Salt Factory Planning Tonight

We meet tonight at the UCA Hunter Presbyterey Offices, 6 Myall Rd, Garden Suburb 7-9.15pm!! This will be a time of figuring out who and what we are and want to be as a group... plus some planning for the rest of 2009 and early 2010 including hopefully a trip to 'Tropfest' at Sydney's Domain in February 2010!!

Bring munchies/drinks to share!!

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!!

"Plan Be" focus on 22nd September

Peacemaker

Mercy

Meek

Lament

Justice

Salt Factory will meet for dinner this week 22nd Septmber 7pm-9pm at 'The Dockyard' at Honeysuckle on Newcsatle Harbour for a meal, a discussion about future but also to reflect on and discuss the brilliant focus on the Beatitudes in Dave Andrews "Plan Be" BUT by using single words and a piece of art or a photo on A2 and easels around our table space... they're happy for us to do that...

22nd September 2009 'Plan Be'

Hi all, you should soon be receiving a personal invitation email BUT here are the details in case we miss that OR you lose them!!

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!!

Stay Tuned for a First Gathering

Following the local region Easter Camp and an upcoming mailout to spread the word about 'Salt Factory' my next steps are:

1. Continue conversations with locals attempting to work in this area

2. Apply to 'Renew Newcastle' about spaces

3. Set a date and promote a FIRST GATHERING in this first half of 2009 for those interested in what Salt Factory might become...

Stay tuned!!!

More on the Ethos of Salt Factory

• Authenticity or 'being real' and as honest as possible
• At mission in our context or a bunch of people challenged to see, hear and be aware of what's happening in the lives and community of those around us
• Exploring spiritual practices, worship and it's connections with daily life in creative ways
• Open to a variety of people with a focus on young adults and adults identifying mission to younger generations as central
• Fun
• A variety of ways to gather which will happen 'monthly'
  
• Perhaps a space for those who seek meaning, identity, belonging and faith shaping who are not currently connected somewhere or not finding their current connections are stretching or relevant enough [without them needing to sever those ties]

Examples of possible activity:

• Creative worship in the Foreshore Rail Sheds
• A Movie at the Tower Cinemas and discussion at a Cafe
• 'Make Poverty History' Fundraising Dinner
• Dinner and Discussion
• Story Sharing by a variety of those connecting with the group
• Clean Up Australia Day Working Bee
• Creation of Vox Pop Videos
• Free Community BBQ with sponsors
• Fundraising for Refugees
• Forum on Climate Change
  

2009 a Beginning

Early in 2009 a short program of gatherings and discussions will be issued so people interested in exploring what 'Salt Factory' might become are able to contribute to shaping this endeavour!!
Ahead of this there will also be some conversations with others interested in mission and ministry in the city of Newcastle to make the idea known, to not tread on toes, but to shape partnerships and complimentary action in 'our town.'
I have started documenting a 'community calendar' of significant celebrations, markings, festivals and commemorations to shape what our events might look like!!

Gathering Once a Month in 2009

Between now and early 2009 there will be an exploration of venues, needs, issues, events, interested people and other activities and communities so as to craft a space 'somewhere' in Newcastle!

People interested in participating in this kind of faith community will be welcome to 'have a go' and to participate in what 'Salt' might become!!

'Salt [Factory]' might include:

Food

Live and CD Music

Film

Worship

Self directed Stations

Audio-visuals

Art

Speakers

Discussion

Flexible space

Life and faith explored

Variety month to month

As well as regular gatherings there might be: one off events; time to join a community initiative or cause e.g. Amnesty Letters, Fairwear, Fairtrade, Clean Up, Reconciliation; picnics; wider activity; conferences; or community events to join in!!!