Concerned?

Over on Martha Martha, they have a very confronting display of depression images.

I searched for some of Australia and found an excellent resource here and here.

It was awful time in the history of the world. Poverty. Pain and despair.

Even here in “The Lucky Country”

One of the traps I find in any church movement, be it Emerging or Catholic or whatever, is balancing spiritual concerns with social justice. My natural tendency is towards silence and solitude, multi textural liturgy, rich and deep. But how does a concern for the poor fit into this?

But all of this is useless if I do not love the world around me – doing what I can to be a light to those around me and share their journey.

I think of the great Anglo Catholic Anglican priests of the 1930’s who lived and worked with the poor. The monks throughout the world who open their doors to the stranger and guest, without judgement or expectation of payment.

All of them living a rich liturgical life, lifting the hearts of the weary and broken into the mystery of God.

These saints are a model for me; Serving God's people with Balance, Compassion and Grace.

Maybe the Boomers aren't the bad guys...

When I found this article, I sent it on to an Anglican Minister friend of mine (at my wife Coralie's parish, in Cottesloe). I am helping out with the liturgy there - trying to get better flow and use the Arts more effectively. Anyway, when I visited on Sunday he had printed it in the bulletin (anonymously thank goodness!) What do you think?

Maybe the Boomers Aren't the Bad Guys After All"My heart goes out to the Boomers," I muttered to myself, as I sat through a traditional service I visited recently. "They were raised with this stuff, and they ran away. I don't blame them."I've been pretty hard on the Boomers. They moved the church from the urban to the suburban, from the older church building to the suburban mega-complex, and they removed all symbols and rituals from worship and replaced them with praise choruses. What's to like?

I've spent some time visiting some traditional denominations recently, and I have begun to develop some sympathy for the Boomers. These communities, upheld by the Silent Generation, participate in rituals that have lost their meaning. If meaning is what something is and does in the life of a community, then I see no meaning in these activities. In some of the places I've visited, these rituals were lifeless and unconnected to the rest of life. They did not communicate in the 'real' world at all, at least not in mine. This communion really does seem reduced to grape juice and bread. Bread of life? Not in that service!

So, maybe the Boomers did what they could in simply moving away from practices that no longer carried meaning. They introduced rock and roll to church because none of the church music integrated their everyday life to God. They removed Communion because it was anything but that. They moved the church to the strip mall because that is where they lived. I constantly give credit to Emerging Churches for retrieving rituals and integrating them with popular culture -- rooting the community in a tradition while fostering a contemporary vigor. The Eucharist, the Christian Calendar, Ignatian prayers, body prayers, the Jesus prayer, praying the hours, lectio divina, labyrinths, the use of icons, all have a home in Emerging Churches. The difference is that Emerging Churches integrate these rituals into their everyday lives, and these practices are now pregnant with meaning, both corporately and individually. But maybe Emerging Churches were able to do what they did because the Boomers cleared the way. Just maybe..

PS I agree with much of what he says BUT I also think that life is present in the Liturgical Churches (I do wonder what he means by traditional? Protestant? Catholic? Presbyterian?) but it is only "visible" to us when when we are present to it - which takes exposure, time, understanding and grace. And of course, these are prime reasons for my Catholic conversion!

The original, and a very interesting site, are here.

Compline

A Meal.
Glass of Wine.
Talking.
Easter Candle.
Silence.
Compline.
Salva Regina in Latin.





Save us Lord, While we are awake.
Protect us while we sleep.
That we may keep watch with Christ,
and rest with him, in peace.

From the Carthusian

When I say Christ is our Joy, I mean the total Christ. For our joy is realised not only in our communion with Jesus, but also in our communion with those we love in him, with those who are his dear members. The joy of the love of a dear one, the joy of loving them in Christ, that is the pure joy of the Spirit in us.

Let us accept this joy, openly and gently from the hands of Christ.

Thank you for being my joy.
Chris

Confessions of a Liturgical Christian

I am a Liturgical Christian.

But what do I mean by this? Why is Liturgy a good thing? Why do I get grumpy, especially with the boomer generation, who don't seem to, or even want to, get it - or at least want to change it constantly?

For me, and the community, Liturgy is the foundation of our expression of the faith. It is a means by which both the truths of faith are expressed (Readings, creeds, homilies, hymns) and God is seen and experienced (Sacraments, Rites, Rituals, Seasons).

The mystery of God can be expressed liturgically in silence, in confession, in celebration, in simplicity, in brokenness.

We join with the whole history of Christians in worship - especially in the breaking of bread at the Eucharist.

It creates a holistic environment where God is palatable among us. I have sensed God's presence in the liturgy which has bought me to tears - in a way beyond words or explanation.

Liturgy pulls the attention off us and directs us to God. We in turn become formed by the Liturgy - its rhythms and depths opening to us through our participation.

Enough for One day. Off to say Lauds!

More on Practice

As I think about the outward shape of my Christian life again, I have rediscovered a terrific book - which is now part of a series.

Benedictine Sister Mary Mary Funk (also here and here) has written a terrific book - "Tools matter for practicing the Spiritual life".

In it she lists 25 practices which can sustain and support our spiritual journey.



Some she lists are Lectio, guarding the heart, watchfulness of thoughts, fasting, dreams, repentance, ceaseless prayer, manual labor, the cell, vigils, manifestation of thoughts, humility, ministry, and the common table.

It's quite a list, but one which gives me hope and encouragement that I can find a way to pray in the midst of whatever life experience I am having.

She has also written two other books "Thoughts matter ..." And "humility matters...". Think I would like to read these!!

These themes - about how we practice faith and prayer - are being picked up all over the place. Try these cool writings from some of my web friends and people I admire. Here and Here .

How's your prayer life? What is sustaining you today?

What's Your Practice?

Mini retreat over.
A lot LESS successful than I would have hoped.
BUT what have I learned?

(1) I could never be a Carthusian! Really - the discipline required to sustain that sort of life is mind boggling to me.
Besides, I have kids...

(2) I need to create more opportunities to have silence and solitude and slowness in my life.
I know this is a given, especially since I love Benedictine spirituality, but I need constant reminding.
Interestingly enough, two of my favourite blogs have been discussing this too!
Read here and here.

(3) I need a discipline in my life related to point two.
This doesn't only come from the retreat but from two other things.
Firstly, I read a really interesting article in an old magazine about "Zen and Christian Practice" which was using the idea that as Christians, specific practices are a help, as in Zen Buddhism where meditation, vegetarian food etc help define the religious identity.
I think this relates to my earlier post about being a Catholic.
What is my practice as a catholic Christian? What gives me life? The mass obviously comes to mind very quickly but what about praying the office, meditation, Lectio?
Worth some thought I think.

Of course, my Doctors visit was a catalyst too - usual high blood pressure, fast pulse, bit over weight etc etc. Now's the time though...

Have added in a few extra links to interesting folk whon are reading us a bit too.

Cheers

C

Mary and Martha

Strangely enough, the talk I was going to read yesterday was called “Mary and Martha”, and given that I had a really busy, not achieving sort of day. Maybe today’s input will give me an idea on what I could have done instead of running around like a headless chook…

An Easter Reflection

Many apologies for not publishing yesterday, but it appears that Blogger had bad day for most of us…

It is ANZAC day here in Australia, a public holiday when we remember the soldiers of Australia and New Zealand who lost their lives in the Gallipoli battle of the 1914 – 1918 war, but also all military actions. As I get older, this day becomes more important and a reason to work for peace for my family, my community and my world.

Some people seem to have enjoyed my post about why I became a Catholic.
Check out a cool discussion here.

From Jesus, (with Carthusian commentary!)

Peace be with you!
Death, darkness, suffering, egoism, your limitations, your weakness, your sin – all that is defeated, once for all

Do Not Be Afraid
I love you exactly as you are, I have taken your weaknesses upon myself, I shared them, except your sin. Let us not speak about it any further. All that is defeated, finished. Everything is changed….

Believe
Give me your empty space to pour into it the vitality of my love and my joy.
Believe in joy – it is possible, even for you.
Believe in love.
Believe in life, in true life.
Believe in me because I love you.
Be my joy in the heart of the church.

