Finding a quiet corner at a family party to just be a bit quiet and think... I am still, I guess a bit fired up after my sabbatical, still angry after all these years and that passion has been triggered tonight by two events.
The first is that my Dad is a bit ill, and although I think he'll be all right I can't be sure and he is a long way away. I'll get to see hm tomorrow and will know better then whether to worry. He has done so much in his life and mine I hope he knows that, I caught his passion.
The second thing that has fired me up is talking to a young man who is looking for a vocation... not in the church. He has no passion but wants some! Can you give someone a passion transplant? Probably, perhaps if he can walk with me in my world for a bit he might catch it, just as when I walked with my dad I caught his vision for the church.
Friday 31 October 2008
Thursday 30 October 2008
Thus it begins
They started to take a wall down today and for the history of our church it is as significant as the Berlin Wall coming down.
As long as anyone can remember there has been a wall between the church and the hall. Not unsurmountable but a wall none the less with the defintie idea that sacred and secular had their boundary.
We took the wall down today and began the final phases of the construction of a new town square and a business hub. Literally muddying the waters between our spiritual and social lives.
There was no ceremony, perhaps there should have been...
It just happened, the men and women in the flourescent coats just took the stones away... to used in the new building.
Who knowswhat the future will bring for our church, one things is for certain we will never be the same again.
As long as anyone can remember there has been a wall between the church and the hall. Not unsurmountable but a wall none the less with the defintie idea that sacred and secular had their boundary.
We took the wall down today and began the final phases of the construction of a new town square and a business hub. Literally muddying the waters between our spiritual and social lives.
There was no ceremony, perhaps there should have been...
It just happened, the men and women in the flourescent coats just took the stones away... to used in the new building.
Who knowswhat the future will bring for our church, one things is for certain we will never be the same again.
Wednesday 29 October 2008
Tragedy
To Manchester to see a tragedy, not the economic situation, as ever the place was heaving, rather we went to see Antigone at the Royal Exchange . Brilliant as usual, it was a sad tale about the problems that happen when those in power ignore the deeper laws. In this case it was that deep universal law that all humanity deserves a decent burial.
It has set me thinking of the other universal laws and to reflect on Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand who have tormented a grandfather over his granddaughter's behaviour... a joke too far and the cause of a great outcry.
What other universal laws are there? Whatever they are politicians are not being popularist when they listen to these voices but maybe sometimes here the deeper voice of the ancient human laws.
It has set me thinking of the other universal laws and to reflect on Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand who have tormented a grandfather over his granddaughter's behaviour... a joke too far and the cause of a great outcry.
What other universal laws are there? Whatever they are politicians are not being popularist when they listen to these voices but maybe sometimes here the deeper voice of the ancient human laws.
Tuesday 28 October 2008
Nobody told her - a poem inspired by a woman at the last event of the Ted Hughes Festival
Nobody told her…
that a white woolly hat
is not the correct gear for a gala concert.
Nobody told her…
that you are not allowed
to sing along
with the orchestra.
Nobody told her…
there was nothing
in the programme to warn you
that dancing to the music…
would be tutted at.
Nobody told her…
not a suggestion
that giving little whoops of delight
between movements
was not allowed.
Nobody told us either
so why did we dress up
so why didn't we sing
so why didn’t we dance
so why didn’t we give whoops of delight?
Maybe next time.
that a white woolly hat
is not the correct gear for a gala concert.
Nobody told her…
that you are not allowed
to sing along
with the orchestra.
Nobody told her…
there was nothing
in the programme to warn you
that dancing to the music…
would be tutted at.
Nobody told her…
not a suggestion
that giving little whoops of delight
between movements
was not allowed.
Nobody told us either
so why did we dress up
so why didn't we sing
so why didn’t we dance
so why didn’t we give whoops of delight?
Maybe next time.
Monday 27 October 2008
Saturday 25 October 2008
Films are not books
The day began with a trip to the cinema to see the Iron Giant. This is a Hollywood treatment of Ted Hughes’ book the Iron Man by Brad Bird. It’s really good film but as many people said: “It’s not the book.”
I wanted to shout: “Of course it’s not, it’s a film!”
Some people just don’t get different media have to deal differently with the same material. Nobody expects a painting to tell the whole story, a news report to give us a complete economic analysis of to doctorate level, unless they listen to Radio 4.
So next time you see a film of a book, try hard not to say: “It’s not like the book!”
It’s not because it isn’t.
Oh, by the way the phone returned with it's charger wrapped in a paper bag...
