Children and Families resources

As always, the latest edition of KUCA News has some excellent Lectionary based ideas for Sep/Oct – including Lectionary Crafts and Lectionary Connections. If you’re looking for craft ideas, remember that the KUCA News crafts has a weekly lectionary based craft idea to explore.

In addition, Mucky Paws is a collection of contemporary liturgies and creative moments written by Rev Roddy Hamilton (Clydebank, Scotland) that follows the weekly lectionary readings. Click here for this week’s offering and/or e-mail rghamilton@ntlworld.com to receive Roddy’s monthly mailing.

Finally, Linley Liersch from Seymour Uniting recently sent in an Early Word/Children’s Talk idea based on the reading for an upcoming Sunday (1 Kings 3:5-14, as it happened). If you have an Early Word/Children’s Talk idea for an upcoming Sunday that you would like to share with others, please e-mail it to chris.barnett@ctm.uca.edu.au.

Sacred Story and Leadership

The following web link which is a report on a conference on sacred story and leadership.  It includes some comments about different art forms and how they can be used in ministry.
http://www.congregationalresources.org/Story/Introduction.asp

Father’s Day Ideas

For those looking for Ideas for Father’s Day, the “All Age Worship” section of the South Australian Uniting Church site has a new  Father’s Day resource (scroll down to the “New” section). Some suggested sites for craft ideas from  KUCA News include Artists Helping Children and Apples4theTeacher.

Communion Resources
More and more congregations are searching for ways to engage children and families more fully in the worship life of the gathered community through a multi-age approach to worship – including their participation in Communion/Lord’s Supper/Eucharist (depending on your tradition). Some useful resources to explore include…

Lifeway for some practical ideas, Children and Holy Communion for an interesting article and A Meal with Jesus from the UCA in SA (scroll down to the “A Meal With Jesus” pdf)

If you would like a ppt of a Communion outline and/or a ppt of a Prayer of Confession suitable for the multi-age context – or would like to contribute similar outlines/prayers to share with others – please e-mail chris.barnett@ctm.uca.edu.au.  

 

Useful Websites

A heap of lectionary based Resources for Scripture Study and Worship. It has links to commentaries, prayers, movie scenes, plays, art and pictures – www.textweek.com

Cheryl Lawrie is brilliant with words and creating alternative worship spaces - http://blogs.victas.uca.org.au/alternative/

Proost…inspiring resources that fuel faith. This website has original artwork, movies, loops, books that all can be used in worship. It is worth the subscription! http://proost.co.uk/

This site has so many clips that inspire me when creating worship. You are able to use YouTube clips in worship if you play them from the website. www.youtube.com 

Good Shepherd Powerpoint & Woman at the Well Powerpoint

Good Shepherd and Psalm 23 PowerPoint – You will need to search for a YouTube clip ‘I AM the Good Shepherd’. It is recommended that some music behind the reflection questions after the clip. Many thanks to Beth Barnett for her wonderful input. 

Woman at the Well Powerpoint – You will need to add some reflection music behind it. This YouTube clips works really well on this reading as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q49BbfgJbto&feature=PlayList&p=3D532EFFA6433357&index=0&playnext=1

 If you would like either the Psalm 23 powerpoint or the Woman at the Well powerpoint – please e-mail uym@ctm.uca.edu.au.

Featuring Dr. Brendan Hyde - author of “Children & Spirituality” - this event is primarily for ministers/pastors, those employed in areas related to ministry with children and families and those with an interest in children & spirituality. Addressing questions such as…

What does spirituality look like?
How might we know if a child is expressing her or his spirituality?
Are they likely to use religious language?
How might we nurture it?
How might the research on children’s spirituality impact upon leadership and practice in the Church?

…this will be an opportunity to explore and engage with some of the latest thinking around children and spirituality in relation to families and children in western culture appearing to turn away from mainstream Churches and religious practice. Does this trend suggest that they no longer believe in God? Or does it suggest that institutional

religion is no longer providing for them a source of spiritual nourishment, and so they are searching elsewhere? Research suggests that largely, children and young people do have a sense of connectedness in a Transcendent dimension [that Christians would name as “God”] but that Christian churches no longer seem to be able to nourish their spirituality. So, children, young people and their families search elsewhere to have this particular dimension of their lives nourished and affirmed. Tacey (2003) describes this in terms of “loosing my religion – recovering the sacred”. If we are to address this situation, and suggest at least ways of moving forward (as opposed to solutions), we need to explore the nature of spirituality in children and young people.

