The amazingness of 'folktronica'

I feel renewed in my musical experience this week. I have encountered the delights and joys of ‘Folktronica’.

In many ways it’s like really good 80’s music. I don’t like proper main stream 80’s music, when I was listening to music in the late eighties, and I was only like 7 at the time I really only liked the Beatles, mainly because that’s what my cousin Andrew loved (he was born the day John Lennon was shot, so I think he felt they had a connection), and we sort of copied each other. I copied him more because he was older, but he liked cool stuff like BB guns, commodore amigas and WWF wrestling so that was fine. When I did try to go out on my own and was allowed into Woolworths for the first time with my own proper money, I bought a ‘Right said fred’ album on cassette tape, this could even have been the start of the nineties, but it was tragic, and I quickly went back to the white album until I grew ears. Even when my dad subjected me too music in the dreaded 80’s it was either 70’s Abba, or some sort of Gospel quartet stuff, and I’m going to be honest, that wasn’t great – apart from the Statler Brothers, they just about scraped through, but there definitely was more rough than the smooth with that particular genre.

But this ‘folktronica’ stuff is amazing, it’s like folk melodies and harmonies with beats, and the artist which has introduced me to the phenomenon goes by the name of James Yuill, visit www.jamesyuill.com for some amazing tunes. On his download page definitely listen to his remix of Rod Thomas’s ‘Same old lines’ and his own Prins Thomas Sneaky Re-Edit of ‘This sweet love’.

Don't be rubbish at the environment - Johns Bi-weekly gig

Ok, so in reality i'm probably not the best person to talk to if you want to start re-evaluating how you think about all things environmental. However we do need to start thinking about how we can have a positive influence on the good earth that God has given us. The truth is we are doing a pretty good job at wrecking it, and many just dont really care, or if we do care we do very little (other than re-cycling our used milk cartons from time to time) about it. So i asked my very good friend and sustainable genius John Martin (pictured to the right, checking out Ulster Bride) to write something for the blog every few weeks to get us thinking positively towards the environment. Himself and some other pals also write for ajustlife.org, so check that out, this is actually a little extract John has adapted from one of the posts......

I know it's Thursday but please come back every other Wednesday for musings on the environment and other such things...

As I sit here leafing through the Guardian, eating fair-trade organic handcrafted-by-Buddhist-monks-in-Tibet chocolate, in my Moses sandals, with the whirr of a wind turbine in the background, I’m also thinking about when I will next get my chance to embrace my nearest tree and tell it how much I love it. Ok, this is maybe slightly tongue in cheek. However, this stereotype is often generated when we hear the word sustainable.

I’ll tell you no lie, there is nothing quite like embracing the nearest Quercus robur (Oak), but besides this guilty pleasure what does sustainable living mean for followers of Jesus and why should we bother?

“In the beginning, when God created the universe”, are the first words uttered in Genesis. As we read on we discover what God had made (the earth) “was good” and he placed humans on it to have “Dominion” over it. This word Dominion, I think, has been misunderstood, leading to a human centred view of the earth. The essence of this anthropocentric approach is often related to a domination theory found in religion (fundamentalist Judeo-Christian). Such views are entwined with the secular: the scientific-rationalist concept, grounded in the ideas of Bacon, Newton and Descartes, that planet Earth exists for the benefit of, and exploitation by, the human race. The human race is seen as something separate from the rest of life- and superior to it (Richardson 1997).

This has, in part, lead to a situation where we are destroying the natural systems on which our lives depend. Many believe the attempt,through materialism, to eliminate personal insecurity has failed; while a higher standard of living is worth striving for, frustration has resulted because the pursuit of material wealth has been pursued for its own sake, often not for the good of others. Further, because everything else has been relegated to a position of secondary importance, severe environmental problems have arisen which may threaten to force us back to a lower standard of living. The issue of Global Climate Change for example has shown us that we can and do effect others by how we live, and it is the poorest who suffer most.