Funny old world isn't it.
I wanted to shout: “Of course it’s not, it’s a film!”
Some people just don’t get different media have to deal differently with the same material. Nobody expects a painting to tell the whole story, a news report to give us a complete economic analysis of to doctorate level, unless they listen to Radio 4.
So next time you see a film of a book, try hard not to say: “It’s not like the book!”
It’s not because it isn’t.
Oh, by the way the phone returned with it's charger wrapped in a paper bag...
Funny old world isn't it.
Friday 24 October 2008
Mobile mobiles
Chaos this morning with a lost box office telephone that has taken a bit too literally it's title... mobile. We're not too sure where it has wandered to but wherever it is it would help if it came back.
Mobiles are so central to our lives today they are almost essential, I am even writing this on mine. The connectedness of any community is now regarded as essential to its development. I guess today teaches me how fragile that network is.
In the meantime, if you see a telephone wandering down your street, tell it to come back, we need it!
Mobiles are so central to our lives today they are almost essential, I am even writing this on mine. The connectedness of any community is now regarded as essential to its development. I guess today teaches me how fragile that network is.
In the meantime, if you see a telephone wandering down your street, tell it to come back, we need it!
Thursday 23 October 2008
Connections
It was a wild, wild windy day in Mytholmroyd and the local vicar was trying hard to juggle life as the vice chair of an international poetry festival, children's storyteller and oh yes, vicar.
He finds himself as usual fighting to make connections, that will somehow make it easier to squeeze it in.
A story with the under fives about the disciples fear in a storm in a boat...
a woman's grief at the loss of a much loved Aunty, who cheerfully weathered the storms of life in her slightly eccentric jaunty black beret.
An eccentric journey to Blackshaw Head the winding alpine slope like some mad bobsleigh ride, with one difference, cars coming the other way!
A concert and the story of Ted Hughes told by one who knew him and one who knew of him and running against them a beautiful choir in a lovely counterpoint.
The vicar thinks of the lady at the beginning of the day and trys to make the link... he smiles as he recalls the final connection, the lady who died was a relative of Ted.
He finds himself as usual fighting to make connections, that will somehow make it easier to squeeze it in.
A story with the under fives about the disciples fear in a storm in a boat...
a woman's grief at the loss of a much loved Aunty, who cheerfully weathered the storms of life in her slightly eccentric jaunty black beret.
An eccentric journey to Blackshaw Head the winding alpine slope like some mad bobsleigh ride, with one difference, cars coming the other way!
A concert and the story of Ted Hughes told by one who knew him and one who knew of him and running against them a beautiful choir in a lovely counterpoint.
The vicar thinks of the lady at the beginning of the day and trys to make the link... he smiles as he recalls the final connection, the lady who died was a relative of Ted.
Wednesday 22 October 2008
The Laureate
Got back from and exciting first day of festival to discover Catherine, my amazing wife, had written a poem about our opening event...
It's brilliant, don't you think?
The Laureate
With polite buzz the audience gather in newly painted expectation
For the arrival of the laureate.
Forgiving his tardy arrival we clap as the evening splutters into motion.
The host of the evening tests the booming microphone
And sets the evening in motion
By introducing the important guest.
Hearing of his much acclaimed career we wonder at his stooping
To join such plain folk
And just as we are feeling that maybe our world’s
Could be part of each other’s
Without warning the words tumble from the host’s mouth
And crash like a tray of glasses onto the floor
‘Andrew Morton’
We know that can’t be right.
‘Andrew Morton’
Is that the laureate’s name?
‘Andrew Morton’
Our brains click into motion
And embarrassment floods the room in waves.
Emotion, which cannot be expressed.
Commotion ripples as we all mutter his name.
Perhaps the tickets were sold in fraudulent action.
Perhaps the stranger before us has more to say
About a dead princess than a dead laureate
But no we have not been hoodwinked
Motion is the man before us
And we now know that motion can move us again.
It's brilliant, don't you think?
The Laureate
With polite buzz the audience gather in newly painted expectation
For the arrival of the laureate.
Forgiving his tardy arrival we clap as the evening splutters into motion.
The host of the evening tests the booming microphone
And sets the evening in motion
By introducing the important guest.
Hearing of his much acclaimed career we wonder at his stooping
To join such plain folk
And just as we are feeling that maybe our world’s
Could be part of each other’s
Without warning the words tumble from the host’s mouth
And crash like a tray of glasses onto the floor
‘Andrew Morton’
We know that can’t be right.
