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!