It was strange, walking through a shopping complex to reach a church, but on this night, that’s what I was doing. A web search for “7pm service” had shown me St Johns Lutheran church, nestled in the middle of Southbank. It was a wet night, and as I walked across the forecourt near the church, I was amazed at how beautiful it was. Sitting amongst corporate headquarters and millions of dollars of high priced shopping precinct was a traditional looking church, a round building with a 2 storey ceiling, a balcony around the edge housing the organ and extra seating overlooking the sanctuary.
I thought about Jesus, and the way he took his ministry with the poor, the prostitutes – the outsiders, and he took it to the temple, to the Pharisees, the tax collectors. This church was sitting here, and that night, quite literally, as a shining light amongst a world of greed. But also, amongst a collection of modern architecture, the forecourt leading up to the church still looked like a church. The new world versus the old.
Walking in, the place was packed, barely a spare seat, which I soon found out was because of a visiting school group from Concordia College in South Australia – they’d brought 3 choirs and a string orchestra group – but more about that later.
Somehow in my travels I seemed to keep finding myself in churches for Baptisms – which is great by me because I love getting to hear peoples stories. It was a person who had come to faith through St Johns involvement in Uni Campus ministries, and a great way to hear about the effectiveness of the church. It was also a communion service, and I was able to witness for my first time, a particular older church tradition, singing as the Eucharist is taken. It was very cool to be a part of, and the pastor made it clear that all who believed in Jesus were welcome to take part. The sermon was quite good, short and relevant, and the hymns sung were quite traditional.
But interspersed throughout the service, Concordia College had a hand in really making this visit an interesting experience. Two of the choirs performed gospel songs – as seems tradition these days for any gospel group, we had ‘Joyful, Joyful’ as rendered in Sister Act, and also a song called ‘He never failed me yet’. Both were uplifting, hand clapping foot stomping moments, a great experience of joy in worship to God that the whole congregation got into. And to conclude the service, the 16 piece string orchestra performed for us. The song was instantly recognisable to me – but not one I’d ever heard in church before – stairway to heaven, and gosh was it well played.
After the service I took a walk through the CBD to reflect – I’d been really amazed by the way this church had taken tradition and thrown in modernity. Their worship was a seamless mix of the two, giving respect to their past, but living in the now, and that seemed to fit perfectly with who they are and where they were located. I reflected in my own life that there are parts of my faith and my service that I should never let go of, and ways to do things that should stay the same – always – but that there should also be room to alter my ideas, and incorporate new ways of thinking about God.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
The Departed, re-reviewed
Today, 'The Departed' won four Oscars, including best picture. I thought I'd take the opportunity to pay tribute to it by re-posting an old review. Once again, a new movie, but one that has pushed it's way into my top 5 all time movies. Its a damn fine watch.
Last night I saw The Departed. Wow what a movie. Scorcese has gathered a top line cast - Matt Damon, Leo Dicaprio, Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg, Alec Baldwin, and Jack Nicholson. And this was some of the best acting I have ever seen from some of these. Defintely the best I've seen from Dicaprio, as the Police officer undercover in the Irish Mob. I thought he's done a good job in the past, but tends to come across as a petulant child. Actually, I haven't thought he has been convincing as an actor since Gilbert Grape. He does a fine job here as a man truly conflicted by his sense of duty, his honour, and his greed. Jack Nicholson, as the brutal and conniving Mob underboss was in fine semi-evil form as maniacal as any of his Oscar winning roles were. Alec Baldwin, a ranking police officer was simply great, egotistical, arroant, and barking mad. Matt Damon, the mob mole slowly climbing the police ranks, is brilliantly opportunist, obviosuly looking after himself foremost and mentally sticking two fingers up at anyone willing to come between him and a comfortable kind of survival. The set up of the movie was great with a twisted plot where you are never entirely sure about who is good and who is bad. The camera and editing, brilliant, and the soundtrack was really enjoyable.
The movie is set in gritty, Irish dominated Boston, and we see the tension of those growing up in the almost-slums of South Bostson, an area shadowed by organised crime. The gangs are simple, loyal, and hard-nosed. The cops are high-tech, dedicated, and honest (?). The basic premise - the cops want to bring down the Irish mafia. The Irish mafia want to control the cops. At thge same time, each group sends a man undercover into the other, and it is the corssing of these paths theat builds the wholemovie. It keeps you enthralled and thinking throught he whole movie - I kept finding myself secretly cheering for the bad guys. It is pretty visually brutal, and the language is off the scale, so probably not a movie for meek, sheltered Christian types; but to do this movie justice, I think it needed to be exactly this full on. Certain scenes had the mostly make audience cheering, but its the tension portrayed by the two respective 'undercover' agents, what they will do to avoid suspicion and getting aught, and just how close they keep comign to each other, that drives this fantastic movie.
Definitely a good way to waste two hours!