‘Andrew Morton’
Is that the laureate’s name?
‘Andrew Morton’
Our brains click into motion
And embarrassment floods the room in waves.
Emotion, which cannot be expressed.
Commotion ripples as we all mutter his name.
Perhaps the tickets were sold in fraudulent action.
Perhaps the stranger before us has more to say
About a dead princess than a dead laureate
But no we have not been hoodwinked
Motion is the man before us
And we now know that motion can move us again.
Tuesday 21 October 2008
Community Development developments
To Leeds today to meet the community development trust people I met at the national conference a few weeks ago. I was a bit grumpy about them then for only allowing faith groups associate membership.
Anyhow bless them they met me today and are seriously looking at what they can do. They particularly realise that in rural areas churches could be crucial to community development and wonder if community development trusts might be a way to do it.
We even thought our project might provide a trial run...
I talked to Eric our project manager and he seemd quite keen so all in all a good day.
Anyhow bless them they met me today and are seriously looking at what they can do. They particularly realise that in rural areas churches could be crucial to community development and wonder if community development trusts might be a way to do it.
We even thought our project might provide a trial run...
I talked to Eric our project manager and he seemd quite keen so all in all a good day.
Monday 20 October 2008
Courage Little Church
PCC tonight and a difficult one. A few months ago the deal which was going to deliver a new multipurpose community facility in one of my parishes fell through as a result of the downturn in the housing market.
It's so hard when you have glimpsed what might happen to settle for what can happen at least for now anyway.
The tremendous leadership shown by this little church, although they're tired will now have to raise their game. For now they have to keep believing in their vision in the face of facts and figures and "reality".
It's a narrow kind of reality we are working against. It's a reality that negates the possibility of God and it's a reality that negates the possibility of change.
It will take a bit longer, but we'll get there.
It's so hard when you have glimpsed what might happen to settle for what can happen at least for now anyway.
The tremendous leadership shown by this little church, although they're tired will now have to raise their game. For now they have to keep believing in their vision in the face of facts and figures and "reality".
It's a narrow kind of reality we are working against. It's a reality that negates the possibility of God and it's a reality that negates the possibility of change.
It will take a bit longer, but we'll get there.
Sunday 19 October 2008
Bizarre
It was a bizarre idea: turning our canal into a linear park but somewhat bizarrely fifty people thought it wasn’t such a mad idea at all. It’s funny how ideas catch on, the difficulty now is trying to find out how we can deliver it.
Saturday 18 October 2008
Spore
A sleep in and successful present giving to follow. My son has a new game on his computer, it’s called Spore and it is the most extraordinary bit of programming I’ve seen in a long time. It’s the ultimate God sim. You begin by creating a single cell animal and as time goes by you guide it as it evolves. The clever thing is that decisions you make early on are carried through to the end. It is the most fascinating thing to watch and is educational in many ways not least in that it teaches that in a project the decisions that you make early on carry consequences much later in its development.
I wonder if he will let me have go sometime.
I wonder if he will let me have go sometime.
Friday 17 October 2008
Seeds
It's been a very busy day, or was it two days, I'm not sure, but I end it listening to Martyn Joseph and feeling warm inside.
Tomorrrow my youngest child is 16 which I guess officially means that I no longer have children. My minors are all majors.
Thoughts inevitably drift back to the person I was at sixteen...
I had already felt the first call of God to follow him in the priesthood, two years before as it happens. A year earlier I had started to go out with the girl who as a woman would become my wife. I had a growing passion for politics and I think had already felt the challenge when confronted with the annoying Church of England to transform it. My father had already famously said that this was a passing enthusiastic Christian phase I was growing through.
The seeds were planted and ready to grow.
They are still growing and I am still in my enthusiastic phase!
So God bless you my son, you make me very proud and I can't wait to see what the seeds grow into!
Tomorrrow my youngest child is 16 which I guess officially means that I no longer have children. My minors are all majors.
Thoughts inevitably drift back to the person I was at sixteen...
I had already felt the first call of God to follow him in the priesthood, two years before as it happens. A year earlier I had started to go out with the girl who as a woman would become my wife. I had a growing passion for politics and I think had already felt the challenge when confronted with the annoying Church of England to transform it. My father had already famously said that this was a passing enthusiastic Christian phase I was growing through.
The seeds were planted and ready to grow.
They are still growing and I am still in my enthusiastic phase!
So God bless you my son, you make me very proud and I can't wait to see what the seeds grow into!
