HOMELESSNESS IS UGLY

Working on the streets and being involved in peoples lives is challenging.

I get that, I get that it creates inconvenience, I get that it may  not 'be a good look' for the streetscape and I even get its ugly.......HOMELESS IS UGLY, BUT its not those who are homeless which makes it ugly!!

I read a recent article in the online version of one of our newspapers The Age,following is a quote from our Lord Mayor taken from that article.

"We should be supportive of people that are vulnerable, but we shouldn't romanticise the situation," he said.

"There are challenging, illegal behaviours that we shouldn't put up with, whether people are homeless or not."

As I walk the streets on our city, I witness some of the behaviours of those who are not 'the homeless', so why do we make statements about those who are vulnerable and often have no voice??

Perhaps Mayor Doyle if we prioritised some real solutions, and made as much effort to care for vulnerable people as we do for the 'top end of town' we might believe you actually care.

Just because you give $$ to some organisations to give bandaid solutions, don't think you can wash your hands of this issue.

You give them soup, but they want their lives back.

Here we go again..........

You could be forgiven for thinking that the US was the only place on Earth there was an election going on.

While the quality of candidates both here and there are about on par, you probable won't get  wealthy business people from the US suggesting we need a dictator to step in, as we have here in Australia!!

At the very basic level you would hope our political leaders would be the voice of the voiceless and not the wealthy!!

Sure perhaps an enquiry into the union movement is needed, so is one into the banking and finance sector, sadly the issues with the bank/ finance sector are not seen as moral issues, only of the safe schools program or marriage equality are deemed to be the only 'moral' issues up for debate.

We ought to be providing housing for the homeless, shelter for the asylum seeker and support for those who have issues around their mental health.
Sadly these issues are left to smaller political parties with weird names.

So as we become further disillusioned with our politicians we sail towards a 'hung parliament'.

If we do have a 'Hung' Parliament lets hope its 'Well Hung"!!!

#TogetherStronger

You may think that this week's sign is a bit strange - and you might be right. If you look on Twitter the hashtag #TogetherStonger is the hashtag for the Welsh Soccer team. As of today they are in the semi finals of the Euro 2016 soccer championship. This is unheard of and (being honest) quite unexpected.

So we at the Melbourne Welsh Church wish to show our support for the Welsh Team as they play Portugal on Thursday morning our time. C'mon Wales!

But thinking about it - #TogetherStronger is a great idea. If we're honest (and by that I mean Welsh Soccer fans) we don't have that many world class, top name players. (One of our strikers doesn't even have a contract for next season yet!) Apart form Gareth Bale we don't have any world beating superstars. In fact mention the names of the Welsh team to most soccer fans and they'll know a few of them and have heard of some of them but we don't have a team of over paid stars like, say, the English soccer team. Most of the English players are household names in football - well known and well paid players who play for big teams and expect success. By comparison the Welsh boys were just pleased to get to the Euros at all - it's our first major championship for about 50 years.

To get to the semifinals is a huge achievement for Welsh football. It shows that a star team can beat a team of stars and that we are greater than the sum of our parts; that we are #TogetherStronger. To Chris Coleman (the manager) and all the staff and players we can only say well done, keep it up, you've made your nation proud!!!!


If I was asked to go and talk to the Welsh team before the game I would give them this advice from
Joshua - it fits the hashtag #TogetherStronger (and it can apply to all of us as we face the various problems in our lives).

Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take.”

So Strength, courage, don't be timid; don't get discouraged - we are #TogetherStronger be that with teammates on the pitch or with God in life!!

A true Christian path would lead them into the untidy stables of the poor and oppressed, to shovel shit with the Messiah. Instead they remain spiritually shipwrecked, floundering on the shoals of their own ambitions and indifference, slick and ridiculous in their genuflections to greed.

From B Cockburn: Rumours of Glory: on thoughts of Brennan Manning

Over the past seven weeks I have had time to read and reflect while a fractured ankle healed.

I read, listened to music and watched movies and documentaries.

I was challenged  as to how and why I do what i do as i loiter.


I was challenged  as to my  responsibility in the communities i live and move, so now I'm back on my feet, i need to implement the "KISS' method.......

                                                               KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!!!!!

on the turning away

Hey you, hey you, yes you...I wanna talk to you, this is what I heard as I loitered intentionally recently on the streets of Melbourne.

