Kia ora e te whanau
FORUM 2025 – Kings Birthday Weekend, in Auckland – Expressions of Interest
The expressions of interest have been trickling it. I’m delighted that it’s from a broad spectrum across our base. We’d like to hear from more of you. The Standing Committee has agreed that the Fee will be $250 for the weekend (travel and accommodation extra) if registered before the end of April. After that it will increase to $300. Registration forms will be available February onward.
We’re still looking for ‘Expressions of Interest’ – from those intending or hoping to be present. I’d be grateful if you could simply contact me at my personal email address yomyom@xtra.co.nz, to let me know it’s on your radar.
Leadership and Personal Development
1. Leading from Behind
Here’s one I really resonated with. While in Parish ministry, if asked to describe my own style, I would have said that this encapsulates it. At the heart of it was that we travelled together. We may have done it more slowly, we may not have ‘taken so many hills’, but we did it together. No-one left behind. I’ve long been convinced that how we travel is as important as the destination. It’s the how that determines who will travel with us, and often ultimately also determines the destination. This article speaks of a leadership that is much more intentional than I ever was. Perhaps it might have helped if I’d encountered it 35 years ago. It can be read here: https://www.thehrdirector.com/features/leadership/sometimes-way-lead-follow-paradox-leadership/
2. Why gratitude is your best leadership strategy
The best leader I’ve ever encountered has always been kind, appreciative, and knows how to genuinely empower others. I’ve observed that when we are negative toward others, it bounces back at us. That when we violate someone else in some way, there are two people who are violated – our victim, and ourselves. Conversely, as pointed out in this research-based article, when we bless others, there are two people who are blessed – the recipient and the giver. It can be read here: https://www.fastcompany.com/91237003/why-gratitude-is-your-best-leadership-strategy
Homilies & Preaching Resources
Trevor Hoggard’s sermon for this coming Sunday includes the lectionary readings of Micah 5:2-5a; Hebrews 10:5-10. and Luke 1:39-45. Trevor reflects on the promise of good things to come, even in the face of difficulty. His sermon can be experienced here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RePuQPosjjQ
The Diocese of Waikato & Taranaki continues to post sermons on-line. The preacher for this coming Sunday is Joyce Marcon, in the Huntly Parish. Joyce also focusses on the Gospel text – Luke 1:39-45. Her message can be engaged with here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii1qkhZ69Jo
My response to the Gospel text for December 22nd of Luke 1:39-55 is titled ‘Equipped for the Task’. It can be experienced here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw5aP12PpbM&t=30s
Gospel Conversations – 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/ . The conversation this week continues Advent with the same text – Luke 1:39-45. It can be engaged with here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frmK1GAoFZ8
But wait, there’s more – Christmas Day looms
I’ve also produced a couple of Homilies for Christmas Day (Since it’s in the middle of next week)
The first is based on the Gospel text of Luke 1:1-14, and is titled ‘Drawn into God’s Story’. It can be experienced here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt-eEcb5uw8
The second is based on the Gospel text of John 1:1-14, and is Titled ‘Up Close and Personal’. It can be experienced here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy0HJlt5Q6c
And there’s yet more!
More Gospel Conversations – Christmas Day text Luke 2:1-14 Their conversation can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imlugje-WbM