inspiral blog

That was the question we looked at this week in a bible study around issues of power in Christian discipleship.

First we looked at four passages (Mark 8:31-37, Luke 22:24-27, John 13:1-17 and 1 Corinthians 1:18-31) and asked the questions, “What does this tell us about the nature of human power?” and “What does this tell us about the nature of God’s power?”

Then I went on (and some would say “and on…and on…”) and talked about the way I see power used by Jesus as opposed to the rest of society…Jesus’ servanthood, nonviolent power versus the world’s dominative, coercive, violent power. Out of that came some arguments for refusal to vote from a Christian anarchist perspective.

This week people had to bring photos of the following:

1. Where you spend most of your time
2. What you would like to change
3. Where you see God most
4. What makes you happy
5. Your favourite part of the week
6. Where you would like to see God more
7. Where your head is at/what your focus is/ what are your dreams hopes?

Gave us all an insight into each others’ lives in the rest of the week. It was great to see stuff like Matt’s car that he’s been working on all year, and Sam and Jane’s workplaces too.

This week we headed down to Treasury Gardens for a relaxed afternoon in the sun, enjoying music and a carnival-like atmosphere as the end of the Big Switchoff was celebrated. Anthony had been quite involved in organising this, so it was good to celebrate it as a group. Of course, being the day after Meryl and Lee’s wedding, some of us were a little the worse for wear, but it was a relaxed time anyway.

Some of us had our bikes fixed or maintained by some wonderful people who did it for free, although it turns out mine hadn’t had anything done to it since I wheeled it out of the shop 13 years ago, so it had more issues than they could deal with…nonetheless, very lovely people.

Mez and Croz are getting married on Saturday so we wanted to affirm them and celebrate this step. I wasn’t able to be there (I was in Sydney at Blackstump) so Julie led a great session.

They spent time praying for Burma first, given the current political situation, and then invited Meryl and Lee to share how they met and what’s brought them to this point. Then everyone prayed for them and shared gifts. Anthony and Sam had put together a play entitled “Mez and Croz – The Play” (too bad it wasn’t a musical), which was utterly brilliant. I include some excerpts that include some all-too-accurate parodies of many of us. I imagine you have to know us all to appreciate how hilarious this is. Highlights included the proposal:

C: Mez, what are you doing tomorrow night? How ’bout I take you out and show you a good time?
M: Are you going to propose? Should I wear my best frock?
C: No.
M: Oh. Well when are you going to propose?
C: Check page 4 of MX next week.

On the restaurant tram. Very classy. Chic waiters and ding ding sound of tram bell.

M: This is mighty fine, Mr. Crossley. When’s the proposal coming?
C: Quit your jibber-jabber…wait your turn love. Now how about I shut your trap with some food. Here’s the menu…Ahh…give it a careful read.
M: Mmmmmmm…well they all sound yummy. I’ll have the chicken. And the sticky date for dessert.
C: How about number 3 for mains. Does that sound good?
M: Calamari rings with claws? No thank you. Bring on the bird.
C: Ahh…I don’t think that is calamari there. Look again.
M: I don’t like seafood when we’re in motion like this.
C: Bloody hell Mez….I think you want number 3.
M: FINE. Waiter, give me a number 3. Well Lee…ARE YOU HAPPY NOW??? Sticky date for dessert, sounds like we’re having argument date for entree!
C: Don’t be like that dahl…

Gets down on knee

C: Now, imagine you’re at the Crown Palladium.
M: Nah…this tram is way smaller than that ballroom.
C: We’re in round 22. You’ve been polling well all the way and now it’s that time of night. You’re sitting there nervous thinking who’s got those last three votes and the medal?
M: Lee, you bore me when you only talk about work. And get off the floor. Stop looking up my frock.
C: Listen…listen, what I’m trying to say is that a team needs a dynamic shooting duo that’s nailing shots from behind the arc. Think of us as a fast break opportunity, coming to the dying seconds of the game…clock ticking down and practically expired.
M: What are you saying…are you calling me old?
C: Bloody hell Meryl, can I make it any simpler for you? Think of clay target shooting…
M: Look, I can’t understand you at all. Are we on candid camera?
C: No. Hell. You’re my premiership cup, my slam dunk, the target I’ve always shot for…will you marry me?
M: Lee!!!!! I thought you would never ask.
C: Waiter, waiter. We need that number 3.

Brilliant stuff.

Then there’s the parodies of me:

S: Today, Meryl Ronalds and Lee Crossley are getting married. During their marriage we know that they will face both good times and hard times. There will be times when they are angry with one another, perhaps even hate one another. It is at those times that they will need the nonviolent Jesus to guide them. From Girard’s theory of conflict, we know the tendency to scapegoat is strong, and only through voluntary nonviolent atonement can the mechanism of violence be exposed. This is, therefore, a happy day.

S: I would now like to read a verse written by the great man himself. This is from the Counting Crows album Across a Wire, track 5…

Pure genius. It goes on to predict the future. And what a golden future it appears to be, with me massively bloated in an electric wheelchair, much quoting of Simpsons episodes, inspiral 500 strong and Chelsea an Olympic trap shooter.

Much love to Meryl and Lee as they embark on the adventure of their lives!