Kia ora e te whanau
This weekend past found me in Auckland – mainly to participate in the Open Table, ably hosted by Somervell Presbyterian Church. The 2nd person I met (200 registered), somehow recognised me and led with our being in the same class in 1966 – Std 4, at St Clair Primary School in Dunedin. Talk about 1 degree of separation!
With all we see around the world of churches pulling up the drawbridges, identifying themselves over and against others – and quoting Scripture to justify their position, it was great to be reminded that there are still parts of the church heading in a more inclusive direction – becoming more open, expansive, generous, and compassionate. Thanks Jeff and team!!
Leadership & Personal Development Resources
6 skills everyone needs in the AI era
This one’s really important – I hope you access it. This Fast Company article clearly lays out the importance of human capital – in affirming and fully exercising our humanity – if we are to take full advantage of the opportunities that AI offers us. It clearly lays out the dangers, not of what AI will do, but of the innate human tendency to choose the path of least resistance in allowing AI to do the serious thinking for us. Recognising my own tendency to the lazy option, I’m aware of what would be the very real temptation to simply allow AI to be passed off as my work. That’s why, in all my writing, I refuse to use this most powerful tool – not because it’s not amazing, but because I’m aware of my own tendency to take the easier path – which will ultimately diminish the authenticity of my own thought processes and voice. This excellent article can be engaged with here: https://www.fastcompany.com/91557323/6-skills-everyone-needs-in-the-ai-era
The Loudest Thing I Ever Did as a Leader Was Stop Talking
As one who finds it very easy to dominate a conversation, and (even worse) to talk over others, I found this article helpful. This may not be a problem you suffer from (for most it isn’t, but for those for whom it is…..) – this Entrepreneur article identifies what might be going on for us – in our need to be offering all the answers, and provides some strategies in making room for others to meaningfully contribute. The article can be accessed here: https://www.entrepreneur.com/building-a-business/the-loudest-thing-i-ever-did-as-a-leader-was-stop-talking-heres-how-that-changed-everything
Think Someone Is Lying to You? A Veteran Detective Says Never Call Them Out — Do This Instead
We all had those moments when we’re pretty sure that we’re being lied to. The question is, how do we respond to it? This article identifies a hard won process, tested over many thousands of interviews, that will give the best possibility of providing opportunity for truth to surface. Parts of it are counter-intuitive (I always want to drill down on the ‘why’ question – I know the psychotherapeutic community tells us that this is not terribly helpful, and the author here explains why it’s not an affective strategy in getting people to come clean). The article can be read here: https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/a-veteran-detective-explains-what-to-do-when-you-think-someone-is-lying-to-you/91353232
Homilies and Preaching Resources
My response to the lectionary Gospel for the 28th of June, – based on Matthew 10 vs 40-42, recognises the importance of placing the text in its overall context, outside of which it can be confusing, misleading, or make little sense. The homily is titled ‘The Call to Trust’ and can be engaged with here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAfMCLhuolg
Gospel Conversations – out of the Dunedin Anglican Diocese. They host a conversation of (usually) 4 Theologians / Practitioners. The site with all its options can be accessed here: https://www.calledsouth.org.nz/gospel-conversations/. Led by Michael Godfrey, rather than the Gospel text, this year they are generally focusing on other parts of the Lectionary. For this coming Sunday they ‘reflect on Jeremiah’s lonely but courageous voice and Jesus’ teaching in Matthew. Together they explore the challenge of hearing God’s truth amid competing voices, and how following Christ is often revealed in small acts of kindness.’ The ‘Conversation’ can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIGEc7BHPKI
Rev Darryn Hickling (Methodist colleague leading the Rolleston Project) has posted an Instagram reflection titled ‘The Business of Hospitality’. Darren relates a personal experience of receiving inhospitality and connects it to the Gospel text for the coming Sunday – Matthew 10 vs 40-42. It can be accessed here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZ4Daq8hPdK/
A Reminder – UCANZ Biennial Forum 2027 – to be marked in your diaries!
Yes, while it does not meet universal approval, we used Kings Birthday for our last forum, and we’ll be doing the same next year. We recognise this is a much coveted long weekend for many. We need the extra time that the long weekend offers. We expect to receive the report of the Partner’s Review Commission into UCANZ, and will want to give some time for ‘next steps’. However, we’re also planning to make this a resourcing event, and are currently exploring themes around what it means for church to be ecumenical in our local settings.
What we’ve settled on
When: Opening – 7pm on Friday the 4th, and Closure with lunch on Monday 7th of June 2027
Where: St Marks / Wesley Uniting Church, 58 Woburn Road, Hutt City Uniting Parish, Wellington. This is handy to an extensive public transport system, so booking for accommodation leaves open a broader series of options.
There’s More – Curating Worship
10am, next Tuesday morning (30th June) is the 3rd of our ‘Curating Worship’ sessions. We’re slowly gathering momentum.
While we intend to spend a little time each week considering the Gospel Lectionary for the coming Sunday, we will not necessarily be shaping up sermons. It will help us establish a theme around which to build the coming service. The Gospel Text for the 5th of July is Matthew 11 vs 16-19, 25-30.
The zoom is open to whoever is willing to participate. We don’t wish to exclude anyone.
To repeat, our next Curating Worship encounter will be at 10am, next Tuesday the 30th of June. The same zoom link as today should work: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83470352829
We will continue to roll the same link over.