See December 2002 for explanation of the format.
These are the nine readings and music we used this year:
- Genesis 3:8-15, 17-19 The serpent [Rebecca]; Gimme Shelter by the Rolling Stones
- Genesis 22:15-18 Abraham & Isaac [Anna]
- Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 Emmanuel [Adam]; All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth
- Isaiah 11:1-3a, 4a, 6-9 [Steve C]; Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles
- Luke 1:26-35, 38 Magnificat [Waddingtons]; Angels by Robbie Williams
- Luke 2:1, 3-7 Birth [Holmes]; Cat’s in the Cradle by Harry Chapin
- Luke 2:8-16 Shepherds [Harvey Jessop]; a tailor-made piece of music by Harvey. Untitled.
- Matthew 2:1-12 The Magi [Jackie/Moya]
- John 1:1-14 The word [Roses]; Mad World by The Darkness
Lesson 1: the Fall
So this is freedom...
Something later generations will curse us for. They will say it all started here. Conflict, starvation … stress at work … concentration of power in the hands of a few, separation from one another, lives driven by fear. They will retreat into the trivial -- you know, celebrity watching, tabloid television, the National Lottery... or build fortresses to keep everyone away. Especially the asylum seekers. They will say it all started here. This is what it means to be fully human, to be fully alive -- to face bleakness and death.
But could I go back to the way I was before? Before, all was light, I was dazzled, I saw nothing.
Now I see that the world has texture. Now I see that we need darkness as much as light if we are to see anything. Now I am no longer an infant who expects to see God walking in the garden in the evening. Now it is possible for me to relate to God as an adult.
And I believe that is what God wants.
But first I must face my freedom. And I must face death.
Photos
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One of the last outings for the big sheet. The restored church did not yet have the new video projector and screen. The image is Grace's Golden Jubilee flyer. |
'Nine' was based on the traditional 'nine lessons (Bible readings) and carols' Advent service - nine people were each given one of the traditional readings, and asked to provide a music track and something to do. |
Rebecca introduces Lesson 1, 'The Fall'. The track is 'Gimme Shelter' by the Rolling Stones. |
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Lesson 2, Genesis 22:15-18 - God tells Abraham that his descendents will be as numerous as the stars. People decorate and write names on stars and hang them from the netting. |
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The new 'Fatboy' cushions in use for the first time. There was now no carpet on the floor, and the benches although movable seemed more formal than we had been used to. We wanted something that would subvert the power dynamic of a church service! And look cool. |
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Probably Lesson 5 Luke 1:26-35, 38; the Annunciation. The old trick of two cups connected by a string, which if held taut will transmit the voice of one person speaking into a cup to the other person holding the cup to their ear. |
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Lesson 6, Luke 2:1, 3-7; the Birth of Christ. Music: 'Cat’s in the Cradle' by Harry Chapin. |
The problem with 'Nine' is that what happens in each section is generally a surprise - so there is no written record to explain the photos years later! |