However, this does not have to mean things have to stay this way. If we believe we are living on Gods earth, something in all his divine wisdom he seen as “good”, then it is our responsibility to treat it in a manner that is fitting with this remark. When it comes to analysing the concrete problems of society, contrary to western know how, Biblical faith suggests that ways of justice, solidarity, love of one’s neighbour, reconciliation, peace and care for the earth are not human ideas. Rather, their origin lies in a loving Creator and the Creators own design for life in all its fullness. Therefore the function of the physical world is not just to provide the environment in which men can live; it is also to declare Gods glory (Psalm 8:1, 19:1; Jeremiah 5:22; Romans 1:19-20). Any time a species goes extinct, a habitat is destroyed or a person dies from malnutrition, are we losing the opportunity to learn of the glory of God through his creation?
It is too easy to get over whelmed and do nothing as the problems seem insurmountable. However, we all must start where we are. A good place is the Tearfund 'for tomorrow too' hand book which gives neat handy tips on how to reduce your impact. We can also calculate our carbon footprint to see how many planets are needed to sustain our affluent western lifestyles:http://www.carbonfootprint.com/. We can all do things individually, however collective action will have the greatest impact. A good example of this is the UK Climate Change Bill (first of its kind in the world) that was advocated by Stop Climate Chaos through the work of concerned citizens like you! Find out the environmental pressures that are effecting your local area and ask your local politician what he/she is doing about it… Better still, go outside and find out what they are for yourself and start being part of the change!

"Charity is no substitute for justice withheld." St Augustine


John

Mark 10:32-45 Part 1 - Just taking some time and space to listen

Jesus and the disciples are on their journey to Jerusalem. They have come down from Galilee and have drawn together for a while around the flatlands of the Jordan River, around Jericho. They have taught those that they came in contact with, they have met with other pilgrims and they are about to begin what is approximately an 18 mile uphill walk to the city of Jerusalem.

The way in which Mark pens the beginning of this ‘journey narrative’ is that ‘Jesus is leading the way’ or ‘Jesus was walking ahead of them’, Luke tends to use even stronger language saying ‘he set his face to go to Jerusalem’, not drawing or holding back, but either way Jesus knows what is ahead, he is in full awareness of the bigger picture and he is leading the way. Verses 33 and 34 reveal the third occasion when Jesus predicts his death (after Peters announcement and in chapter 9) to the disciples in Luke’s gospel, yet even with this repeated passion narrative the disciples still haven’t quite obtained the picture that Jesus is trying to paint; astonished at this stunning moment the twelve still show signs of refusing to believe their Messiah was going to Jerusalem to die.

Now as I began to mull over the disciples apparent blindness to Jesus message, it made me aware that in attempting to
• follow Jesus voice,
• and in trying to serve Jesus,
it's often easy to be SO concerned with our own agendas that we might just miss out on hearing the master’s voice, just as was the case with the disciples in this passage. Jesus still wants to communicate with us today! This is not a concern that we should have. Our biggest concern is something that each of us and that definitely includes me, has the power to monitor and adjust, our biggest concern should be - listening to and then discerning what it is that Jesus is saying to us as disciples.

Listening in a culture that moves with increasing noise and haste, a culture where paying attention to Jesus voice can be such a challenge. It’s true though, sometimes we want lightning bolts, ostentatious dreams and visions when all Jesus wants US to do is set aside some time to be quiet and listen to what it is that He wants to say.

In concept it’s not difficult, and it shouldn’t have been difficult for the disciples to listen to what Jesus was saying to them face to face in the passage we have just read, yet they still choose to hear what they wanted to hear and we as his followers today are often guilty of making the exact same mistakes. From the beginning of time God has communicated with His creation and he won’t stop trying to communicate with us, but we have to train ourselves to be better listeners.

Jim Elliot the American missionary (of Scottish heritage) to Ecuador, who was killed with four others while attempting to evangelize the Waodani people, said this,
‘I think the devil has made it his business to monopolize on three elements: noise, hurry and crowds….Satan is quite aware of the power of silence.’

