Presence

Had a great time in Fort Wayne, Indiana, teaching a module called 'Creativity, Worship and PostModernity' as part of a contemporary worship course called Presence. The course consisted of 4 separate modules and attracted about 50 students each time.

My title sounds pretty heavyweight, but I loved researching and adding to my understanding about creative / immersive worship expressions and relevant cultural indicators affecting and challenging us today and for the future. We spent a good amount of time constructing a worship experience which was multi sensory and communal. I think it opened the eyes of the students to a wider understanding of corporate worship and areas of creativity and contemplation.

Then I came back to the Uk to teach on a YWAM School of Worship about songwriting. That was fun too...and the students ended up writing some pretty good songs! They were all better than the UK Eurovison song contest entry!!

Thoughts

I have learnt so much on this trip, having stayed with Marian Fathers, plain clothed Nuns and Sisters in Kielce! I have sung in a variety of churches (mostly under freezing temperatures) and schools or culture centres! We have covered a lot of Poland and played to around 3,000 people. And a lot of those have been young people!

The Polish web site for the tour has received many emails saying very nice things about the concerts, but especially commenting on how they have been prompted to think again about their faith and committment to God! Many things are changing here in Poland. Increasing travel, flourishing european involvement, strengthening economy, wider consumer choice, greater media influence, it could be that in a few years time, church attendance and loyalty to catholic values will decrease amongst the younger generations! It's already happening, where the values their parents held are not so important or relevant! Like the UK, the younger generations may get dis-enchanted with 'organised religion'.

So..the challenge looks lively! The Church may need to adjust, change shape, find other ways to communicate, yet still retain it's depth of faith with so many riches. The Catholic system is pretty well organised here, very traditional too. My prayer is that there will be a new wave of radical revolutionaries (of all ages and vocations) who sense the signs of the times and become salt and light to Poland! Not entrenched behind church buildings, but out where the people are!! and for 'Emerging Churches'...fresh expressions to grow.

That will be exciting...and challenging...and country changing!

I DON'T BELIEVE IT

Found myself on a slippery slope the other day, heading towards winning the trophy for being Victoria Mildew - grumpy girl from surrey - getting irritated by all kinds of people and incidents... fast drivers, call centres that lose your call, printer jams that leave ink all over your hands....... Even considered starting a website where people can let off steam and get help on issues like overcoming stress and how to complain with dignity. (Watch this space)
Ever felt like this? It's easy to get into the grumpy groove and stay firmly lodged there...Do you think this is a common problem? How do people jog themselves out of it?
You will be pleased to hear I took a deep breath....painted myself with the kindness brush, mashed some potato into a pulp, read the sermon on the mount..and put flowers in my hair!!! Well...maybe not the flowers!!!

BARBIE BLUES

Flying over to Poland I was reading an article about Barbie being brought to life for a stage show!! Suddenly all my doll rage came to the surface!! I know she has undergone many transformations since birth, but I still choke at the sub text of the stereotype!! Anyhow I will spare you my rant about her exaggerated proportions, and give you a few statistics that may interest or shock!!

1. Barbie doll has had more than 95 careers - from rock star to presidential candidate
2. Placed head to toe, Barbie dolls and family members sold in 150 countries since 1959 would circle the earth more than 7 times.
3. Every second, 3 barbie dolls are sold somewhere in the world.
4. Barbie's full name is Barbie Millicent Roberts.

Enough!! But one fact that has shadowed me since the moment of revelation....is that apparently barbie and I were born a month apart from each other - so that means we almost share the same birthday! And that is all i do share!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie makes a fascinating read.

TROLLEY RAGE

It used to be the car parks that were the most dangerous places in supermarkets due to dodgy parking and over-zealous speeding drivers making a hasty exit - but now a new trend is emerging - awkward moments with older people trying to link trolleys together and get their pound coin out!!!! 3 times now I have been involved in difficult and perplexing situations and I am planning on holding workshops to explain the fundamental trolley positions that will aid easy coin access and successful trolley closure.