other Gospel’s reports of what Jesus did and said. I think John is a fantastic addition to the bible because of two things. First, it shows us how the early Christians were doing theology; they were wrestling with the meaning of Jesus and creating rich ideas and stories as part of that. Secondly, John connects the Jesus story to a broader philosophical conversation about meaning and hope, which is still relevant to each of us today.
John has the whole 'logos' ('word of God') theme, especially in the prologue, which is a real difference to the other gospels. It appears that John was addressing his gospel to Jewish people of the day who were adopting Greek philosophical ideas into the Jewish story. John’s assertion that Jesus was both spirit and man was a really vital part of the theological debate of the time and remains a vital concept today.
John is also different because the gospel is missing most of the stuff the other Gospels talk about. Check out this list at Wikipedia of omissions in John's Gospel. Some big differences for me is the relative absence of 'the Kingdom of God' language, no mention of forgiveness, no mention of loving enemies - important stuff for me. Why wouldn't John have it?
John is a long gospel and full of unique things: Jesus delivers long essay-style speeches in various parts (there are no parables as such); Jesus talks about himself a lot and; Jesus asserts himself as a God a lot more. The emphasis in John is different from the other Gospels; my understadning is that there is more about Jesus as a timeless revelation of the loving creator.
Given that John is so different from the other Gospels, why wouldn’t we simply discard it? After all, John seems to contradict the other Gospel’s reports of what Jesus did and said. I think John is a fantastic addition to the bible because of two things. First, it shows us how the early Christians were doing theology; they were wrestling with the meaning of Jesus and creating rich ideas and stories as part of that. Secondly, John connects the Jesus story to a broader philosophical conversation about meaning and hope, which is still relevant to each of us today.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
March at Sunday Stuff
Solace guys,
Feb at Sunday Stuff has been great. We've kicked off at a new venue ('Chalice' Northcote Uniting Church on High St Northcote). We've thought about our own spiritual journeys this year, tried a Quaker style meeting (thanks Gerard), done some loud singing in the wonderful acoustics (thanks Andrea & Naomi), down lots of meditative stuff in different forms and enjoyed thinking and discussing the Gospel of John and the Glenferrie Gospel. Wow!
For March, we'll be journeying through the season of Lent and joining with the rest of Solace in focusing on the Gospel of John, through the contemporary creative work by Stu Davey 'the Glenferrie Gospel'.
Mar 7 - Lent 3
All Ages Prayer with lots of movement prayers
Adults - Prayer stations: prayer for issues, meditation, prayer flags. Short bible study Nicolas and Andy (Nicodemus and Jesus): is Jesus an inconvenient truth for us?
Mar 14 - Lent 4
All Ages Singing
Adults - Labyrinth and music for meditation. Guest speaker: Stu Davey, author of 'Glenferrie Gospel'. Guided creative writing.
Mar 21 - Lent 5
All Ages Jesus Meal
Adults - Music meditation, Lectio Divina on the Lazarus story (Marcus from Glenferrie Gospel)
Mar 28 - Lent 6 (Palm Sunday)
All Ages Story Time
Singing meditation in the Taize tradition
The arrest of Jesus (The taking of Andy from the Glenferrie Gospel)
Sunday Stuff - a gathering to help people engage with Jesus-centred spiritualities - run by Solace at 'Chalice' Northcote Uniting Church.
Solace Sunday Stuff.
Sunday 1:45pm (doors open) for 2pm to 3:30pm. Chalice, 251 High St Northcote
Contact Paul Minty on paulm@solace.emc.org.au or 0418 307 475
http://solaceemc.blogspot.com
http://solace.emc.org.au/SundayStuff.htm
--
Paul Minty
Solace Sunday Stuff Leader
paulm@solace.emc.org.au
0418 307 475
http://solace.emc.org.au
Feb at Sunday Stuff has been great. We've kicked off at a new venue ('Chalice' Northcote Uniting Church on High St Northcote). We've thought about our own spiritual journeys this year, tried a Quaker style meeting (thanks Gerard), done some loud singing in the wonderful acoustics (thanks Andrea & Naomi), down lots of meditative stuff in different forms and enjoyed thinking and discussing the Gospel of John and the Glenferrie Gospel. Wow!
