Towing the Line

On Friday I attended 'Towing the Line', an inter/active theatre event exploring mental health and community myths. It was a forum theatre event devised by members of the community living with or caring for someone living with mental health concerns.

It was a very moving and sometimes confronting experience. The stigma associated with mental health issues is still great in the community – including here in Healesville, and even dare I say among Corps members. This event explored a number of scenarios, and the audience was invited to interact with the scenarios, trying to achieve a different, positive intervention.

For example, one scenario involved a call centre worker that was unable to get to work on time because of depression and the effects of her medication. A suggested intervention was the employer allowing the worker to start later in the day, after she had "leveled out" from her medication.

I have much to learn in the area of mental health. It was a great production, and I encourage people to attend any events like this in their local community.

Delegation vs Empowerment

Another blog that caught my attention!

So often we talk about delegation, and also about how to empower people, but then don't know how to empower people! Well, in my blog catch up reading, I cam across this comparison:

I delegate more often then empower, and need to start empowering more.

List from tonymorganlive.com

Catch up

I'm catching up on some blog reading, and thought I'd post a few here that I've found interesting.

First, from tonymorganlive.com
10 Reasons I Don’t Like Most Christians

1. They consistently seem angry and bitter and worried. I thought Christians were supposed to reflect joy and kindness and peace.
2. They don’t dream big dreams. That seems odd given the fact that we’re supposedly worshiping a God who is “able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare ask or hope.”
3. They seem to worship their theology more than Jesus. For whatever reason, this appears to be especially true for folks that come from a reformed theology.
4. They don’t like it when other people or ministries experience success. Think about it. There are Christians who would be overwhelmed with joy if NewSpring experienced fewer salvations, fewer baptisms and our attendance dropped.
5. They use prayer as an excuse for inaction. They’re waiting for God to do his thing, but they aren’t willing to step out in faith and obedience.
6. They’re more concerned with the BMW next door than the lost person who drives it. Christians hate people with money. They’re willing to sacrifice time and money for those without it, but they’re satisfied to let “rich” people go to Hell.
7. They would rather people live life without Jesus than give up their personal preferences. What happens when your preferred teacher doesn’t teach? What happens when your preferred worship leader doesn’t lead? What happens when you don’t like the music?
8. They are fake. They dress up a certain way on Sunday and they live as completely different people the rest of the week.
9. They think they’re better than other people. That’s why they create rules to follow. It helps differentiate why they are holy while others are not.
10. They’re comfortable with mediocrity. Doesn’t matter where. Think Christian music and movies. Think how we invest our time and money. You don’t seriously think God deserves our best do you?

Engaging with the community

I'm a little freaked as I write this update! Today I was asked if I would be the guest speaker at the Grade Six Graduation at Healesville Primary School!

How humbling to be asked to speak on such an important occasion! Need to do some serious thinking about this one.

What would be the message Grade 6's and their families would want to hear?

Update from the ‘ville

Life's been very crazy, but here's a snapshot of a few things I've been up to:

It seems to be a season of finishing. After 6 years, I have completed my Bachelor of Ministry degree at Tabor Victoria. Assuming I pass and my calculations are correct! It will be sad to be finishing Tabor, but you never say that you are not going back! Who knows what the future will bring. I am investigating further study in 2009, but at this stage do not think it will be at Tabor – perhaps in 2010!

We have finished the breakfast program for the year at Healesville High School. This has been an amazing success, with over 50 students, teachers – and the principal! – attending each week. There are plans to come back next year, as well as some additional serving at the high school. More next year when things are finalized! I can announce that a new award will be presented at Healesville High School this year – The Salvation Army Community Service Award. This will be an annual award present to a student/students who have given back to the Healesville community in one way or another. We haven't finalized the name, or what sort of perpetual item we will buy – so any ideas are welcome.

The final Christian Education class for the grade six's was last week, and we used Kidzone to explore the story of Jesus' birth, and to make a reindeer Christmas ornament for our tree! The teachers want me back again next year, but I'm not locking anything in at this stage. There's been some creative suggestions so will have to see how it all fits together. We gave a New Testament biblezine to each of the kids as well – they seemed to like reading them too!!!

Today we had our shop volunteers Christmas lunch. Everyone got a present!!! I got a Christmas tie that lights up and plays music – might have to wear it on Sunday to our next Café Church!

Still a few things to go…mainly music has another few weeks. Lots of Christmas parties to go to! I'm trying to be good…but have only been to one event so far!

I'm enjoying being an uncle, and have had my first stint at babysitting, and learnt how to change nappies and get Zac to sleep. Mum, Zac and dad continue to do well – but naturally wouldn't mind more sleep! A friend took some great photos of Zac – check them out at www.clairbremner.com – go to the blog page and scroll down to Zac. Book Clair for your next family photo shoot!

Anyway, that's enough updating from life in the 'ville for now!

Church marketing

After today and some of the other 'events' we run at Healesville Salvos, I've been doing some thinking about how we present ourselves to the community. Then I read a blog with this video.

This video is definitely worth sitting and watching.



If anyone has some time to chat about effectively 'marketing' church, let me know, I need to discuss!

Christmas has come to Healesville!

The other day Christmas came to Healesville!

Not long now...aaarrrrggghhh, so much to do before Dec 25!

What happens when over 50 women invade Healesville Salvos...?

Pandemonium...that's what happens!!!

Life in the 'ville continues to be full of new things, and this morning we held our first women's breakfast. For a small country church, having over 50 women (double our average Sunday attendance!) attend our first breakfast for the girls has been most exciting!

Our guest speaker this morning was Major Margaret Cochrane, sharing about her work with the Melbourne Children's Court. The morning was a resounding success, with many people who do not attend a church in town coming. I heard the story of one lady who was helped by the Salvos in Darwin during Cyclone Tracey, and then more recently she was helped through Employment Plus. The Salvos played an important part in her life, so she was keen to come to our breakfast! This is just one story from this morning, as we connected with our community.

A few photos from this morning are on the group page on Facebook.

Our high school breakfast program continues to reach over 50 students each week. We only have one left for the year, and plans are underway to continue in the new school year. This initaitive recently featured on the Eastern Victoria Division Community Care DVD.

Please, continue to pray for The Salvation Army Healesville and that the community may be changed by God.

Mirror mirror

Shrek, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were all having lunch together.

Shrek said, 'I have always thought that I'm the strongest man in the world, but how can I be sure?'

Angelina Jolie agreed. 'I'm told I'm the most gorgeous of them all, but sometimes I wonder.'

Brad Pitt said, 'I'm pretty sure I'm the sexiest man alive but I've never had it confirmed.'

They all decided that the best way to find out if their beliefs were true was to ask the famed talking 'mirror, mirror on the wall' to confirm for them whether Shrek was the strongest, Angelina Jolie was the most gorgeous and Brad Pitt was the sexiest.

They agreed to meet again the next day for lunch to discuss their findings.

The next day Shrek walked up with a smile. 'Well, it's true. The mirror told me that I am the strongest man in the world.'

Angelina Jolie perked up and said: 'And I know for sure that I'm the most gorgeous person alive.'

But Brad Pitt lifted his sad, sexy face and said.

'Who the hell is Graeme Mawson???'

(Thanks to Scottie for emailing me this one...of course I had to change that last name...!)

And they’re off and running…

I know spring is well and truly in the air – not just from my hay fever!

Yesterday I went for a stroll down Nicholson Street (that's Maroondah Highway for the non-locals!). There was a great vibe, with people everywhere, the sun shining, the smell of coffee wafting out of the cafes, and the sound of the races!

The Healesville race course isn't that far from my house, and yesterday I could hear the loud speakers. Apparently it was packed, with lots of marquees and people enjoying the day.

