William Chong

HBC goes to Impact 2009.

On the lookout for more photos to slot into the video, email me if you have some!

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MATAMATA, New Zealand – Team Philippi were crowned champions of the inaugural Shield Challenge during the 2008 Howick Baptist Church Family Camp. Held during 12–14th September at Totara Springs Christian Centre in Matamata, Philippi (Blue Team) edged out runners-up Galatia (Orange Team) by just 5 points after a weekend packed with powerful teaching, precious fellowship and lots of exciting activities and events.

The 2008 HBC camp saw over 100 people of all ages and backgrounds come together for a refreshing weekend building one another up in Christ. Pastor Craig Lloyd from Grace Bible Church in Brisbane, Australia crossed the ditch to share a 3-part series on God’s grace as evidenced in the life of Jacob (Gen 27-28). Members of HBC gained useful insights into this Old Testament character, learning lessons from his life still relevant today.

Outside of being invigorated by God’s Word, both kids and adults took part in the wide range of activities offered at Totara Springs. There was something for everyone, with activities including: go-carting, archery, rock-climbing, en-masse soccer and volleyball games, watching the All Blacks clinch the Bledisloe Cup, taking turns on the massive hydroslide and relaxing in the hot pools before bedtime! In addition, the team Shield Challenge gave HBC camp-goers the opportunity to show their “competitive” side, while still providing numerous opportunities to get to know one another better.

A highlight of the camp was “HBC’s Got Talent” – a variety show performance starring HBC members themselves, showcasing the wide range of talents and gifts in the church body. Notable acts included: Kelvin Lomberg’s rendition of Brooke Fraser’s “Hosanna” (with added finger percussion); a strongman challenge from youth pastoral intern Jono MacFarlane; comedy acts and parable re-enactments from the HBC kids; and our very own Psalm-singing duo, “Simon and Scarfunkel”!

Many thanks must go to the HBC camp organising committee: (Ray Scrivener, Geoffrey Downing, Simon Newbould & Calvyn Jonker), for making the event so memorable. Those that went were blessed to grow in the Lord and build each other up in Christian fellowship and unity.

(Some highlights from the most recent Howick Baptist church camp I went to – it was my first time at Totara Springs.)

Hope you’re all doing OK!

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Here’s two Australian ad agencies pitted against each other to see who can make the best case for invading NZ:

OK, this has got to be the most inane song ever. I’m talking about it from a musical point of view – from its earthy Dsus9 chord on the piano, it flips back and forth between that and B, giving it a very unorthodox feel to it. If you keep listening it’s definitely complex in its harmonies, and throws interesting modulation to C Minor at you (about 1:41 in the video, Vanessa Hudgens kinda just slides into it; this book explains how odd a semitone modulation is to achieve).

Rhythm and melody-wise it’s somewhat catchy, if you can get past the distraction of a particularly nasal singing quality by Hudgens, who nevertheless is trying her best. Whether it’s an attempt to try a different vocal style/music genre or not, her voice does doesn’t have that depth or soul-feel. I could picture someone like Alicia Keys, Joss Stone or Mary J Blige pulling this off better. But then again none of them would really be singing about shoes, would they?

Thanks to this High School Musical alumna, I’m picking this song to create a fashion-craze that involves young girls going clubbing in sneakers. Bonus points if your shoelaces glow in the dark.

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