Last night I saw The Departed. Wow what a movie. Scorcese has gathered a top line cast - Matt Damon, Leo Dicaprio, Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg, Alec Baldwin, and Jack Nicholson. And this was some of the best acting I have ever seen from some of these. Defintely the best I've seen from Dicaprio, as the Police officer undercover in the Irish Mob. I thought he's done a good job in the past, but tends to come across as a petulant child. Actually, I haven't thought he has been convincing as an actor since Gilbert Grape. He does a fine job here as a man truly conflicted by his sense of duty, his honour, and his greed. Jack Nicholson, as the brutal and conniving Mob underboss was in fine semi-evil form as maniacal as any of his Oscar winning roles were. Alec Baldwin, a ranking police officer was simply great, egotistical, arroant, and barking mad. Matt Damon, the mob mole slowly climbing the police ranks, is brilliantly opportunist, obviosuly looking after himself foremost and mentally sticking two fingers up at anyone willing to come between him and a comfortable kind of survival. The set up of the movie was great with a twisted plot where you are never entirely sure about who is good and who is bad. The camera and editing, brilliant, and the soundtrack was really enjoyable.
The movie is set in gritty, Irish dominated Boston, and we see the tension of those growing up in the almost-slums of South Bostson, an area shadowed by organised crime. The gangs are simple, loyal, and hard-nosed. The cops are high-tech, dedicated, and honest (?). The basic premise - the cops want to bring down the Irish mafia. The Irish mafia want to control the cops. At thge same time, each group sends a man undercover into the other, and it is the corssing of these paths theat builds the wholemovie. It keeps you enthralled and thinking throught he whole movie - I kept finding myself secretly cheering for the bad guys. It is pretty visually brutal, and the language is off the scale, so probably not a movie for meek, sheltered Christian types; but to do this movie justice, I think it needed to be exactly this full on. Certain scenes had the mostly make audience cheering, but its the tension portrayed by the two respective 'undercover' agents, what they will do to avoid suspicion and getting aught, and just how close they keep comign to each other, that drives this fantastic movie.
Definitely a good way to waste two hours!
Mt Buffalo September 22-23 2006
I cruised down the mountain, stopping to enjoy the view and appreciate what I’d just done a couple of times and headed into Bright for a coke. As I drove into the Buckland Valley, it was beginning to get dark. There were two parks marked on my maps as having toilets and Barbecues, but as I drove up to each, I spotted very clear ‘no camping’ signs. My last resort was a place marked as a picnic ground, just near where the road fords the river – otherwise, it was going to be tent next to the car on the roadside. I needn’t have worried. As I rounded the corner, the picnic site turned out to be several acres divided into six campsites, with lots of beautiful green grass, a fireplace in the centre of each, and a toilet block. Fresh water from the river at the ford, and plenty of firewood. I set up the tent, gathered some wood and lit a huge fire. I sat up for a while, reading and listening to music, before grabbing a very relaxed night’s sleep.
I woke up feeling very fresh, and realising that it would be far easier to stay the night in the same place, I planned a loop walk, along the river, up over a firebreak, and looping back onto a four wheel drive trail. I packed everything either into the pack (A nice dummy pack – lunch and water, a few odds and ends, at about 15kg) or back into the car, leaving just my firewood pile, the tent, and my sleeping gear. I began walking but soon realised that the firebreak was far too overgrown to be able to walk safely, so instead decided to take a lazy walk through the valley, with the road following the riverbed most of the way. There was a nice dam where I stopped and reloaded my water bottles and took a small break, and then crossed the bridge and headed along the road.
It just became a flat haul, all day. It was nice, just following the road through forest and farmland. There was fairly frequent traffic, most of whom I saw twice in the day for a friendly was, and some chit-chat with local farmers. It was sunny, in he low 20’s scale of things, and the sun spattered through the leafy cover of the trees that lined the road. I somehow still had power in the iPod, so spent the morning listening to stand up comedy and U2 live. My occasional glimpses of the river tempted me to climb down and take a swim, but although I was never more than 100 metres from it, it was just a touch too hard to get down there – or back. By 2 oclock, I had reached the 20 k mark from where I began, and so I had lunch, and then turned and walked back. I made good time, up until I reached the Dam. I stopped to get a drink, and suddenly my nose was bleeding. I sat there for about ½ an hour while it bled out, and by the time I resumed my walk, with 5 kilometres to go, I was decided. I reached the campsite, took a toilet stop and freshened up, then loaded my sleeping gear, and tent, into the car whole, and got driving. I was in radio reception just in time for the kick off in the rugby league semi final, and spent the drive home listening to the Storm win in style. I returned home, tired, but satisfied – a mountain climbed 80 kilometres hiked, and a new sense of my relationship with God. Anything I dream, I can do. I just have to face the challenges that will come bravely. I need to find my rhythm and keep walking, with trust that my God will walk with me to the end.