What does holiness mean?  How do we imagine a holy life?  Who is a holy person, and how might their holiness be expressed?   We were impressed with the range of responses that artists presented in the Holy3 exhibition which was held here at the Centre for Theology and Ministry in June and July. With a focus on the book of Isaiah at Wisdom’s Feast, we gave the artists a starting point by inviting them to engage with the call of the prophet Isaiah.  The prophet envisions a great shaking of foundations, sees the hem of God’s robe, and feels a burning coal touch his lips which provokes a burning response: “I’m here, send me.”  Beyond that passage artists found many other images and themes from the book of Isaiah.

Their responses covered a wide range of media – iconography, painting, film, sculpture, calligraphy, textile and installation.  Recycled materials were used extensively, from a slashed and burned, embroidered and appliquéd old wedding dress in Shoot from the Stump, a higgledy piggledy set of wooden steps and found boxes making a Holy Mountain, and beautiful shadows formed by the holey-ness of punched metal strung up in an old oven rack – The Holiness of the Outcast.

A group of young people came to view the exhibition and engaged in an activity making their own Holy Boxes in response to Mary McCowan’s whimsical and delightful artworks.  We discussed how the box reflects our own questions, what’s hidden, what’s revealed and where is the site of our own holiness?

On the last day of the exhibition some of the artists returned to participate in Friday worship which was held within the art gallery spaces, each part of the liturgy focussed on a different art work.  Rather than talking about the artworks we simply moved the focus of the liturgy toward a particular work, allowing the visual imagery to convey meaning and make unspoken connections in the viewer.

If you missed the exhibition, there’s still an opportunity to see these works on the Holy3 Art Exhibition Resource, which includes high resolution images with permission to use for churches, suggestions for how to use them, along with two meditative movie files which focus on individual artworks, Holy Mountain and Holy Boxes. To order the Holy3 CD+DVD Resource download the order form.

What is your favourite food?
Seafood pasta or risotto

If you could live anywhere in the world where would you live? Why?
Mountains anywhere – love long winding roads

Favourite book and film?
Book: “The agony and the Ecstasy” biography of Michaelangelo
Film:  “Steel Magnolias” and “As it was in heaven”

Favourite pastimes?
Long distance bike riding

Favourite gadget?
My portable radio

What’s playing on your CD player/MP3 player at the moment?
James Blunt “Back to Bedlam”

Something you want to change in the world?
That we spend as much money on developing our diplomacy and emotional intelligence as we do on developing military weaponry.

Passions?
Love reading a good novel, watching a good film, happiest when pottering at home doing odd jobs and home maintenance.

Frustrations?
Not enough hours in a day or week to do everything I love doing

One habit you want to develop?
The capacity to sleep in

One habit you want to lose?
The thinking that if I got up earlier the hours in a day would be greater.

One thing that excites you about your new position?
The chance to work in a creative and diverse team

Jesus broke the bread, shared it with the crowd  and they were satisfied. What an extraordinary picnic that must have been. Do you know what it feels like to be really satisfied at the end of a great meal? Do you know what it feels like to feel really satisfied with the decisions you have made, satisfied in your work, in your marriage, in your community?  Jesus came broke bread shared it and they were satisfied.

 

That crowd followed after Jesus because they had tasted something, and they wanted more.  They thought they wanted more of the signs and wonders Jesus was performing, but Jesus helps them with their discernment saying:  “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” (John 6:27)

 

Oh, this sound good, food that will satisfy or deep longings, our soul’s yearnings, our hearts desires, food that will lead to eternal life. But how do we work out what that is? What is the food that perishes, and what is the food that will lead us more deeply into the life of God? These are key discernment questions. As we wonder what is next for our churches and as congregations dwindle, discernment  must becomes a vital ingredient.

 

Discernment is about recognising that you’ve tasted something that has deeply satisfied you and wanting more.  What is the food that we are called to work for? It is about working out why you are still hungry and discovering what food will perish, and what will bring eternal life. Discernment is about sifting through possibilities and seeking to discern what is of God and what is not of God.

