Comments on: help me think this through

By: Kelley

Kelley — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:40:04 +0000

RM…great thoughts. I just finished re-reading Prisoner of Azkaban It is still my favorite book of the series. The Pettigrew, Black, Lupin scene at the end is incredible. I think I have re-read that chapter 4 or 5 times.

My two cents for what it is worth:
-Black folders not books
-Designated Readers (wonderful)
(R.Lee, B.Fake, M.Taylor type voices/readers)
-No words on screen
-definitely include at least one movie clip
-No names on the “spoiler” sections

You are right on target with your series! Wonderful!
Blessings from Colorado!

By: reverendmother

reverendmother — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 16:57:50 +0000

Thanks everyone. I’m going to go for it. And saying grace has inspired me to bust out with focus and function statements, which I don’t routinely do in sermon prep, but it could be useful here.

By: Chaplainmom

Chaplainmom — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 15:02:56 +0000

I like the idea of readers theater, with black folders instead of the books, the main reason being that they are quite hefty and all, and I am partial to the sleekness and uniformity of the black folder. No deep theological reason!

As for spoilers - if they don’t really know the books, even if you tell them what happens, I’m of the opinion that (a) they will probably not remember it since they haven’t read the whole story and (b) I would assume that they are not going to all-of-a-sudden go Harry crazy and read all of them/see all of the films before July 21st, but they might if they see how good they are! Just don’t give away the ending of the last one

I also like the video clips with the reading - to pay attention to the multiple intelligences of the folks in your congregation.

By: RevJen

RevJen — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 13:04:38 +0000

I like the Reader’s Theatre idea as long as the readers are really good. I’d recommend at least one practice and using people that will take direction.

Does your technology allow for a live video feed so you could put the readers on screen as they read? That might be interesting. If not, I would opt for images, if anything, rather than words on the screen, though I can’t say offhand what kind of images I’d use — something that continued to tie the reading back to the sermon themes, I guess.

By: ppb

ppb — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:27:55 +0000

It’s always so tricky in these things to keep the uninitiated up to date without spoiling it for them (should they decide to read the whole book).

I think reader’s theatre is fine. It allows lay people to be spotlighted, and it’s something new. I also think film stuff is fine. I say mix it up.

I’m so impressed with how much you remember from the HP stories. I loved them, but I could never have recalled any of this for sermonizing. I bet people are just loving it.

I wish you could sleep, though.

By: saying grace

saying grace — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:12:28 +0000

My main suggestion is to keep your primary focus in view through the whole experience. With so much going on the great challenge is to have clarity. Is there a message you want to convey or is the total experience important? And if its experience, what experience?

I would not put the words on a screen. I like the multiple readers.

Since you love writing and reading, and are slightly wary of technology, at some point you might want to read Jacque Ellul’s The Humiliation of the Word. (After you summer sabbatical from church books.)

I’m finishing up my re-reading of the 6th HP in preparation.

By: anne

anne — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 11:31:05 +0000

this morning i listened to the podcast of the first sermon and let me say that whatever effort you need to make to allow folks who aren’t there to “get” what you’re doing is worth that effort.

i loved “being in the moment” w/ you several days after the fact.

and i recommend the podcast to all of you blog readers. even if you read the entire text of the sermon (as i did), you’ll get something new from listening.

By: Lorna

Lorna — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 10:26:01 +0000

black folders, capes and hats
I’d get others to read rather than you

BUT it’s important that they read well. really well. practice makes perfect.

and use at least one video clip if you can.

I wouldn’t put the words up on screen …. (but you could) … but I’d get people to close their eyes and really listen.

You could then have the MAIN quote on the screen - for when they open their eyes - and re-read it

spoilers should NOT matter at this stage … but avoiding the names of characters (or even which book) might be good … IF it works. but not necessary I think. Esp books 1-4 which are already films.

love this

I couldn’t listen cos I don’t have the technology. I’ll get TS’s help with that - but want to encourage you.

This is fab - but it’s GREAT teaching -culturally relevent and not JUST fun- though it’s most certainly fun and that’s the best part of all
whoever said church was suppposed to be boring. hahaha

If I could I’d grab the firebolt and come listen Saturday AND Sunday
(o)