I woke up feeling very fresh, and realising that it would be far easier to stay the night in the same place, I planned a loop walk, along the river, up over a firebreak, and looping back onto a four wheel drive trail. I packed everything either into the pack (A nice dummy pack – lunch and water, a few odds and ends, at about 15kg) or back into the car, leaving just my firewood pile, the tent, and my sleeping gear. I began walking but soon realised that the firebreak was far too overgrown to be able to walk safely, so instead decided to take a lazy walk through the valley, with the road following the riverbed most of the way. There was a nice dam where I stopped and reloaded my water bottles and took a small break, and then crossed the bridge and headed along the road.
It just became a flat haul, all day. It was nice, just following the road through forest and farmland. There was fairly frequent traffic, most of whom I saw twice in the day for a friendly was, and some chit-chat with local farmers. It was sunny, in he low 20’s scale of things, and the sun spattered through the leafy cover of the trees that lined the road. I somehow still had power in the iPod, so spent the morning listening to stand up comedy and U2 live. My occasional glimpses of the river tempted me to climb down and take a swim, but although I was never more than 100 metres from it, it was just a touch too hard to get down there – or back. By 2 oclock, I had reached the 20 k mark from where I began, and so I had lunch, and then turned and walked back. I made good time, up until I reached the Dam. I stopped to get a drink, and suddenly my nose was bleeding. I sat there for about ½ an hour while it bled out, and by the time I resumed my walk, with 5 kilometres to go, I was decided. I reached the campsite, took a toilet stop and freshened up, then loaded my sleeping gear, and tent, into the car whole, and got driving. I was in radio reception just in time for the kick off in the rugby league semi final, and spent the drive home listening to the Storm win in style. I returned home, tired, but satisfied – a mountain climbed 80 kilometres hiked, and a new sense of my relationship with God. Anything I dream, I can do. I just have to face the challenges that will come bravely. I need to find my rhythm and keep walking, with trust that my God will walk with me to the end.
Friday, February 23, 2007
The Simpsons Movie
Well, The Simpsons movie trailer has finally been revealed. It looks great! The visuals are very involved, much finer details and more background than we have seen before, but still looks like the classic animation that we love. A role call tells us that most of our favourite characters are in - Lenny & Karl, Burns and Smithers, Grandpa and Ralph. Actually, the crowd shots reveal many one off characters we've seen before as well - Don Brodka, Gabbo & Arthur Crandall, The crazy Texan, Mr teeny. Barney appears to be a drunk again, I wonder what they’re doing there – I certainly think he’s been boring since he went sober.
We see a scene of Bart skateboarding naked through Springfield. It also looks as though they are revisiting the storyline where Burns blacks out Springfield with a giant disc (in a homage to Independence day). At the very least, Burns is at his maniacal best. Homer has done something that angers the entire town, with a very angry mob [Dr Hibbert "I'll Kill you you soon of a bitch"] trashing the Simpson house. We see Marge become angry a him (but that’s not all that unusual), and it hints he may leave Springfield.
We do see Homer off on adventures around the world, so it does point the possibility of him being chased out of town. We also see Bart and Flanders bonding - possibly little Barteroony is seeking a father figure? I wonder how Homer will take the news that Bart wants to be a Flanders? Im looking forward to more news, and to July 27.
We see a scene of Bart skateboarding naked through Springfield. It also looks as though they are revisiting the storyline where Burns blacks out Springfield with a giant disc (in a homage to Independence day). At the very least, Burns is at his maniacal best. Homer has done something that angers the entire town, with a very angry mob [Dr Hibbert "I'll Kill you you soon of a bitch"] trashing the Simpson house. We see Marge become angry a him (but that’s not all that unusual), and it hints he may leave Springfield.
We do see Homer off on adventures around the world, so it does point the possibility of him being chased out of town. We also see Bart and Flanders bonding - possibly little Barteroony is seeking a father figure? I wonder how Homer will take the news that Bart wants to be a Flanders? Im looking forward to more news, and to July 27.
Melbourne Victory vs Adelaide United February 18, Telstra Dome
What a game! One of the best football experiences I have had recently, and there have been a few good experiences. I have a book, Fever Pitch, which states the seven things that make for a really enjoyable games, and it ticked 6 of those categories.
(1) Lots of Goals 6-0. It can seem lopsided, but when it your own team, at home, you don’t care too much. The first, by Archie, was the thing that tense football is made of, as he stepped forward and awkwardly slotted the ball toward the far post, we all stood from our seats to cheer, only to drop instantly when Valkanis stretched his foot on the line to clear the ball. The commentator stirred us from our disappointment “The linesman is signalling it was in. Goal to Melbourne Victory – another roar, and we were dancing on the spot. A brilliant individual effort - Five goals by Archie Thompson, a wonderful individual effort, but we all know without the passing of Brebner, Fred and Muscat, they wouldn’t have happened. After being subbed on at 89 minutes though, the best goal in my opinion goes to Kristian Sarkies, who ran the ball down the left side, pulled back around one defender,, and then from outside the penalty area curved a ball, past two defenders, and beat the keeper to ricochet the ball of the top of the far post and into the back of the net.
