With Kia ora e te whanau
This past weekend found Lynne and I in Central Otago, in Alexandra. We understood the weather over the past month had been quite miserable – yet when we showed up, it was gorgeous! The people of the Union Parish were a joy to be with, a worthwhile time was experienced by all (as far as I could tell).
Engaging the Text
My foray into Curating Worship was less than spectacular.
10am on a Tuesday may have been a limiting factor. The subject itself may have missed the mark of being timely and relevant. It may be that the person promoting the idea was the issue.
What it did do for me was help me identify where my energy is. And it’s in engaging the Biblical text. So, I’m now offering something else.
Starting next Tuesday evening (28th of July) at 7.30pm, I’m hosting a zoom encounter for ‘whomsoever will’ to engage with the Gospel Lectionary text for the following Sunday. In this case the Sunday is 2nd of August, when the text will be Matthew 14 vs 13-21. To get the most out of each encounter it would be good for each of us to have spent some time with the text beforehand. Participants and Spectators alike all welcome. The same zoom link will roll over week by week and is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84220736362
Leadership & Personal Development Resources
KCML (Knox Centre of Ministry and Leadership) – Series on AI
The final episode of this four week series particularly impressed me. By now you will have worked out that I have some concerns about the use of AI in general, and the way we might be using it in the church in particular. This final episode in the KCML series left me with my jaw on my chest. Presented by Matt Ensor, it was stunning! An obvious expert and enthusiastic exponent on the art of using AI, Matt led us through a presentation – cleanly, simply, seamlessly demonstrating the uses of AI in practical everyday applications. If you want to see the other KCML presentations links are provided. Matt’s offering can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa6d4WQ1J7s
When Not to Use AI at Work
Since we’re on AI already, this useful little Fast Company article from Art Markman points out the pitfalls of using AI in three broad categories: 1. When you need to learn. 2. When the details matter, and 3. When you need to engage with your team. The article can be accessed here: https://www.fastcompany.com/91571985/when-not-to-use-ai-at-work
Stop giving advice. Start asking better questions
Parts of this article were a bit of a button pusher for me – in a good way. It helped me positively reframe encounters in my past, and find sound rationale for why the ‘Why’ question is not the most useful to ask – even when I’ve long thought that it’s the only one that matters. This article is excellent – thoughtful, and potentially transformative. Underpinning it is the basic insight (one I’ve long subscribed to) that when someone has something they’re struggling with, asking the right question is more useful that giving advice – the right question helps them discover their own answer. The article can be accessed here: https://bigthink.com/work-wise/stop-giving-advice-start-asking-better-questions/
Underlying forces that influence your leadership
This article highlights 4 areas where we could be undermining our leadership – without being aware of it. The broad categories are 1. Inaccurate beliefs 2. Strong Needs 3. Strong Emotions 4. Blind Spots The Smartbrief article can be accessed here: https://www.smartbrief.com/original/underlying-forces-that-influence-your-leadership
Homilies and Preaching Resources
My response to the lectionary Gospel for the 26th of July – based on Matthew 13 vs 31-33 + 44-52 (multiple short parables), is titled ‘Signs of the Kingdom’ and considers aspects of the picture that Jesus paints of the Kingdom. It can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op2WfPJtAVg
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 1 Kings 3 vs 5-12 concerning Solomon’s request for wisdom. The ‘Conversation’ can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf0EVokpGP8
Rev Darryn Hickling (Methodist colleague leading the Rolleston Project) has posted an Instagram reflection titled ‘Wanted and Unwanted Weeds’ in response to this week’s Gospel text. It can be accessed here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbAkasvhqZd/?igsh=cjF2ZXptN21sZHow
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Finally
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Ngā manaakitanga
Andrew Doubleday
UCANZ Ministry Facilitator