 

Human beings are created with freedom to make choices between good and evil, between food that will perish and food for eternal life.  In the tradition of Christian discernment, these have been described as inner movements of the Spirit and counter movements. One voice in our head saying ‘do this’, and another saying ‘do that’, one voice in my head saying ‘I am beautiful and loved’ and another saying ‘ I am an ugly fool’. Which voice should I listen to? Which voice will lead to perishing, which will lead to life?  It takes time and practice to even notice this inner dialogue. Can you identify the different voices the church community? voices of tradition and the culture of this place, of different groups of people and different expectations?

 

The crowd who followed Jesus were keen to develop their discernment practice when they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” They did not ask what do we think is the best direction for the Uniting Church to take us into the future? They asked, what must we do so for this community to perform the works of God here in his place? Jesus responds by reminding them that the Bread of heaven gives life to the world. To grow in discernment, to recognize what food gives life to the world. What brings freedom, justice, hope and abundant life to the world?

 

Perhaps at your next church meeting, you could remind people that we gather because we have tasted the bread of heaven, we’ve tasted the joy of deep satisfaction in our relationship with God and we want more. You could encourage people to remember what it feels like to be deeply satisfied by tasting God’s love.  Take 10 -15 minutes sitting in silence, remembering what it has felt like to taste the bread of heaven. You could invite people to share their stories. Encourage people to work in your meeting for this satisfying food by asking discernment questions:

 

What must we do to perform the works of God?

What things do you engage with are like food that will perish?

What activities, opportunities, encounters, offerings bring life to the world?

What needs to happen for you and your community to feel deeply satisfied?

• Are you interested in skilling up your ministry?
• Are you wanting deeper discipleship with peers?
• Are you looking for an opportunity to serve in a congregation or agency?
• Do you want a different sort of GAP year?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then we have an exciting training opportunity to share with you.

We are partnering with the Baptist Union to bring you an intern program called IN-FORMATION. It has three basic parts

• Ministry in a local congregation or agency up to ten hours per week
• Reflection on ministry through a mentor and peer group
• Study some theology and practical ministry skills

We will help you organise a ministry placement and mentor as well as gather folks to reflect together on your ministry. The study component is based at Whitley College in Parkville although several units can also be completed on-line. The study can be done at Diploma or Certificate IV level.

The aim is to equip you for ministry in your local context and to help you learn and reflect on your ministry as you go along, thus fostering an action-reflection model of learning (cf. Jesus and the disciples!). You’ll also have regular support from a mentor and peers to make the whole experience both fun and well supported.

Sound interesting? To find out more details call Drew, Age, Chris, Gwen or Peter at the CTM and find out more details.

    ….join the generous revolution, give away!

Join in with other youth groups/church groups/action groups to go ‘trick or treating’ on Halloween to collect non-perishables.  Phone cards, met cards, food or toiletries are a great way to support people who have no income to buy the basic things we take for granted.

This will be a fun way to look outside our needs, support people and actually meet our local communities.

Goods will go to a local charity/group (chosen by the group) or centrally to Hotham Mission’s work with asylum seekers and the Indigenous hospitality house.

Process:
•    Adverstise and gather your group from now (maybe do a night on generous revolution generousrevolutionsheet)
•    work out a realistic route for your walk
•    Advertisement postcards (contact us for these) to be letterbox dropped the week before Halloween.
•    dress up
•    meet and brief
•    walk, collect and have fun
•    donate the non perishables to your group (or back to us to get to the central groups)

Remember to be smart about door knocking (particularly as we don’t practice ‘trick or treating’ in oz)
•    go in groups,
•    Identify your self, group and what you are doing,
•    remain outside the homes and
•    be friendly.

About Central Groups

Hotham Mission
The Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project (ASP) is a Uniting Care agency that works with asylum seekers living in the community who do not have work rights, income or Medicare. These asylum seekers are on bridging visas and living lawfully in the community awaiting a decision on their refugee or humanitarian claim, yet are denied any government supports.  Treat asylum seekers this Halloween!