'It was a bloke who I knew from a community in  another suburb.

I had not see him for a while, and to be honest the last encounter had been a little strange.
Strange, because this man spotted me riding my motorcycle, jumped in his car and started to follow me!!
This man, has a history of severe mental health issues.

This chance encounter was a bit different, although I did have an uneasy feeling, and I made a snap decision to keep it short.

After a brief conversation we went our separate ways.

I was reflecting on that encounter recently while listening to some Pink Floyd on vinyl.

I considered the words from the song, on the turning away.

On the turning away

From the pale and downtrodden

And the words they say

Which we won't understand

"Don't accept that what's happening

Is just a case of others' suffering

Or you'll find that you're joining in

The turning away" 

It's a sin that somehow

Light is changing to shadow

And casting it's shroud

Over all we have known

Unaware how the ranks have grown

Driven on by a heart of stone

We could find that we're all alone

In the dream of the proud 

On the wings of the night

As the daytime is stirring

Where the speechless unite

In a silent accord

Using words you will find are strange

And mesmerised as they light the flame

Feel the new wind of change

On the wings of the night 

No more turning away

From the weak and the weary

No more turning away

From the coldness inside

Just a world that we all must share

It's not enough just to stand and stare

Is it only a dream that there'll be

No more turning away?

I am aware that not all those I encounter are my 'responsibility', however on this occasion i wonder if a meal or coffee together may have been appropriate? I may never know, I can only hope that we meet again, or I hear that still small voice and respond.

Leunig

National Anthems ARE NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED

I often wondered why we don't sing the other verses to out NA.I am happy to be a citizen in Australia, sadly our history is littered with hurt and mistakes.One would have thought we might have learnt from them, but it appears not.

A verse from our 'anthem' with additions in brackets by me....Beneath our radiant Southern CrossWe'll toil with hearts and hands;To make this Commonwealth of oursRenowned of all the lands;( for being a pack of bastards)For those who've come across the seas ( to stop the boats and send them back)We've boundless plains to share;(not really but it sounds good)With courage let us all combine(courage to do the right thing is lacking)To Advance Australia Fair.(actually Dutton cannot read so me missed this point)In joyful strains then let us sing,Advance Australia Fair. ( then stick our heads back up our bottoms)

death is not the end

One of the 'stuff' of life issues  which I'm honoured to be part of is  that of taking part in funeral services..

There is a sense of beginning and ending, as one of my mates i met on the streets of melbourne put it, after saying goodbye to a mate, 'I've come to the conclusion death is a mystery'.

This week I along with a club brother, we  support a family with six daughters age 18>4 as they farewell their dad, their mothers partner.

As we sat with them the second to youngest daughters handed us a letter she wrote, which she would like read out at the funeral

This is the stuff of life where the mysterious ways of God are often the only way to make 'sense' of tragedy and loss.

When you're sad and when you're lonely
And you haven't got a friend
Just remember that death is not the end

And all that you held sacred
Falls down and does not mend
Just remember that death is not the end

Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end

When you're standin' on their crossroads
That you cannot comprehend
Just remember that death is not the end

And all your dreams have vanished
And you don't know what's up the bend
Just remember that death is not the end

Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end

When the storm clouds gather round you
And heavy rains descend
Just remember that death is not the end

And there's no one there to comfort you
With a helpin' hand to lend
Just remember that death is not the end

Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end

Oh, the tree of life is growing
Where the spirit never dies
And the bright light of salvation shines
In dark and empty skies

When the cities are on fire
With the burnin' flesh of men
Just remember that death is not the end

And you search in vain to find
Just one law abiding citizen
Just remember that death is not the end

Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end

Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end

Songwriters
BOB DYLAN

its time to let our light shine where those in authority spread darkness

IMAGE IS EVERYTHING.

A business in the building next to my office declares 'Image is everything', it is also the subject for my 'sermon' on Sunday.

Im finding it a tad confronting?

I'll let you know how it goes.

Meanwhile i may take the advice my 3 year old grandson gave to his mum recently.............

Jed - "Mummy why do you do brush your hair every day? "

Me - "To stop it getting knotty and to make me feel pretty".

Jed - "but your not pretty".

Me - "well.... maybe not today, because I'm just in trakkie daks, but when I get dressed up I look pretty, dont I? "

Jed - "um, not really, even then, you should look in the mirror more Mummy".

