Kia ora e te whanau
We’ve been shocked and grieved by the death of Rev Jannet Mudavanhu, who has been in ministry with Trinity (Newtown) Union. Jannet had a brain bleed caused by an aneurism on Sunday 13th October. In the days following she made some progress and was able to talk with her sister Tendai who had come over from Africa to be with her. Ultimately Jannet failed to wake up on Friday morning and died on Saturday just past. Once again we’re confronted with our own mortality, and grieve the passing of one who was still relatively young, had so much vitality and pastoral giftedness. It seems so unfair. We hold her family and those close to Jannet in our prayers. Messages can be sent via nicolag@methodist.org.nz .
Personal and Leadership Resources
1. A Stanford professor explains how to develop the communication skill that sets great leaders apart
With the effective use of an acrostic, S-I-M-P-L-E, Professor Flynn lays out an effective presentation template for all leaders – whether in sermons or speeches intended to inspire. By using tools that connect, and make the message more memorable, just as Jesus did, there’s a greater likelihood of transformational change. The suggestions are accessible and easy to apply. The article can be read here: https://www.fastcompany.com/91214077/a-stanford-professor-explains-how-to-develop-the-communication-skill-that-sets-great-leaders-apart
But wait, there’s more
2. Excellent public speaking skills requires dedicated practice. Follow this 5-step guide to rehearse effectively for presentations.
Without cutting across the previous article, this one adds an extra layer – to help ensure that you’re communicating what you want to communicate, and have prepared adequately to be able to deliver it in the most effective way. It can be read here: https://www.inc-aus.com/carmine-gallo/i-coach-speakers-at-worlds-largest-brands-best-ones-follow-this-5-step-rehearsal-guide.html
And for something completely different
3. Leading Is Hard. Just Ask Fourth Graders
I talk a lot. The challenge of this article is, rather than having all the answers, to have the knack of being able to ask the right questions. Apparently, we need to put 4th graders (8 yr olds) in charge. What is it they do that we can all learn from? The article can be accessed here: https://www.inc-aus.com/larry-robertson/90990919.html
Homilies & Preaching Resources
Trevor Hoggard’s sermon, includes the lectionary readings of Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, and Mark 12:28-34. He starts with a very interesting and challenging interpretation of the Ruth story as a push back against the narrowness of Ezra’s ‘purifying’ post exilic reforms – reminding us that Jesus had Moabite blood in him. Trevor then moves into the gospel account – with both stories describing a conversion point, both for Ruth, and then the Scribe, followed by the realisation of an expansive vision of God’s love for the whole world, not just the chosen few. Trevor concludes by challenging the church to see the Moabites among us, and making room. His sermon can be engaged with here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJVF3q1q9nk
My response to the Gospel text for November 3rd of Mark 12:28-34 deals with Jesus heart encounter with a Scribe who ‘gets it’. He understands the very heart of the gospel – both for the Jew and the Christian, and, with Jesus, offers a compelling and achievable pathway to making the gospel a reality in one’s own life. The homily is titled ‘Can Love be Commanded?’ It can be experienced here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRN_EGbWPwA
Michael Godfrey (out of the Dunedin Anglican Diocese) hosts a conversation of 4 Theologians and Practitioners at the beginning of each week around the Gospel lectionary text for the coming Sunday. They examine four issues – one gives background to the text, then they consider their challenges, Good News, and application (the ‘so what?’). The site with all its options can be accessed here: https://www.calledsouth.org.nz/gospel-conversations/ Unfortunately the conversation for this coming Sunday based on that same gospel of Mark 12:28-34 has not been posted yet. Hopefully, clicking on to the general site (above), in the next day or so will give you access to it.
Again, it will help broaden all our reach if you ‘subscribe’ and ‘like’.
Once again, use the videos as you will.
A reminder (again)
Once again, please don’t forget to mark the dates for our Biennial Forum in your diaries. It will be staged through King’s Birthday Weekened at the Onehunga Co-operating Parish in Auckland – starting at 9am on Saturday the 31st of May and finishing around lunch on Monday the 2nd of June.
Now would be a good time to start booking flights where this is the best travel option for you.