• We aren’t used with silence, but silence gives us space and time to think and very importantly listen.
• Take some time today and attempt to hear Gods voice.
• Silence gives God the opportunity to communicate with us, his people.

For although God is present and can be known in the tumult and chaos, he is known best in the silence, offer Him your ears and your heart from time to time in the midst of your business, and he will reveal Himself to you.

www.invisiblechildren.com

Have a look at the website, here is a lillte bit to introduce you to what it is all about....

In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a filmmaking adventure transformed into much more when these boys from Southern California discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims.

After returning to the States, they created the documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut," a film that exposes the tragic realities of northern Uganda.s night commuters and child soldiers.

The film was originally shown to friends and family, but has now been seen by millions of people. The overwhelming response has been, "How can I help?" To answer this question, the non-profit Invisible Children, Inc. was created, giving compassionate individuals an effective way to respond to the situation.

Who We Are

We are storytellers. We are visionaries, humanitarians, artists, and entrepreneurs. We are individuals part of a generation eager for change and willing to pursue it.

As a non-profit we work to transform apathy into activism. By documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice, we hope to educate and inspire individuals in the Western world to use their unique voice for change. Our media creates an opportunity for people to become part of a grassroots movement that intelligently responds to what.s happening in the world.

But our work extends beyond our borders. In war-affected regions we focus on long-term development, working directly with individuals and institutions that are eager to realize their full potential. Through education and innovative economic opportunities, we partner with affected communities and strive to improve the quality of life for individuals living in conflict and post-conflict regions.

How We Make a Difference

Our approach to humanitarian work is founded in the strength and intelligence of the Ugandan community. We learned early on it was not only important but essential to heed the wisdom of people that had not only lived in the war, but were surviving it. People who would know better than anyone what the greatest needs were and the best ways to meet them. What we came to find is that while there have been many efforts to address the issues that stem from living and fighting in such a long-lasting war, the people of Uganda are asking for a future beyond the conflict.

Their pleas have become our development strategy.

All of our programming is a partnership between those of us at Invisible Children and those in the Ugandan community. We focus on long-term goals that enable children to take responsibility for their future and the future of their country. Our programs are carefully researched and developed initiatives that address the need for quality education, mentorships, the redevelopment of schools, resettlement from the camps, and financial stability.

go to www.invisiblechildren.com

White Water Rafting Madness

White water rafting last weekend on the river Tay, I couldn't actually feel my feet, it was freezing. Im the stupid person that had swapped seats to the front of the raft......wasn't my smartest move ever.

Hide and Seek

Last night was Wednesday and Wednesday night is Time Out night! Two groups last night meant it was a little chaotic especially with some of the S2’s more concerned with painting each other rather than the wallpaper which was provided!

We started however with the 10-12’s, who after being amazingly gifted at ‘Schebang Schebang’ and the ‘The Gargle guessing game’ (which should incidentally be renamed ‘Gargle, giggle and Spit’), retired for some serious thoughts on worship, what it means, and who deserves it.

Now I am not usually the biggest lover of paraphrases in the world, but last night I took a little exception. When reading The Message, Acts 17 has a great bit in it which talks about how good God is,

‘Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. We live and move in him, can't get away from him!’

When we started talking about who or what really, deserves our worship, we realised that God being perfect, being the creator of each of us, and being the creator of the earth in all its goodness (even though humanity has done its best to mess it up), pretty much deserves our worship more than anything else that’s out there.

Sometimes however we might find this a little difficult, as even though God doesn’t play hide and seek with us, for some it’s hard to think of having faith or worshipping a God who we cant physically see in front of us. Although at times this is a beautiful part of the mystery of our faith, it can often hold others back. One of our group, lets just call her Miss Em for now, came out with a magnificent illustration that I think helped us all immensely. She reminded us that when you happen to be on MSN talking to someone, all you can really see is the text of what that person is writing coming up on your computer screen, and although you can’t see them you have to trust that its them that you are speaking to. As a Christian we have to do a lot of trusting, in-fact that is what our faith is based on, trust! We need to trust in God and his word, remembering that he doesn’t want to play hide and seek with us, he is near, and wants to have a close and personal relationship with us all.