For March, we'll be journeying through the season of Lent and joining with the rest of Solace in focusing on the Gospel of John, through the contemporary creative work by Stu Davey 'the Glenferrie Gospel'.
Mar 7 - Lent 3
All Ages Prayer with lots of movement prayers
Adults - Prayer stations: prayer for issues, meditation, prayer flags. Short bible study Nicolas and Andy (Nicodemus and Jesus): is Jesus an inconvenient truth for us?
Mar 14 - Lent 4
All Ages Singing
Adults - Labyrinth and music for meditation. Guest speaker: Stu Davey, author of 'Glenferrie Gospel'. Guided creative writing.
Mar 21 - Lent 5
All Ages Jesus Meal
Adults - Music meditation, Lectio Divina on the Lazarus story (Marcus from Glenferrie Gospel)
Mar 28 - Lent 6 (Palm Sunday)
All Ages Story Time
Singing meditation in the Taize tradition
The arrest of Jesus (The taking of Andy from the Glenferrie Gospel)
Sunday Stuff - a gathering to help people engage with Jesus-centred spiritualities - run by Solace at 'Chalice' Northcote Uniting Church.
Solace Sunday Stuff.
Sunday 1:45pm (doors open) for 2pm to 3:30pm. Chalice, 251 High St Northcote
Contact Paul Minty on paulm@solace.emc.org.au or 0418 307 475
http://solaceemc.blogspot.com
http://solace.emc.org.au/SundayStuff.htm
--
Paul Minty
Solace Sunday Stuff Leader
paulm@solace.emc.org.au
0418 307 475
http://solace.emc.org.au
Give a Chicken for Easter at TEAR
TEAR is all organised for Easter, with live chickens! Here's the blurb from their own promotional emails.
Chocolate bunnies have nothing on real, live chickens as an Easter gift.
For only $5, a pair of chickens can provide a family from a poor community in Burma, Cambodia, India or Uganda with a source of eggs to eat and sell. So, they’ll be healthier and on the way to earning a small income.
When you order, you can choose a traditional printed card or an e-card to give to a friend or relative for Easter – or any occasion. You’ll also receive a tax-deductible receipt.
Chocolate bunnies have nothing on real, live chickens as an Easter gift.
For only $5, a pair of chickens can provide a family from a poor community in Burma, Cambodia, India or Uganda with a source of eggs to eat and sell. So, they’ll be healthier and on the way to earning a small income.
When you order, you can choose a traditional printed card or an e-card to give to a friend or relative for Easter – or any occasion. You’ll also receive a tax-deductible receipt.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Wrestling with an angry god
i am loving the easter journey this year with the Glenferrie gospel. I mainly work with it at tuesday stuff and then mull it over during the week. so far, with two out of the three readings, at least someone in the group has been offended at Andy's words and actions.
We loved it when Andy fixed the ferris wheel and saved the street festival but we HATED it when he took offense at being manipulated and "owned" and put a chair though a cafe window. (As you have read yourself or perhaps guessed this is similar to the cleansing of the temple in John 2.) Someone said "i just would think he was a loony and have nothing more to do with him." We all agreed, it would be scary, awful, wrong and disturbing. No matter how much good such a character might do, i would think "danger". So can i let myself off the hook by just saying "well Stu got a bit carried away- he wrote a character like Andy but could not quite do Jesus justice on these tricky bits." Hmmmm -i don't think so, nice though that might be.
As we looked at the passage more, Stu showed us that in John Jesus had sat down and made a whip (pre-meditated act, smouldering anger at the injustice done to God and God's world simmering away.) and then cleared out the whole temple like a bushman herding cattle through the dust and the bush....that is correct...the whole temple forecourt. Animals running everywhere, tables overturned, money split and stolen by people rushing out of the way. Businesses ruined, trading halted. An ugly scene, a violent scene -an unreasonable God.
