A New 'Tack'

Salt [Factory] folks will soon receive and invitation to 'take a new tack' and to gather to talk about the shape of the next few times together...

I've been doing lots of thinking and want to share some of my story and invite you to consider more focus on [1] idea about Salt [Factory] than the many we've tossed around... it involves being able to help each of you to 'live out God's mission in the world' according to your gifts and energy...

In the meantime our logo has made it's way onto a t-shirt... which is in one way is a bit pre-emptive but will also help us spread the word about our existence AND ultimately to reflect our hopes and energy as a group!!

There are three ways to access these shirts...

[1] is up and running now at redbubble.com

Follow the links from http://www.redbubble.com/shop/salt+factory+t-shirts to order designs that work on either lighter or darker colours at the bargain 'no sweat shop' price of $25!! with a 2-3 week delivery!! and no postage for [4] shirts...

OR

[2] In the future 'oliverthedesigner' should be able to hook you up with a homegrown but cheaper version

[3] There will be some opportunities to win one as a give-away... stay tuned!!

We know it's exams and wind down for the year BUT what happens next will reflect just that...

Small Missional Community

The hope for Salt [Factory] is that it might become a small missional community exploring life and faith in ways that help participants make sense of both!!

At the moment it's an experiment in search of clear purpose and identity and so is it any wonder any number of young adults wait to see which way things fall so they can decide whether or not to invest!!

Meanwhile, it needs that involvement to further take shape... "it's not rocket science!" but it is a bit complex!!

Salt [Factory] is:

- focused on young adults

- seeking to be a community of people

- about exploring life, spirituality & christian faith

- hoping to create an initial community of identifiable young adults moving out of other organised UCA programs, places and events BUT remaining outward focused so together we might create events and spaces where those not part of the group can find space to explore...

- the goal is to draw young adults in the city of Newcastle who might also appreciate this journey of discovery and accountability!!

Do you want to help create such a space and some events... ?

I'd love to hear from you at rjh43@live.com!!

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!!