I've spent a lot of time this last few weeks helping to get ready for the show we're putting on next week- The Mikado, University of York Central Hall, 26th-28th February, see our website for more info! Administration and organisation (booking rooms, completing the paperwork- there's soo much!), building the set, sewing the costumes, putting up posters, proofreading programmes, every aspect of what goes on. Not to mention rehearsals!
Those of us on the committee seem to most often be the ones putting in the most effort- unsurprisingly, in a way, because we're the ones who've shown ourselves most committed to the society. That's why we're on the committee. Others, often ex-committee members or new members (the committee members of the future, mwahaha) also put in a lot of effort. But there are also always a few people who seem to (without meaning to criticise them) put less in to making the show happen, who are quite willing to let others do the work, who can't turn up because they have work (paid or uni work) to do. And that's understandable. But some people manage to do all that, and take an active part in the show as well. I guess it's all down to priorities.
For some of us, the society is one of our main ways of socialising, the other members are close friends. For others it's a more casual relationship than a long-term commitment. And that's fine, the greater commitment isn't for everyone. But too many of that kind of people, and those of us who are always to be relied upon, the 'geeky' ones, end up with a lot of work.
Because as well as those who do their fair share, there are some who do far more than their fair share and yet still come back the next day, knowing that there's a job to be done if the show is to happen and that someone's got to do it, because the show must go on! I'm afraid that's usually me. But I'm starting to wonder if sometimes people rely on those of us like that too much, if they assume that they needn't turn up because we'll be there and it'll all be fine.
So I'd like to try and take a step back, to see what happens. Because if there are other people who will then step forward and take things on, they should have the chance to. And if there aren't- well that's another problem. But I know the trouble- if I see something that needs to be done not being done it'll either frustrate me- or I'll end up stepping forward to do it anyway.
The other thing that bugs me sometimes is that I end up doing a lot and putting a lot of effort into the show- but I'm not one of the people who gets a chance to really 'own' the show and put their creative influence on it. I'm in the chorus. I'm the ordinary member (read: general dogsbody and odd-job person) running around cleaning paintbrushes and remembering all the little jobs that everyone else is too busy to remember. Being that extra soprano that isn't really needed and I'm sure would not be missed (10 points if you spotted the quote!) And these are good, important things to do, I know. And I don't want for a second to say that the people who do direct, or are principals don't deserve to be, or that they're not much better at it than I would be, but sometimes I wish I had the chance to be something more. Doubt it'll happen though! Too many other good (and more obviously talented) candidates!
So, if you're in York or the surrounding area next week, some and see our show! It's going to be great, and (despite all my moaning!) worth the hard work!
Thursday 19 February 2009
Friday 13 February 2009
Darwin, women, the church...and an unintentional rant!
So it seems Darwin may actually have been right after all, the Catholic church says. Science and religion aren't necessarily at odds. Some influential theologians saw evidence for evolution long before the Origin of Species was written. Christian doesn't mean creationist*.
Well about time too.
I hope people actually listen to statements like this and get the message. Christians aren't weirdos who deny all modern science and insist on believing fairy tales in the face of logical evidence. Yes, some Christian beliefs may sound odd, (people being raised from the dead? A God who's simultaneously three and one? What's all that about?) but we're not hopelessly outdated people trying to maintain medieval beliefs and values in the face of all the odds. The church has much to say that's relevant to people here and now, in today's postmodern world.
The sooner the world realises this, and starts taking us seriously rather than laughing us out the door, the better. The sooner some sections of the church realise it the better too.
If only this was the only story about the church that's in the news at present. What the rest of the world must make of some Anglicans' views on women bishops I dread to think. If some C of E members think women shouldn't be in authority, or allowed to teach, how do they reconcile their consciences with female doctors, teachers (especially in Sunday schools!), judges or even a female Prime Minister?
We're looking at a world that's reeling from the shock of global economic recession. I think God wants to use this to speak to the world- to show what a mess we've got ourselves into with (let's be honest) no idea how to get ourselves out. How the human race has wasted its resources and made life hell for some people at the same time as others have had millions to waste. To call us back to his love that will restore the world. The church should be there, ready to listen to God, to do his work by helping people, and setting an example of what human life should be like. Are we up to it? Not as we are. But with God's help, we can be.
Ooh, unintentional rant. Sorry! I didn't mean to write that last paragraph when I started, it just sort of slipped out. Make of that what you will.
And before you start worrying, I don't actually read the Telegraph. I found the story here.
*In the sense of denying scientific evidence for evolution in favour of a too-literal reading of Genesis.
Well about time too.
I hope people actually listen to statements like this and get the message. Christians aren't weirdos who deny all modern science and insist on believing fairy tales in the face of logical evidence. Yes, some Christian beliefs may sound odd, (people being raised from the dead? A God who's simultaneously three and one? What's all that about?) but we're not hopelessly outdated people trying to maintain medieval beliefs and values in the face of all the odds. The church has much to say that's relevant to people here and now, in today's postmodern world.