Tomorrow our shop volunteers are getting dressed up with fancy clothes that have come into the shop, then all going out for coffee. I'm going to join them too. Last year they dressed down, but this year they decided to dress up! Will see how it goes. Must remember to take a photo. It's funny, 'cause when you walk past the shop window they have got into the spring fashions, with dresses and shoes filling the window. It's good, 'cause when stuff is put in the window it sells!!!

Got me thinking…with Healesville racecourse, the Yarra Valley Racing Centre (Yarra Glen), the greyhound track, lots and lots of wineries…are the Salvos in the right place?!? Seriously though, how do we connect with the community in a relevant way? And I'm not just thinking collecting at the races…although that could always help! Any ideas welcome!

My new nephew

Posted by a very proud Uncle Grazer!!! Zachary Daniel King was born at 6:52 this morning, weighing 8lbs 2ozs. He is very spunky! Full head of dark hair like his dad. This pic doesn't quite do him justice - silly camera phone. Will put some better ones up when we get them - and some after he has had a bath!

Joey Scouts

Last night I was a guest at the Healesville Joey Scouts. I was invited to recieve toys that each of the Joey Scouts had selected from their own toy collection. These toys were then to be given to someone else in need.

It was great hearing each of the kids share about their toys, why they were special for them, and how much they loved them. One boy even had a photo taken with the toy, and attached it to the toy dog's neck. That way the new recipient of the toy will know who it is from!

The Joey Scouts did a great job - thanks heaps for the toys! They will be given to children who need them.

Children...

It's children's week!!!
Today I helped out at the Fun 4 Kids Day in town. I was on balloon duty, and as you can see by the picture, many ended up on the roof of the hall! Many families came to the day, with toddlers running around everywhere! It was crazy, but fun to be part of.

I collated a list of all the contacts we have made through the school holiday programs today. We have connected with 44 families, which comes to 59 kids!!! These families were not connected to us before we ran our two school holiday programs. We're planning on starting a kids club, called Kidzone, in the near future - if you want to help out let me know!

Children are so important. It's been good to have grandchildren come to church with their grandparents during the year. Its fun (most weeks) going to the primary school and teaching Christian Education. One way that Healesville Salvos can stay relevant in this community is to connect with children and their families.

Speaking of children...I'm still waiting to become an uncle - any day now!

MIA

Been otherwise occupied lately. However, came across this pic, didn't have anyone specific in mind ;

News wrap

What's been making news...

• A women in Badger Creek awoke to find a man standing beside her bed - at 4am in the morning! This is freaky - waking up at 4 am to see a man wearing a black t-shirt and a beanie. This women needs our prayers at this time. (Mail, 7 Oct, page 1)
• Three business in the main street had their windows broken on Friday morning and Saturday morning last week. (Mail, 7 Oct, page 3)
• Healesville's RecLink Rocky Road Choir made its first public appearance last week at Dinner at Darron's. A number of people from the Corps are involved. (Mail, 7 Oct, page 6)
• The Shire Mayor, Cr Tim Heenan, is spending the week sleeping it rough in Melba Park, Lilydale, to raise awareness of homelessness. (Mail, 9 Oct, page 9)
• A new cafe has opened in Healesville - next door to our Care 'n' Wear shop! (Mail 7 Oct, page 29)

CWA Nite Chicks

This morning I helped cook the barbecue for the Healesville CWA Nite Chicks. It was a good morning, with Memorial Hall filled with stall holders, with everything from Curves, to ladies clothing, books, make-up, Tupperware, wine tasting and more!

The Healesville Nite Chicks supported our 'Power Lab' school holiday program, so the least I could do was help cook the barbecue!

It's on days like today that you see the best of the community - different groups working together, saying hello to people you know as they wander down the street.

But alas, I didn't pick up a chick...maybe next time!

Healesville Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Tonight I was a guest speaker at the Healesville Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It was a good opportunity to connect with a different section of the community - and an important sector, the businesses who help keep the economy going!

I asked those present what they knew about the Salvos, then shared a sentence summary of our history, as well as a bit more information about Healesville Salvos' history. In prep I was doing some riffling through our filing cabinet, and I found a copy of the deed to our land, from 1921, with James Hay's signature on it! It has the land on the corner of Harker St & Castella St. Now...Castella St doesn't exist now - it's known as Maroondah Highway! It's also interesting to note that 'Nicholson Street' is actually the local name for Maroondah Highway as it passes through town. There's a new push for businesses to use Nicholson instead of Maroondah Highway, recreating ownership of the town. Anyway, I digress...

Thank you to Joanne Tate, President, for the invite to share tonight - it was good! And let me also say that the plate of food was amazing! Again, the local produce makes life tough here!

Celebrating 3rd birthdays...

Tonight was Dinner at Darron's third birthday. Dinner at Darron's is Healesville's weekly community meal. It was a great tea - chicken schnitzels, with scallop potatoes, as well as a mud chocolate birthday cake!

To help in the festivities, Cr Jeanette McRae shouted everyone a trip to the movies - Healesville style! So we all went to Memorial Hall and watched Get Smart.

Happy birthday to Dinner at Darron's! While I've only known you for the past 10 months - it's been fun being part of the dinner, from saying grace each week, to setting up, and even finding accommodation for homeless people who turn up at the meal. May the meal continue to make a difference to the lives of people in Healesville!

Café Church with Mooroolbark Songsters

This morning was Café Church, with special guests Mooroolbark Songsters. It was so good to have 47 people in the building, cramming around the café tables enjoying food, drinks and each other's company. Brian Hogg put together an excellent collection of songs, with time spent reflecting on some bible passages and exploring what they mean to us. It was good to have someone walk in off the street and stay for church!

It has been an absolutely beautiful day here in the 'ville! Spent a long lunch with friends, followed by a fresh icecream and listening to a band play at Beechworth Bakery's second birthday. Again…another 'hard' day in Healesville! This week will be busy, with regular activities returning, including mainly music, CRE, breakfast program at the high school, and my study. I have an assignment due this week, so will be deep in study. Should be fun.

Volunteer with us!!!

We now have several volunteer positions advertised on the Salvo's website!

Visit www.salvationarmy.org.au/volunteer and check out the opportunities. Perhaps there is someone you know who could help us out.

The Salvos have a good volunteer management system, and after entering all our volunteers into the system, we can now keep track of them much easier.

News wrap

Here's what made the news this week...that's ealier this week - just a little late in posting!

• Hoons from the Yarra Ranges could have their speeding footage released on YouTube by the police! Interesting concept, not too sure how it would help though - don't most people laugh at YouTube clips - especially 'Beached bro'! (Leader, 29 Sept, page 1).
• 400 shire residents are in court because of rate defaulting. The shire has one of the highest number of rate defaulters appearing in court across Melbourne. This number is down from 534 the previous year. However, as there are 143,000 people in the shire, this is not one of the worst rates (compared with residents). (Leader, 29 Sept, page 11)
• A vibrant paiting painted by young people at the Shire's Winter Sleepout was presented to Anchor Community Care. I went to this sleepout....24 hours without sleep makes me very tired! (Mail, 30 Sept, page 5)
• The Beechworth Bakery Healesville is turning 2! And to celebrate you can buy on beesting and get a second one for 5c!!! Might have to go check it out tomorrow...

HICCI AGM

On Sunday night over 100 people crammed into the Healesville hall!!! So...our stats for Sunday night meetings currently averages over 100...(you can make stats work in your favour if you don't tell the whole story!).

It was a fantastic night on Sunday. With the usual AGM business over, we heard from Major David Eldridge, who shared openly and passionately about why we help the disadvantaged.

It was great to have the contemporary band from Mooroolbark come and add to the night. We received lots of positive feedback about the 'choir' (does a choir have more than three people!).

So, after what was a crazy week last week, it was good to have Sunday night go so well.

This week is a bit more quiet...so keeping a low profile and getting some cleaning up done! I'm also working in the shop this week, as our manager is on holidays. This is good, because it's giving me a different perspective on how the shop works.

Off to catch up with friends who are attending ACC tomorrow. Will be great to see them again.