These simple commentaries on Jesus’ words have been crucial today. How I need to hear them. When I began the adult part of the Christian journey, taking the faith for myself, “Peace be with you” and “Do not be afraid” were words of life to me – when I felt criticized by others for having faith, when other Christians hurt and isolated me for being contemplative, or just when I was sad.

What I am getting gout of these novice talks is new eyes, a new way of seen myself, my relationships and the world, in the light of the Easter Mystery.
It is both invasively personal and yet cosmic, seeing redemption not only within me, and for me, but within the universe and for the universe. And as my Carthusian brother reminds me, in the heart of the Church, Gods gathered people.

I hope these thoughts will stay with me throughout the day, today.

What is the resurrection for me?

These thoughts are my dialoguing with the text of the day.
They are incomplete, wandering and personal. Take them as you will.

A few years ago I was having some “therapy” for a relationship that went drastically wrong. During this time, the counsellor and I spent a great deal of time focusing on my spiritual journey, seeing this as a way of recovery. As we discussed the contemplative path I was, and still am, following he made the statement
‘This is a lonely, solo path you are following. But you must continue”.
This gave me hope at the time, and still does.

Today’s reading from the Carthusian Novice Conferences book does the same.
In “Alleluia” the anonymous author asks “What is the resurrection for me?”
His response is the remainder of the talk.
Two quotes drew me, which I will spend the rest of today mulling over them and bring them to the Community on Wednesday:

We are all poor people.
Little by little we become aware of that: poverty and solitude are our lot.

In the face of the greyness of the human heart:
Believe in Christ, hope against all hope, love as much as one can, allow the power of the Spirit to act in us, trust in God, trust in the faith of our brothers,
begin again untiringly every day, seek with Easter eyes, cultivate with all our care the seeds of light and love that cross our lives …
Have the courage of a joy that no one can take away, the serenity of a peace born on the cross, the humility to receive everything, gratuitously, without any merit.

These strike me as incredible responses to how to see the world in the light of the resurrection of Christ. If only I had the grace to allow this to happen to me, with me and through me.

What parts of me need to be resurrected, healed, transformed into love,
in the light of Christ’s resurrection?

I think the resurrection means for me – freedom.
Freedom from death, from sin, from myself, from judging others.

Still thinking.

Mini Retreat

Advance notice for ye who read this blog!

Next week - Monday to Thursday, I will be having a mini retreat at home
(Lets just say my lovely wife Coralie is an absolute legend and has arranged for me to have some solo time at home while she and the kids enjoy a break elsewhere...).

I had originally thought I wouldn't blog at all for a few days, but now think I will dialogue with myself about what I am doing, and allow others to enter the discussion.

The plan is to read a chapter from "Advent to Pentecost" in the Carthusian Novice Conferences series in the morning and reflect on it through the day.
I'll pray the office and keep a pray - work - rest sort of rule.

So be prepared to dialogue with me on what I'm reading and praying!

Back into my Head for a bit

My new good friend Antony (To the Quiet) has very kindly posted one of our blog entries on his site…which made me think “Did I really mean all those things?” and of course, yes I did – but I want to add a few bits!

I do say I “really converted to Monasticism” – but I did very happily convert to Catholicism.
I felt this was right because the tradition that I feel in love with (Benedictine) takes its place within that faith tradition, and I wanted to be part of it.
I have experienced a deep tradition in which I can immerse myself – through the Early Church Fathers, the Benedicitine, Cistercian, Trappist and Carthusian writers, as well as many others who have written after been formed by the worship and life of the Catholic Church (Eg Henri Nouwen)

I also talked about liturgy, and “things of the earth” being a vital element in my conversion process. This is true, but incomplete. As I study the scriptures, read the church’s teachings, slowly (very slowly!) read catholic theologians, I come to more clearly appreciate how (if that is possible) the mystery of God is made tactile through liturgy and sacrament – that they lead me to experience the ultimate sacrament – Jesus Christ. This is of course, a very great mystery, and which I will spend the rest of my earth bound years exploring, and never fully knowing.

I hope these thoughts are not too rambly, but after reading Matt’s post yesterday and talking at community last night, I did feel a little more thinking on my part was necessary.

It’s just a great mystery!

Peace.

Simply coming home

As noted in Chris' last 2 posts, most of us made our traditional Easter Pilgrimage to New Norcia (a 5 year old tradition...how long should we be doing something before it officially becomes a tradition? I'll have to look that up).

For me this time of year now has a special sense of both solemnity and celebration. 2003 was the year I was recieved into the Catholic church and in a strange way it feels like my birthday when we hit the Easter Vigil.

Good Friday and the reading of the passion remind me about where I have been as much as the last hours of our Lord's life. I know I haven't been hurt or crushed like Jesus was, but in every hurt I do have, I know Jesus travels with me. The veneration of the cross is the other part of this liturgy that gets me every time. There was nothing like it in my previous life as an Anglican. This year it was as 4 year old Noah kissed the cross just in front of me. It was all I could do to hold back the tears. I still want that simple childlike faith.

In the two and a half hours of the vigil on Sunday morning we get to travel through the journey of the people of God as they follow where only he can lead them. We also get a glimpse into the people serving us through the various parts of the liturgy. For the last 5 years our little community has been able to assist with the NN liturgy through music, reading, prayer, participation and the presence of the children (always a joy as you don't know what they'll do). In such a long liturgy there is always the possibility of a slip-up. For example, a couple of years ago Eliza, being carried by her daddy to re-light the candles, set her hair on fire (it was quickly put out). This year in singing the psalms Chris sang that God would provide a "wimple for the simple". It was well covered however and most people went away unsure whether they had heard correctly or not. I, however could hardly keep a straight face. It's these little joys that provide great "birthday entertainment". Like Noah wandering across the sanctuary in the middle of the Eucharistic prayer with a handful of extinguished candles to share with his godfather (me).

After sharing the vigil we go on to share a meal and put the kids down for a nap (hopefully). In the end it is all like coming home. I really feel comfortable when I'm in New Norcia, like a bit of me belongs there. The life shown in the Easter Triduum speaks to a part of me that just keeps wanting to see God. I guess that is why He's given me all these people around me. In their hospitality, friendship and love, I see Him at work.

Pax
Matt J

Out of my Head and into my Body

One of the features of the Easter vigil at New Norcia over the last few years has been the reception of Christians of other denominations into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. In 2002 it was yours truly. In 2003, community member Matt, and this year another beautiful lady from the Anglican church – the same background as Matt and myself (lets not even get into that!)

Participating in Joan’s reception this year provoked some questions in me.
Why did I join the Catholic Church?
What did it offer me I wasn’t finding elsewhere?
I am fond of saying that I really converted to monasticism, and not the church as a whole – and I still have a lot of trouble with some major Catholic doctrines.
But I know, deeply, that this is the place I can be best feed, best grow, and best experience the love of God.
And so, like with any family, I am happy to be in congenial disagreement with other family members, but still share the table (in both the metaphorical and literal sense!)

My main reason for being a Catholic is because of its strong incarnational sense – it gives faith a body and an action - and not just a head full of ideas.
Initially I thought this was an attraction to liturgy, rite and ritual – and I still love these elements of my adopted Christian expression.
But I see more deeply now the importance of the “things of the earth” in enabling faith to become more real. The Lenten and Easter season are full of these aids to faith:

The ash cross on our forehead on Ash Wednesday
The bread, wine and water of the Eucharist
The washing of Feet on Maundy Thursday
The wood of the Cross on Good Friday
Candles, large and small, throughout the season,
especially the Paschal Candle of Easter Day
The waters of Baptism at the Vigil
The Oil of confirmation
The smell of incense hallowing our worship spaces and our selves

These are things that the community have found helpful, deep and encouraging on our journeys – and why we keep coming back to share the rich and silent worship of the monks.

And they are also the reason I think our children love the monastery and the monks so much – movement and colour and above all a faith that has a practice – not just a cerebral ascent. But more on that later!

Peace to you all.

New Norcia for Easter

The community, as per our long-standing 5 year tradition, spent Good Friday afternoon to Easter Sunday with the monks of New Norcia.
As usual, the liturgy was rich, deep and silent, the hospitality brilliant, and time together as an extended community family, invaluable.