The sooner the world realises this, and starts taking us seriously rather than laughing us out the door, the better. The sooner some sections of the church realise it the better too.
If only this was the only story about the church that's in the news at present. What the rest of the world must make of some Anglicans' views on women bishops I dread to think. If some C of E members think women shouldn't be in authority, or allowed to teach, how do they reconcile their consciences with female doctors, teachers (especially in Sunday schools!), judges or even a female Prime Minister?
We're looking at a world that's reeling from the shock of global economic recession. I think God wants to use this to speak to the world- to show what a mess we've got ourselves into with (let's be honest) no idea how to get ourselves out. How the human race has wasted its resources and made life hell for some people at the same time as others have had millions to waste. To call us back to his love that will restore the world. The church should be there, ready to listen to God, to do his work by helping people, and setting an example of what human life should be like. Are we up to it? Not as we are. But with God's help, we can be.
Ooh, unintentional rant. Sorry! I didn't mean to write that last paragraph when I started, it just sort of slipped out. Make of that what you will.
And before you start worrying, I don't actually read the Telegraph. I found the story here.
*In the sense of denying scientific evidence for evolution in favour of a too-literal reading of Genesis.
Friday 6 February 2009
I'm a celebrity...get me out of here!
In a couple of weeks my church will be celebrating the life and legacy of David Watson, who was vicar there from 1965-1982. He was responsible for building the church up and many of the church's current members joined during his time here. Although I don't know as much about his work and influence on the church in the UK as I probably should, I'm sure that it was good for the church and for York, and I don't object in the least to celebrating the achievements of his time here. However, there is always a danger that we get too caught up in the person to remember that it's God working through them, and that they, like the rest of us, are only human. There's a danger too (and I sometimes wonder if we fall into it) that we try to replicate their ministry indefinitely, and aren't so responsive to what God may want us to be doing now.
Something I've thought about occasionally for some time now is the way some Christian leaders seem to have a certain 'celebrity' status. Those who run big churches or successful missions, like Billy Graham or Nicky Gumbel, to name but two, or who write popular songs or run large events seem to gain the kind of following within some parts of the church that we associate with TV personalities or other celebrities.
While I think it's good that there are inspirational leaders and role models out there, I think we have to be very wary when we start looking up to our leaders and putting them on a pedestal. As some American churches (and one in the town where I grew up) have found to their cost, even the most exciting leaders are human. At some point there's always the danger that someone will fail to live up to the standards we set our leaders- as we all fail sometimes- and then people can get hurt and disillusioned with the church.
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses this problem. The young Corinthian church had developed splits between different leaders who all, presumably, had a slightly different focus to their ministry. Paul calls their attention back to the heart of the gospel: Jesus and the message of the cross. He goes on to talk about how he came to them in humility, not seeking his own glory but God's, suffering many hardships as an apostle so that he might get his message across to those who needed to hear it.
Maybe some modern Christian leaders would do well to remember this model of suffering and humility. So often preachers can make events (conversions, success) sound dramatic and sudden when so often it's a long, hard slog of dedicated work, often over many years and involving many people. Not only does this encourage us to think how wonderful they are by contrasting it with our own poor record and remembered failures, it can discourage us from trying and make us feel worthless; or even that we don't need to bother because our leaders will do the work for us.
'Leaders don’t need hero-worship or they may start believing their own press releases!' (WordLive 6th Feb 2009) What they do need is our prayer, understanding, and encouragement.
Something I've thought about occasionally for some time now is the way some Christian leaders seem to have a certain 'celebrity' status. Those who run big churches or successful missions, like Billy Graham or Nicky Gumbel, to name but two, or who write popular songs or run large events seem to gain the kind of following within some parts of the church that we associate with TV personalities or other celebrities.
While I think it's good that there are inspirational leaders and role models out there, I think we have to be very wary when we start looking up to our leaders and putting them on a pedestal. As some American churches (and one in the town where I grew up) have found to their cost, even the most exciting leaders are human. At some point there's always the danger that someone will fail to live up to the standards we set our leaders- as we all fail sometimes- and then people can get hurt and disillusioned with the church.
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses this problem. The young Corinthian church had developed splits between different leaders who all, presumably, had a slightly different focus to their ministry. Paul calls their attention back to the heart of the gospel: Jesus and the message of the cross. He goes on to talk about how he came to them in humility, not seeking his own glory but God's, suffering many hardships as an apostle so that he might get his message across to those who needed to hear it.
Maybe some modern Christian leaders would do well to remember this model of suffering and humility. So often preachers can make events (conversions, success) sound dramatic and sudden when so often it's a long, hard slog of dedicated work, often over many years and involving many people. Not only does this encourage us to think how wonderful they are by contrasting it with our own poor record and remembered failures, it can discourage us from trying and make us feel worthless; or even that we don't need to bother because our leaders will do the work for us.
'Leaders don’t need hero-worship or they may start believing their own press releases!' (WordLive 6th Feb 2009) What they do need is our prayer, understanding, and encouragement.
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