Community

Been doing some thinking surrounding community...spurred on by the installation of a new fence at my house.

It's great being able to walk down the street and people say hello to you. Just this morning I walked down Nicholson St (aka Maroondah Hwy), and people stopped to say hello.

But then, as I retreat to my house, community 'stops'. As a new fence gets installed, its higher than the previous fence. Now, I've got no problem with that, but it just made me think about how we separate ourselves from our neighbours. I remember living in Brisbane with a very low cyclone mesh fence...yet now I live in a house surrounded by very high wooden fences. Any chance of saying hi to the neighbours and having the 'over the fence' chat gets reduced as we block each other out of our yards and lives. I don't even know one of my neighbours...which is not a good thing and I'm not proud of that. But I guess we live separate lives, and our paths don't seem to cross. But it's sad.

Is it any wonder that people are feeling more isolated, and community breaks down?

Just a thought!

Newswrap...

Didn't get to our coffee morning at Beechworth Bakery this week, so here's a delayed weekly newswrap from Healesville's local papers...

• The Shire of Yarra Ranges has the worst death rate from smoking in the eastern metro region. (Leader, 22 Sept, page 9)
• A Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centre is being established in Healesville, which will accommodate five tenants - two for developing business with subsidised support and three tenants with established businesses. A great support for businesses with new ideas, especially from youth, the indigenous community and women. (Leader, 22 Sept, page 17)
• Lots of letters to the editor about the North-South (Sugarloaf) Pipeline - it continues to be a hot issue in the area.
• The new Badger Creek CFA station was officially opened last week.

One amazing week

This has been an amazing week. We ran a school holiday program for 39 kids from Healesville. Our leaders came from Ringwood Salvos. Here's a pic of them - it was taken at night so the flash didn't quite work well enough.



Thirty-nine children attended the program. The kids enjoyed wild games, ‘the mane event’ (kids church), watering hole snacks, critter crafts and jungle faces. Each child who attended was given a New Testament, Kidzone, and a special gift. Information about other Corps activities was also given to parents, including an invite to October’s ‘Café Church’ at Healesville.

Critter crafts included painting picture frames, handprints on mugs, and 'Green Gary' grassheads.

During the afternoons the young leaders participated in leadership development activities, including personality profiling, team building and spiritual reflection.

The week was a resounding success, with very positive feedback from parents whose children attended the program. Many parents enquired about future programs in the Christmas/New Year school holidays! Nothing planned at this stage...but that's what I said last time too!!

'twas the night before Safari Trek

Been a bit crazy, and the last thing I've wanted to do is sit down in front of the computer to blog...sorry!

Tomorrow we start Safari Trek, our three day school holiday program. The leaders are here, the hall is set up, and I've just got to finalise The Mane Event (aka Kids Church) for the morning.

Will let you know how it goes!

This weeks news

A few days late...but there's lots going on.

Here's a snapshot of news from the local Healesville media:

• The Sugarloaf Pipeline continues to be a hot issue - its been approved by the government...and people aren't happy!
• Somehow Healesville has managed to cop the brunt of the shire's two parking officers...I guess the moral is park in the all day carpark people!
• The Salvos discourage dumping...the article is close to what I said! ;) It's spring...so now's a great time to clean out your cupboards and donate to the Salvos! However, as the signs clearly say, please don't leave furniture or electrical items. Perhaps we should start literacy classes...
• We're running a school holiday program...I knew I was doing something next week!
• The Major of the Shire is holding a sleep-out instead of a Ball, to raise money for agencies in the Shire - what a great idea!
• I missed the working bee at the high school. I would have gone. There's a letter in the opinion page thanking the volunteers who did go.

Today we started installing the wiring for the updated sound system - very exciting!!! Community lunch again tomorrow. Have ordered chicken wings to go with the burgers. Hopefully all will go well weather wise.

The abortion debate

From The Salvation Army's media page.

The Salvation Army, as part of the overall Christian Church in Australia, strongly opposes the Abortion Law Reform Bill 2008 legislation which was tabled in the Victorian Parliament on 19 August and is due to be debated from 9 September, 2008.

While recognising the serious ethical and moral concerns that this issue prompts within those on both sides of the debate, The Salvation Army believes that, by far, the greater good is served within the community by protecting the rights of the unborn child.

In particular, we are very concerned that, under the proposed legislation, abortions will be able to be performed up to 24 weeks gestation without any reference to expert medical or psychological advice or counsel.

The Salvation Army believes in the sanctity of all human life from the moment of fertilisation. It considers each person to be of infinite value, and each life a gift from God to be cherished, nurtured and preserved.

We support efforts to protect and promote the welfare of the weak and defenceless person, including the unborn. We take seriously the rights and needs of both the foetus and the mother.
It is The Salvation Army’s experience that, where unwanted pregnancies occur, in most instances it is best to counsel acceptance of the situation by all involved, for the foetus to be carried to term, and for all possible supportive help to be given. It is not appropriate to argue that no child should be “born unwanted”, as some are proposing in the current debate.
We also recognise that in claiming a right to participate in the abortion debate, this claim must be supported by continuing to address, in practical ways, the personal and social impact of unwanted pregnancies, unwanted children and a fractured society. As such, we need to provide compassionate, informed and professional care and provision to those women and their families who choose to continue with a pregnancy (even if unwanted). Appropriate pastoral and practical support must be available.

Further, for those women who have had an abortion, either recently or in the more distant past, and now need care and counsel to deal with loss, grief, anger, guilt and regret, we need to provide every available assistance and support.

The Salvation Army continues to accept its responsibility to address those social issues such as family breakdown, poverty and sexual ignorance or irresponsibility that contribute to the high incidence of unwanted pregnancies in Australia.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Major Brad HalseCommunications Director 0417 537 950 or 8878 2406

Consequences of our choices

This morning we hosted the Acheron Region Girl Guides Church Parade. It was great to have 19 guides and their leaders join us for the special service.

To make things a little more interesting, the service was interactive, with a few illustrations based on choices.

One of the favourites was when a Guide leader was covered in flour, as the result of the choices made by two of the guides.

You see, sometimes, we don't always immediately suffer the consequences of our choices. But, as Paul said to the Galatians, you harvest what you sow. If you are mean to your friends, they are going to be mean to you. If you don't do your homework, you will reap the consequences in bad marks, or detentions.

But it's not just in the little things that we reap the consequences. We also have a choice to respond to Jesus – and our harvest will either be a life of destruction, or a real life – eternal life.

Hopefully those who attended this morning will remember the point…and not just that they blew flour over a leader. But if nothing else, at least they will associate going to church and to the Salvos as being a fun, positive experience!

The Guides leader suggested that they might make Healesville Salvos their annual church parade venue. What an honour – I guess it shows that they had a good time. In the least, I know I did – won't be able to play with vacuums and flour every week in church!

New ideas

I love new ideas, new was of thinking, improving the way things are.

I recently installed the latest version of MS Office, so I could use the new features (but also because I was still using 2000, and was getting frustrated with not being able to easily insert web clipart and edit etc.)

I created new letterhead and posters for Healesville Salvos.

I had a great meeting yesterday with a colleague who has given me some tools to help make a new idea happen at the Corps too.

We have tried to connect to the community in a new, or renewed way. From a school holiday program (or two now...have a dozen registrations in a few days all ready!), to a weekly meal, to an upcoming women's breakfast - which really excites me because it wasn't my idea - someone in the Corps saw a need and felt passionate about doing something about it! All I need to do is give them permission and it's off and running. How good is that!

Tomorrow we do something new again too - the regional girl guides are holding their church parade in our service. I get to lead a young person focused service - which I am excited about! So, enough blogging, off to buy some dog food, flour, umbrella, raincoat and a few other needed supplies.

This might be my last blog post if I am sacrificed tomorrow after the service...but it will be worth it!