I have no time….
In Benedictine monasteries, and those following the rule, one thing is immediately obvious – the importance and pre-eminence of prayer. In the Liturgy of the Hours (See link left) , the community and guests, visitors and locals, join together for prayer anywhere between 4 and 7 times a day. Meals, Work, and Personal times are planned around these – nothing will take the monk away from sharing in these times of prayer with his brothers or sisters (barring an emergency..).

What does this mean for a lay person ?
Firstly, time belongs to God. Hallow it. Use it wisely. Respect it.
Monks never seem to be in a hurry (But there is the duck – calm on top and paddling madly underneath!) In doing what needs to be done, we are generally on top of things.

Secondly, Life will happen and we need time to be in control.
Hallowing time, allowing ourselves to rest, plan, pray, clean and all the other human needs, will mean we can be responsive and open, using our time wisely in the service of each other.

Lastly, quite simply, perhaps I need to just be less busy –to do less.
In our YES culture, we commit before we know what we’re really doing, afraid of appearing lazy perhaps. We have no time to eat well, get to know our neighbours, love our kids and spouses, care for our garden and our physical, psychological and spiritual selves. The results I see around me are catastrophic because of the supposed time famine. Disintegrating families, communities and people.

And know I know, thanks to the monks, there is a better way.

Happy Easter

Maundy Thursday and Passover

In very un-politically correct manner, the community celebrated passover last night.

While the official church stance is not to celebrate this meal during Christian Holy Week to avoid any anti semitisim, the Jewish folk I have met have been nothing but encouraging towards me and our celebration of this redemptive event. So we continue.

It was a wonderful time of celebration, food, wine and children, who took a more major role for the first time. It is a tradition which we have kept for 5 years now, and one which we all look forward to each Lent.

Pictures to be posted here soon!

There was much proclaimed by the prophets about the mystery of the Passover: that mystery is Christ, and to him be glory for ever and ever. Amen
From an Easter homily by Saint Melito of Sardis, bishop

Wednesday of Holy Week

The great gift of Easter is hope -
Christian hope which makes us have that confidence in God,
in his ultimate triumph, and in his goodness and love,
which nothing can shake.

Basil C. Hume

Tuesday of Holy Week

To attain holiness, then, we must not only pattern our lives on Christ’s by being gentle, humble and patient, we must also imitate him in his death.

We imitate Christ’s death by being buried with him in baptism. We have to begin a new life, and we cannot do so until our previous life has been brought to an end - when we wish to reverse the direction of our lives there must be a pause, or a death, to mark the end of one life and the beginning of another.

From the book On the Holy Spirit by Saint Basil

Monday of Holy Week

Daily Reflection
Brothers and Sisters,
let us then fearlessly acknowledge, and even openly proclaim,
that Christ was crucified for us;
let us confess it, not in fear but in joy, not in shame but in glory.
From a sermon by Saint Augustine

Holy Week

As we enter this season when “ the church celebrates the mysteries of salvation accomplished by Christ in the last day of his life on earth. beginning with his messianic entrance into Jerusalem” (PCEF) , these words of Henri Nouwen from my daily reflections, seem to hit home :

Every time you celebrate the Eucharist and rceive the bread and wine, the body and blood of Jesus, his suffering and his death become a suffering and death for you.
Passion becomes compassion, for you.
You are incorporated into Jesus.
You become part of his “body” in that most compassionate way you are freed from your deepest solitude.
Through the Eucharist you come to belong to Jesus in the most intimate way, to him who suffered and died for you, died and rose again so that you may suffer, die, and rise again with him.

My Prayer:
that I may enter the Eucharist’s,
and the prayer of this holy week, fully,
and experience this mystery of God’s love
more clearly.

Matts itunes adventure

Tried the iTunes test today,
here's how I was evaluated in the eyes of
itunes (how does it know?)

How does the world see you?
Weary Cutters
Steeleye Span
Hmmmmmm

Will I have a happy life?
Slit Skirts
Pete Townsend
Sounds good to me!

What do my friends really think of me?
Thank you (for loving me at my worst)
The Whitlams
I always knew I could count on my friends

What do people secretly think of me?
In & Out
The Straw Theory
No comment...

How can I be happy?
Until the end of the world
U2
It was "how" not "how long" right? Uh oh!

What should I do with my life?
Moon over Bourbon Street
Sting
Show me the street & I'll show you a moon

What is some good advice for me?
Don't smoke in bed
Nina Simone
Very good advice I thought

How will I be remembered?
No one can compare (to you)
Guy Sebastian
No cheating I know, I couldn't have picked it if I wanted

What is my signature dancing song?
Gigantor
Helmut
It's a cartoon theme, hey that's me

What do I think my current theme song is?
Hey Nineteen
Steely Dan
I thought Linda was older than 19 ... ooh

What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
George's Helper
Pete Murray
Always the helper never the helped

What song will play at my funeral?
Prove my love
The Violent Femmes
Pretty punked up funeral I'm having

What type of men/women do you like?
What a shame
Steely Dan
Doesn't sound like I pick em well does it?

What is my day going to be like?
I wanna be adored
The Stone Roses
It's all about me today you know!

Lectio

Lectio divina is a slow, contemplative praying of the Scriptures.

You can read about it here.

For Your Lectio:
The best prayer is the one in which there is the most love.Adoration, wordless admiration, that is the most eloquent form of prayer:that wordless admiration which contains the most passionate declaration of love."
- Charles de Foucauld

"Receive very simply from God
the gift of being"
- Abhishiktananda

Balance

Nice paper on the work/home balance here - but probably not for long!

I wonder whether getting up earlier
means a slower start to the day...?

Transfiguration at Flickr!

Check out our photos at Flickr.
The link on the side bar will always take you there!

Confirmation

Confirmation at St Philips Cottesloe of community member Michelle's sister, Rosemary.

A wonderful morning with Archbishop Roger of Perth.

Creator Spirit, strengthen Rosemary with your gifts of grace, to love and serve as a disciple of Christ. Grant that she may grow into the fullness of the stature of Christ. Fill her with the joy of your presence. Increase in her the fruit of your Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of love, patience and gentleness, the spirit of wonder and true holiness.

Amen

Movies

Last night we continued our study of the movie Chocolat, but the highlight was the before!

Michelle's birthday celebrations, Jason's fantastic Chili, and time spent watching some little cartoons from Monsters Inc and Madagascar with the kids. Fabulous.

A good meal, wine, beer, movies, children, friends and a celebration. Not to mention some silence, prayer and laughter.

Perhaps, I'm wrong, but it seems from my reading of the gospel that Jesus was fond of these things too.

And I reckon he was there last night.

Prayer is to see God in any person, or in any creature, with whom we come in contact ...
Prayer is the smile, the look of the eyes which conveys to the other the greetings of the heart, which tells the other, known or unknown that they are not a stranger, but recognised as a brother or sister
Abhishiktananda

Peace

Chris

Catholic Roundtable

In Kentucky, a cool gathering happened this weekend.
A group of “emerging” Christians have been meeting to discuss catholic practices and spend time praying the hours and been in community. In the words of Bryan Sherwood they “prayed Evening Prayer together and spent the rest of the evening sharing our “story”; telling a bit about how we’ve been drawn and influenced by the ancient church.

Sounds great to me.

In a land which seems to be frightened of ancient Christianity, where the new is always better, events of this type are vital. It stops communities like ours feeling so alone, and also enables us to be challenged and gifted by others stories and experience.

Looks like they also ate some super food!

This is a conversation well worth keeping your eyes on. I suspect updates will br made at Bryans site above, at the great Alan Creech’s site, and also at my new friend Antony’s site.

God Bless

Community- definition

Like Chris mentioned we are doing a Lenten study Christ and the Chocolaterie based on the movie Chocolat. We spent two weeks watching the movie and began the study this week. I’ll be honest and say that I have only just finished reading the introduction to the study and this paragraph struck me as I feel it really rings true to us and who we are as community:

The word community is often used to describe a group of people who just happen to be thrown together by geography or interest. True community, however, is far deeper – and quite rare. The following definition is based on the writings of Dr M. Scott Peck… “We define community as a group of people who, regardless of their backgrounds and beliefs, have been able to accept and transcend their differences, enabling them to communicate effectively and openly.”

