Australia Speaking Tour 2007 - July 29th, 2007

Jul. 29th, 2007

05:15 pm - Perth photos and update

PERTH - See lots of photos below!!

In Perth, on the western coast and my last city of the speaking tour, I had three events, each one a bit different. First, a morning conversation with about 25 people primarily ministers, youth and children's directors. We had a round-table conversation for two hours. I started off by telling about my ministry setting at the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple and also the children's ministries I have developed in other United Methodist congregations. The conversation took off from there in several directions: supporting the volunteers, multi-age Christian education and worship, and ways to help the church have a holistic view of the child and really include children in all parts of the life of the church, not just say it does.

The second event was in the evening 6-9:30pm. This was a shortened program from
my full day program on the CH.E.E.R.S. approach and the focus on the Feeding of the 5,000. The only part we didn't do was the ENGAGING the Scripture in the small group activities - contemplative to group talk. The participants in the group did make their own storyboard on the Feeding story, so they got the "flavor" of the Hospitable approach.

The third day of the conferences at Perth was a full day of the program, the fullest way to hear about the theological and Christian educational foundation and to experience fully all of the processes in the CH.E.E.R.S. approach. We had the time to highlight the "behind the scenes" foundations, to fully ENCOUNTER the story through using Readers' Theater, through ENGAGING the story in seven different options for experiences, and finally RESPONDING through the storyboard. Through all of the cities no two story boards have been alike! And the stories are each reflective of what is happening in the person's life and in his/her relationship with God. This day was a smaller group - app. 25 people. This is a much better number of participants when it is possible to have a limit. I know that people want to come when there is something offerred and it is very hard to put a ceiling on participants. It is important, I think, to the participants' experience of the day to be able to talk with the presenter and feel a part of the larger community. Talking with each other is a very important part of the day.

John Atkinson brought with a banner that reads: "We're All Invited." So appropriate!
When we are sharing our stories through art, we laugh, we are serious in listening, and we are sharing a sacramental moment through the storytelling.

Peace,
Rev. Cheri

A Tale of Two Storyboards:

The banner that says it all for this Australia trip!

Three Happy Artists:

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05:21 pm - Melbourne and Shepparton

I haven't forgotten about these amazing two days in Melbourne and one day in Shepparton. More to come.
Rev. Cheri

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05:59 pm - Photos from Sydney - First stop July13

Friends - PHOTOS FROM SYDNEY! Just now getting time to dig more into the hundreds of photos! Here are some meaningful photos that reflect the theme of Christian hospitality around the daily table.

Group "Meal Table" Conversations

The creative process in action

Rev. Cheri and Mark Hillis, the Christian Education Director for the Presbertry (geographical area) that covers Sydney and the surrounding area.

The 18 month boy who so beautifully portrays the grace of Christ with the bread in an ordinary snack made extra-ordinarily sacred.