Tuesday news wrap

Bit of a slow news week this week. Here's some of what's in this weeks local papers:

• The Healesville Blood's football team have won their way into the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League preliminary final.
• A fire at the electrical substation left half of the main street shops without power.
• The Healesville Racecourse market starts again on Sunday 21 Sept. Always on a Sunday...!

That's about it really - very slow news week I think! So much for an exciting Tuesday post idea, even I am bored with the news.

Christian junk versions...

No wise words from me today - just a like to a very amusing post on the Stuff Christians Like blog:

The Christian Version of Guitar Hero

Seriously...why do people make this stuff, secondly, why do Christian bookstores stock it, and thirdly, why do people buy it?

I'll stick to Guitar Hero II & III - you're welcome to come around and dual with my on the Xbox!

Wednesday wrap-up

Wednesday's are the craziest day of my week!

We fed 50 high school students breakfast yesterday - toasted cheese sandwiches and milo. I have help from a couple of year 10 students who do an excellent job - and voluntarily get to school 45 mins early!

Then it's off to mainly music, where I do what Pam tells me...(as if anyone would do that!). At the moment I am operating the PowerPoint and songs - but as soon as I can I am training someone else to do this.

CRE with the Grade 6's at Healesville Primary follows - and it is here that I heard the quote of the year! Now, I know its been around for ages, but I really had to laugh as I walked past one kid who had written the following:

(Transliterated it says "your mamma's so old she sat behind Jesus in the third grade).

Ahh, it made me chuckle...still does. Anyway, that's an insight into my day yesterday. I enjoyed a great tea at friends from Mooroolbark Salvos that night. A delicious roast!

News snapshot

New blog post idea today! Each Tuesday the local newspapers are published. I thought I would give you a few snippets of information from Healesville and the surrounding valley. Gives you an idea of what's going on - and provides a good reference point for myself too!

Doctors:
Front page news this week - the Yarra Valley has a 1:1530 doctor-patient ratio - the 7th worst ratio in Australia - THE WORST IN VICTORIA! If the areas medical classification changes (which might happen apparently), we would stand to lost 6 of the 22 doctors in the area! (LYV Leader, 1 Sept, page 1)

Indigenous Community:
The Shire of Yarra Ranges has the eastern metropolitan area's largest Aboriginal population. (LYV Leader, 1 Sept, page 6)

Fair Trade Coffee:
The Yarra Coffee & Co roaster has Fair Trade Coffee! They are one of two fair trade roasters in the Yarra Valley area. Check out www.yarracoffee.com.au

That's the news this week!

Half birthday's

It's my half birthday today - so I'm using it as an excuse to eat half a piece of cake - just to balance my walk this morning!

Prayer throughout the month

Yesterday we started something new at Healesville (well...new for Healesville but blatently pinched from Mooroolbark!!)

Once a month the congregation members will select a name of another member of the congregation and pray for them during the month. I recommend people stick the name on their fridge - that way they are sure to see it several times a day!

There was a real buzz in the hall as people hugged each other and told them they would pray. It was good seeing some people with fractured relationships re-connect with eachother - all over prayer!

Hopefully this will be an important part of our community in the months to come. If you ever visit Healesville on the last Sunday of the month you will know whats going on now!

Safari Trek School Holiday Program

The Salvation Army Healesville presents "Safari Trek" - a school holiday program that is sure to be on the wild side! Come along for "the mane event", critter crafts, watering hole snacks, jungle faces and wild games! If you enjoyed Power Lab, you will love Safari Trek!

Running 9:00 am to 1:00 pm each day from Tuesday 23 to Thursday 25 September 2008 at The Salvation Army Healesville - 114 Maroondah Highway. Cost is $5 per child each day, or $10 for all three days. Includes morning tea - finishes in time for you to have lunch with your children!

For more information phone Graeme on (03) 5962 4826, collect a registration form from your prischool office, or download at www.salvationarmy.org.au/healesville

PS> I think I am crazy...but we have the youth leaders from Ringwood Corps coming to run this program!

Winter sleepout

Last night I took part in the Shire of Yarra Range's Winter Sleepout - in aid of Anchor Community Care. For me, however, there was no sleep!!!

The night kicked off with a quiz about homelessness issues. The young people had to respond as to whether they agreed, disagreed or were unsure about a number of statements. How would you respond to the following:

• Young people living in lead tenant housing have more freedoms then at home
• It is cheaper to live in a caravan then rent a house
• Young people who are homeless get lots of money from the government

In reality, people living in lead tenant housing have less freedoms then living at home - they have a curfew every night, they need special permission to stay over at a friends, they cannot have friends stay at their place.

A one bedroom house costs around $230 per week to rent. A caravan can cost $270 per week in a caravan park.

Anchor's research shows that after the purchase of essential items, homeless young people are usually need to spend $30 over what their government allowance gives them - they are constantly behind.

Youth homelessness is an issue in the Shire. This night did a great job to raise the awareness of the young people of the issues surrounding homelessness. A short video clip of a young person from the local community was shown - a very powerful and real story, with images that relate to the young people in the area.

Oh - as well we had sumo suits, bungee run, food (including me taking my coffee machine for 1, 3 & 5 am caffeine shots!), and some movies. We watched August Rush and The Pursuit of Happiness. Man - these are great movies - esp TPoH - when you have a night about homelessness. Very moving movie.

Anyway...I have had far too little sleep, but I need to do something this arvo so that I can sleep tonight! Make a difference to a young person experiencing homelessness - donate money to Anchor or the Salvos to care for people.

mainly music

On Wednesday we held our third mainly music session. The aim of mainly music is to provide an environment where preschool children develop skills to enhance their preschool education, through the use of music, rhythm, rhyme, and other music related activities with the participation of a parent or primary caregiver.Each week, parents and caregivers bring their children for a thirty minute session of music, rhyme, movement, listening and more. The adults must participate in the session, and in fact, it is vital that they do so, because this encourages the children to enter into the actions and singing.

At this session, adults and children are given morning tea. This allows time for children to enjoy each others company, and to develop social skills. It also allows those adults who don’t have a wide circle of friends to be introduced to others who have preschoolers and they are therefore able to “learn” from each other.

At present, there are no families with young children attending worship services at Healesville. Commencing mainly music is one way that we can connect with families in Healesville (and wider - we have mums coming from the Upper Yarra too!).

I'm the computer operator - with PowerPoint and iTunes used each week. As soon as I can train someone else to do this, I will hand over the baton, and hopefully will see not only leaders develop, but allow myself to do other things!

Ever hapenned to you?

It's bad when it's your own phone!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

I enjoyed a chilly afternoon in the snow this afternoon!!! This is the yard at my sister's place in Toolangi. There was snow everywhere! It was amazing to drive up to Toolangi through the tall gum trees with snowflakes glistening in the sun as the floated gently down.

While it didn't snow in Healesville, it certainly did close by - and it felt cold enough! Might be worth leaving the heater on low tonight, I think it will be cold!

Back to the grind of study

I am so excited! There is a light at the end of a six year long tunnel!

Today I commenced my final unit of study in my Bachelor of Ministry degree. It's been a long journey, but well worth it.

My final unit is Exegesis - which is the analysis and exploration of biblical texts. It's a pretty full-on unit, with a large amount of out-of-classroom work. I thought I would be a diligent student and went to the IB this afternoon for a coffee as motivation to do my first lot of reading. It worked!

So, one week down...13 to go...not that I'm counting ;)

Healesville Corps on Google Streets!

I discovered this was available this afternoon. How cool! The photos were taken before our working bee though!


View Larger Map

See...Healesville can't be that dodge because you can view it on Google Maps! Very freaky!

Community 3777

Tonight I attended the AGM for Community 3777, the local township community group. Community 3777's objective is to have a healthy, vibrant and thriving community by fostering communication and collaboration between community groups in the broader Healesville area.

