I had never conducted a Funeral Service before. It was only five days earlier that my friend had called to tell me the awful news - her Father had suffered a sudden heart attack and died. My mouth felt dry and thick, and words were suddenly double-parking themselves in my head, unwilling to be moved toward my lips. I wanted to say the “right thing” but only awkward cliches and platitudes were escaping.

My friend asked me if I would conduct the Funeral Service and of course I was honored - terrified but honored. I can’t imagine saying goodbye to my Dad. Your parents are just one of those permanent fixtures in life that you cant imagine existing without.

The time for the Service had arrived, I gathered up my papers and headed towards the Crematorium. The Service went smoothly and was a wonderful celebration of my friend’s Father’s life - many great stories told, many memories shared and an excellent photo slideshow. Although it got me thinking - how can you sum up someone’s life in 45 minutes? The 200+ mourners then headed to an afternoon tea to continue chatting, remembering and reflecting upon their now lost friend, father and Husband.

Although a few weeks have passed since that day, it is still very fresh in my mind; the conversations had, the memories shared, and the feeling of loss and sadness. I pray and trust that I was helpful to my friend and her family during the day and since. I have also had some time to reflect on what I learnt that day, as I conducted my first Funeral Service - some initial thoughts:-

• Death is still the unspoken fear & enemy of most Australians and subsequently they find death and Funerals extremely unsettling and awkward
• People look to loving, servant leadership during this time as they are unsure how to deal with death and funerals and all that goes with it. As awkward and ill-equipped as I felt to take the “lead” my friend and her family seemed glad to have someone serve them by leading them through this time
• Funerals are a unique situation where people are faced with their own mortality and are inclined to reflect on life more than they would otherwise.
• Funerals are a marvelous opportunity to lovingly and sensitively share the hope of Jesus and the reality that this life is not all there is

Of course we must allow the scriptwriters some flexibility. And some deviations from the book I can accept. So the movie begins on a London station rather than a country station, albeit with an invented fight that is an early pointer to the overworked movie narrative. Caspian blows Susan’s horn much earlier than in the book. Speaking of Caspian, who would have guessed that Telmarines had gone to the Rafael Nadal school of English-speaking?

Other deviations – borne from a seemingly endless quest to add narrative tension – are difficult to accept. The scriptwriters imagine Caspian tempted to call up the Witch from the dead. But the book shows Caspian utterly opposed to Nikabrik’s plan. The movie manufactures a power struggle between Peter and Caspian. How different to the book, when at their first meeting, Peter tells Caspian, ‘I haven’t come to take your place but to put you into it’. The scriptwriters present Peter as a desperate leader who recklessly attacks Miraz’s castle. The book presents Peter, having then already met Aslan, as the assured High King (and with no attack on Miraz’s castle).

The effect of these additions is an unnecessarily long movie. They also muddy what should be central. Aslan is obscured and his role is greatly diminished. The scriptwriters don’t seem to know what to do with the great Lion. That Lucy is sent to find Aslan to ask for his help presents him as distant, even unaware of the battle. The book shows Aslan thoroughly involved in delivering Old Narnia from the tyrant. His ancient gift is the means for calling the children to Narnia, his guiding presence ensures they reach Caspian in time, and his breath empowers the boys for battle. The Lion’s roar awakens the trees, who complete the victory. In the book, Aslan is the Great King.

The additions also obscure C.S. Lewis’ concern with faith, compromise his good models of faith including Caspian, and show none of the joy – so abundant in the book – that Aslan’s coming brings to those who have longed for his appearing. For me the highlight of the book is the scene where Aslan meets Caspian’s dying, faith-filled nurse, restores her life, and turns the water from her well into wine. What follows is leaping, dancing, singing, music and laughter!

The movie offers none of this, displacing the central issue of people’s faith in Aslan by its extended battle scenes and plethora of cheap ‘human-interest’ stories including a romantic interest between Caspian and Susan (which could never have amounted to anything, given the events of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader!).

If the movie gains a new audience for the book, it will have been of some value. As they read, people will encounter the real Aslan, beautiful King Aslan. Of course, in our world Aslan has a different name, but the challenge to trust him is the same.

Author: Stephen Yeo
syeo128 (at) gmail (dot) com
* King For A Day is a weekly post by a guest blogger.

It is a veritable mega-mart of churches out there – all of them spruiking their wares. Some offer corporate worship experiences akin to a rock concert. Some hold out the promise of wholesome, meaty teaching (now with extra chunks). Some specialise in providing good old-fashioned pastoral care (albeit with instant coffee).

Now, don’t get me wrong, all of these things are great to have in a church (apart from maybe the instant coffee), but they should not be your reason for attending. For the mature disciple of Christ, the primary question should never be: “How will this church meet my needs?” Rather, we should ask: “How can I contribute to the Kingdom by being part of this church?”

Ministers get regular brain damage from supposedly mature Christians complaining that church is not meeting their needs in one way or another. (type ‘me church’ into YouTube to see some very clever parodies of this phenomenon). As a minister, I indeed have a responsibility to ensure my flock is being fed and cared for adequately. If they claim that this is not the case, I must take their concerns seriously. However, I also have to gently and graciously point out that lobbying to have one’s own needs met is not necessarily the most Christ-like way of being part of a community of faith.