Thursday 16 October 2008
Pigmy Bus Designers
Travelling into town on the bus to meet Catherine to buy a birthday present for my son is an exciting experience or at least it seems so to the tens of school children who share the bus with me. They all have passes as do the many pensioners who make up the other half of the passengers giving me the impression that I am the only person on the bus who is paying.
I suppose if you track the tax route I am paying for all the fares, no bad thing really.
With my legs jammed in and my head perilously close to the ceiling I wonder once again who designs buses and whether these pigmies have ever travelled on a bus. The same goes for transport planners who no doubt invariably never use the transport they plan for.
I suppose if you track the tax route I am paying for all the fares, no bad thing really.
With my legs jammed in and my head perilously close to the ceiling I wonder once again who designs buses and whether these pigmies have ever travelled on a bus. The same goes for transport planners who no doubt invariably never use the transport they plan for.
Wednesday 15 October 2008
Reflections
I attended a beautiful vigil service today for a lady who had lived a 101 years. There were only a handful of us there... She was caling in on her way back home.
I was there, although I had never seen the woman in real life.
I had only seen her reflection in her children and grandchildren whom I do know. I had seen her in their strength, their humour and in their love.
So I mourn her loss, this woman that I never knew but will continue to know in those whose lives she touched.
As John Donne says Do not ask for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.
I was there, although I had never seen the woman in real life.
I had only seen her reflection in her children and grandchildren whom I do know. I had seen her in their strength, their humour and in their love.
So I mourn her loss, this woman that I never knew but will continue to know in those whose lives she touched.
As John Donne says Do not ask for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.
Tuesday 14 October 2008
No blog today or is there?
I thought that I was so busy that I wouldn't have time to blog today. so sorry there is no blog today... or is there?
Monday 13 October 2008
Tears
There were tears today at our local primary school as parents waved goodbye to their children going on a trip. The children were only going for three days but they carried suitcases big enough to accommodate enough clothes for a fortnight. I was taking an assembly and was only an innocent bystander at the scene which was quite touching.
My mum always reckoned that she was upset when my brother and I went to school… she shed a tear, because we were not upset!
My mum always reckoned that she was upset when my brother and I went to school… she shed a tear, because we were not upset!
Sunday 12 October 2008
Presiding
It’s been a long day but a good one and I get to preside for the first time for over three months.
It’s hard to explain what presiding at the Eucharist means to a priest but it’s a bit like coming home. For all the community work I do, I am still a priest. Without getting too pretentious as I stand at the altar I really do feel kind of like I stand at the meeting point.
A place where people meet with each other, all kinds, all classes…
A place where people meet with God at different stages of their journey…
And at the meeting point, I guess I am the host.
It’s hard to explain what presiding at the Eucharist means to a priest but it’s a bit like coming home. For all the community work I do, I am still a priest. Without getting too pretentious as I stand at the altar I really do feel kind of like I stand at the meeting point.
A place where people meet with each other, all kinds, all classes…
A place where people meet with God at different stages of their journey…
And at the meeting point, I guess I am the host.
Saturday 11 October 2008
Gloomy Papers
Saturday is the only day of the week I get a paper and today it makes for depressing reading. The economy is still in free fall and what scares me is that we don't have the resources to respond correctly to it. I don't mean the economic resources, it's more the community resources. People are just not ued to this situation where the economy doesn't do what we expect.
When I was a child, it was the three day week, the economy swung about and the governments seemed to change with the seasons.
We got used to this seasonal pattern of falling and rising.
Some of the things I want to talk about in my sermon tomorrow seem relevent: we need to work on our unity, we need to work on being joyful, we need to watch what we watch.
Peopleof faith may need to lead...
I hope we are up for it.
I hope we are up to it.
When I was a child, it was the three day week, the economy swung about and the governments seemed to change with the seasons.
We got used to this seasonal pattern of falling and rising.
Some of the things I want to talk about in my sermon tomorrow seem relevent: we need to work on our unity, we need to work on being joyful, we need to watch what we watch.
Peopleof faith may need to lead...
I hope we are up for it.
I hope we are up to it.
Friday 10 October 2008
Draft
so here's the thing
I have spent the evening writing notes for my sermon and ahve been bold over by the relevance of the scritptures to our times, sohere's the first draft of my seromn.
What do you think?
