Start Date + Oaks of Righteousness

^{Isaiah 61:1-3} 

¹ ...proclaim good news to the poor.
...bind up the brokenhearted,
   to proclaim freedom for the captives
   and release from darkness for the prisoners,
^...
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
   instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
   instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
   instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   a planting of the LORD
   for the display of his splendor.

Start Date + Psalm 114

I was recently visiting the Kings Lodge and for our morning devotion Psalm 114 was read. The man reading it joked that it would make a good cartoon and slightly inspired, I did.  This is the result:

³ The sea looked and fled,
   the Jordan turned back;
⁴ the mountains leaped like rams,
   the hills like lambs.

'You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilization to pieces, turn the world upside down, and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of good literature' - Mohandas Gandhi

Start Date + Catholic's Praying...

I found the following on the  Catholic News website and went a bit nuts with colouring in the bits that interest me... Its good to hear about so much unity in the run up to the games and I'm just praying that it remains like this, with no one seeking to use this platform for their own means. 

More than 200 Christians from across the denominations gathered together with members of charities and other NGOs  at Westminster Central Hall in London this past week to engage with matters of social justice in the lead up to the 2012 London Games.  The meeting was hosted by More Than Gold, the churches’ 2012 umbrella charity. The four  key areas addressed were homelessness, human trafficking and prostitution, Fairtrade and climate change. 

David Willson, CEO of More Than Gold, opened the day by sharing of his own experience over the past fourteen  years heading up the churches’ work alongside Olympic and Paralympic Games saying:  “The Olympics are an  opportunity wherever they occur for dynamic short-term celebration and long-term regeneration for millions of  people. However, for some the Games can mean further degradation and misery. It is our duty as Christ’s body  here on earth to do all we can to prevent this from happening, while serving and encouraging all that is good.”

The Rt Hon Stephen Timms, MP opened his address saying that the 2012 Games, hosted by the East End of London, are “the most exciting event worldwide that can change this run-down area economically”. He  acknowledged that “church attendance in London is on the rise”. He also saw that “More Than Gold are right to  recognise that the Olympics are a moment for national pride but also for service, and Christian service in the  Games is something to be supported and celebrated.” He went on to express his “strong support of social action  rooted in and inspired by faith” and sees More Than Gold’s work as being “not about activists with a background  in Christianity but about initiatives rooted in worship and love for Christ. It is about those with a passion to get  involved with individuals” he said.  “We need to renew our communities and our politics in the years ahead.”

He went on to make reference to Wesley, Wilberforce and Booth, men of both transformation and of service, and  left those gathered with a mandate:  “Transformation needs to be at the heart of the Christian contribution,  speaking up for those with no voice, and challenging government where necessary.  You need to keep us as  government focussed on legacy.”

Commissioner Betty Matear’s address recognised that, as a united Christian voice, we have “one shot, one  opportunity to make a mark on the global scene in this way. We’re at the centre of the action,” she said, “and  want to uphold the objectives and purposes of the Olympic movement. But what will we be remembered for  beyond 2012?  Every major sporting event plays a big effect. We need to re-orientate the moral compass where  necessary in our land.”  

More Than Gold’s work was to be seen she said “not as a narrow church agenda but a big stage with a long-term focus, commitment to excellence and to justice, involving people of all faiths and none. We must work for the good of others where there is exploitation, or damage, or where people are further impoverished.” She went on to say that we need to “think globally, act locally. We will reflect and discuss and build on what is already  happening.” She also saw that the Christian community across the UK “needs to recognise positive aspects but also speak up, speak out and speak for those whose voice is not being heard.”

Presentations were given on the four key areas with Alison Gelder of Housing Justice speaking on  homelessness and the many improvements that have been made over the past thirteen years with figures “down  from 2000 in 1997 to about 500 now”. She spoke of the “unsung success of the current government” while  challenging the Christian community not to be complacent. “Half of rough sleepers in the UK are in London,” she  said, “and to achieve the long-term target of zero rough sleeping by the end of 2012 means a change to society,  with the church taking the leading role.”

Ruth Dearnley of Stop The Traffik spoke graphically about the issues behind human trafficking and prostitution.  “This business,” she said, “is the fastest growing crime on the planet with a $32 billion profit, which is bigger than Microsoft.” As a united church, “we need to answer a challenge that has not been answered before” she said. 

