'Tis the season

Every month or so I make a few videos for an event called Alchemi. Working on a format that is used by many larger churches, the sermon or talk is superseded by a short title package whose function it is to introduce the topic that is to be covered in an entertaining, informative, provocative or otherwise thought-provoking manner. The video sometimes poses questions to be answered in the talk, or may just set the scene and tone, providing continuity for a series of talks.

Even though I make teasers, trailers and intro videos for these events, I don't tend to showcase them beyond their intended audience. This is usually because I don't think the videos would fit when taken out of context or just aren't good enough to be widely broadcasted. The intro video for tonight's event is one of the few exceptions to this, as it doesn't need a context and I think can hold it's own.

So instead of waiting until after the event to show off the video, I've published it early.
I hope you enjoy it.



Soundtrack: Instrumental cover of "My Almost Lover"
Performed by Iwillbot http://www.youtube.com/WillTingMusic
Original by A Fine Frenzy http://www.afinefrenzy.com/

In a world...

Christmas is approaching thick and fast my friends, for some this is an exciting prospect, the tree, the carols, the presents, for some this is a daunting time of worry, debt, and slippery roads. Apart from the slippery roads this would be the same for christmas no matter what time of year it fell (Australians have christmas in the middle of their summer so they're living proof!)
We all know the nativity story, about the teenager who becomes pregnant with the Son of God, she journeys with her betrothed to his home town, give birth in a barn, get visited by rich men and poor shepherds (what happened to that gold in the end...). It's every little girls dream to be cast as Mary, every little boys dream to be cast as Herod. But if you think about the story, if it were to happen today it would seem like the start of another doomed relationship that forms part of a broken society.
It's probably likely that even if you've thought about this scenario you've given it more of an overview and never delved too deep into the role of each character in its conception.
On Sunday 12th December, Alchemi presents the most famous birthday in the world through the eyes and mind of Joseph, the "other" guy.