(2) A noisy crowd. The several supporters groups from Melbourne have been great all season, bringing the terraces alive. They keep the chants going throughout the whole match, providing massive entertainment and support.
(3) A terrible refereeing decision – usually best when not in your favour, but boy did it stir up trouble when three Melbourne players were offside and Archie received the ball to run on and score his fourth
(4) A Red Card, in this case a second yellow to Adelaide captain Ross Aloisi, the first for a bad tackle, this one was for a blatant hip and shoulder around the head of Grant Brebner who had already released the ball. There was no doubt in the validity of the card, and Adelaide were down to ten men.
(5) Rain, a greasy surface. The rain that began to fall late in the first half slicked up the right side of the pitch beautifully, with the ball sliding cleanly over the grass, and when a boot was applied properly, it was magic
(6) Unpleasantness or silliness: Nothing could have been more silly than the behaviour of the Adelaide squad. Not particularly gracious in defeat, Veart calling the refs 3 blind mice, Coach John Kosmina (already banned from the pitch for abusing referees) claiming that ‘Dark forces of the universe conspired against them’. Basically no-one was willing to own up that they were played off the park before the first 20 minutes was up, letting alone a full 90.
One of the most enjoyable games I've ever watched, and it was a great way to cap off a season of record-breakers - average crowd of 30 000, two games with 50 000 spectators, Archie getting player of the year and player of the grand final. Oh, and final mention of respect goes to Sarkies for kissing John Howard on the forehead in celebration.
Melbourne Victory, A-league Premiers 2006-2007
Melbourne Victory, A-league Champions 2006-2007
(1) Lots of Goals 6-0. It can seem lopsided, but when it your own team, at home, you don’t care too much. The first, by Archie, was the thing that tense football is made of, as he stepped forward and awkwardly slotted the ball toward the far post, we all stood from our seats to cheer, only to drop instantly when Valkanis stretched his foot on the line to clear the ball. The commentator stirred us from our disappointment “The linesman is signalling it was in. Goal to Melbourne Victory – another roar, and we were dancing on the spot. A brilliant individual effort - Five goals by Archie Thompson, a wonderful individual effort, but we all know without the passing of Brebner, Fred and Muscat, they wouldn’t have happened. After being subbed on at 89 minutes though, the best goal in my opinion goes to Kristian Sarkies, who ran the ball down the left side, pulled back around one defender,, and then from outside the penalty area curved a ball, past two defenders, and beat the keeper to ricochet the ball of the top of the far post and into the back of the net.
(2) A noisy crowd. The several supporters groups from Melbourne have been great all season, bringing the terraces alive. They keep the chants going throughout the whole match, providing massive entertainment and support.
(3) A terrible refereeing decision – usually best when not in your favour, but boy did it stir up trouble when three Melbourne players were offside and Archie received the ball to run on and score his fourth
(4) A Red Card, in this case a second yellow to Adelaide captain Ross Aloisi, the first for a bad tackle, this one was for a blatant hip and shoulder around the head of Grant Brebner who had already released the ball. There was no doubt in the validity of the card, and Adelaide were down to ten men.
(5) Rain, a greasy surface. The rain that began to fall late in the first half slicked up the right side of the pitch beautifully, with the ball sliding cleanly over the grass, and when a boot was applied properly, it was magic
(6) Unpleasantness or silliness: Nothing could have been more silly than the behaviour of the Adelaide squad. Not particularly gracious in defeat, Veart calling the refs 3 blind mice, Coach John Kosmina (already banned from the pitch for abusing referees) claiming that ‘Dark forces of the universe conspired against them’. Basically no-one was willing to own up that they were played off the park before the first 20 minutes was up, letting alone a full 90.
One of the most enjoyable games I've ever watched, and it was a great way to cap off a season of record-breakers - average crowd of 30 000, two games with 50 000 spectators, Archie getting player of the year and player of the grand final. Oh, and final mention of respect goes to Sarkies for kissing John Howard on the forehead in celebration.
Melbourne Victory, A-league Premiers 2006-2007
Melbourne Victory, A-league Champions 2006-2007
Mt Buffalo September 21-22 2006
Finding the only campsite on the mountain closed for winter, I decided to head for the motel on the south end of the plateau, but that too was closed. I decided I could probably get away with another night of camping on the mountain, and eventually decided that the saddle next to one of the main climbs was best – the road cuts between the climb to the hump and another ridge, there was an area to park and a toilet block, and a large grassy area. I had something to eat and grabbed my iPod, sleeping bag and beanie, and found a nice soft clump of grass. It may have been down near 0 out there, but as long as I kept my sleeping bag pulled tight, and my face turned away from the wind, I was toasty warm. Lying under a cloudless sky, the heaven were open before me, and as I stared into the milky way counting shooting stars, I listened to Gustav Holsts ‘ the planets’ and spent some great time in prayer and reflection, peace found in the vast wilderness.