Indigenous Hospitality House
The Indigenous Hospitality House (IHH) was established in response to a report written by Indigenous workers at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Lookin’ After Our Own, which identified the need for appropriate accommodation for families supporting a patient. IHH functions as a kind of extended family home, where those that live in and around the main house share the duties associated with welcoming, cooking, cleaning and chatting with guests.
For more information on ‘Live&Give’ contact (03)93408815 or uym@ctm.uca.edu.au or morepraxis.org.au

Are you ready for a big year out?

The Big Year Out is your chance to have a new adventure. To get some space. To make new friends. To go deeper in your faith. To do something that makes a difference. To be an agent of change for Jesus.

The Big Year Out is for young adults aged 18 to 30 years who want a ‘Big Year Out Headergap’
year between whatever you have been doing and whatever you might do next. It’s a time to discover your gifts and explore your directions for the future.

The Big Year Out is not a study program, although it will give you the opportunity to learn and grow in your faith. It’s a time to go deeper with God and fire your passion for serving Jesus in a needy world.

The Big Year Out includes
> a one-week discipleship intensive  (February)
> a weekly community gathering  (Monday arvo/eve with Adrian Greenwood)
> a hands-on mission placement one day a week with an agency.
> a mid-year overseas mission trip - About FACE 10 (Faith and Culture Exchange) - 26 June to 17 July
> going deeper into the Bible
> a spiritual growth track
> an end-of-year spiritual retreat (Back with the whole group)

The Big Year Out Costs and Enrolment
All forms can be downloaded from the Web or by contacting us.
Applications need to be in no later than Jan 22 – Interview will take place Jan 23-Jan 25.
Cost: approx. $3500

Contact Details
Email: byo@morepraxis.org.au
Web: http://thebigyearout.com
http://morepraxis.org.au/bigyearout
Tel: 9340 8815

BYO Co-ordinator Vic/Tas
Adrian Greenwood
age@morepraxis.org.au

Scholarships are Go! Last July we offered scholarships to attend the School of Discipleship (July 10-13) in Canberra. Six young adults Laura, Bron, Kelly, Amé, Andrew and James took up the chance and have written short reflections about connecting ‘faith and life’. Here is Andrew’s reflection ….

Connecting to my faith in the hustle and bustle of the big city can be an incredible challenge. Between work, gym, dance classes, bible study and worship, there isn’t much time left in the day to just sit and be with God. Sometimes I feel like us Christian youth are in denial about how much time we actually devote to God, pretending to be well connected to Him through a regular routine of prayer and reflection, and we surely must read the bible nightly.

You can imagine my excitement when I found a group of fellow Christians who I could relate to. Those who see that we are a fellowship of broken souls, who hopelessly follow Christ in the best way we know how. We all struggle through, and find God in brief but tantalizing glimpses when we least expect it. These tiny glimpses spurs us on to try and get to know God more.

So I look back at my experience at the School of Discipleship and appreciate all the conversations and good times I shared with the other delegates. I remember sharing my frustration about how little of the bible I have read recently, I remember not being alone. I remember sharing stories of how I just don’t know what to do with my friend who’s gotten mixed up with drugs, I felt supported. I remember lamenting the plight of displaced and dispossessed peoples in our lands, I felt us standing together.

I drove to the convention, which was held in Canberra. On the return trip I found my mind wandering to how I could follow God better. How could I connect my busy life with God’s work? After all, I’m only 23, what impact could I possibly have on the world? How can I be a witness to God in my everyday life? After the nine hour drive, I still didn’t have any answers, but somehow that didn’t matter. I realized that perhaps my mind wandering was my own way of connecting with God, and that this journey through life is only just beginning.

Andrew Wheatland

(If you are interested the next round of scholarships email Age = age@morepraxis.org.au)

praxis09 - A Disturbing Peace

Think, pray, play and meet with more of your tribe who long for a Christian spirituality that interconnects social action and theological reflection.
Been waiting for this? Good, so have we.

Where: Clifford Park Scouts camp site - Clifford Rd, Wonga Park VIC (Melways 24 J6)
45 mins from Melbourne
Online Rego here and facebook event to help spam the gathering here

Costs PP: $45 Cabin, $30 Camp, Food $25 Adult/$15 Kids, Day Pass $35

This is an All Play event - Come ready to share.