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Speech Marks

There are no speech marks in Greek, so we can't really be sure where to put them in an English translation. Consider the following passage from Matthew 10: 5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” 8 Heal those who are ill, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.' It struck me this morning that you could shift the final speech mark and it changes the disciple's mission considerably: 5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near. 8 Heal those who are ill, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive...
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Agitation

I've been thinking about the use of "agitation" as an organising method today. At morning prayer, we reflected on the "agitation" caused by powerful rulers, which produces chaos - and is countered by stillness. We also reflected on the "agitation" caused by the Gospel which challenges people to life giving action. In organising, we want to avoid agitation which brings harm and division, in favour of agitation which generates good leadership and positive developments. My initial hypothesis is that there are six main ways that an organiser can positively agitate leaders: World View: What does the world view or belief system of the leaders say about society and the leaders imediate context? Does this need to be challenged? This is an issue of spirituality, beliefs and values. Skills: What new skills can be taught which create the possibilities of new understanding and action? Testimony: How can leaders listen to the experience of other people in a ...
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Writing Day...

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Quiet day today, working on my talk for Cuddesdon and watching a documentary about Saul Alinsky:
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Deanery Synod

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This evening, I spoke to Deanery Synod about my sabbatical, and my ideas for a longer research project. The difference between "leading" and "organising" was particularly relevant, with people responding warmly to the Golden Rule: "Never do things for other people that they can do for themselves".
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Leaders Forum

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This evening we had the Citizens MK Leaders Forum - which is the event where representatives from the twenty member institutions come together and agree a long list of campaigns for the coming year. The idea is that we end up with five or six "problems" that are then developed by "research teams". The research teams will then produce achievable goals that will be put to the "delegates assembly" in February. I've chaired this meeting for the last three years. It's a tough one because there's a lot to squeeze in - particularly the rounds of institutions where they present their two suggested problems. This year I took a back seat, operating more like an organiser than a leader. I wrote the script and supported the chairs. This was a great learning experience for me, and it was good to see the evening run smoothly. My main reflection is on the importance of leaders. At one point it looked like people were keen to pursue ten different campaigns....
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Refugees Welcome Supporters Summit

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One of my big projects for the sabbatical is to develop the work of Refugees Welcome MK, so it taps into the energy of supporters and is ready for the long term challenge of integration and welcome. Tonight was a major step on that journey. I facilitated a big gathering of supporters and volunteers with a view to identifying strategies that will help move things on... It was a great session, but I am conscious that many of those who attended will not have the time or the commitment to make things happen. We have produced a lot of new ideas, but we still need leaders who will carry them through. I think we've made a significant step on the journey, but the February meeting will be crucial if we're to get people to sign up to new projects...
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Remembrance Sunday

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We joined the people of Shenley at the war memorial this morning. It was good to be reminded that we are part of a local commity with a long history and a living present.
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