In the morning I got up earlyish and headed back to the park near the chalet to freshen up and have breakfast. I then drove back to the saddle, parked my car, and loading my pack began my ascent. With a random selection of songs that all focused on imagining and dreaming, “If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it, anything you want to, do it, want to change the world – there’s nothing to it”. I climbed through the arched corridor of trees, around the base of the Cathedral, a stunning rock formation and I began the final haul up to the top of the mountain. Scrambling over boulders, I finally reached it, the top. With the wind buffeting me, I reached the top and shouted with exhilaration. I praised God, I mocked Satan. I had made it. I had climbed my mountain, both physically, and metaphorically. I took off my pack, and grabbed my bible and sat reading for a while, before taking some photos, enjoying a 360 degree view of Vittoria’s high country. I said a prayer, and then headed back down. In the afternoon, I went on some small day walk loops, around the underground river, down to Mackenzie falls, and to the sentinel. Driving back down the mountain, I felt satisfied, and after walking another 12 kilometres for the day, was looking forward to some rest
In the morning I got up earlyish and headed back to the park near the chalet to freshen up and have breakfast. I then drove back to the saddle, parked my car, and loading my pack began my ascent. With a random selection of songs that all focused on imagining and dreaming, “If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it, anything you want to, do it, want to change the world – there’s nothing to it”. I climbed through the arched corridor of trees, around the base of the Cathedral, a stunning rock formation and I began the final haul up to the top of the mountain. Scrambling over boulders, I finally reached it, the top. With the wind buffeting me, I reached the top and shouted with exhilaration. I praised God, I mocked Satan. I had made it. I had climbed my mountain, both physically, and metaphorically. I took off my pack, and grabbed my bible and sat reading for a while, before taking some photos, enjoying a 360 degree view of Vittoria’s high country. I said a prayer, and then headed back down. In the afternoon, I went on some small day walk loops, around the underground river, down to Mackenzie falls, and to the sentinel. Driving back down the mountain, I felt satisfied, and after walking another 12 kilometres for the day, was looking forward to some rest
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Valentines Day 2007, Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Last night was the first of the MSO concerts for 2007, and the best thing was it was a free concert at the Sidney Myer Music bowl. Firstly, I must say its been a long time since I’ve been to see a Symphoy Orchestra. Yet let’s not forget that yesterday was a special day and I had someone special to spend it with. I knew I wanted to go on a picnic somewhere, but where? When I saw the MSO concert advertised, I knew it was a winner. The weather was dazzling, a nice, dry heat of 30ish degrees, there were a few wispy clous in the bright blue sky. We found a nice (but rare) green patch on the lawn on the hill overlooking the music bowl and settled in on the rug with the picnic. When we got there the seats at the front were filled, and there was a smattering of people across the hill.
By the time the orchestra was warming up, the sun was beginning to dip in the sky, clouds were rolling in between the buildings in the city, and the lawn was packed. Even the kid who had been wrapping himself in a picnic blanket and rolling down the hill had nowhere to move.
The orchestra played 3 pieces, a suite from Rimsky-Korsakov, a piano concerto by Rachmaninoff, and a symphony by Kalinnikov. The first piece was really nice, and we enjoyed watching the different sections of the orchestra do their thing. The timpani was fun, the double bass section looked all cool. The harps were really beautiful and stood out over the top of the rest, and I love seeing other instruments that you just can’t imagine on there own finding a perfect place within a piece, like the oboe. The Piano Concerto was amazing. There was a short interval, and then they began the final piece, the symphony by Kalinnikov. We noticed early on that several instruments had been removed from the stage – the Piano, obviously, was gone, but so was one of the harps, the trumpets, and most of the rest of the percussion section. Remaining in the back row was the woman playing the timpani, and one other gentleman, standing perfectly still, waiting.
Throughout the beautiful piece I wondered, what would be his role – the cymbals, perhaps? The triangle? While I enjoyed watching as some of the music moved in waves across the stage, from the bass section on the right to the high end on the left, I still kept a loose eye on the man. Only when we were distracted by the sky being lit up to the west by the flame towers at crown, did I really look away. (Well, other than staring into someone’s eyes on occasion) Half an hour into the piece, the music began to peak, as the elements of the orchestra rose in intensity. I finally saw movement form the gentleman in the back. He was warming up his hands, and as the music climzed, he brought out the triangle with floursih, and I'mpleased to say i could hear it over all the other instruments. Brilliant work, triangle man, brilliant.
The Conductor returned, and we were given a pleasant enore performance, probably another ten minutes of a piece that I didnt know. It finsihed, and as we began to applaud we heard a booming behind us, and turned to look over the hill to see a display of fireworks. It was a beautiful way to spend a beautiful evening.