How to Stand Firm: Philip. 4:1-9 (TEV)
A SERIOUS SERMON FOR SERIOUS TIMES
So then, my friends, how dear you are to me and how I miss you! How happy you make me, and how proud I am of you!—this, dear friends, is how you should stand firm in your life in the Lord.
[2] Euodia and Syntyche, please, I beg you, try to agree as sisters in the Lord. [3] And you too, my faithful partner, I want you to help these women; for they have worked hard with me to spread the gospel, together with Clement and all my other fellow workers, whose names are in God's book of the living.
[4] May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice! [5] Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. [6] Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. [7] And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
[8] In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable. [9] Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.
Introduction:
There is a distinct unease in the air today
It’s not just the financial situation… although that is at the heart of how we feel
It’s more that we somehow feel that chickens are coming home to roost.
Insecure times are dangerous times for communities.
Some of you might just remember the insecurity of pre-war Europe that lead to World War Two and worse.
It’s dangerous for churches too… we start to panic, we start to lose our trust.
So I was glad to receive a letter this week [Open the Envelope]
It’s from Paul and it helped me see what our reaction to the current situation should be… we need to lead our community into this direction too.
So then, my friends, how dear you are to me and how I miss you! How happy you make me, and how proud I am of you!—this, dear friends, is how you should stand firm in your life in the Lord.
1 Unity
[2] Euodia and Syntyche, please, I beg you, try to agree as sisters in the Lord. [3] And you too, my faithful partner, I want you to help these women; for they have worked hard with me to spread the gospel, together with Clement and all my other fellow workers, whose names are in God's book of the living.
Try to agree, it’s crucial and obvious but it’s the first thing that goes when we are under pressure, our unity or that of those around us.
Stress is incredibly isolating
This why brother Paul asks Timothy to help Euodia and Syntyche to work it out.
We can’t always do it on our own we need help.
How do we stand firm?
We stand firm together.
The Wire Fence - Michel Quoist
The wires are holding hands around the holes;
To avoid breaking the ring,
they hold tight the neighbouring wrist,
And thus it is with holes that they make a fence.
Lord, there are lots of holes in my life.
There are some in the lives of my neighbours.
But if you wish, we shall all hold hands,
We shall hold very tight,
And together we shall make a fine roll of fence to adorn Paradise.
There is peace to be found when we find our way to hold each other…
As the David a poet and King wrote some 3000 years ago:
Psalm 133:1-3 (KJV)
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! [2] It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; [3] As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
Unity is not some luxury: it’s absolutely necessary
More important than anything else for as someone else said in the Bible
How can you say you love the God you can’t see if you can’t love the brother or sister you can see?
How do we stand firm, we stand firm together.
Let’s start now…
2 Realistic joy through prayer
Paul doesn’t finish with unity, it’s just the beginning, to stand properly we need to learn joy.
He says it twice, just in case we don’t get it.
[4] May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!
But this joy is not some Polyannaish always look on the bright side happiness it’s the joy that comes from choices made in our prayers.
Choice 1- Be gentle to each other
[5] Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon.
Choice 2- Turn your worries into prayers
[6] Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need,
Choice 3 - Turn your prayers into thanksgivings
always asking him with a thankful heart.
This kind of joy protects us, it keeps us safe.
[7] And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
There have been times when I have despaired, I talked about it before I went to Yemen
Learning to be joyful in despair has kept me safe.
I have a long way to go but better to rejoice than despair.
Paul doesn’t end with unity and rejoicing, he has one more bit of advice for us in his letter to us this morning.
This time it’s a warning
Watch your diet!
Cereal Packets – I like to read them – I worry about what’s in them
If we took as much care of what we put into our minds as what we put in out stomachs the world would be a better place.
[8] In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable. [9] Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.
I have got to admit to having a problem with this… I have to watch what I watch.
What do you feed your mind with?
things that are good and that deserve praise:
things that are true,
noble,
right,
pure,
lovely,
and honourable
The most powerful muscle in your body is the one that operates the remote control.
Conclusion
These are dangerous times
St Paul has written us a letter
We need to pursue unity
We need to be joyful in our prayers
We need to watch what we eat
If you want to be at peace in Jesus… Paul shows us the way
I have spent the evening writing notes for my sermon and ahve been bold over by the relevance of the scritptures to our times, sohere's the first draft of my seromn.
What do you think?
How to Stand Firm: Philip. 4:1-9 (TEV)
A SERIOUS SERMON FOR SERIOUS TIMES
So then, my friends, how dear you are to me and how I miss you! How happy you make me, and how proud I am of you!—this, dear friends, is how you should stand firm in your life in the Lord.