Time for a look in the mirror me thinks??

PS: welcome to 2016.

blessed are the cheese makers!!

Sleeping rough near a building used for Church, because it is the 'safest place I know' explained a bloke to me recently as we chatted.
Mean while inside we conversing at our evening service eating cheese and drinking juice.
I took a plate of cheese and crackers out to 'J' and invited him to join me for breakfast the next morning. 'J' was a no show.

On arriving at my office today, on my desk was a hand written letter from 'J', expressing his thanks for the cheese, which really hit the spot, along with an apology for no turning up for breakfast, a contact number for him and a request to 'do' breakfast soon.

Im not sure who is meant by the 'least', and what we should do or if cheese is even mentioned, but as far as I'm concerned blessed are the cheese makes because they made an impact on 'J'.

I reckon the kingdom of heaven belongs to 'J' and all who share a similar journey.

thanks be to cheese makers!!
Amen

life is never dull

sitting around a fire recently having enjoyed a meal and conversation with friends old and new, i was reminded we are not all privileged to enjoy such times.

just a few days later i was asked if i would pick up a person I had known for around fourteen years who was just being released from jail. i was honoured to reconnect with this person as we begin to journey  together to connect in with community.

The picture called Jesus in the breadline, says it all really, Jesus is not far from anyone of us.

hot chocolate and peanut butter choice chip cookies, conversation and community

The value of stories should never been underestimated.

As a small group of us sat sipping our hot chocolate and eating delicious cookies, ( Thanks Ana)

we listen to four men tell stories of brokenness, recovery, relapse and Grace, Mercy,Love, Forgiveness and second chances.

These men also work together, not because they love money, or power, no, rather because together as they mow, paint, weed gardens or build fences, they encourage each other, support each other and share in the Grace, Mercy, Love,Pain, Forgiveness and second chances, they share on the journey.

The Good News in action, practice, purposeful and real.

SO YOU WANT SOUP??

YOU GIVE THEM SOUP, THEY WANT THEIR LIVES BACK.

That is a line from a movie I watched last week and that one line has caused me to think about, why and what I do on the street.

This is not to say providing food, clothing,meals and conversation or friendship is not a good thing.

 For me however, it goes to motive.

Why do I do what I do?

Is it the best for the other, does it bring new life or indeed a 'better' life??

Those are the questions I am asking myself.

Taking it to the streets

One of my mates from around town called the other day wanting to catch up.

He told the story, with scared face and broken nose, of his recent bashing.

He wanted me to ask the person who bashed him why?? 'M' felt helpless and frightened, he was shattered.

The person responsible for this was not in the usual spot, this person too has the street for his 

home and is just as vulnerable.

As we walked and talked we met up with three other of his mates, two who had also received the same treatment from the same person. 

We shared food and drink we talked together. 

It was heart breaking. 

By their own admission, they are no angels, but the sense of helplessness and despair, not so much about what they do or don't have, rather of being respected and loved, was evident. 

One of these men I have known since 2014 we catch up regularly and this week, along with his mates we hope to celebrate 'M's' 44th birthday. 

As we share food together, as we respect, care for each other and celebrate the precious live of one of God's children, I hope this moment in time will be the start of dignity and hope restored.

'popup church'.

POPUP is an informal get together of people, who have faith communities, but sometimes like to to discuss, vent, encourage, be encouraged and heard in a different setting.
Today three of us spent one and a half hours drinking coffee/hot chocolate and discussing matters of faith and personal stuff.
We are quite different, rather than look for differences we share what we have in common and challenge and are challenged to think and rethink what we believe and why.
It is always good to listen and be heard, and to go away knowing we love and care for each other.
One person who is a regular, has recently moved back with partner and family after a time of separation,another is a single dad coping with all the stuff of life and who hangs out with 'dangerous' people, then there is me, who struggles to make sense of doubt and faith.

Together we travel this road we call 'our faith journey', and together discover the importance of life before death!!

It's a mixed group, crazy group, and its sinners and saints together making sense of life

On the road, don't be afraid to detour.

On a recent road trip, to speak at a youth leaders event, I made a concious event to visit small communities, off the main highway.

Once these place were unavoidable, now bye passed often ignored in our rush to get places.

