Kia ora e te whanau
Sometimes I have nothing to say – Shock, horror, how can that be?? Yes I know. This is one of those times.
Leadership & Personal Development Resources
3 Body Language Secrets To Make People Trust You
I hate titles like this one. It predisposes me to expect the latest technique in manipulating others. Perhaps it goes back to a famous book I never read – ‘How to make friends and influence people’
Having got that off my chest, this article is actually worth a read – not to sneakily make people trust you – rather to point out that you may have behaviours, outside of your awareness, that are working against your own best interests. This Forbes article, written by Psychologist Mark Travers, can be accessed here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2026/04/17/3-body-language-secrets-to-make-people-trust-you-by-a-psychologist/
I’ve used AI as a brain crutch, and that might be a problem
I need to get it out of the way right from the start – this article was primarily written for perimenopausal women. While I may not be one, I recognise the alarming symptoms in myself – the article references the same issues in the prelude to the onset of Alzheimer’s. It’s one of the primary reasons that I’m not even a late adopter of AI in general. I recognise the temptation that would so easily exert itself in me to allow AI to do my actual thinking for me. The default would be so, so, tempting. In a conversation earlier today, I admitted to making sure that my writing (as I’m doing now) is intentionally clumsy – I want no-one to be under any illusion but that what is written was done by a dopey human being.
This article is an important read – not just for perimenopausal women, but for all of us, who, in the face of the allurement of AI, wish to do what we can to slow our rate of cognitive decline, and retain our sense of personal agency and self-respect. It can be accessed here: https://www.fastcompany.com/91567587/ive-used-ai-as-a-brain-crutch-and-that-might-be-a-problem
Want Better Brain Health as You Age?
Yes, there’s a recurrent theme, I know. As with many of my age, one of my greatest concerns is that of losing my marbles. Since most of those who read my newsletters are in the same age demographic, I hope it’s safe to assume that my concerns are more widely shared. This little article coming out of a Japanese study, is both hopeful and helpful (provided one follows the prescription). Ukeleles are an inexpensive start. It can be read here: https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/want-better-brain-health-as-you-age-a-surprising-new-japanese-study-says-start-this-1-habit-and-never-stop/91366826
Homilies and Preaching Resources
My response to the lectionary Gospel for the 12th of July, – based on Matthew 13 vs 1-9, 18-23 (plus the intervening verses) is titled ‘Parables – Purpose and Plot’. It can be engaged with here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8ir9vTfp2Y
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 explore Isaiah 55 vs 10-13. The ‘Conversation’ can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIYqKG9QiYE
Rev Darryn Hickling (Methodist colleague leading the Rolleston Project) has posted an Instagram reflection titled ‘A Puzzling Puzzle’. Darren focusses on the first part of the Lectionary Gospel text for the coming Sunday – Matthew 13 vs 1-9 – The bare telling of the Parable of the Sower. It can be accessed here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dacf1Jvhhv2/?igsh=MWZ6d3Q1dmQwZGloNg==
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Once again, use the videos as you will.
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.