“There are no known statistics, no in depth research of how a global sports event affects the traffic” because this  issue is one that “is organised and systemised, and is both adaptable and moveable whenever something is shut  down.” She suggested addressing this social cancer by means of “every local community having the power to  change what is happening around them.  Communities are the answer, and if community groups are there, led and driven with faith in Christ then there is no more powerful cocktail to bring the kingdom of God.  The UN  wants us on board because they realise the key lies in the community and in community groups” she  passionately exclaimed. “We will only ever stop the traffic if we work in partnership to bring about change to the  community where people are being bought and sold. THERE IS NO ROOM FOR TRIBALISM OR TERRITORIALISM”

Paul Chandler of Traidcraft addressed issues of justice within the marketplace calling for “a better deal for the poor in the world”, demanding the provision of “better working conditions” which in turn “bring dignity, opportunity  and HOPE where it didn’t exist before.” He welcomed the decision by the London Organising Committee of the  Olympic Games (LOCOG) to commit to using Fairtrade items in food outlets during the 2012 Games where over 40 million meals will be served during the Games, but recognised that “the 2012 Games are an opportunity for  Fairtrade to be a key provider and for this important trademark of justice for market providers to become further  known.”

Mary Colwell of The Catholic Climate Covenant campaign, which links the effects of climate change to the needs of the vulnerable, also praised the efforts being made by LOCOG to host a games that are the greenest to date.

She encouraged church members present to “be leaders in energy efficiency, incorporate awe and wonder for  the world and creation into your worship, be witnesses to God’s mark on creation by having eco-friendly church grounds.” Alongside the forthcoming Olympians, “this is a time for us all to be heroes,” she said.
 

Start Date + Snow

Last week I returned to the sunny, if not cold climes of Dorsetshire. Lucie (super duper new friend from Harpenden) was going to Bournemouth to visit her sister and so I took the opportunity to road trip with her so I could spend 48 hours at home. 

 

Cars are not my forte and in this particularly appalling attempt I seem to have downgraded her from a Clio to some sort of retro Seat Ibiza/Suzuki Swift amalgamation.

 

I am becoming a bit of an expert at drawing cartoon animals though so, for the purposes of this blog, let's pretend that traveled by a camel named Clio.

 

Having left Harpenden in what can only be described as polar conditions, we braved the snow and ice of 5 counties in our journey. Every boundary line we crossed was a celebration of our capacity for survival; our expert negotiation of arctic weather, a status shared only with the other drivers on the road that day. Periodically we'd catch the eye of a fellow adventurer, and share a superior look that said 'Yes, we're the same, you and I; intrepid explorers, fearless in this apocalyptic climate.' 

As we crossed Hampshire I reassured Lucie that by the time we exited the New Forest the snow would have declined and Dorset would be defending England's reputation as a 'green and pleasant land'. 

Aside from last winter when I was out of the country (and therefore don't count it), I have only experienced significant snow in Dorset once and I was 3 years old.

However much it had tried to snow, it had never settled much beyond a sprinkling and I didn't think this winter would make an exception.

I was right.

County line in sight, the snow stopped right on queue and, with Clio wearing the snow of Hertforshire on her bonnet like a medal, we entered Dorset as Champions of the Weather. 

 After a lengthy defrost by the fire Lucie continued on her now more amenable journey to Bournemouth, and having printed out a route from Google maps, promptly went in completely the wrong direction.

After two weeks of being in an increasingly frozen area of the country I'd been looking forward to being in an area that I could trust to withstand the peer pressure of other counties to allow snow to settle. 
Finally I could be outside without fear of slipping over and for me this meant one important thing - I could go for a run. 
However, one thing Dorset's salty air couldn't withstand was the drop in temperature so this meant running in sub zero conditions. Raw stupidity coupled with an unrelenting devotion to my almost OCD running routine got me out the door.

 Far from throwing all caution to the wind, I decided to wrap up as best I could. Working bottom up I donned the thickest socks I could risk in my running shoes and, not owning long running trousers I coupled my 3/4s with leg warmers. Having left my black ones in Harpenden though, this meant wearing those usually reserved only for fancy dress. 

Next, I layered  a t-shirt with a fleece, gloves and a thermal head band. To top it all off, I donned a fluorescent vest so I'd be clearly visible in the fast fading light.  

I usually run early in the morning and with my all black outfit this vest doesn't usually look too bad. (And if it does, no one can recognise me in the darkness!)

 Accessorized with pink knitwear however I looked as if I'd covered myself in glue, run into the wardrobe department of Fame the musical, rolled around and worn what stuck.

Brilliant.

Before I could weigh the safety aspect of the horrific ensemble against the risk of being hit by a car, I set out. My usual route takes me on a gentle 5 mile loop out from the village, into the next town and back. Being built entirely on a hill however, this run means not only going down a gentle mile long hill, but back up it. On the steep side.

 I'm sure that when the original Norman settlers took up residence the hill provided a perfect vantage point to spy out possible invasions from the surrounding area and in fact, as I began my own ascent I congratulated them on their choice. 

Or I would have done had I been able to concentrate on anything other than putting one foot in front of the other.