There are ten strategic portfolio groups within Community 3777 covering:

• Economic development and tourism,
• Lifelong learning,
• Youth,
• Environment,
• Senior years,
• Community health and wellbeing,
• Arts and culture,
• Community safety,
• Early years, and
• Sport and recreation

It was good to go and be an observer at this meeting, and find out more about the group. I believe that working in partnership with other groups is very important - especially in a community like Healesville. I'm going to meet with the chairperson of Community 3777 and discuss Healesville Salvos' place within the local community.

As for networking, I got an invite to speak at an upcoming meeting of the Healesville Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a tour of the Healesville Living and Learning Centre, tour of Rivendell, and apparently our local councillor is going to nominate me for something. Great opportunities in a great town!

I was again blown away that the reputation of Healesville Salvos' school holiday program preceded me at the meeting tonight. God is very, very good, and it's exciting to be here in Healesville at this time.

Off to the Shire of Yarra Ranges Youth Service Provider's Network meeting tomorrow in Belgrave. Living in the SoYR you certainly get used to driving around!

Political Jesus

Cartoon from The Ongoing Adventures of ASBO Jesus

Finding the balance

Today was my first day back at work after three weeks holiday. All good things must come to an end. I was really starting to enjoy being on holidays, and getting lots of jobs done that have been neglected.

One of the things I've enjoyed is reading some magazines that had piled up.

An article that caught my attention was titled "Finding the Balance", by Phil White (in Relevant magazine, Issue 32, pp 84-85). It's a list of ten ways to be successful at work and life. There are some great tips, ones I need to follow more.

So, here they are for your benefit, and a reminder to myself - summarized by me.

10 ways to help take a step back and restore healthy balance in our lives:

1. Observe the Sabbath. Pretty self explanatory - even God took a day off to rest!
2. Unplug from technology. That's what the off button on the phone and computer is for!
3. Get a hobby. From gym membership (I need this one!), to a service project, to whitewater rafting.
4. Set and enforce reasonable boundaries. Bosses don't work as much overtime as they say, and university professors didn't study 24/7 when they were in school!
5. Stop procrastinating. Is checking this blog your form of procrastination?
6. Reassess your priorities. Take a log of how much time you really do allocate to your priorities. A log of time might actually reveal your real priorities.
7. Go to counseling. Going to counseling is not a sign of weakness. It may help deal with important concerns.
8. Create a budget. Setting a clear budget will help in you avoiding having to stay at work to get overtime pay to cover expenses.
9. Get perspective. Ask someone to give you an assessment - sometimes we are too close to get a true picture of ourselves.
10. Read the Bible. It has lots of great, wise stuff to say - including about work and priorities - whether you are a Christian or not!

I'm not that great on many of these points - but they have served as a timely reminder for myself as I embark on "Part B" - the next six months at Healesville!

A new favourite coffee shop!

Today I checked out Healesville's latest coffee shop...Wombat's Chai.

I've seen the shop be renovated and have been wanting to go in for some time - and today was the day! Open from Wed to Sunday, and open until 7pm Wed to Fri, this is sure to become one of my favourite spots on my day off.

It's a cosy little cafe, with a mixture of tables, lots of yummy food, homemade jams and relishes, as well as FairTrade coffee!!

The coffee is "Great Divide Coffee", which is roasted not too far from Healesville betwene Marysville & Buxton.

So, if you can't find me at the hall, perhaps I'll be at Wombat's Chai, catching up on reading, or doing sermon prep...or just enjoying good food!

Sung with passion...!

Back to school

Well, holidays are nearly over, and to help me work out what I want to achieve for the second half of 2008 I've created a list! I find lists useful to keep me on track. Also, it helps me not to over committ - I can keep focussed!

One of the things on my list is going back to Tabor to do my last Bachelor of Ministry unit - Exegesis 1! Talk about leaving the hardest till last! It's been a long journey, working on this degree since 2002. It takes a long time when you do one unit a semester! But hey, hopefully this is the end.

Speaking of study, I came across this pic a while ago, and thought it suited the post! Where do you think I sit?

Genuinely blown away

I’ve just read last weeks local newspaper. In the letters to the editor, the following was included:

Power to the Salvos

I would like to publicly thank the Healesville Salvation Army for providing the wonderful Power-lab school holiday program that was conducted during the first week of the holidays.

My daughter had a great four days of fun and interesting activities due to the efforts and energies of Graeme Mawson and the fabulous volunteers who ran the program.

As a working parents I am truly grateful for the Salvos and their contribution to the community in this area, as Healesville no longer has an affordable school holiday program. I would support any similar future programs the Salvation Army may run.

T. Rowland
Healesville

I am blown away. Wow – that’s all I can say.

Life north of the border

Greetings from Sydney!!!

Anita and I drove to Sydney yesterday, in what was a very pleasant drive - albeit with toilet stops for a preggers sisters along the way!

Today we drove to Bondi Beach to mix with the famous and infamous - of which we saw none! I did enjoy a nice coffee though, and we made sure we walked along the beach. Much to Pete's disappointment though, I didn't take up the suggestion to get caught in a rip just so I could be on Bondi Rescue! If we had hung around until 2pm we could have met the start of said show though!

We headed off to Watson's Bay for lunch - to the famous Doyle's Fish 'n' Chips. I can remember coming here years ago with my Nana and Auntie. The place has great memories.

This evening we went to Hillsong Church. It was an interesting experience. Being told that God will look after our finances if we give to Him - because if he didn't look after our finances we wouldn't be able to give to the church which he wants us to do. I got a bit confused...and tuned out. One of the songs was great - was full of rich theology. Oh...and Anita shouted me a hot chocolate after the service - from the Gloria Jeans cart of course! I actually wished we were going to Hillsong tomorrow night, as Mike Pilavachi is preaching - that would be awesome!

Tomorrow we are going to Ryde Salvos, then hanging out with friends Craig & Danni - and meeting Judah. I am really looking froward to tomorrow. And best of all...I am relaxing!!!

So...I look forward to 20 degrees tomorrow in Syd - a tad warmer than July in the 'ville!

Healesville kids have got the Power!

Last week 36 primary school children attended "Power Lab", a four day school holiday program at Healesville Corps. Each day the kids enjoyed wacky science experiments, great songs, fun DIY projects, and explored how Jesus gives us the power to be thankful, brave, and live forever!

One highlight of the week was an excursion to Scienceworks, where the science fun continued! Although the 3 hour return bus trip wasn't that exciting - but we did get to go through the new Eastlink tunnels and over the West Gate Bridge!

Power Lab was made possible by a team of youth from Ringwood and Waverley Corps who came to Healesville as part of a divisional mission trip. Extra funding came from local community group, Healesville Nite Chicks (Healesville's branch of the CWA). Leaders got to meet Aunty Dot Peters while in Healesville, and learn about some of Healesville's aboriginal heritage.

On the last day, nine children decided to invite Jesus to be their "forever friend". Healesville Corps looks forward to a new follow up after school kids ministry commencing in August.

Power Lab leaders & Aunty Dot

Tonight the Power Lab leaders went and met Aunty Dot Peters, a community elder here in Healesville.

Aunty Dot shared about her own family, some of the initiatives she has been involved in regarding reconciliation, and showed off her latest basket weaving project - an eel net!

It was good for the leaders to meet Aunty Dot.

We're half way there - two days down, two days to go! The Grades 1-3 went to Scienceworks today, and tomorrow the Grades 4-6 go. Then it will be Friday and it will be a fun filled finale!

It's about the Power!!

It's 11:30om, and I've retreat to my room after a very busy night.

There's been songs and actions learnt, name tags laminated (or there was a codeword for that I think), games and crafts sorted. And most importantly, a great time of prayer.

Tomorrow morning around 40 kids will rock up for what is hopefully a positively life-changing time at "Power Lab". We'll teach about how Jesus gives us the power to be thankful, the power to be brave, and the power to live forever!!!

Please pray for us - even if you're not a regular prayer - we would really appreciate it!