To finish our time off together and to reiterate the point, we played a massive game of sardines on all fours in the church. If you have never played sardines its like hide and seek but when you find the person hiding you hang about with them until everyone else finds you….much fun was had.

My lesser known but you should definately have a listen artist of the week - Pawnshop Kings - Thursday April 2nd

These boys are awfully good, and its music like this that gives me a desire to live in Orange County. Born in Texas, raised in SoCal, it’s not a great surprise that their music vacillates between a hint of ‘melodic American Southern gospel brooding’ and pleasing guitar flavoured rock. I suppose it’s what happens when cowboy hats collide with surfboards. Have a listen to their songs on their MySpace, all of which are particularly diverse and fantastic, I especially love their live version of ‘There’s no other’, and the bluesy feel to ‘Make Me Whole’.

www.pawnshopkings.com

My lesser known, but you should definitely have a listen artist of the week – The Michael Gungor Band

Ok so I was having a bit of a listen to these guys during the week when I got a link from Michael Rossback’s MySpace page (who is a fantastic pretty unknown talent on this side of the atlantic, have a listen to ‘to find you’ on www.michaelrossback.com). I really like the Gungor band’s sound and thought provoking lyrics, Michael and Lisa Gungor are joined by Brad Waller, Brad Nyght and Rossback himself on their debut ‘full length’ album Ancient Skies, it really is worth a listen and you can do so on their MySpace at www.michaelgungor.com.

Album of the week - Monday 16th March - The Weepies 'Hideaway'

I have had this album for a little while now, but only really started to listen to it properly over the last few weeks. I loved their first offering 'Say i am you' and this album is possibly a step forward again. The acoustic rock/folk duo have voices that mix so well together, and their songwriting skills are quite quirky and melodic to the max.

Deb Tallan has the strangest voice in the world oscillating between slightly weird and beautiful, which manages to keep a touch of originality to the overall sound, take a listen to the second song (orbiting) on the album, and you will understand what i mean. All in all a great sound, and very enjoyable album. Visit www.theweepies.com and click on discography to have a little listen for yourself.

Young people and being spiritual.

So last week during one of our youth groups we asked our young people a few questions and got them to answer those questions using paints on Canvas. One of the questions was 'When i say God, what is it that instantly comes into your head'? Above are some of the answers, these guys are between the ages of 13-15, and dont really bother much with church, but these pictures tell me these young people do bother with thoughts, questions and opinions about the Divine.

Album of the week - Friday 6th March

Its album of the week time, and clearly it has to be an offering from an Irish band.

Monday wasn’t a great day for the bank balance, although I must congratulate Morrison’s on providing me with U2’s ‘No line on the horizon’ for six English pounds, winner. This however is not where my musical journey ended as I also visited Fopp and purchased Bell X1’s ‘Blue lights on the runway’, this as it happens, wasn’t as reasonably priced as my earlier acquisition, however after buying both albums I am now left with an interesting question - which one is better?

So heres the deal, I'm not sure whether this is whimping out by not actually answering the question but I feel I have to be honest. ‘Blue lights on the runway’ has been that good that ‘No line on the horizon’ hasn’t really made it into the cd player, therefore my album of the week must come from Bell X1.

Each song is so original and different from the next, yet there is a thread that travels throughout the entire album holding it together as one piece. The vocals are very distinctive, with very tight harmonies and some extremely intelligent and thought provoking lyrics. The title track or indeed the song that inspires the title of the album is awesome and has this guitar lick in the chorus that sounds as if it has been inspired by a few hours of listening to Paul Simons ‘Diamonds on the soles of her shoes’, complimenting the alternative sound to the rest of the song almost as well as butter does toast.

What I really like about this album is that there are a few tracks that are instantly amazing and grab you there and then but there are also a few tracks that are like your favourite pair of shoes, you pretty much don’t start to appreciate them until they are well walked in.