 Puffing and panting my way to its summit, my legs started to burn and with every breath my warm lungs were invaded by air so cold I could feel them contract in despair. Little flecks of saliva involuntarily left my mouth with each exhalation but my willpower would not let me stop until I got to the top of the hill where I could reclaim at least some of my dignity (and take a short cut home).

 

Ordinarily I would sprint the final 200m, slow to a jog and then walk to cool down. However, realising a sudden thirst, my acceleration met with stupidity and I ran straight through the front door. Once inside the central heating hit me like a suffocating wall and in my half frozen, half sweaty delirium I headed straight for the drink of cold water I'd left out for myself. 

This is not a move I would recommend. 

 My body was not ready for yet another cold element to enter it and suddenly feeling hot, dizzy and sick I called pathetically for my Mum who told me to pace slowly in the hallway. Giddy and feeling very sorry for myself, I decided now would be a good time to remove some of my excessive layers. 

In the wrong order.

As I attempted to remove my leg warmers over my shoes I tripped over and crouched on the carpet of my parent's house wondering if I was too old to be sick on it and not invoke anger...

The next day Lucie and I had arranged to do the return trip and I was awoken early by something hitting my window. 

It was my Dad throwing snow balls. 

For the first time since I was 3 years old, snow has settled heavily in Dorset.

Start Date + Blog Blog Blog

With Art being such a valuable tool for communicating messages, I've been looking at what it exactly we can say through the Arts for our 2012 Outreaches.

Yes, I want to communicate the message of the cross and Jesus love but what specifically?

What was Jesus passionate about?

I heard an awesome message last night at our community meeting on Social Justice and God's heart for the oppressed. After Idolatry, that is putting things above God, Social Justice is the second most frequent topic in the Old Testament and mentioned over 300 times throughout the Bible. Its a topic SO close to God's heart and the Bible urges us frequently to 'Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.' Psalm 82:3

Justice and the rights of other was a topic Jesus frequently taught on, challenging the ideologies of the time and rebuking acts of religion that neglect the poor. Rather, he taught:

'Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.' James 1:27

So I have begun researching more specifically on topics that are raised by the Olympics coming to the UK.

I came across this article on the recent Commonwealth Games - 'Why we Mustn't forget Delhi 2010'. 

With  reports of over 100 workers dying during the construction of facilities and a surge young girls allegedly being lured to Delhi for work at the Games, only to be sold into prostitution, the world's media criticized India's handle of the event.

But this article warns us:

'It might be easy to feel complacent about all this, and to assume that the scandals that dogged the Games exist only in less developed countries.
But although it's not likely that young children will be involved in the construction of London 2012 facilities, child trafficking is very much alive and kicking in our capital. And a high proportion of the people building our state-of-the art velodrome, the stadium, swimming pools and running tracks are agency workers, many of them migrants, who are often at particular risk of abuse.
And don't forget the hundreds of thousands of workers around the world who will be involved in producing athletes' uniforms, sportswear and footwear, equipment and official Olympics promotional merchandise. All of these people, as poor, low- and semi-skilled workers, are also vulnerable to exploitation.' 

It is easy and often tempting to get overwhelmed by these issues. To sit back and feel like this is too big of an issue, and actually what can one person do? But we can do something. Legacy for the London games was at the heart of our government's successful Olympic bid. This legacy should extend to protecting the rights of all the people involved in bringing it to fruition. 

 Just one step is to tell Adidas, Nike and Speedo to raise the bar on workers rights.

Another of course is to pray specifically. The above link has amazing resources and information about issues and those vulnerable to exploitation. Why no read them and PRAY for those involved.

'He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?' Micah 6:8

It is my heart to use art to communicate these issues but, until my team grows there is only so much one artist can do!
SO! I'm in the process of putting together resource ideas for churches and youth groups that use creative methods to explore these issues. From yarn storming to creating murals they are ideas for ways that ANYONE can use art in the place they are now - School, University, their knitting circle, a parent and baby group.

Want to know more about what I'm currently researching?

Check out my 'work' blog ----> HERE

Start Date + Festivals

So... I LOVE festivals! 

Last summer I was lucky enough to go to a number of beautiful music festivals, including my most favorite - The Secret Garden Party (www.secretgardenparty.com). Its a magical event and SO much more than just good music. 

The passion of the festival organisers is interaction and participation through interactive events, dances and arts. In their own words

'It is a festival of the arts…where everyone is the artist. It is your party - your creative participation allows the festival to rejuvenate & regenerate. Our number one rule is that the festival must facilitate your participation''

Yum.

Me and Jon (lying down) outside one of SGP's sculptures

What has this got to do with my work?

Well! Festivals are a fantastic opportunity to use as a platform for arts and using this in turn to communicate a message - the best message! Right now I'm praying about going to a few of the UK's big festivals as an artist or with a team and a stand to use as a platform for sharing some of God's love. 
Watch this space... we'll see what comes about...

Another hugely interactive installation at last summers Secret Garden Party