Its not about you. You are the last person you should be looking out for when it comes to choosing and participating in a church. Church is not just about giving you a spiritual high or about learning how the original Greek has an in-built pun. Do that on your own time (listen to a CD, read a commentary, go to a seminar). When you gather with your brothers and sisters in your community of faith, strive to emulate the sort of gracious selflessness that is demonstrated by the cross of Christ.

When it comes to church, it’s the only way to get your money’s worth.

Author: Peter Chapman
* King For A Day is a weekly post by a guest blogger.

Long live the King!

While you are taking in the new surrounds, do you have any suggestions, feedback or comments on the new design or the site in general? Love to know your thoughts.

So there we were yesterday at the park, and as I looked around I was amazed at how many people were doing the same thing. Many had brought their own portable BBQs and were cooking up a storm; some had picnic tables, some were on rugs on the ground. Quite a few were playing “backyard Cricket” or kicking a footy around — just generally enjoying themeslves and one anothers company.

It got me thinking, this kind of thing is probably the archetypal Aussie Mothers Day, or is it? I also got wondering what people from other cultures or countries do to celebrate Mothers Day?

So come on, tell me what you did for Mothers Day and what you would consider to be a typical Aussie Mothers day? And for our international readers, what do you do to celebrate Mothers Day? What is a typical Mothers Day for you?

Peoples responses were mixed, as expected — some happy to take a flier, some repelled me with the “no thanks nod and lift of the hand”, and many simply refused to make eye contact and pretend that I was nothing more than a figment of their imagination.

After 90 minutes of handing out leaflets, the pedestrian traffic was thinning and we were not far off packing up and heading back to the Church when an old work mate from about 6 years earlier started walking towards me. It was really great to catchup with Robin, chat about old time and all that has happened since. We exchanged details and arranged to catchup over a drink next week. How great is that?

Funny thing, I wasn’t even meant to be leafletting that morning. I was filling in for one of the team who was sick. But God in his sovereignty was ensuring that I caught up with Robin and reconnecting with him after 6 years. How awesome is it that God is in control of all things — the big and the small. How gracious is God in his constant reminder of this truth.

I am thankful that God arranged for Robin and I to cross paths today, and I pray that as I meet up with Robin over the coming days and weeks, that I may have opportunity to share the hope I have in Jesus.

Mission is always agreat time of the college year, but I am also challeneged in so far as sharing the good news of Jesus is something we should be doing all of the time, in all areas of our life!

Well, more to come as the week progresses.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper and gift bags — I like to mix it up a bit.

2. Real tree or artificial? Always a real tree - none of this plastic nonsense. Though trudging through mud to choose the “right one” and the many arguments that follow about why the tree you’ve chosen looks “lame” — maybe plastic aint so bad after all?

3. When do you put up your tree? When the kids nagging finally gets to me! Usually the same day we go and get said tree.

4. When do you take the tree down? Before we go on holidays. One year, in our rush to get packed and leave for holidays, we forgot. When we retuned home two weeks later we were greeted at the door by “Eu De Dead Tree” the floor was covered in pine needles. Great stuff.

5. Do you like eggnog? Egg what?

6. Favourite gift received as a child? Train set. Gotta love those trains.

7. Do you have a Nativity scene? No, but I have always been tempted to flog one of the camels from the life size nativity set on Carlingford Rd (you know the one) — one of those would look wicked in my backyard!

8. Hardest person to buy for? My Mum & dad.

9. Easiest person to buy for? My wife.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Not sure, nothing comes to mind really.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Well my wife still sends mail Christmas cards, but I tend towards the email variety.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? Cant think of the name of it, but you know the one where Arnie Schwarzenegger has to get his kid a certain toy and there is only one left on the shelf. A fight breaks out and there is lots of biffo. Great stuff. The Polar Express is kinda cool as well.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually a week before, although this year we are a little more organised and I can officially say we are done.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I’m not saying anything as it may incriminate me…

15. Favorite things to eat at Christmas? Prawns and any other seafood.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Being a more traditional, understated kind of chap, I prefer clear lights. Having said that, it’s more to do with what works when I pull all the decorations out of the garage…

17. Favorite Christmas song? “All I Want For Christmas Is You”. Not the Mariah Carey version, but the one from the movie Love Actually. Great stuff.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home for Christmas, Holidays afterwards.

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Everybody knows that Santa no longer uses reindeer! Due to Occupational Health & Safety and environmental concerns, Santa now uses a battery powered, carbon neutral, environmentally friendly sleigh. The reindeers have been put out to pasture!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Normally we are still wrapping them at 2am so I guess you could say we both wrap and open them on Christmas morning!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Shops, crowds, noise and traffic.

23. What is the “corniest” family tradition you do, or miss doing? Leave carrots, milk and cookies out for Santa and his reindeers, though by virtue of point 19, this year we will be leaving out a glass of port and some D size batteries.

24. Ugliest Christmas Decoration ever invented? Those robotic reindeer and Santas.

25. Which looks the best, theme trees or homey trees? Homey! Peace out.

26. What does Christmas mean to you? “Kid born in feed trough saves world!”