I hope that through this study and our continued sharing of our lives together we may continue to group as a community. Thanks to the community for accepting me and welcoming me and allowing me to be who I am and share my life with you.
God Bless
Shelle :)

iTunes Knows All, Reveals All

Instructions: Go to your music player of choice and put it on shuffle. Say the following questions aloud, and press play.

Use the song title as the answer to the questions. NO CHEATING.

How does the world see you?
Jerry, Stand up.
Something for Kate.
Hmmm. “Quit your job” and “Once upon time you were crazy”.

Don’t really understand the message here…Will I have a happy life?
Coloured Rain
Traffic
“Yesterday I was a young boy…til you came along there was nothing but an empty space”
Better. True if seen from the divine perspective…

What do my friends really think of me?
Good cop, Bad Cop
Everything but the Girl
“I don’t want to feel this way, won’t somebody take away this feeling”
Well I hope not…

What do people secretly think of me?
The Word
Sara Groves
Thankyou to all my friends!

How can I be happy?
Man in the corner shop
The Jam
Should I BE the man in the corner shop, or should I date him?

What should I do with my life?
Old John Robertson
The Byrd’s
What the..?

What is some good advice for me?
Blue
Joni Mitchell
Thanks Joni…… I think.

How will I be remembered?
In France they kiss on main street
Joni Mitchell
I haven’t even been to France!

What is my signature dancing song?
Begin
Ben Lee
I don’t dance. Good choice.

What do I think my current theme song is?
Artificial Energy
The Byrds
Yep, that about sums it up!

What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
Cindy of a thousand lives
Billy Bragg
Ummm, do I appear schizophrenic?

What song will play at my funeral?
I'm Only Dreaming
The Small Faces
Lets hope so!

What type of men/women do you like?
King Jesus has a Garden
Kings College
Looks like celibacy for me!

What is my day going to be like? .
Oh Santa
Vege Tales
It’s March for goodness sake!

Wow interesting findings

Who Should Paint You: Salvador Dali

You're a complex, intense creature who displays many layers.There's no way a traditional portrait could ever capture you!

What Artist Should Paint Your Portrait?

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Giving and Taking (or the Art of Chocolate)

We finally got to the first study of our Lenten book "Christ and the chocolaterie". (Click for a review). Only a few of us last night, but a good chat and think nonetheless. The main issue, as per the post title, was giving up. We thought, and watched, as people struggled with their humanity, their desires and needs, and the "requirements" of the pre-vatican 2 French Catholic church.

Got really interesting as we discussed what we could, and will give up, and why! But we all seem to have adopted the more modern approach of life change, or taking on a practice, for Lent.- some more prayer, others less stress, others spiritual reading (You go boy!)

On another, more secular note by far, I was very happy to recieve Donald Fagen's new album "Morph the Cat". Donald explains helpfully: "There’s nothing sexier than the Apocalypse. I suppose you could call this album Apocalypse Wow.”
Cool grooves, dark themes, humour, history, death, mayhem and despair.
Very nice.

Bless you.

Apparently...

Well it seems

Who Should Paint You: Salvador Dali

You're a complex, intense creature who displays many layers.There's no way a traditional portrait could ever capture you!

What Artist Should Paint Your Portrait?

From the looks of it I'm not too easy to capture.

Burrfoot

Who should paint you?

Who Should Paint You: Gustav Klimt

Sensual and gorgeous, you would inspire an enchanting portrait.. With just enough classic appeal to be hung in any museum!

What Artist Should Paint Your Portrait?

New Listening

I got home yesterday to find my latest music purchase "From the Six Corners" by The Players had arrived. Cool. Funky UK urban soul.
I am a happy camper!

And finally we are famous! The Brisbane Catholic diocese has used our communities story as a part of their Lenten Resource site. Check it out here.

Going green and community

One my of goals for Lent was to eat less meat and better quality food over all.
So we’ve taken up buying our fruit and Vege from “An Organic Experience”, our meat from “Meatlovers” and loads of fantastic European products from the “Re Store” (Which has the added value of avoiding many additives which have been banned overseas, but are still in loads of Aussie foods…)

Too early to say if we feel better physically yet, but it is nice to go to a store where people know you, give the kids a chocky, and there is no awful background music…

Stay away from those Supermarkets I think. They’ll do your head in. Not to mention your body.

Christ and the chocolaterie

A bit breezy today - Please don't be upset...

For Lent, we have begun using "Christ and the Chocolaterie", by Hilary Brand. It is a study guide to the movie "Chocolat" and picks up many Lenten themes. In my spirit of Lent, we are going slow and not pushing ourselves. We are taking two weeks just to watch it, and then we'll gradually work our way through the text.

The movie is set in Pre-Vatican 2 France, a bastion of conservative Catholicism. Fasting is to be practice hard and fast. To give into temptation is a sin. We must suffer for Christ. etc etc.
The whole community lives a penetential 6 weeks before Easter comes, and are "Free again".

Surely this is to miss the point. To be fruitful, fasting should be part of the re-orientation process, which I believe is what Lent is all about. (As in "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel...). We should (In an ideal world) each fast from what binds us, to drop its attachment, and see its power over us. But we are so self indulged that any sort of moderation - whether it be in eating, drinking, exercise, technology, sex - seems foreign to us.
Painful.
Perhaps even dangerous.

And I include myself here. I don't WANT to fast. Or give anything up. I like to eat and drink. And be merry. But I love God more. And if I am serious about entering into God's mystery, then history shows (and my limited, flawed experience tells me), fasting is helpful

On another note, the Irish Jesuits rock. Pray as You Go is an awesome site. Daily reflective mediations on the Gospel of the Day, one for each day of Lent.
I have been using the End of the Day prayer each night before sleep. It is fab

Hidden-ness

I finally got my self a copy of “Emerging Churches” by Gibbs and Bolger. It’s a good read. At this point in our communities journey it is good to read that we are

(1) not alone in doing the small community thing and
(2) that the issues we face are the same that others have, and continue to face.

But, perhaps it’s just me, but I run into problems with this sort of thing. The minute we put something down in print we give it a pseudo endorsement, both of the subject of the text and of the authors as knowledgeable about the issue. I would hate to think that others new to the movement or whatever we call it, feel this book sums it up.
New communities (new monasticism, emergent church, missional communities, take your pick really…) are all “emerging” (whatever that means) because we are on the way to something – a new way of being church. By definition we can’t be there yet and not many people I know think they have got it all worked out anyway!

That said, and the fact that I was sad there was so little of Oceanic groups mentioned (although they do state why…). This book is terrific in analysing the present state of the movement by allowing emergent church leaders to tell their story and offering their opinions. It avoids being too academic and I loved the bios of the contributors- many of whose blogs I read. I can really, really recommend it.
5 people are lined up to borrow mine!

Which leads me to hidden-ness. Did I feel we needed to be in there? Have those communities mentioned in the book noticed people beating down their doors to
“Have a look”? (Nothing can disturb a community’s life more! Look at the changes Taize has had to make over the years to accommodate their visitors). What will the long-term ramifications of this book be to these communities spiritual growth? How missional and open can you be and still maintain a communities integrity and strength of life? How many awesome communities were not listed? Should they have been?

Turning to our community’s monastic foundations, I think of all the little known monks and nuns through the years who have been hidden away, and yet whose prayers and mere presence have been powerful forces in the world.
We will never know who they are, no matter how intune with God they are, but they make the way clear before us.

I think this is what I wish for our community.
To be hidden, not drawing attention to our selves, getting on with being Gods people in our context, but still being open to the next challenge, the next person.

But I still check the blog stats to see how many people are checking us out!

Oh Vanity!

A Go Slow Thought

All good things start small and get smaller.

Dan Berrigan

Ash Wednesday

Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

Turn Away from sin, and be faithful to the gospel.

God is gracious and merciful...slow to anger, rich in kindness and relenting in punishment,"

Keeping Track.

I led staff devotions at my school today. Usually I try to do something different than the break into groups and pray, or just the pray outloud thing. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but my experience with the Monastic tradition gives me a chance to share some of that spirituality – often with those who have no experience of it.

Last time I did a simple Lauds. Today I used the Sacred Space website to stimulate some pre-lent reflection. It was a good experience. I am always amazed at how the people you think are not going to get it do –and then tell you about it!