At this point i was feeling a lot of sympathy for the religious leaders of the day. Stu downplayed the scene with only one cafe cleared (he should have cleared the whole street!)
So i have been mulling it over. Glad that Stu has brought Jesus to life in such a vivid way. Struggling and examining myself, the bible, God. I have not got very far and would greatly enjoy your thoughts.
Firstly it seems clear that i am still very influenced by the Greek philosophical view that the highest reality/the great God is devoid of emotional impulses -the classical terms (that are still central in the teaching of academic theology SADLY) are "impassive", and "unchanging". so terribly unhelpful and NOT the key ideas that the bible teaches as it introduces the world to God. (God's name and deep self revelation "I am who i am" and equally in the hebrew "I will be who i will be" -is about open, dynamic freedom, centre-edness and personhood -bloody Greeks -they have not helped us here.) So let me more deeply embrace an EMOTIONAL GOD, who delights in the deep truths of emotion. How could God not be wailing with grief and anger over the terrible deaths, murders, disasters, rapes, persecutions and wars. Equally how could God not be joyfully hovering over sunset and beach, mountain and city, love and friendship, art and food?
Secondly i am a person who struggles with anger (in myself and others.) The more anger that is in the air the higher my anxiety levels get. I move away from it at speed. So that's my problem and whilst perhaps unpleasant no doubt i have some growing to do in order to be present to anger.
but yet! this violent destruction is just unreasonable. i am teaching my kids to use their words, not their fists. Jesus made it VERY CLEAR but is that OK? i am struggling and can't say "yes".
It is all God's stuff - his to destroy, the bible often reminds us of that. James teaches that God is a different being -able to be righteously angry (where as we have little chance of that). But yet...
and yet... still mulling it over, attracted and repelled by Andy, fascinated and aware that I may have rejected "un-sanitised Jesus" had i lived in Palestine.
We live in a "waybuloo" world
my kids love a show called "waybuloo" -and what is not to love- it is full of wonder, beauty and God. I grew up with the modern, fun and useful "sesame st" -still going, but now in a post-modern world "Waybuloo" shares the same time slot. The creatures of the "waybuloo" world levitate whilst they pray, are called to practice "yogo" when the chimes start and are surrounded by mountains and trees. Children come to play and get involved in the "yogo" prayer. At solace we are trying to do both "sesame st" and "waybuloo" (let me just pause for a moment and say how sad it is that none of the Christian media makes it to mainstream TV - mostly because it is not accessible enough.) We have a great time of learning from a bible story and then re-enforce that learning through crafts, games and all that. the kids love it. We also call them to pray and to learn some spiritual exercises - currently praying the Lord's prayer in words and movement, finding God's love and enjoyment in their everyday lives (by recalling favourite things from the week) and contemplative prayer (singing aloud the marantha chant rather than silent prayer.) At each stage we explain why we do it, what they might feel, how to use this exercise during the week and more. the kids love it.
my prayer is for my kids, and all our kids, to experience Jesus and the God he revealed through mind, body and spirit: by engaging head, heart and soul.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sunday Stuff Up and Running
We've debuted at our new venue: 'Chalice' Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High St Northcote. We've started at a new time as well, 2pm-3:30pm; and we'll only run during term time, plus an extra week for Easter.
The church building is cool, airy and sounds great when we sing. We've plenty of indoors and outdoors room for kids and there's plenty of parking nearby.
The young 'uns have started with a new format, they'll be learning and doing more active spiritualities than previously. The kids will learn spiritual practices, stories and understand beliefs that will encourage them for many years to come.
If you've been hanging back from doing Sunday Stuff now is the time to give it a try!
The church building is cool, airy and sounds great when we sing. We've plenty of indoors and outdoors room for kids and there's plenty of parking nearby.
The young 'uns have started with a new format, they'll be learning and doing more active spiritualities than previously. The kids will learn spiritual practices, stories and understand beliefs that will encourage them for many years to come.
If you've been hanging back from doing Sunday Stuff now is the time to give it a try!
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