Salvos best part of year 9 camp!

I was just chatting to one of the high schol teachers, and was informed that the year 9's visit to 614 Melbourne was one of the best parts of their city camp!!

The students visited the casino after their Salvo experience, and commented "why do people spend so much money on this when there are homeless people". How great that the kids are thinking this way.

Should be heaps of fun working with these kids next semester.

Hospital visit & year 9 camp

Been an interesting two days.

My lunch was interrupted yesterday by a loud knock at the door. A local women was desperately trying to get her friend to hospital to have emergency dental surgery. She was experience extreme frustration with ambulance and other medical services and was trying to find a volunteer driver to go from Healesville to Carlton. She was desperate, and I offered to drive her friend in to the hospital. Bit of a weird random thing to do, but a great opportunity to show God's love in a practical way.

This morning I hung out with the year 9's from the high school in the city. They are spending a few days "camping" in the city. Today they went to 614 Melbourne to learn about social issues faced in the city through the eyes of The Salvation Army. Kris from 614 did a great job opening up the young people's eyes to the issued faced by people experiencing homelessness.

So it's been an interesting few days! From helping someone experiencing hardship here in the 'ville, to challenging young people about addressing issues of poverty.

Some great news - I have now been endorsed by ACCESS Ministries as a school chaplain!! This provides an additional avenue for serving the community down the track.

Planning day for school holiday program tomorrow. I'm not answering any more knocks at the door 'cause I am running out of time to finish planning!!

Patting down 6 year olds for stolen goods

So tonight I witnessed something a tad disturbing. I was at the supermarket checkout.

A mother who just finished her transaction had a conversation with her approximately 6 year old son, asking if he had stolen anything. He said he hadn't stolen anything, but the mother clearly said she didn't believe him.

The mother then proceeded to pat down her son checking his pockets for hot goods.

She didn't find anything.

Is this a normal occurance? Is this what I have to look forward to being a parent one day?

Jesus and dinosaurs

Totally bizarre!!!

Pinched from Dan Kimball's blog.

Volunteers

Tonight we had a dinner for our Care 'n' Wear Shop volunteers. Seventeen volunteers attended, and enjoyed a great meal at Wattle Seed Cafe.

These volunteers work tirelessly each week sorting clothes and other donated goods and selling in Care 'n' Wear to help resource the Corps - as well as provide an important service to the community. We partner with HICCI in providing clothing as part of their emergency relief program.

Without this team - and there were more people who couldn't make it - financially we wouldn't survive. So an annual meal like this is just one small way we can give back to our volunteers who work so tirelessly.

Well done ladies and gents!

I'm off to McDonald's for breakfast tomorrow with the year 10's I've been working with this past term. Should be fun! And, I've been asked back next semester which is even better.

Hat tip to Outreach Workers

Yesterday I did a "tour of duty" of some of the services in the Upper Yarra Region (Yarra Junction to Warburton). To say my eyes were opened would be an understatement.

Seeing housing in streets that literally turn into rivers when it rains (too bad if you want to either get out or in! I drove through and area where gunshots at night are not unheard of! And remember...this is the picturesque Yarra Valley.

By far the most challenging event of the day was going with a worker to a caravan park to check on a resident - with the fear that they might have committed suicide.

It's hard to express the feelings and thoughts going through your head as you enter a situation like this. I really didn't want to be one of the people discovering a dead body - it certainly would have changed the agenda for the day.

So, you can imagine my relief when were were told to "go away" by the resident, obviously still alive within the caravan. I never saw the resident, but their voice was enough to convince us that they were alive!

I need to give a massive hat tip to all outreach workers - who can do this kind of thing everyday! I was very grateful for the eye opening experience, and my respect and admiration has only grown.

Bring it on!

My iPaq has died...couldn't have died at a better time. My old Nokia will cover until the iPhone is available.

How convenient that I am holidaying in Sydney in July...just after the Apple store opens!

Photo from ANZAC Day

Here's the group of us that marched in the ANZAC Day parade in Healesville.

Is this for real?

I had one of those "Am I dreaming?" moments this afternoon.

We had a great service here this morning. It was lead by Majors Mark & Tracy Bearcroft, and their two children, Matthew and Eleanor. The people here loved them! We will have to get them back again next year. Cafe church is great because the atmosphere is relaxed, people enjoy eating and drinking while the meeting is on, and the message of Jesus is still presented.

I did a kid's spot, reading the story of Jonah and the Whale (or big fish!). One of the boys who attended enjoyed it, and we sang "Jesus Loves Me", to remind us of God's love for us, Jonah, and the people of Nineveh.

After the meeting I decided to walk into town (yep - left my car at home again today, so am keeping on track so far!). I ate a fantastic lunch at Healesville Harvest. This is a great cafe, attached to Healesville Hotel. I was sitting there, in a room packed with tourists enjoying some of the best food around. The atmosphere is really friendly and welcoming. I then walked back to the hall and just soaked in the winter sunshine (not that warm though!), and the myriad of tourists browsing through the shops. I had to think - is this for real - is this where I live and work!?!?

So - God is very good! Life here is very enjoyable. Not without its challenges. Got a new project idea...have to keep praying about it as a few things need to fall into place, but it could meet a need in the community that isn't currently being met. Just have to wait and see what goes! Will pray more about it this week while at officer's fellowship.

Do you know the poor?

The greatest tragedy of the church is not that rich Christians do not care about the poor, it’s that they do not know the poor.

-Shane Claibourne

Walking...no driving!

I've decided to try and leave my car at home as much as possible.

Why?...well, with petrol so expensive, it saves money.

Secondly, I live about 400 metres from the hall. It's about another 700m to the centre of town.

Why should I drive?

Plus, its a chance to get fitter!

Crazy thing is starting now when winter's about to really kick in.

So...keep me accountable if you are speaking to me.

National Reconciliation Week

On Sunday we held a special Reconciliation Week church service. It was attended by Aunty Dot Peters, one of my neighbours and a community Aboriginal elder. Our guest speaker was Ps Esme Blamblett, pastor of Barak Christian Ministries. Cr Janette McCrae - our local councillor also attended.

We have a very positive response from all who attended. We had some photos taken...but on a camera that takes film, so I'll have to scan once they have been developed. Its time I bought a digital camera! Thank goodness one of our people had a camera in their car.

Oh, yes, we had the Red Shield Appeal too...more on that another time.

Healesville goes global?

Just looking at some stats on my blog site. Check out the countries people have come from over the past 108 visits!

69 - Australia
18 - New Zealand
6 - United States
5 - United Kingdom
And 1 each for:
Portugal
Spain
China
Philippines
Morocco
Malaysia
Egypt
Denmark
Romania
Ireland

I can guess who is in a few of these places - but not everyone!

So...my question is - if you are not from Australia and you are reading my blog - welcome and cool!!! But hey, can u do me a favour and say hi so I can get your contact details for free accommodation on future international holidays...(only kidding - but its a good idea!).

Sparks and smoke...

Yes...there were sparks and smoke at Healesville today!

I went into the storeroom by chance to see if there were any more flag stands or flag poles, and I could hear a buzzing sound.

I walked towards the hot water system and it was buzzing/crackling/making noises that it shouldn't! Then, I saw smoke...

Now, I was left with a choice - close the store room door, walk away, and pretend I saw nothing, or do the right thing, cut the power, and call an electician.

What did I choose...

Well, given that my brother's church had a fire recently, I think that if the Salvos burnt down the Mawson name would become synonomous with churching burning...so I cut the power, and have called an electrician.

As much as I want new carpet at the hall, this probably wasn't the way to get it!

God breaks through...

God got to me today! I was chatting with a school chaplain, listening to some of the things God has been teaching him at the school. I am sure he didn't know it, but God was pulling me up as I listened to the chaplain shared - and the words cut right to the heart.

I've been so busy doing of late, that I really need to slow down and be. God will continue to work in the community whether I am there or not! It's not about hype or razzle-dazzle (now there's a word you don't hear enough!).