[2] Euodia and Syntyche, please, I beg you, try to agree as sisters in the Lord. [3] And you too, my faithful partner, I want you to help these women; for they have worked hard with me to spread the gospel, together with Clement and all my other fellow workers, whose names are in God's book of the living.
[4] May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice! [5] Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. [6] Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. [7] And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
[8] In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable. [9] Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.
Introduction:
There is a distinct unease in the air today
It’s not just the financial situation… although that is at the heart of how we feel
It’s more that we somehow feel that chickens are coming home to roost.
Insecure times are dangerous times for communities.
Some of you might just remember the insecurity of pre-war Europe that lead to World War Two and worse.
It’s dangerous for churches too… we start to panic, we start to lose our trust.
So I was glad to receive a letter this week [Open the Envelope]
It’s from Paul and it helped me see what our reaction to the current situation should be… we need to lead our community into this direction too.
So then, my friends, how dear you are to me and how I miss you! How happy you make me, and how proud I am of you!—this, dear friends, is how you should stand firm in your life in the Lord.
1 Unity
[2] Euodia and Syntyche, please, I beg you, try to agree as sisters in the Lord. [3] And you too, my faithful partner, I want you to help these women; for they have worked hard with me to spread the gospel, together with Clement and all my other fellow workers, whose names are in God's book of the living.
Try to agree, it’s crucial and obvious but it’s the first thing that goes when we are under pressure, our unity or that of those around us.
Stress is incredibly isolating
This why brother Paul asks Timothy to help Euodia and Syntyche to work it out.
We can’t always do it on our own we need help.
How do we stand firm?
We stand firm together.
The Wire Fence - Michel Quoist
The wires are holding hands around the holes;
To avoid breaking the ring,
they hold tight the neighbouring wrist,
And thus it is with holes that they make a fence.
Lord, there are lots of holes in my life.
There are some in the lives of my neighbours.
But if you wish, we shall all hold hands,
We shall hold very tight,
And together we shall make a fine roll of fence to adorn Paradise.
There is peace to be found when we find our way to hold each other…
As the David a poet and King wrote some 3000 years ago:
Psalm 133:1-3 (KJV)
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! [2] It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; [3] As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
Unity is not some luxury: it’s absolutely necessary
More important than anything else for as someone else said in the Bible
How can you say you love the God you can’t see if you can’t love the brother or sister you can see?
How do we stand firm, we stand firm together.
Let’s start now…
2 Realistic joy through prayer
Paul doesn’t finish with unity, it’s just the beginning, to stand properly we need to learn joy.
He says it twice, just in case we don’t get it.
[4] May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!
But this joy is not some Polyannaish always look on the bright side happiness it’s the joy that comes from choices made in our prayers.
Choice 1- Be gentle to each other
[5] Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon.
Choice 2- Turn your worries into prayers
[6] Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need,
Choice 3 - Turn your prayers into thanksgivings
always asking him with a thankful heart.
This kind of joy protects us, it keeps us safe.
[7] And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
There have been times when I have despaired, I talked about it before I went to Yemen
Learning to be joyful in despair has kept me safe.
I have a long way to go but better to rejoice than despair.
Paul doesn’t end with unity and rejoicing, he has one more bit of advice for us in his letter to us this morning.
This time it’s a warning
Watch your diet!
Cereal Packets – I like to read them – I worry about what’s in them
If we took as much care of what we put into our minds as what we put in out stomachs the world would be a better place.
[8] In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable. [9] Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.
I have got to admit to having a problem with this… I have to watch what I watch.
What do you feed your mind with?
things that are good and that deserve praise:
things that are true,
noble,
right,
pure,
lovely,
and honourable
The most powerful muscle in your body is the one that operates the remote control.
Conclusion
These are dangerous times
St Paul has written us a letter
We need to pursue unity
We need to be joyful in our prayers
We need to watch what we eat
If you want to be at peace in Jesus… Paul shows us the way
Thursday 9 October 2008
Dean
After a close encounter with Guinea Pigs at our under fives fresh expressions group this morning it's off to Wakefield Cathedral to meet the Dean to talk about regeneration matters. Despite the train being over am hour late it was a lively discussion and a swapping of jargon to use in our dealings with Regeneration People.
The Cathedral is an amazing community enterprise with employees in double figures, and a suite of building in the heart of Wakefield.
It was good to talk to Jonathan and share some of our passion for the church of England and just a small measure of the despair that anyone shares who works in a charity.