Last night was the first of the MSO concerts for 2007, and the best thing was it was a free concert at the Sidney Myer Music bowl. Firstly, I must say its been a long time since I’ve been to see a Symphoy Orchestra. Yet let’s not forget that yesterday was a special day and I had someone special to spend it with. I knew I wanted to go on a picnic somewhere, but where? When I saw the MSO concert advertised, I knew it was a winner. The weather was dazzling, a nice, dry heat of 30ish degrees, there were a few wispy clous in the bright blue sky. We found a nice (but rare) green patch on the lawn on the hill overlooking the music bowl and settled in on the rug with the picnic. When we got there the seats at the front were filled, and there was a smattering of people across the hill.
By the time the orchestra was warming up, the sun was beginning to dip in the sky, clouds were rolling in between the buildings in the city, and the lawn was packed. Even the kid who had been wrapping himself in a picnic blanket and rolling down the hill had nowhere to move.
The orchestra played 3 pieces, a suite from Rimsky-Korsakov, a piano concerto by Rachmaninoff, and a symphony by Kalinnikov. The first piece was really nice, and we enjoyed watching the different sections of the orchestra do their thing. The timpani was fun, the double bass section looked all cool. The harps were really beautiful and stood out over the top of the rest, and I love seeing other instruments that you just can’t imagine on there own finding a perfect place within a piece, like the oboe. The Piano Concerto was amazing. There was a short interval, and then they began the final piece, the symphony by Kalinnikov. We noticed early on that several instruments had been removed from the stage – the Piano, obviously, was gone, but so was one of the harps, the trumpets, and most of the rest of the percussion section. Remaining in the back row was the woman playing the timpani, and one other gentleman, standing perfectly still, waiting.
Throughout the beautiful piece I wondered, what would be his role – the cymbals, perhaps? The triangle? While I enjoyed watching as some of the music moved in waves across the stage, from the bass section on the right to the high end on the left, I still kept a loose eye on the man. Only when we were distracted by the sky being lit up to the west by the flame towers at crown, did I really look away. (Well, other than staring into someone’s eyes on occasion) Half an hour into the piece, the music began to peak, as the elements of the orchestra rose in intensity. I finally saw movement form the gentleman in the back. He was warming up his hands, and as the music climzed, he brought out the triangle with floursih, and I'mpleased to say i could hear it over all the other instruments. Brilliant work, triangle man, brilliant.
The Conductor returned, and we were given a pleasant enore performance, probably another ten minutes of a piece that I didnt know. It finsihed, and as we began to applaud we heard a booming behind us, and turned to look over the hill to see a display of fireworks. It was a beautiful way to spend a beautiful evening.
Mt Buffalo September 20-21 2006
Hiking solo for 4 days? Sounded like more than I could handle. Not the hiking, the solo. I like people, I like interaction. But I felt God calling me to the wilderness, like you wouldn’t believe. In the middle of a church service he gave me a picture, of myself standing on a peak above many other mountains, his kingdom stretched before me, and he simply said ‘Go’. How could I not go?
So I planned my trip. Up and over Mount Buffalo from Thursday to Sunday. I drove up Wednesday night, met my parents and let them buy me lunch in Benalla, and then said goodbye to human interaction. I made it to the foot of Buffalo at around 4 so thought, ‘might as well get going’ and set out to see how far I could get up by sunset. Problem was, I’d looked at the map and seen that by the road, it was 24 k’s up the mountain – easily one day’s worth of walking. It didn’t occur to me that I would also be climbing the 1 ½ k’s from the park entrance. So I chucked on my overstuffed pack and began walking along the road. I had the camera out, so my travelling companion (a garden gnome) and I took a few nice photos along the way. By sunset I had hiked around ten k’s, but pushed on through the dark a little further til I reached a picnic ground, where I set up my tent near a fire place. I scrounged some wood and lit a fire, but after not too long, I retreated to my tent and went to sleep.
I got started early the next morning (partly because I wasn’t in a legit campsite and dint want to get in trouble) and got started again, moving off the road and onto the trail proper, to begin moving up the face of this mountain. A lot of the trail was granite boulder, but the views from certain points were amazing, down into the valleys. I had my iPod, which helped me pass the time, a soundtrack of live albums and musicals. At midday, after walking nine kilometres, and going up 1 kilometre, I was exhausted and on the last bunch of steps that I climbed to reach the plateau, my right knee was clicking in and out of place. Saying goodbye to my plans of ‘wilderness’ I threw my pack down at the door of the chalet, walked into the café and ordered a chicken salad, a coke and bought a newspaper. For the next hour I relaxed in the civility of the café, but realised I would need to do something about my accommodation for the night. I asked nicely if I could leave my pack behind, and in the next 3 hours with just a daypack, jogged the 12 k’s back down the mountain to my car. I picked up my pack, drove to the campsite on the mountain, only to find it was closed. Arggh what was I going to do?