It got me thinking about what I am going to do for Lent. This year it seems more vital than ever. I am worn. There is sin to deal with (I don’t say that lightly or over –zealously. It is a mere fact.) I need to move forward. Now.

Instead of a whole lot of rules my plan is to make Lent – Be good to your self Lent.
Before you self-disciplined young people take me up on lent being a period of self denial, and self discipline, let me explain.

For me to be good to myself, I need to be disciplined and practice denial. The way it playing out in my mind at the moment I can see some of these things taking place:

Get enough sleep. Go to bed at a reasonable hour.
Exercise daily. Forget about weight loss and concentrate on getting my physical self healthy.
Eat Better. I like to eat so be healthy. Less meat. More organic food.
Take reflection time. Daily.Pray. Think. Confess. Reflect.
Stop doing things that take me away from myself, my family and God. Like too much internet. Like being grumpy. Like being restless. Like Sin. Deal with these things.

I figure if I have a shot, I may well get somewhere.
I am not going to beat myself up over this.
Lent is a time to get things right. It will take time.
I trust. I pray.
I have a community to support me.

7's

My bro sent me the challenge: Answer the 7’s!

The Sevens

Seven things to do before I die
Live in Italy
Change Jobs
Release a solo album – its time!
Save
Own a Peugeot
Live in residential community
See my children happy and fulfilled as adults

Seven things I cannot do
Draw.
Be tough.
Be kind to myself.
Not pray.
Find the perfect faith community for me.
Play violin.
Swim well.

Seven things that attract me to my wife
Her voice.
Her music.
Her compassion.
Her kindness.
Her love.
Giving life to our children.
Her...

Seven things I most often say
G’day…
How ya doin'?
O.K…
Stop that…
Would you like a drink…?
Staying for dinner?
Can I ask you something?
Noah!

Seven books I love
The Earthsea Trilogy
Genesee Diary
Mystic Heart
The Rule of St Benedict
The top 1000 Albums
The Elenium Series
The Dark is Rising sequence

Seven Albums I couldn't do without:
Revolver - The Beatles
Style Council Box Set
The Jam Box set
Little Feat - Sailing shoes
The Royal Scam - Steely Dan
Live Wood - Paul Weller
Whos Next - The Who

Seven People I want to join in too...
Matt
Shelle
Jason
Pete
Timmsy
Malcolm

Michelle's Sevens:
Seven things to do before I die
Get Married
Have children
Learn to play guitar
Learn to drive a bus
Change schools
Go to Tasmania
Own a pet

Seven things I cannot do
Draw.- I with you on this one Chris
Sit still
Stay off the computer
Be satisfied with my prayer life
Be totally organised
Say NO when I should
Stop gossiping

Seven things I most often say
Are you sure that's ok?
Ta
I'd love to stay for dinner.
You have a choice...
Crap!
I'm going on camp...
You're an angel
Thanx

Seven books I love
The Narnia Chronicles
When the war began series
The notebook
A walk to remember
Possum magic
The horse whisperer
Commotion in the Ocean

Seven Albums I couldn't do without:
Looking for Coco-Coralie Kan
All right here- Sara Groves
Woman's worship CD
The Sound of White- Missy Higgins
Looking for Coco- the car copy!!
ABC dance hits
Omba baroomba

Seven People I want to join in too...
Cozie
Rose
Rachael
Matt
Jason
Pete
Linda

Meals

To be blunt, I think sharing a meal is the mainstay of community life.

For years, we met after dinner for coffee, cake, and prayer (sounds very Anglican now!) But since all our kids have arrived, dinner and wine are the order of the day.
And what a difference it has made. We eat, do the dishes together, learn each others tastes and favourites.

And of course, meals lend themselves to other things. Like talk. And laughter. Serious discussion. And more laughter. Theological reflection. And laughter. And wine. And Laughter. And sometimes even good advice…!

So share a meal with those people you love. And do it regularly.
The results can be truly astounding!

Intentional

Last night we met and discussed what we as a community would like to be intentional about.
We read this great blog entry at ThPM community, and applied its wisdom, and similarities, to our little family. As I recall, we thought it would be good if we were intentional about:

• Wine
• Being relaxed
• Being honest, and being a safe place for honesty
• Sharing meals
• Caring for each other
• Our weird liturgical calander: Lenten Study, Passover, Easter in New Norcia, Christmas Dinner

Sound good to me. Feels good too as I write it. We are good for one another. We also discussed being better listeners, and why we come here anyway. This type of talking is gppd for us early in the year as we begin to meet more frequently again. It reminds us of many things, and of our shared history, and just how far we have come...

Gathered for the Wedding

The community gathered for Matt and Linda's Wedding.

St. Scholastica

St. Scholastica, sister of St. Benedict

Feb 10 is her Feast Day.

Interview 1

I'll be interviewing some of the community over of the next few weeks.
Here's the first one!

CK (Chris Kan asking questions)
ck (Chris Kan giving answers)

How long have you been in the community?
About 8 years, from when we started meeting as the dreaded bible study home group.

Is there a high point of community life?
I think sharing life very closely is a gift. It is also hard work. Getting to know people at a truly deep level, almost beyond the like/dislike idea, to really love and be loved for who we are.

Any peak experiences?
I think the retreat in New Norcia is 2004 was peak. It was when we decided to be a community and extend our lives a bit. Also, every Easter spent together is like, wow, we DO get on?

A low point?
Umm 1998 and the moment all the community remember VERY clearly.....

Challenges for the future?
Being open to new people without "comprimising" our history, whilst at the same time allowing the spirit to move us forward.

Favourite music?
Steely Dan, Paul Weller, and at the moment I am into Little Feat.

From Monkfish Abbey

This sort of sums us up too...

We are a group of friends and acquaintances. We are people who help each other move. We paint each other’s bathrooms. We make birthday cakes. We are people who want to recognize that time is not a renewable resource, it matters how you spend it We want to know the new lady with the little girl who moved in next door. The guy in the next cubical. The dreadlock barista at the coffee shop. The yoga teacher with the cool chimes. The plumber at our worksite. The outrageous waiter with the t-shirt that says, “I’m Gay.. Don’t Tell Anyone.” We are people who like life. We are artists. We are computer programmers. We are parents. We are beer lovers. We are people who fight, who laugh, get bored, get inspired. We make music; we make soup. We laze around in the sun; we play scrabble in the rain. We listen to loud music; we go with each other to get tattoos. We read good novels; we learn about wine and cheese. We are explorers. We are people who want to worship God, and talk to God, and listen to God. We are people who readily admit we are not entirely sure what that means. We are people who learn not from a leader, but from one another. We blow dust off of old books, we reform old beliefs. We uncover ancient practices and make them our own. We say, “I was wrong,” We look twice at something that catches our eye. We seek.

Back to Basics

School and work are back.
And so is the community life.
Vespers on a Monday.
All together on Wednesday.
Drinks on a Friday (sometimes)
Breakfast on a Saturday.
Sharing each others lives -
the highs and lows,
the good and bad.

Lent

Lent is just over a month away...

What are you doing for Lent?
What am I doing for Lent?

Let us know...

Don't Give Up

I read this on Alan Creech’s awesome site.
It seems quite good advice for all of us living the community hope:

How do you start and "build" a small community like this?

You do it and you do it and you do it. You keep on and on and on.
You don't give up.
You never quit. You assess and reassess.
You listen and pray and talk to people.
You go through pain and frustration and more pain and more frustration (that part has never stopped).
You know why you are doing what you are doing.
You do what you believe to be the right thing.
You remain open to the Holy Spirit to correct you, internally and through others. You reject modern notions of "success" and keep on going anyway, even when they say you're a failure, even when you think you're a failure.

Retreat Day 2

So quiet here.
Great two hour walk through the property, then a swim and a few pints of James Squires at the New Norcia pub.

I am feeling a little flat today.
So many things I want to think about, do, be etc etc.
The good thing about being here is that the silence, prayer and balance give space for the issues to come to the surface, and an opportunity to deal with them more carefully and deeply than in the hurley burley of running around being teacher, dad, husband, friend etc etc

I have a few good chats with Malcolm, the minister at Coralie's church, who has come here for the first time. His views on Chritian life are refreshing and full of vigiour and vibe. We don't always agree, but dialogue bvery quickly helps you to clarrify your own position.