I hope the contacts they already have and a bit tweaking to the language they use will lead to even greater things for this important community asset.
The Cathedral is an amazing community enterprise with employees in double figures, and a suite of building in the heart of Wakefield.
It was good to talk to Jonathan and share some of our passion for the church of England and just a small measure of the despair that anyone shares who works in a charity.
I hope the contacts they already have and a bit tweaking to the language they use will lead to even greater things for this important community asset.
Wednesday 8 October 2008
Council
To council tonight and a bit of a bumpy start as I am told off by the mayor for harassing the nice man from Calderdale who had come to talk about Regeneration and talked endlessly about what was happening in Halifax. He was also living with that virtual countryside view of village life with Halifax as the place for business and Hebden Royd the place for tourists.
After I had calmed down in the pub afterwards, I realise that I need to learn how to persuade people without harassing them. This must be my next project. I think I try and get my own way by being noisy and enthusiastic rather than persuasive. I remember seeing a book on it but I wonder if anyone at Yorkshire Forward has some skills in this area.
After I had calmed down in the pub afterwards, I realise that I need to learn how to persuade people without harassing them. This must be my next project. I think I try and get my own way by being noisy and enthusiastic rather than persuasive. I remember seeing a book on it but I wonder if anyone at Yorkshire Forward has some skills in this area.
Tuesday 7 October 2008
Shaken but not stirred
A great mixture of places to visit today and more hard talking this time with the clergy of the Deanery. Then an out and about afternoon finishing with an evening with the Elmet trust in the last run down to the Ted Hughes poetry Festival in about three weeks time.
It’s been an amazing journey for us. Ten years ago people were trying to create a poetry centre in the birth place of the poet laureate. On Ted’s death we seemed to gain an impetus for a time but the centre was going nowhere. A few of us began to hatch a plan B, if we can’t have a building, let’s have a festival. Last year was our first festival, a big success, this year is bigger and we’re all a bit scared but we are raising our game, building our capacity, etc. etc. We have Andrew Motion as our big guest this year… so yes excited but scared.
It’s been an amazing journey for us. Ten years ago people were trying to create a poetry centre in the birth place of the poet laureate. On Ted’s death we seemed to gain an impetus for a time but the centre was going nowhere. A few of us began to hatch a plan B, if we can’t have a building, let’s have a festival. Last year was our first festival, a big success, this year is bigger and we’re all a bit scared but we are raising our game, building our capacity, etc. etc. We have Andrew Motion as our big guest this year… so yes excited but scared.
Monday 6 October 2008
Vicars
A day for hard talking as we meet at the Archdeacons to discuss clergy numbers. By 2013 we have to reduce the number of paid clergy by about a fifth in line with national predictions of a reduction in those offering for the full time ministry.
The funny thing is that we have never had so many priests in the C of E the difference is that most of them are part time or self supporting people. We are rapidly becoming a volunteer clergy for a volunteer church... Which at one level is brilliant.
Problem is the demands from the community is not part time and so many of the ideas we have had about clerical engagement in regeneration is dependent on us having the time to do it.
In America is would be unacceptible for someone to live their lives without volunteering... It's just expected but unfortunately in this country no such social pressure occurs. My worry is that somewhat bizarrely, lless clergy time means even less community engagement.
The funny thing is that we have never had so many priests in the C of E the difference is that most of them are part time or self supporting people. We are rapidly becoming a volunteer clergy for a volunteer church... Which at one level is brilliant.
Problem is the demands from the community is not part time and so many of the ideas we have had about clerical engagement in regeneration is dependent on us having the time to do it.
In America is would be unacceptible for someone to live their lives without volunteering... It's just expected but unfortunately in this country no such social pressure occurs. My worry is that somewhat bizarrely, lless clergy time means even less community engagement.
Sunday 5 October 2008
Threads
Threads are reforming but what's exciting is that nothing is quite what it was. There is a confidence in the churches that wasn't there before I went, well not in this way. There is an optism in the air but with it there is a weariness which I guess I need to address at some time.
Someone said that true leadership comes when we chose not to lead, for in that choice we enable others to find their potential.
I hope that of the many things which my sabatical has enabled me to do it is to lead by leaving... for a time.
Someone said that true leadership comes when we chose not to lead, for in that choice we enable others to find their potential.
I hope that of the many things which my sabatical has enabled me to do it is to lead by leaving... for a time.