So I planned my trip. Up and over Mount Buffalo from Thursday to Sunday. I drove up Wednesday night, met my parents and let them buy me lunch in Benalla, and then said goodbye to human interaction. I made it to the foot of Buffalo at around 4 so thought, ‘might as well get going’ and set out to see how far I could get up by sunset. Problem was, I’d looked at the map and seen that by the road, it was 24 k’s up the mountain – easily one day’s worth of walking. It didn’t occur to me that I would also be climbing the 1 ½ k’s from the park entrance. So I chucked on my overstuffed pack and began walking along the road. I had the camera out, so my travelling companion (a garden gnome) and I took a few nice photos along the way. By sunset I had hiked around ten k’s, but pushed on through the dark a little further til I reached a picnic ground, where I set up my tent near a fire place. I scrounged some wood and lit a fire, but after not too long, I retreated to my tent and went to sleep.
I got started early the next morning (partly because I wasn’t in a legit campsite and dint want to get in trouble) and got started again, moving off the road and onto the trail proper, to begin moving up the face of this mountain. A lot of the trail was granite boulder, but the views from certain points were amazing, down into the valleys. I had my iPod, which helped me pass the time, a soundtrack of live albums and musicals. At midday, after walking nine kilometres, and going up 1 kilometre, I was exhausted and on the last bunch of steps that I climbed to reach the plateau, my right knee was clicking in and out of place. Saying goodbye to my plans of ‘wilderness’ I threw my pack down at the door of the chalet, walked into the café and ordered a chicken salad, a coke and bought a newspaper. For the next hour I relaxed in the civility of the café, but realised I would need to do something about my accommodation for the night. I asked nicely if I could leave my pack behind, and in the next 3 hours with just a daypack, jogged the 12 k’s back down the mountain to my car. I picked up my pack, drove to the campsite on the mountain, only to find it was closed. Arggh what was I going to do?
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Pub Trivia
Pub Trivia. It’s something that seems to be growing at the mo. Being a bunch of no social life- smart alecs, when we first saw our local pub advertising a new trivia competition two years ago, we got on board from the start. Trivia had always been the kind of thing we did once or twice a year to raise money for some good cause or another, but here was the option to appear highly intelligent each week.
Well, not that intelligent. If you can name four US states that start with M, know all the actors who played James Bond, or remember who lost the 1995 AFL Grand Final, then trivia is for you. Its casual and fun, you pick a ‘zany’ team name (A little inconsistent, No Trumps, Mount Dover Refugees, Urban Geezers) and have a few drinks (alcoholic or non, your choice), often a good pub meal (like a chicken parma), and spend the night answering those sorts of questions.
Pubs all over Melbourne are now doing this on weeknights to keep business up when its slow. First prize is usually a voucher to spend at that particular pub, there are always plenty of drink prizes. Some pubs have cash prizes for bonus jackpots as well, Every week each pub has its regulars, and casual team always drift in to give it a try. The Pub we currently go to, Father Flannagans hotel in Fitzroy, is great, the guys who work there are fun and easygoing ( and with kickin Irish accents). The teams we compete against aren’t too annoying. Anyway, if you’ve got a weeknight free sometime, and feel like you know some random bit of knowledge that could be handy, give pub trivia a try.
Well, not that intelligent. If you can name four US states that start with M, know all the actors who played James Bond, or remember who lost the 1995 AFL Grand Final, then trivia is for you. Its casual and fun, you pick a ‘zany’ team name (A little inconsistent, No Trumps, Mount Dover Refugees, Urban Geezers) and have a few drinks (alcoholic or non, your choice), often a good pub meal (like a chicken parma), and spend the night answering those sorts of questions.
Pubs all over Melbourne are now doing this on weeknights to keep business up when its slow. First prize is usually a voucher to spend at that particular pub, there are always plenty of drink prizes. Some pubs have cash prizes for bonus jackpots as well, Every week each pub has its regulars, and casual team always drift in to give it a try. The Pub we currently go to, Father Flannagans hotel in Fitzroy, is great, the guys who work there are fun and easygoing ( and with kickin Irish accents). The teams we compete against aren’t too annoying. Anyway, if you’ve got a weeknight free sometime, and feel like you know some random bit of knowledge that could be handy, give pub trivia a try.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Gospel Chapel: Sunday April 30 2006
30 April 2006
An invitation to a friend’s church, and a reunion with my old coffee shop team took me to a gospel chapel, traditionally a brethren style church. Of course, it wasn’t to be a typical brethren service – there was a woman preaching. Walking in to any other church, at least for me at that time, was strange. I was the guy who was reliable at being at my own church morning and night every week. It was where I was meant to feel comfortable.
But I walked in, and recognised no-one. Spotting a good pew half way down the hall with no one else in it, I took a seat. It was typical of our old church buiding – low roof, yellow carpet, cream colored walls. A stage barely raised. A nice, comfortable little building. There was music on cd playing, and I spent a few minutes just relaxing. I didn’t have to greet anyone, I didn’t feel compelled to do a head count, or make sure there were attendants for the offering. After a few minutes, some friends came in and as the service started we engaged in a little small talk, the classic ‘Hey, how are you” chat.
