'New Tack' for Salt [Factory]

FRom Facebook....

Hey all... this doesn't reach our entire Salt [Factory] crew but it's a start at a ridiculously busy time of year.... I am working on a contact list... BUT....

I want to invite all those who've taken an interest in SF to know I am inviting you to take a slightly new 'Tack' and help sort out all those different things the group could be and could do... if only you had time!!

I've pitched to you... a vision of what could be but we've struggled to have space to work together to start and grow that... or you've told me if I do it all it can happen!!

Here's the new 'tack' in sailing terms there may be more... I'm asking those who've been interested to come onboard and give this thing [4 months or so] as we iron out the different ideas that have come...

See we've talked about events, relationships, locations, meetings, what else people connect with, possible futures etc and I fear we are gripped by not having a coordinated sense of which way to jump... note the 'beta' addition to the logo above... permission to be 'in development'...

We've been clear about the idea of SF being a community/group/space which holds each of us accountable for how we are engaged in God's activity/mission in the world... but then we've jumped to random events which could do that but feed nobody's passions in particular...

So the 'new tack' is I'm offering to sharpen my leadership as a mentor, encourager, teacher as we gather a few times to talk about how each of us might be being challenged to be engaged in God's mission and we'll reflect, talk, be encouraged to think of what in that is personal action ,what is group action and where you could act that out.... if you think an event or happening does that for you the SF can help you put it together... if not then SF is about encouraging that personal journey...

It means a couple of gatherings where we hear stories, reflect and discuss who or what God is calling each of us to be... and as ideas for ways to do the emerge, then we can seek each others help to do that...

In the meantime, other events. programs and experiences may be the way... and we as a group can work at how to help each other engage in those...

OK, questions, comments, reflections.....
I will seek a date for a Chrissy experience before 2010 disappears, may explore 'Tropfest' trip again and another cafe conversation or meeting at the Joy Cummings Centre on the edge of Pacific Park in Newie... we bring our own supper....

OK... YOU are invited... stay tuned for details....
Check out red bubble post below for your t-shirt or await details of the cheaper option thru Luke O.....

OK, questions, comments, reflections.....

"Australia/Survival/Invasion" Day Picnic

After some hasty planning and notice a few of us made it to King Edward Park on Aussie Day [along with several thousand teenagers and young adults with one very impressive construction plastic water slide]!!
Thanks to all who made space to be there... not really a space for Kanga Cricket but a fun time of catching up nonetheless!!
We also chatted about upcoming plans and made some decisions which will be advertised 'very soon' with much more notice now the year is underway!!
Some snaps will be added here soon!!

The Hottest 100 was a feature of the day despite the ABC Shop website having blown news of number 1 a week earlier by advertising the next edition of J mag on its site including pics and interview with the winners!!

Salt Factory for the rest of 2009 and beyond...

Time is rattling on and I will soon send out mass publicity for the next gatherings of the new and shiny 'Salt Factory'!!

At the moment the suggestion is [3] more gatherings for 2009!!

1. Monday October 26 Dreaming/Planning Meeting

possible venue... UCA Hunter Presbytery Office/New Lambton Uniting Church Foyer

We will break the rules and meet in a space suitable for newsprint/whiteboard and full participation in a discussion about what 'Salt factory' is and could be, how you'd like to shape it and be involved and whatever needs planning for upcoming gatherings... even right through to a sketch of first half 2010 if we get that far... all welcome!!

2. Monday November 23 watching the movie 'The Soloist' together

for reflection/discussion over coffee/cool drinks

with the offer of Bec Evans place to be confirmed

TRY NOT TO SEE IT BEFORE THEN IF POSSIBLE!!

3. Draft Date Monday 14th December Christmas Celebration at Bar Beach

To be discussed at the planning gathering...

If you're unsure and you're a young adult or relate to that tag, looking to explore life, faith, spirituality and gather around values of inclusiveness, exploration, mission and holding each other accountable for how we are living in the world... if you are not looking for a congregation but would value a monthly gathering/event and all the possobilities it holds... then maybe this is for you?

We are still finding our feet, establishing our group and entering conversation about what we want to do, be and see...

We are focused on the city of Newcastle, meeting in venues that suit each activity!

We are an experimental initiative of the Uniting Church in Australia!!

And if you're still reading then YOU are invited!!

2010

There is one suggestion for 2010 already!!

Hiring a minibus to attend the live screenings of the 16 Tropfest Finalists in Sydney's Domain [currently scheduled for Sunday 21st February 2010]

We could arrange a stopover or return home that night!!

Publicity will be prepared for when tix go onsale and each would be encouraged to buy their own, followed by signing up for the trip to reserve your seat on the bus!!

Stay tuned!!

Salt Factory September 2009

Here's the details for our next "Salt Factory" gathering

Tuesday 22nd September 2009

7pm to 9pm

The Boardwalk at Honeysuckle in Newcastle

The Dockyard is in the collection of harbour facing buildings and faces the water...

13/1 Honeysuckle Drive

Theme: "Plan Be" a simple and brilliant short book by Dave Andrews

An exploration of The Beatitudes through art/photos has been put together

for exploring and discussion

Plus dinner subsidised $10 per person

We will also be talking about future gatherings, dates for late 2009/2010

This is our second discussion/planning night... all those who've expressed interest or wish they had are welcome!! We will settle into an event and venue pattern after theis... we are just exploring the city at this stage!!

RSVP if you're coming to Rob at robhanks@bigpond.net.au 0407401833

BWP Gathering

I took advantage of having mate Rod D in town to call a hastily promoted opportunity for people to come and listen to some learnings from the 'Upper Room' Project in Melbourne, to flesh out my concept for Salt [Factory] and to give people a chance to explore and respond!!

I had 3 or 4 apologies and four of us enjoyed a fine meal at the Newcastle Harbour 'Blue Water Pizza' BWP!!

Some learnings included:

Start soon and stick to a set day or date monthly e.g. 1st of month, second Tuesday or alt.

Plan gatherings and grow momentum and punters by starting and carrying on

Involve all in envisioning and planning and even in creating the space we'll gather in

I reported that:

'Renew Newcastle' is much more interested in a regular project like every day or every week where we'd start with a monthly gathering.... but maybe they've exhausted their applicants and they'd accept a creative plan that was different to that

Conversation with ministry agents around the city had been positive and we were encouraged to 'have a go'

Stay tuned for a 'next event' with 3-4 weeks notice and then a schedule for the remainder of 2009!!

It seems a number of people are keen and we'll have a good core for planning and engaging in early happenings to get us rolling!!