Some books I've been reading here are:

Beyond the Walls : Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life

Light through Darkness

Retreat

Currently on retreat at Holy Trinity Abbey, New Norcia, about 150 km north of Perth.
I am spending a lot of down time - reading, chatting and internet browsing!
Strangley, all of these things are a preperation for prayer, both my private prayers, and joining with those of the monks in the divine office. Slowing down means less over thinking - as those who know me well are all too aware I over do..
What a change from wanting to pray so desperately that it was all effort and no grace, all me and not God...

Lovely too, that community member Linda, who works in New Norica, was here at the same time.

At lunch with the monks yesterday, we were privelaged to share the table with Terry Waite, the Anglican priest who spent 5 years as a kidnapped hostage of the PLO. A very gracious man with an open heart and a wonderfully healed perspective on his ordeal. Honestly, the people you meet in monasteries!

[prayer]

[terry waite]

[monastery]

Civility and Language

I wrote this in one sitting.
It’s probably heresy or just plain flawed…

How do you “speak” as a Christian?
How do I “speak” as a Christian?
How is this any different to a “Non Christian”?
Does it make a difference any way?

Maggi Dawn writes on her blog beautifully about what it means to act and speak like a Christian, away from the “niceness” and “agreeing-ness” that characterises so much of our interactions in church .She met the all round interesting biblical scholar and church analyst John Drane, and managed to get to take him for a drink. Apparently he was pretty non-plussed until he heard her say something interesting and then launched in and began the conversation, without many of the usual social niceties (and Maggi, if you read this, I am happy to be corrected if I have miss represented your blog entry…)

We are all so bloody nice all the time that it negates the value of any passionate, vital discussion.

In community, this issue becomes vital of course. When sharing your life closely with others, being polite, being courteous, using your manners, all grease the wheels of community life. However (and a big one at that...), this shouldn’t stop us from speaking what we think, debating an issue, being passionate, being involved, bringing justice, loving others enough to do and say the hard things – and learning when to speak, when to not, and how much, or how little, to say.

Perhaps we also need to allow people to think out loud, to formulate ideas in relationship, without jumping down their throat if they are not us…

It reminds me of a story I heard about the German biblical scholar Gerald Von Rad (in Eugene Petersons book, Take and Read) that when asked to speak at a book club he avoided all small talk and preliminaries, speaking instead about Abraham, mystery, darkness, faith and prayer – all in 2 or 3 minutes! Whilst Peterson can’t remember what the specific content of his talk was, the impression he left lingered on. Von Rad chose his words to express what he wanted to say, no more, no less, and consequently opened the door to who he was.

The economy of our language, the content of what we say, the importance we attach to our words, and how we let them go, all identify our “Christlike – ness” and may well bring others to the table of faith.

Our Father Benedict says:
“ Take care to avoid speech that is evil and degenerate.
It is also well to avoid empty talk that has no purpose…”
(Rule of St Benedict, Chapter 4)
Seems worth a thought to me.

Community

Easy to say. Impossible to do apart from Grace.
I don’t say that flippantly. Experience bears us out.
What else could hold people together for 8 years and counting?
Friendship sure helps. So do meals and wine.
But sharing life closely has its ups and downs, its challenges and joys.
Marriage, children, job change, moving house, stress, all affect our relationships with one another and the way we gather.
On the other hand, we are lucky to travel together.
To have a group of people who really know you. Who care about you.
The children are lucky to share life closely outside of their immediate family.
Forgiveness is key –
Especially the forgiveness that comes with acceptance and letting go.
Being forgiven even before you stuff up is a gift beyond price.
Other communities have inspired us, and encouraged us.
Read about one here. Monkfish Abbey . Their offical site is here.

St Benedict

One of the main influences of our community has been the Benedictine Community of New Norcia. The men of the group started retreating there in 2000, and have continued visiting them, along with the ladies and others, ever since. We generally visit them for the Easter Vigil, and help with the liturgy as we are asked. It is a terrific time as we all live together in community for a few days in a beautiful old building, cooking, chilling, praying, chatting, drinking and caring for the children.

Our experience has been deepened by our relationship with Dom John (Hi!) who taught us much about prayer and life in the Benedictine way. He now runs the Dardanup House of Prayer, south of Perth, and browsing the chronicle on his site, has a vital and busy task bringing his wisdom to others.

Interestingly, we are not the only ones using St Benedict’s wisdom to support our community life. Grace community in London have recently run a Benedictine Spirituality night. They have posted some terrific resources here.

Some more on Benedictine Values in our community tomorrow

This blog is not dead

For all those wondering about what has happened since the departure of our resident artist, a small ditty inspired by (read ripped off from) Strong Bad from HSR;

The Pete man
Where did we go wrong?
It seems like only yesterday we were setting fire to Chris's underwear...
This one's for you man!

We cracked wise at the Pete,
For screwing up the jumble caper.
I hope we don't see his name in the paper,
In the obituariiiies,
'Cause that would mean that he's dead...

The Pete is not dead,
We're so glad the Pete is not dead.
Pete is not dead,
We're so glad the Pete is not dead.
Pete is not dead,
We're so glad the Pete is not dead.

(Apologies to the Brothers Chap and Strong Bad)

Miss you already the Pete (you squeaky guy you). Here's praying Tassie will be able to offer you all you expect and more. You'll always be a part of us even from a distance. We are all one in prayer no matter where we are.

MJ

Breakfast

One of our community rituals is Saturday morning breakfast out. Various combinations of us, including children, head to Leederville, and one of our favourite café’s for coffee(s) and breakfast.

Like all good ritual’s, it has along and varied history. It started as “Fat boy’s walking” when 4 or 5 men friends got together to walk, talk and breakfast. It was a special time and we all shared fairly deeply, and we often long for part of that time to come back.
But things change - marriages, babies, new homes – and these all changed the nature of our experience. Children started coming. We were more tired. Our wives and girlfriends wanted to come too (none of us had both simultaneously…). Now we all go, if we can, and start the weekend together before going our separate ways home, or to ballet, or shopping, or back to bed.

Our time is fairly short, we meet at 8:00 and are usually all gone by 9:30, but it is a stable fixture in our lives. I would go so far as to suggest that it is equally as important as our Wednesday night dinner and prayer times, in the sense that community is tangibly present, and that it is inclusive in that our children are part of it too. Coffee, of course, is a great equalizer now that the children can sip their Babycino’s along with our lattes, long Macs, and tea’s.

Now to theologise, how do we see Christ in our breakfast experience?
Simply a community gathered around a meal.
Choosing again to share life together – which requires constant choosing over other options.
As we share, plan, laugh, debate, we are drawing closer to each other, living out the spiritual experience of our Wednesday nights.

Perhaps others from the community have their own opinions?Chris

Ideas Ideas

Bit late last night, so in the vague hope of not embarrassing myself too much, here’s some sites which I regularly check out for my enjoyment,

Kairos Kisses: Andrew Dowsett's site. An adventure to find God’s place for him.
Maggi Dawn: Anglican priest in the UK. Ritual, Sermons, Theology. Great
Jonny Baker: Very experienced emerging church blogger from the UK. Great visual site with an awesome link and resources listing.
Steve Taylor: A local emerging church voice from NZ. His book “Outward bound
church” is fab.
Prodigal Kiwi’s: Another NZ site and one which is a fantastic array of spirituality, theology, reflection, politics and discussion. Good one lads!!

Check these sites out and let us know what you think.
Or leave a comment with your top faith sites to visit…
Chris

A New Year

Ok Ok Ok!
The emails have been unrelenting! Are you guys dead?? Has the community broken up? Is the sky falling down?

The answer to all of these is, of course - no! Although things are on the move. We sadly bid goodbye to Pete last week as he makes his way to Tasmania to pusue his art further. We will miss his art, his dry wit, and his adventures at Curtin uni. You can see more of his art here.

So the community has changed. Over the next few weeks I will try to blog daily as an experiment in "thinking out loud theologically" about our community life and how God is seen and present in it. Hopefully other members of the community will join the discussion, as hopefully will you dear reader.