The service wasn’t particularly special – the music was tame, the sermon wasn’t anything new to me, the bible reading was one that I know well. But there was something different in church that night, something very special to me. For the first in a longish time for me in church services, I worshipped – openly and wholeheartedly. When the service ended, the fellowship meant something to me. We all went out for dinner, and it felt good to be talking with these people. We shared, we prayed, and we mucked around a heck of a lot.
This had been a night like I hadn’t felt in my own church in a while – in my own quiet times, I still felt great ways of worship, I hadn’t actually felt God’s deliberate presence for a while. In our prayer meetings, I knew God was answering us, but in my own heart wondered if God was listening. I never doubted Gods presence, his authority, his majesty – but in my heart, I doubted his love. This night was different. This felt like church should. Unencumbered by the responsibilities of servant hood, I found interaction.
An invitation to a friend’s church, and a reunion with my old coffee shop team took me to a gospel chapel, traditionally a brethren style church. Of course, it wasn’t to be a typical brethren service – there was a woman preaching. Walking in to any other church, at least for me at that time, was strange. I was the guy who was reliable at being at my own church morning and night every week. It was where I was meant to feel comfortable.
But I walked in, and recognised no-one. Spotting a good pew half way down the hall with no one else in it, I took a seat. It was typical of our old church buiding – low roof, yellow carpet, cream colored walls. A stage barely raised. A nice, comfortable little building. There was music on cd playing, and I spent a few minutes just relaxing. I didn’t have to greet anyone, I didn’t feel compelled to do a head count, or make sure there were attendants for the offering. After a few minutes, some friends came in and as the service started we engaged in a little small talk, the classic ‘Hey, how are you” chat.
The service wasn’t particularly special – the music was tame, the sermon wasn’t anything new to me, the bible reading was one that I know well. But there was something different in church that night, something very special to me. For the first in a longish time for me in church services, I worshipped – openly and wholeheartedly. When the service ended, the fellowship meant something to me. We all went out for dinner, and it felt good to be talking with these people. We shared, we prayed, and we mucked around a heck of a lot.
This had been a night like I hadn’t felt in my own church in a while – in my own quiet times, I still felt great ways of worship, I hadn’t actually felt God’s deliberate presence for a while. In our prayer meetings, I knew God was answering us, but in my own heart wondered if God was listening. I never doubted Gods presence, his authority, his majesty – but in my heart, I doubted his love. This night was different. This felt like church should. Unencumbered by the responsibilities of servant hood, I found interaction.
What am i doing?
Well, I’m sorry it’s been a while since I’ve posted on here. Urban Summer had me wiped out for a while, and since then I’ve just been flat out busy pulling together everything for this year.
What does this year hold for Greg?
Going back to college at Ridley and studying Chaplaincy and Old Testament
Been meaning to do this a while. I started my Btheol at Whitley four years ago, did about half a years worth of subjects part time, but got too busy with work and things around church to find time for it. I’ve pulled a venue switch and hope to charge on through to the end now.
Continuing work at Mullauna College
At the moment working as an Integration Aide, working with students with special needs, but also just keeping an eye on the youth group kids, helping out a bit with welfare, counselling, camps. And trying to turn Caleb Wade into the most popular guy in the school.
Running the High Schools Ministries at Mitcham Baptist Church
Heading up the whole of our high schools ministries – We are planning a big re-think of the way we do High School outreach, so there hopefully will be some big changes there. I’ll be looking after the organisation of High School age small groups, and caring for the leaders of them, running a small group myself, and organising the Youth Group activities.
Soccer
Playing and coaching the Mitcham Raiders, hopefully to as much or more glory than last year, playing Indoor every Saturday night, managing my premier league fantasy team (which is sucking a bit at the moment) and getting to as many international games and Melbourne Victory games as I can.
What does this year hold for Greg?
Going back to college at Ridley and studying Chaplaincy and Old Testament
Been meaning to do this a while. I started my Btheol at Whitley four years ago, did about half a years worth of subjects part time, but got too busy with work and things around church to find time for it. I’ve pulled a venue switch and hope to charge on through to the end now.
Continuing work at Mullauna College
At the moment working as an Integration Aide, working with students with special needs, but also just keeping an eye on the youth group kids, helping out a bit with welfare, counselling, camps. And trying to turn Caleb Wade into the most popular guy in the school.
Running the High Schools Ministries at Mitcham Baptist Church
Heading up the whole of our high schools ministries – We are planning a big re-think of the way we do High School outreach, so there hopefully will be some big changes there. I’ll be looking after the organisation of High School age small groups, and caring for the leaders of them, running a small group myself, and organising the Youth Group activities.
Soccer
Playing and coaching the Mitcham Raiders, hopefully to as much or more glory than last year, playing Indoor every Saturday night, managing my premier league fantasy team (which is sucking a bit at the moment) and getting to as many international games and Melbourne Victory games as I can.
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