Saturday 4 October 2008
Saturday Travels
To Diocesan Synod this morning in the Dearne Valley! At least I think it was, I followed the Sat Nav and so I could have been anywhere.
It was lovely to back amongst the great and the good. We passed the budget, we listened to some people talking about liturgy, we rearranged the deck chairs.
This afternoon back to Hebden Bridge to hear my son playing in the Hebden Bridge Junior band. He plays the bass and so he hides at the back of the band and lends his support. They were creative in their interpretation of many classics but their enthusiasm was catching. You could tell it was Hebden Bridge we were offered the usual cakes and buns but also on offer was pea and pesto soup. It took the idea of green food to new heights.
So now it’s Saturday night and I am due back at church tomorrow, and a bit nervous… a bit like the day before you go back to school. I hope I can still remember how to do it.
It was lovely to back amongst the great and the good. We passed the budget, we listened to some people talking about liturgy, we rearranged the deck chairs.
This afternoon back to Hebden Bridge to hear my son playing in the Hebden Bridge Junior band. He plays the bass and so he hides at the back of the band and lends his support. They were creative in their interpretation of many classics but their enthusiasm was catching. You could tell it was Hebden Bridge we were offered the usual cakes and buns but also on offer was pea and pesto soup. It took the idea of green food to new heights.
So now it’s Saturday night and I am due back at church tomorrow, and a bit nervous… a bit like the day before you go back to school. I hope I can still remember how to do it.
Friday 3 October 2008
steep learning curve
My car has broken down or rather my other car has broken down and so like superman I have come to Leeds to rescue my daughter in Law. Not really like superman because superman would not have been muttering all the way here because my daughter in law has not got AA membership.
By the time I arrive I am back to normal but more and more aware of how many things there are to remember if you are young. So much wisdom to gain, so much insight to aquire. When I was a chaplain one of our counsellors said that every young person should be able to make mistakes and get away with them a bit, so they might learn and grow. I am really pleased in this case that no major problem has occurred that can't be fixed by an AA man, a fairly sympathetic father in law and a little bit of time.
Steep learning curve life,isn't it?
By the time I arrive I am back to normal but more and more aware of how many things there are to remember if you are young. So much wisdom to gain, so much insight to aquire. When I was a chaplain one of our counsellors said that every young person should be able to make mistakes and get away with them a bit, so they might learn and grow. I am really pleased in this case that no major problem has occurred that can't be fixed by an AA man, a fairly sympathetic father in law and a little bit of time.
Steep learning curve life,isn't it?
Thursday 2 October 2008
It's my birthday
It’s my birthday! A pretty perfect day beginning with a reconnection with the Angels congregation, our midweek fresh expression. I was most impressed by a small blond two year old who sat next to me at story time as she obviously felt that I was new and a bit nervous.
This was followed by very nice fish and chips with my mum and dad. Looking over Yemini pictures and a good deal of nostalgia follows and I head off at speed to a community meeting where there is trouble at the mill. We finish the meeting with everyone laughing so I think my presence helped.
This evening we head to Sabrosso one of two new restaurants in our village where I eat excellent food and share a bottle of red and then walk home to contemplate being 47 years of age…
Actually y life is pretty good… at least until tomorrow… thank you God!
This was followed by very nice fish and chips with my mum and dad. Looking over Yemini pictures and a good deal of nostalgia follows and I head off at speed to a community meeting where there is trouble at the mill. We finish the meeting with everyone laughing so I think my presence helped.
This evening we head to Sabrosso one of two new restaurants in our village where I eat excellent food and share a bottle of red and then walk home to contemplate being 47 years of age…
Actually y life is pretty good… at least until tomorrow… thank you God!
Wednesday 1 October 2008
Soggy Skipton
To Skipton today for a rainy conference, Action for Market Towns. The market in Skipton is a bit of a washout as people run from shelter to shelter.
The conference itself is good meeting of some 300 partners and also a few friends, some from Yorkshire Forward but others who I have bumped into on various training things.
People are a bit nervy largely because of the credit crunch. As house prices fall and bank balances shrink the country is changing and community based, volunteer led activity are as much under threat as banks.
I hope that we can be help to those in trouble and not a hinderance as we make more demands.
The conference itself is good meeting of some 300 partners and also a few friends, some from Yorkshire Forward but others who I have bumped into on various training things.
People are a bit nervy largely because of the credit crunch. As house prices fall and bank balances shrink the country is changing and community based, volunteer led activity are as much under threat as banks.
I hope that we can be help to those in trouble and not a hinderance as we make more demands.
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