More than a trip down memory lane, it was a reminder of what we often miss in the business of life.

Often we remember the experiences which wound us, this trip reminded me of the good stuff, good people and the experiences that shape and mould.

Much like a road trip where we take detours, we need to detour on out life's journey too.

This reminds us of what we once experienced, but so easily forget.

 It reminds us the people whose lives we may have influenced, with out  knowing it.

Go on take a detour, it may just make the journey.

NUMB

I wonder how long before we are 'numbed' with all the information we get via the media sources we have access to?

How we respond and react, and how we are affected emotionally may well make us 'numbed' and unable to respond to the stuff we are actually able to contribute and respond to in positive ways.

During times of 'crisis' such as we have witnessed locally and even from far away places, it is easy to talk about 'them' or 'those people' who perpetrate such acts.

I wonder if we have become numb to our own 'acts', and if we compare ourselves to 'those people'.

The story of the woman caught in adultery maybe a good way to understand how we should respond?

Those who stood accusing, this woman, were hardly blameless. inviting the ones without 'sin' to cast stones, the only one who was eligible did not, rather offered a way to restore the person in question.

Perhaps we ought to have a good look at ourselves and see how we might 'unnumb' ourselves to the 'evil' that we harbour??

When all is said and done - there is more said than done!

We are all very good at talking. Especially us religious types. In churches we do like to sit around and talk about things....a lot. 

We discuss...

How terrible the state of the world is. 

How awful it is that there are homeless people sleeping on our streets.

How can we get more people into church?

Are we relevant to the problems of the world? 

Etcetera etcetera...

But when all is said and done, there is more said than done.

presence minister, Bubba, said that to me a few weeks ago. It would make a good sign of the week he said.

He walks the streets of Melbourne, sees the needs on our streets, meets the homeless and outcasts, talks to anyone and everyone and spreads as much of the love and grace of God as he can.

I'm sure it frustrates him as much as it does me to see all that need and to see people taking that need to another committee to discuss what can be done about it. 

The city council discusses them, the state parliament discusses them, the federal government discuss them, the religious types of church and mosque and synagogue and temple discuss them and a few forego the talking and go out and get their hands dirty, helping those around.

Those few will not change the world, will not solve all the problems but they will change the lives of one or two - who will change the lives of one or tow who will.....

Surely that is what the gospel is all about!

Be Excellent to Each Other

25 years ago - imagine the scene - Jesus, in jeans, hoodie and baseball cap, sitting on the steps outside parliament house (or whatever legislative body you care to mention, they all have steps) with a large crowd of homeless people, drug addicts, a few prostitutes, tattooed lay a-bouts, the unemployed, various young people and the rest of the dregs of society looking for something to do. The crowd quietens as Jesus looks at them, opens his mouth and begins to speak. In loud, ringing tones, heard over the rush of traffic and the busy life of the city he says....

BE EXCELLENT TO EACH OTHER

How cool would that have been?

"Be excellent to each other" was the catchphrase of Bill & Ted as they went on their excellent adventure. Do you know it's been 25 years since the first Bill and Ted movie? If you are under 25 or have never seen the movie go and watch it right now then come back and read the rest of this blog!!!

Wyld Stallyns got it - they simplified a lot of the work of the church into 5 words - be excellent to each other.

So how hard can it be to be? What is it about "do to others as you would have them do to you" that is so difficult to understand? Why is "love your neighbour" not our everyday mantra? Why aren't we being excellent to each other?

In a city (and a world) where profit seems to be more important than people the simple act of being excellent to each other can go a long way to making the city (and world) a better place. Yesterday, at church, Bubba reminded us that we need to actually 'see' people, acknowledge them and remind them that they are important and meaningful.

Across South East Asia there is a ritual greeting that started in Hinduism - it is "Namaste" and it literally means, so I'm told by Profs. Google and Wikipedia, "I see the divine in you" or to put that in a way churchy folk won't freak about, "You are a child of God".

How beautiful is that?

What a difference it would make if we all could see other people as children of God and not just strangers on different paths to us.

That guy who stands next to you on the tram - think Namaste - you are a child of God.;The nosy neighbour down the street who wants to know everything - she is a child of God; that annoying person who stares back at you in the mirror - guess what? Yep a child of God. I'm sure you get the picture, so

Be excellent to each other and namaste on dudes!