Some themes which spring to mind are silence, meals, children, breakfast, wine, retreat, monks. Any more ideas??

Advent

Things are winding up and down simultaneously in the west. Wnding up as the Christmas period and all the ensuing mayhem really hit full throttle, and winding down as school ends and people generally slow down for the next few months.

Our prayertime and community life always reflect this in Late November and the whole of Decemeber. We are tired, frantic and disconnected from ourselves, and often each other. Often it is little more than we can cope with to share a meal, some laughter and wine, a brief moment of prayer and silence, and then return to our lives. Jason and Rachel are having a new baby soon, so they must be really feeling it!

This year, we have used a few resources from the Bread for the world site. They have a terrifc selection of prayers for Advent which focus on the less wealthy, the less fortunate and the less able. We will use one of their evening prayers this evening to stimulate us from our weariness.

If you read this, pray for us. We need it.

Weddings, Parties, Anything

The last few weeks have been a blur of opposities: Preparing for Matt and Linda's Wedding, My Dad critically ill in hospital, Running Sunday School, Writing Reports, Coralie Away, End of year exams for some, Buisness Hassles, Great food at Bible Study, Baptisms, Music - It all seems to have been happening.

What binds us, is our prayer life. Matt keeps on turning up for Prayers on Monday night (and a G and T) with Shelle. Wednesday night usually has 7 or 8 of us at least. We seem to keep on making it to church on the weekend (somehow). That in itself is a blessing. We are lucky we hjave each other - so lucky I don't think we realise it sometimes. This weekend we all head north for the wedding. Bring it on.

Chris

Community life

I have been enjoying reading Andrew Dowsetts blog and this week he has written some interesting stuff on being a community which is incarnational (christlike) vs attractional (join us 'cos you like what you see) . Got me thinking about Transfiguration and what we are doing. Where do we sit on this dicotomy? I suspect that all communities are neither one nor the other, they are a combination of both in varying degrees. We have at our heart the incarnational model, we are trying to be christlike, to live out the new kingdom, to be God's family. On the other hand we are liturgical which is attractional by nature -come and see and join in. If our liturgical life is leading us to deeper incarnational relationship then great, but if it becomes a sole means of "look at us!!" then we are off beam. The reality is that we swing between these poles with no trouble at alland more importantly, it gives us life.

Lets continue an ongoing conversation about this nature of our community by commenting below!!

with love

Chris

Holidays

Happy birthday to Matt and Linda for this month.
Chris, Coralie and Shelle away in NZ for a few weeks - see the link at ayearslife opposite.
Hope the rest of our community family are well.
Can you see the tree ?? This is the view form our home in Nelson, NZ.

World

As we have continued our study of St Francis, we have been encouraged and challenged to intersect our faith with the issues confronting us on a local and global level. Hurricance Katrina was high on the agenda this week, and particularly the terrible portrayl of humanity which was chronicled afterwards. We discussed the need to become more loving, more forgiving, more selfless, more human so that we can truly reach out to others from our centre. As we considered the future of the three, soon to be four, children in our group, the issues became more imporatnt and focused, encourging local community transformation and stronger positions.

Pete and Moid were off doing their thing, but given the weather it was a miracle any of us got together!

Last night was one of those nights when everyone seemed really really tired it is funny when one of us feels tired we all seem to be in the same boat! We shared a fabulous meal at the Smiths- thanks Jas and really just sat and chatted over the meal (and a couple of bottles of fine red wine!). We missed Coralie who has not been well and thank God that she is on the mend, Chris joined us late after visiting Eliza's school for Father's night. We talked about the Taize service a few of us attended last Wed at the Cathederal and the Taize service we ran at St Phillips on Sunday evening.
Due to the tiredness and long meal we opted to have a social evening and chat instead of a more formalised study- I thing it is these types of evenings that keep us together and so strong. It is funny how the conversation does always seem to come back to Church no matter where the conversation has gone in between time!!!!
We continue to pray for Coralie's continued healing, Jason's healing, for Pete, Moid and Karen and Michelle and their families who have recently lost Grandparents.
God bless
I hope you all have a good week,
Shelle :)

August Taize at St Philip's

Thankyou all so much for Taize Sunday evening.

I was feeling pretty weary and as we worshipped it was as though the Lord
just lifted me into his presence and allowed me to rest there; no agendas,
no work to do, nothing to think about, just being with him. For me this was
a huge [and somewhat unexpected gift] for which I thank you and Him.

I really appreciated the simple music from the back
I found it haunting and it helped me connect with the simplicity of the
occasion.

To you all once again Thanks.
Malcolm

Taize Funeral

Last night the community was pleased to assist at the ecumenical memorial service for Br. Roger. It was a time of great beauty and peace, St Georges Cathederal almost full.
The title of this entry will take you to the Taize page of photos and text from the funeral.

Brother Roger

Brother Roger of Taize

R.I.P

While we met last night, more importantly we awoke to the news that last night Brother Roger, founder of the Taize community, was slain by a mentally deranged woman during Vespers.
We share the shock of the entire world, especially our monastic brothers and sisters , including our good friend from Taize, Brother Gishlan.
The community will offer prayers for the Taize Community through the week.
For more information link here

If you wish to leave a comment about Taize, please do so and I will forward it to them for their book of rememberence.

The Moid Link

Fo you Moid! Email here

Art

Shrine, 2004, (installation view)

Art by community member, Peter.

Anniversary

Although we have been meeting together for the last 7 years - can you believe it? - last night we celebrated our First anniversary as the Transfiguration Community. To mark this occasion, we made promises, not vows, to support our community life. Here is what we promised:

We will honor:

The light of our Benedictine Heritage.
May we always value silence, stillness and prayer

The light of Hospitality.
May we always nourish one another.

The light of Relationship.
May we always remember to value one another, married or Single.

The light of compassion.
May we always be generous in our care for one another.

The light of work.
May we always value each others occupations and activities.

The light of our children.
May we always see them as gifts from God.

The light of faithfulness
May we continue to be faithful to our community life.

The light of honesty
May we continue to share with humor and truthfulness.

The light of Openness.
May we always be open to the work of the Spirit within us.

The light of newness
May our minds not be closed to the adventure of faith.

And our thanks to you who read this webpage and support us with prayer.
May God continue to bless you.
Chris

Why Wham

Last night we continued our new St Francis study. Once again the majority of us joined together for a shared meal prior to our contemplation. We missed Coralie last night as she was preparing for her big CD launch on Saturday night (follow link to her site 'looking for coco' for more info.)
We had some great discussions last night about the powerless in the world, the poor- that are somehow connected to our own daily lives and the real poor in the rest of the world, we talked about people who we know who live out the gospel in our changing world and how we struggle to live out the gospel and what challenges confront us an hold us back. Peter shared some wisdom from his YWAM days- it has given us all something to think about looking at situations and how they fit with the fruits of the spirit.
Take care
Shelle

Study

It was great to welcome Andrew this week.
We hope your time with us was rewarding and encouraging.
Chris

New Programme

This week we begin a new study based upon Franciscan spirituality
It will good to see how the ideals of peace and environmental awareness can be incorporated in to our community life.
We continue to pray for the future marriage of Matt and Linda which is getting close, as well as all of the teachers and students who are returning to school this week.
Chris

Smells and Bells at Bible Study

We believe that God has a sense of humour, look at the diversity in His people. One of the ways we like to relieve tension in moments of, yes tension, is that if we feel the urge and have the urge, we like to let rip with a good fart. Often this has come at inopportune times but you can't always control the volume that your bottom makes, sometimes this enhances the prayer, sometimes not.... Not everyone in our community feels the freedom yet to do bottom burps but most of us will be encouraged to burp out loud and proud. We are sure that some of Jesus' disciples were often filled with hot air. These times are not mentioned in the Bible, unfortunately but I'm sure they were no different in those days than we are now. Many people feel that some bodily functions are disgusting and will leave the room to drop one, we feel sorry for these people who don't feel they can share and appreciate these gifts.
Next time you are in prayer with someone sneak one out, hopefully the odour ranking will be high and just watch and wait for their response. In this sense you will create your own "smells and bells"!!!!!!
These are our words of wisdom for this week.
Cozzie and Shelle

Contact

Contact us here

Is Tiredness Epidemic?