I need to continue to press into God - more than I have been doing. I need to rely less on myself, and more on God.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:5-8)

So thanks heaps God for speaking to me today through the chaplain. Help me to stay true to you and the commitments I have made. It's not about me.

An "ordinary" day...

This morning my brother-in-law phoned to see if he could hang out with me for the day while their car was repaired. This is what the day looked like...

8:55...about to run out the door to start the day, and as I turn on the kitchen tap the hot water hose on the washing machine bursts...water goes everywhere!!! I don't have time to clean up now; will have to come back later!

9:00 am - Coffee Morning. Usually held at Beechworth Bakery, have moved to Cheese Freaks today because they have Fair Trade coffee - and its Fair Trade Fortnight. Seemed to go well - six people in total (including me and Steve - who I am sure felt uncomfortable at the lades coffee morning!!!).

10:00 am - Call into Thrift Shop to say hello and check out the boiler that causes issues with water that is too hot. Chat to volunteers for a while.

10:30 am - Go to hall and unpack new coin counting machine. This will save us so much time each week, and it has a printer that tells us how much of each denomination. Shop manager is very very happy - 10 points to me!

11:00 am - Steve runs an errand for me and travels down the line to Croydon to collect Everything had to be tested and tagged. While Steve is gone I do some admin, including finalising an inteview with the local journalist. Balance the petty cash, write cheques for bills.

12:45 pm - Go to bank to deposit money, pay bills at Post Office.

1:00 pm - Lunch at Beechworth Bakery. The staff call me by name...I've been here way too much!!!

1:45 pm - Return to hall and prepare for interview with journalist.

2:00 pm - Journalist and a women we are currently helping arrives. We sit down for interview, then get photo taken for newspaper. This is for a Red Shield Appeal article, which includes Hayley's (not her real name) story. Hayley has fled domestic violence, and was sleeping in her car with her three kids in her mum's driveway. There was no room in the house because the mother cares for some of her other grandchildren. We've been able to help her and her kids out.

3:00 pm - Start to clean up the kitchen at the hall. Throw out heaps of the old glasses - obviously people bought in different sized vegemite jars over the years! Am going to Ikea Thursday night, and for $20 will have 30 new glasses that all match. Need to have it sorted for when all the Beechworth Bakery managers meet at the hall next week - need to make a decent impression!

3:45 pm - Drop Steve off at the 4WD place to pick up car.

3:50 pm - Back at hall to get plates and cups ready for breakfast program at Healesville High tomorrow. Continue cleaning up hall and office.

5:30 pm - Go to "Dinner at Darron's" - the weekly community meal. Have a great conversation with a local guy who has some accommodation issues. Will continue the conversation over coming weeks with this guy.

6:00 pm - During meal get a phone call from the local Anglican minister stating that a family has turned up to his house that are homeless and need emergency accommodation. I go and meet family. I call a local hotel and book them a room, then take them there. Parents with three kids - very full on as they had nowhere to stay for the night! Give details for how the family can connect with appropriate services in the morning.

7:10 pm - Feeling a little exhausted at this stage...I travel down to Croydon to collect the posters and rego forms for our school holiday program in July.

7:50 pm - Arrive Croydon and catch up with a friend and enjoy sitting on the couch drinking coffee!!! Am needing one by this stage!

9:00 pm - Arrive back in Healesville. Am turning into my street and suddenly realise...that hose broke this morning and I haven't had a chance to clean it up! CRAP!!!!

Well - that's been my day. Am pretty exhausted. Need to go to bed now - have to be at the high school at 7:30 am in the morning to set up for the breakfast program. Then off to my first Healesville service providers network meeting, then CRE at Healesville Primary, then off to Upper Yarra Secondary College to meet and interview the chaplain, then back to Healesville to meet two of the Youth Services Team. Another full on day ahead...

Who said life as a CO was boring and the same every day!

Mother's Day & Pentecost

Have been pretty flat chat recently. Our electricity supply was upgraded at our shop, so now we can get an air conditioner installed - just in time for winter!!! Good thing it will be reverse cycle so it will work as a heater too. We took the opportunity to bring all our shop volunteers together for a training/information day. The day went well, and it was good to get everyone together in this format. There are a few things that the shop manager and I will need to work through as follow up - but will be great!

Today we celebrate Mother's Day & Pentecost. Difficult to focus on two things, but hopefully something sunk in! We had a great morning tea of scones with jam and cream - fresh scones from Beechworth Bakery!

And as of today Healesville Salvos have gone FAIR TRADE! We use Jasper individual serve instant coffee, Scarborough Fair tea bags - and had a treat with Chocolatier chocolate! It' Fair Trade Fortnight, so it was a good time to make the switch. I'm off to our shop during the week to confiscate all the old tea and coffee!!!

Spent this arvo at Anita & Steve's place. She baked cupcakes after a 4 month hiatus from the kitchen. It's ok, she feels like baking now but might not get as much of a chance in 5 months time...

Oh...search for church pews on eBay and spread the word - we need to sell our pews ASAP!

A dedication to two mates...

This post is dedicated to my friends Brendon and Dave - was great watching the footy with you tonight!

We are the Navy Blues,
We are the old dark Navy Blues,
We’re the team that never lets you down,
We’re the only team old Carlton knows,
With all the champions they like to send us,
We’ll keep our end up.

And they will know that they’ve been playing
Against the famous old dark Blues

Another day in the 'ville

Another day catching up on admin bits and pieces. Nothing too exciting, but important stuff none the less!

Have sent all the letters regarding Red Shield. We are collecting in Healesville, Yarra Junction, and hopefully at two other well known attractions in town - just waiting for them to get back to me! Just need to fill all the collecting spots now!

This evening I invited Aunty Dot Peters over for tea. Aunty Dot is one of the Aboriginal elders that lives in town. She has asked us to host a reconcilliation services in May, which we will be doing. Am working on some other initiatives for this time - will see how we go and keep the blog posted!

Room with no Pew

Today we dedicated out new chairs - no more pews! Not too sure what the reaction was to the new chairs. No one complained...but its probably not going to happen right away.

I like this cartoon! I could go with chaise lounges! That way if the sermon is boring I can go to sleep...oh, hang on, I mean the congregation can go to sleep.

So...we have 8 pews to get rid of! If anyone wants some let me know. We are looking at selling them for $100 each - only because we need to recoup some of the cost of the chairs! Let me know if you want to make us an offer!!

ANZAC Day in Healesville

Today I participated in the Healesvile RSL ANZAC Day service - another first experience for me! I was invited to say the Lord's Prayer, and then lead the hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers".

There were over 600 people in attendance. The Healesville Salvos marched down the main street, to the cheers of onlookers. We laid a wreath - to cheers of the crowd. Actually, we got two applauds. I found this quite interesting. Not too sure why, whether its because we are well loved in town, or because of our efforts during war time, or just 'cause!

It is so good to be part of a local community like Healesville. I went to pay for our wreath at the nursery on Wednesday, and made a comment about bulbs still being available for the hall garden. The nursery man said he had something that might help us out...and I walked out of the nursery with 30 punnets of seedlings - free! I spent several hours planting them out in our garden (recently cleaned up at our working bee!). I have a blister on my hand to prove my hours of toiling! If they all survive, we will have a bit of a cottage garden, but hey - it was free!

Fingers in ears and spit in mouths

Today was my second week of Christian Education (CE) with the grade 6 classes at Healesville Primary School.

We looked at the story of Jesus healing a deaf/mute man, as recorded in Mark 7.

Today was hard going for some reason. I perhaps thought that this story would have connected better with grade 6 boys! It was school photos today, so the kids were a bit distracted.

It's school sports next week, so there's no CE class. It's a week off for me! I think next week I will introduce Splash - and some of the online features the kids can look up - need to find a way to connect with them.