If you haven’t got this album then I suggest you go and buy it. If you haven’t got any Bell X1 albums, make your weekend much better by getting your hands on ‘Music in mouth’ and ‘Flock’ as well.

The biblical basis for whys and how’s when working with young people

Our tag-line or mission statement, what is it that we look towards to remind us what we should be doing. What is our focus in all aspects of youth ministry within the church? If everything else is forgotten what do we need to remember to bring us back on track. This is what I have come up with.

“We must make every effort to be ambassadors for God and His love, being committed to making a difference in the lives of the young people within our community.”

Based on the greatest commandment found in Matthew 22:37-39, we must not only show Gods love, but be ambassadors for it! The word ambassador, isn’t just used because it sounds good, but I have used it because of the connotations it brings. An ambassador is ‘an authorized messenger or representative, sent by one sovereign or state to another’. It brings with it the idea, of being sent with an important message, which, for us, is the love of God. The word love used by Matthew in this instance is taken form the Greek word ‘agaphesis’, which means an un-conditional love, a love that is self-sacrificial. These two things alone are absolutely huge, and if we grasp this idea of caring for our young people unconditionally, putting them first in a way that is self-sacrificial, indeed modelling the relationship that Jesus himself modelled in His incarnation, we will create an environment that will make a difference in the lives of the young people we come into contact with.

More to follow........

My artist of the week - Friday February 27th - Erin McCarley

Well, i thought i might as well put my endless listening of music to a less selfish use and stick what i view to be the most entertaining music of the week up here. This weeks addition is Erin McCarley, she has a great voice and some fantastic melodies to back it up. Starting to make a name for herself across the pond, McCarley has songs hitting big U.S tv shows and movies (none other than 'He's just not that in too you', which ashamedly i have seen, but in my defence was dragged by Karen and Jess kicking and screaming) so it probably wont be too long before she gets a bit more recognised in the uk. I particularly like 'gotta figure this out', but go and have a listen for yourself....


www.myspace.com/erinmccarley

Its at times like this you suddenly become British over Irish

This believe it or not is a true news story from Reuters, how embarassing - Irish police have
solved the mystery of a Polish recidivist who clocked up 50 traffic offenses on different addresses and who was never caught, after one officer noticed his name meant driving license in Polish.

An internal police memo cited by Irish papers Thursday said officers taking details of Polish traffic offenders had been mistakenly using "Prawo Jazdy," printed in the top right corner of the driving license, as the holder's name.

"Prawo Jazdy is actually the Polish for driving license and not the first and surname on the license," the police memo dated June 2007 said. "It is quite embarrassing to see the system has created Prawo Jazdy as a person with over 50 identities."

A police spokesman declined to comment on the reports.

Let there be light

The joy of having a Blackberry is the endless information that can be yours at the touch of a button, and forget even having to go to the bother of opening up a web page anymore as the joy of the RSS feed is upon us. (Reading that last sentence has made me realise that I really, well and truly, am a geek, although let me continue) With the acquisition of my new Blackberry, I downloaded myself an RSS reader and it really is quite addictive, this sounds like proper rock and roll, addicted to information, it starts of with maybe a bit of BBC news, BBC sports news and the weather, but before I knew it, it was Recipe of the day, dictionary.com’s word of the day and quotes of the day which were gaining my undivided attention. But in amidst my RSS dependence comes this, which really was quite interesting and made me think.

“In the beginning there was nothing. God said, 'Let there be light!' And there was light. There was still nothing, but you could see it a whole lot better.”

The quote was made by an American talk show host/comedian but when I thought about it, it just made me realise that although in my humanity I may not understand much of who God is or why he does what he does, which in many ways adds to the mystery and beauty of my faith, God is a God of logic, and does things that make sense. As we read in Genesis chapter 1 after God created the heavens and the earth, God did make light, which surely helped with the making of everything that was to come. The truth is, God in his divine nature would have been able to make everything in the dark, but chose not to, which just gave me this lovely glimpse of order being part of the way God does things. Reaffirming my belief that things don’t just happen by chance, they happen because God planned them to happen that way.