Tiredness and Weariness are often a characteristic of our times together. Whether it is writing reports, travelling long distances , looking after children, planning a wedding or managing a company, all of us have lives that at times seem to sap us of energy.

Paradoxiaclly, this is one of the reasons I think our community works so well - we see the bigger picture of relationship with one another, and God, through prayer.
Sure, some nights we pray Compline rather than Vespers - it's shorter and gives us a chance to drink a Drambuie or two(!), but we still get togther.
We pray. We are silent. We are a community.

We miss Pete as he gets ready for his exhibition and the Smiths as they journey about. Come back to us safe folks.
God Bless ya all.
Chris

Taize & the Spirit

A brief note
Last night we served the anglican community at St Phillip's in Cottesloe, providing a Taize style prayer time (and space) for the evening.
Our prayer was based around Compline combining elements of the monastic hour and Taize to create an environment where the spirit could be invited and experienced.
The response seemed to be very positive and it's likely we'll be running something similar on a kinda regular basis. Keep an eye out and we'll let you know.
Big props to Chris for pulling the thing together and Co for coordinating the musos. Shelle was a fantastic example of servant-hood, throwing herself into everything as needed (from powerpoint to climbing the walls with candles). Thanks for the work, all of you. I'm sure it was appreciated by all involved.
Pax
MJ

And a comment from someone who prayed with us..

Just a short note to say THANKYOU to whoever it was who arranged such a very special and moving service as the TAIZE worship which we had this evening. I found the experience incredibly special, deeply moving and thought provoking, and I feel very blessed to have been a part of it.

Keeping On

Lots of prayer and no updates.

The last month have of course seen us come together each Wednesday, in various groupings and at different times. Our Wednesday nights have been silent and still - most of us more tired than anything, resting in Jesus and resting in the company of each other. Four of us come together to prayer on Monday and Friday nights, and Saturdays we are all out for breakfast.

A prayer which has seemed appropriate for us lately has been:

God your arms are open wide to embrace us
Your spirit draws us in to your community,
Red, yellow, white and black, you welcome us
Male, female, slave and free you draw us in
Like a father welcomes an only son
Like a mother cradles her infant child
You beckon us into your family
To share your love
To share your life
To make us whole
Amen

God Bless you all. If you want to know where our next prayer is email Chris

Back together again

Last Wed night was such a celebration- not only were all of us together for the first time in a long time but we all started the evening with a shared meal. It somehow seems to make the prayer time all the more fruitful if we have met together, eaten, laughed and enjoyed a glass of wine together prior to prayers- that's what community is all about. It also lead us in to reminising about our time together over the years and all the fun we have had along the way- especially one occasion that always makes us laugh.
This week sadly we were back to a small group on Wed but it reminded me that it is important to meet even if it is only a few of us: Jesus said if two or more of you are gathered together in my name I will answer your prayers.
It was great for us all to meet together as a whole community but it is just as important to continue to meet when there are only a few of us.
God Bless
Michelle

Busy Lives

The busyness of our lives has been apparent in the last few weeks. We have struggled to all meet together on a Wednesday night for a few weeks. We missed Jason and Rachael last week although welcomed a visitor to the group- it was great to share what we are doing with others.
This Wednesday we again met in smaller numbers as some of our community were busy with other areas of their lives. We missed Coralie as she was out performing with her vocal group, Matt and Linda's presence was missed also as they were out sharing in a meal with Matt's parents who were visiting for a short while. Those of us who did meet shared a time of chatting, winding down, laughter and a lovely drink (or two).
I pray we will once again be able to all come together as a community this week.
God Bless
Michelle

Engagement

We celebrated the Engagement of Linda and Matt last night. Matt is a founding brother of the community, who met his fiance in New Norcia while on retreat! Linda belongs to the Perth based Catholic group Flame Ministries International, but has become a loved member of our community and attends our prayer as often as her schedule allows. The community worked hard in the kitchen and making music as our service to the new couple.

The whole Transfiguration crew wish them the very best for a happy, peaceful and long future together.
Chris

Easter at New Norcia

As usual, a large number of the community made the 100km trip North to spend Easter with our Benedictine Friends in New Norcia. The celebration of Our Lords passion and resurrection is celebrated with great simplicity and depth, allowing the real joy of this season to shine through.
Paticularly special this year was the beautiful music selection, drawing heavily on chant and Taize, and Easter night drinks on the Organists front lawn!

As we discussed the impact of the weekend last night, over a cup of tea and a hot cross bun, the words of community and peace came up repeatedly. At least for a few short days we really LIVE as a community- praying, laughing, sharing and eating together. What a gift!

Easter Peace to you all

Chris

Monday prayers

Last night for the first time this lent I was able to make our prayer time- an extra pray session a week we decided to try out during lent. Coralie and I met with Matt at his place. It was a short 15 min prayer time but it was a great reminder to me to slow down and stop and to devote time to God. At first I kept wanting to look at the time since I had a meeting at 6 but when we got into the prayer time the time didn't seem an issue, time with God was far more important than any meeting.
May you all be able to find a time in your coming week to stop and be with God.
God Bless
Michelle

St Benedict Week 2

We all met for dinner before our study time, and it was great to welcome Pete back amongst us. Continung our study of the rule of St Benedict, we dug around in the rule to see how it orders the monastics life, giving a balance between all of the parts of our lives. Reading chapters of material about food and drink, authority, work and care helped us try and see areas of our own lives which needed more balance and/or time commited to them.

As always we ended with compline - bringing some peace and stillness at the end of our busy days.


Peace,
Chris

Lenten Study

This week was our first lenten talk. We have decided to learn more about the Benedictine life and Benedict himself as we all have some connection with the Benedictine life through our visits to New Norcia's monastry and our interactions with the Monks there. Chris gave a talk detailing some of Benedicts life with many anecdotal stories about what he did, who he worked with and the attempts by others to poison him.
We concluded the evening in prayer using a prayer time regularly used at New Norcia- our Lent Compline prayer was the perfect way to conclude and pray for each other and the members of our group who were unable to join us on this evening.
Take care and God bless.
Michelle

Ash Wednesday

We saw in Ash Wednesday with Vespers as we normally do, but this night in particular was quite prayerful and reflective. During Vespers we listened to a reading by Cardinal Murphy O'Connor, from his address for Ash Wednesday to be given also during vespers in the Westminster Cathedral.
The main thrust of the reading was to do with what stops us from spending time with God. Below is an excerpt from Cardinal Murphy O'Connor's address:
"So if people ask me what they should do for Lent, I am inclined to say, on this Ash Wednesday, you should not try to do without something, but to get something done as if your eternal salvation depended on it. If Lent is to mean anything in our lives, it has to be a season of renewal. The word "Lent" itself means "springtime." The idea is that we die with Christ like the seed in the ground and rise with Him to more abundant life. We die to sin and rise to integrity. We die to selfishness and rise to generosity, especially towards the poor.
Whatever penance we do, whatever we choose to give up or do without, should help us to put on these new clothes, and to grow into stronger, healthier Christians. Each one of us should spend more time in prayer during these 40 days; some time in reading a Lenten book about how better to follow Jesus Christ, and some exercise which involves care for others, perhaps a visit to someone less fortunate than we are. What we should give up is whatever stops us doing that extra thing."
May each of our Lenten journeys be a time of growing closer to God.
Love in Christ
Linda F

New Norcia Reflections 1

I am on retreat with Phil Timms, a friend. It is hot, and about to have a thunder storm.
Here is a little of todays influences.

The people God loves are precisely those people we meet daily in the streets and on the job. God calls each one to Himself, all of them, just as they are, with their qualities and faults, their joys and their sorrows. He calls them all to share His own inner life, to be perfect as He Himself is perfect. There's no second class call tyo something less, but only the one vocation to the infinite joy of God's very self, for God's love has no restrictions

Fropm Charles de Foucauld

A Year to Grow

Happy New Year everybody.
What does the year hold for our Community?
Still meeting on Wednesday nights. Still praying, laughing, eating and sharing together.
During Lent, we will have a series of talks about St Benedict, the rule and what it means for us.
Passover meal. Easter with the monks at New Norcia. Our community retreat in September.
Lots of love, Lots of God, Lots of Growth.
Hopefully!