Needs are growing

Tonight there were a record number of people attending Dinner at Darrons, Healesvilles weekly community dinner. (The record set was 78 for the stats people out there).

The numbers have been growing the past few weeks, and we can't explain why. There have been more families of late, with lots of kids. This creates an issue of "what do we do with the kids?". It's been interesting listening to the committee talk about "the kids should sit and eat their meal at the table". Is this imposing values upon people? Is it necessary?

I personally don't think so, but would be interested in anyone else's thoughts.

The Salvos helped kick-start this meal, with a grant to the tune of $4000. There is a new publication being released by the Shire of Yarra Ranges on Thursday, which includes the story of the meal. The publication is called "Communities Unite". Grab a copy if you can!

From little things big things grow

First Fresh Friday Munch a Success!

This week has been fantastic in Healesville!!!

Yesterday (Friday) we launched "Fresh Friday Munch", a new monthly community lunch. I wasn't expecting huge numbers initially, but in the end we had 35 people in attendance!! Virginia had done some great work spreading the news with other agencies, and was a bit like the pied piper! We ate some yummy rissoles, with fresh bread rolls and fruit - all from local businesses in town. We set up the table tennis and pool tables, which were used by several people. Down the track we might show movies in the afternoon. The area outside the back of the hall was used, which was perfect! The weather was great too.

I can't upload any pictures because we don't have permission from those in attendance - sorry :( You will just have to come along next month to see for yourself!

Tomorrow we "launch" the mission intentions - and we've created 4 very large banners - 1 for each intention - which now brighten up the main hall. We will be looking at Jesus' parable of new wine in old wineskins:

No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved. Matt 9:16-18

Should be fun! All are welcome - especially if you live in Healesville!

Holy Church Mouse!!

I just got the biggest fright!

It's chilly here today, so I thought I would see if there was any milo in the hall kitchen. I open the cupboard, move a tin, and suddenly a mouse runs out.

I got the biggest fright, said something I shouldn't have, and watched as the mouse ran under the oven.

It was actually quite a cute (and very small!) mouse, however it certainly frightened me as I wasn't expecting it.

So, there was milo, however the tin was use by Sep 2006, so it's gone in the bin. Forget the milo, I want something stronger now.

Idols sing again...with Jesus

So, Idol sung the song again...this time they included "Jesus" in the words. I don't actually care that they changed the words. Just think its an interesting song for the Idols to sing.

Wow! Make over in 1 day!

The title of this entry says it all - wow! I started at the hall at 7:30 this morning with Jim, one of the guys who does gardening (insert franchise joke here), and left about 3pm this arvo with the hall gardens transformed from an awesome team of volunteers.

I don't have a digital camera (yeah, go figure!!!), but will try and get some pics during the week. Healesville hall is in a prominent location on the main highway through town. The gardens needed some TLC, and today they were weeded, plants trimmed, and 3 cubic metres of mulch layed down. We even discovered a garden bed that was hidden under some weed groundcover - with brick edging and all! Now there is mulch on the garden bed ready for some plants in the future.

We removed 8 cubic metres of rubbish!!! I had one skip ordered, and we filled it so quick that I ordered another and we filled it too!

The hall windows were washed, and now they sparkle! The piano was polished, and tuned on Friday as well, so looks and sounds great. The shed is cleaned out, with some of our pews stored in it in preparedness for our new chairs for the hall!!!

Seriously, I am EXTREMELY PROUD of all the people at Healesville. Today has been a great day. We had lots of helpers, and thanks to Jean who was concerned that due to her age and fraility she couldn't help with the working bee, so she made a cake for us for morning tea! It was a seriously good cake!

A big shout out to David H too - thanks for coming to help - really appreciated it.

I was given some freshly caught fish fillets for tea, so they are in the oven now and I am really looking forward to them! Will try and get some photos of the hall up soon - but if you are in town come and see for yourself!!! 114 Maroondah Highway, Healesville!

America's Idols "Shout to the Lord"!

Just read about this - as the closing on on American Idols "Give Back" show, the contestants sang "Shout the the Lord". While they dropped out Jesus, the rest seems the same. Interesting to see the song used on a show like this. Any thoughts from people?

Mission Opportunity in the 'ville!

This year there is the opportunity for youth to go on a mission trip to Healesville to be involved in a kids program with kids from the local community.

The kids program runs in the first week of the July school holidays (July 1st-4th).

We are looking for leaders aged 15 years old and above.

There are limited places for leaders for the week so please email richard.parker@aus.salvationarmy.org or graeme.mawson@aus.salvationarmy.org for more information.

Bring it on!

National Youth Week

This week is National Youth Week. The celebration aims to encourage young people to share ideas, attend live events, have their voices heard, showcase their talents, celebrate their contribution to the community, take part in competitions and have fun!

One of the events organised by the Shire of Yarra Ranges was a young leaders forum held tonight at Swinburne in Lilydale. The night included Tom O'Connor, Victorian director of the Oaktree Foundation. Tom presented a great message to the young people in attendance, encouraging them to find out "what turns them on", get a vision of how the world can be changed, and then do something about it! I felt encouraged and fired up after hearing Tom speak!

There were musical artists A.R.A.B (Anti-Racism Action Band) who presented beat boxing, hip hop, and rapping faster then I have ever heard before! The night also featured Pat & Brendon (who played a piano accordion!), these guys were the winners of the south-east battle of the bands. They weren't bad either.

It was great to be part of a night like this. I got to make some new connections -met our local councillor and the head of the shire's youth services).

One thing that has stuck me this week is the difference between church based youth work, and community based youth work. Some of the principles are the same, but the application can be very different! I think I want to do more study in community social work to enable me to be equipped better. Speaking of study, I have an assignment to do! I'd better stop procrastinating!

Healesville Working Bee

Come and help Healesville Salvo's working bee! There's lots of gardening to do, and the spiders have gone crazy outside.

Help make a difference to our facilities, as we prepare to launch new community initiatives that will build upon 92 years of ministry and plan for at least 92 more!

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2008
Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm
Location: The Salvation Army Healesville
Street: 114 Maroondah Highway (Corner Harker St & Maroondah Highway)
City/Town: Healesville, Australia

Free barbecue lunch!!!

Bring gardening tools, cleaning tools, and a great attitude for heaps of fun!

Advance Community Leadership @ Healesville High

Today was my first day with the year 10's doing Advance Community Leadership at Healesville High. It's been 11 years since I've been in year 10!

There are three requirements for the course:
1. Completion of a project with a community organisation
2. Completion of a First Aid Level 1 Certificate.
3. Research a leader of your choice and do either a presentation to the class or submission of an assignment on what you have discovered.

My part is working with some of the students on the project with a community organisation!

Some of the projects suggested today included breast cancer research, homelessness, breakfast program, road safety awareness, and animal cruelty.

I will be facilitating a group working on a before school breakfast program. I will know which students and how it might look in two weeks after the next class - we get next week off because of school sports.

It was a good day, and I am excited about the next twelve weeks! This is one of the reasons I wanted to work in Healesville, so I am glad I am able to get invovled in the local commununity.

Bring it on!!!

Clustering...

Here are a few thoughts borrowed from another blog - thinkchristian.net. I think the thoughts are worth noting.

When people—especially talented and creative ones—come together, ideas flow more freely, and as a result individual and aggregate talents increase exponentially: the end result amounts to more than the sum of the parts. This clustering makes each of us more productive, which in turn makes the place we inhabit even more so—and our collective creativity and economic wealth grow accordingly. This in a nutshell is the clustering force.

I’m convinced that the church’s spiritual influence capital can be increased when the artists, musicians and creatives hanging around in the church begin to cluster and create. I want to see the creative force of the people of God released in a new way. I’m becoming convinced that it is the key that unlocks the door to our next season.

In the Division, there are "clusters" for officers. While I have not attended one yet, I guess they will provide a clustering force experience as described above in relation to Christian ministry.