Blog has rather missed out this week, as I've been preoccupied with Annual General Meetings: 3 of them! It's not as bad as it sounds, as the agenda is pretty much the same. You get on a bit of a roll really. What's interesting though is the best-supported is the smallest church. I haven't got the exact figures, but it may even have been the second-best attended as well. Their total membership roll is less than a third of the other two, and yet about half of them turn up for the meeting. Furthermore, when it came to elections, there were 6 nominations for the 6 places. Well more than either of the bigger churches managed. And...3 of those 6 were under 40! How good is that?! Definitely signs of life there.
The truth is, it's easier to lead a smaller church - in this case, a membership of 70. There is more sense of cohesion, unity of purpose; less sense of 'plenty of others, they don't need me'.
There were no major problems at any of the meetings, and all were able to end on a positive note, with a major challenge to face in 2013. For two of them, there's the possibility of a new heating system for next winter. I think we're all realising that one reason for falling attendances (but only one) is that's it's just too cold in the winter! Ok - so you can argue that it's always been like that, but people's expectations these days are higher.
As part of each meeting, we showed the latest video from the Church Mission Society, 'Does it matter if the world knows Jesus?' It was only 6 minutes long, but took us to Tanzania, Argentina, Nepal and...Hull, UK! It demonstrated how the Good News of Jesus requires actions as well as words. At one meeting, when I invited comments, one person simply said 'wow'! Interested? See www.cms-uk.org/knowjesus.
By contrast, I was frankly appalled by the biting incident last weekend of Luis Suarez of Liverpool FC. It's the kind of behaviour you expect of a child. In any place of work, such an assault would lead to instant dismissal for gross misconduct. I am sorry that Liverpool, with it's history of experiencing injustice, did not take the moral high ground on this occasion and dismiss him. Their 6-0 thrashing of Newcastle yesterday shows they can perfectly manage without him! Sadly, as several people I have heard on TV or spoken to have said, 'there is no morality in football. It's all about success and money.'
Mind you, yesterday's result leaves me, as an Evertonian, very nervous about our chances at Anfield next Sunday!
Sunday 28 April 2013
Thursday 18 April 2013
Us and Them
The Bishop of London was quite right. In death, Margaret Hilda Thatcher was just 'one of us'. Death is the great leveller: no social, class, racial, gender, or political divide there. What a shame it is that there can't be more equality this side of the grave. But where there's death there's hope.
On Tuesday, Alan (my colleague) and I went on a training day for clergy in 'multi-church benefices' - i.e. where there is more than one church per vicar. He and I oversee 3 churches between us. Such situations require significant changes in the way vicars do their work, compared with the traditional one church/one vicar model (though in fact, this has never been a universal pattern). In the next 10 years, 40% of all full-time, paid vicars will retire: Alan and I are two of them. There won't be enough vicars being ordained to fill those gaps, so we are already having to work differently. I have for years seen this more as an opportunity than a problem, believing that (in the words of the Bishop of Carlisle, James Newcome) bishops should be more apostolic, clergy more episcopal, and lay people more priestly. That needs unpacking, but for us clergy it basically means more sharing of ministerial tasks, standing back to offer oversight, direction, spiritual and human resourcing. For myself, it's been a journey 'from vicar to leader.' In other words, the clergy/lay divide needs dissolving. To quote another favourite saying of mine, 'it's not that lay people help vicars to run the church; rather, vicars help lay people to change the world!' Despite many signs of decline in the church, there are even more signs of life, as the church - realising the challenge of the age - learns to live and to serve differently.
Yesterday, I convened a meeting of various professionals and volunteers at the riding stables for the disabled near where I live. Because of government cuts, the City Council can no longer fund this establishment so we're having to think about how to manage ourselves. This will involve finding the necessary money, employing staff, caring for animals, maintaining buildings and equipment etc. Most of us were well beyond the limits of our experience, but without exception willing to have a go. Why? Because we believed in the importance of what the stables have to offer and because we could see the potential. Scary though! None of us was prepared to think in terms of closure.
We have heard of yet another dreadful atrocity in Boston, Mass. and then of the factory blast in Texas. In both cases, and in many other similar situations we hear of amazing tales of courage and compassion. In the face of death, many heros are found.
Somehow, 'death' (literally or figuratively) always seems to bring some hope or blessing with it. As Christians, we have the best reason of all for never giving up!
On Tuesday, Alan (my colleague) and I went on a training day for clergy in 'multi-church benefices' - i.e. where there is more than one church per vicar. He and I oversee 3 churches between us. Such situations require significant changes in the way vicars do their work, compared with the traditional one church/one vicar model (though in fact, this has never been a universal pattern). In the next 10 years, 40% of all full-time, paid vicars will retire: Alan and I are two of them. There won't be enough vicars being ordained to fill those gaps, so we are already having to work differently. I have for years seen this more as an opportunity than a problem, believing that (in the words of the Bishop of Carlisle, James Newcome) bishops should be more apostolic, clergy more episcopal, and lay people more priestly. That needs unpacking, but for us clergy it basically means more sharing of ministerial tasks, standing back to offer oversight, direction, spiritual and human resourcing. For myself, it's been a journey 'from vicar to leader.' In other words, the clergy/lay divide needs dissolving. To quote another favourite saying of mine, 'it's not that lay people help vicars to run the church; rather, vicars help lay people to change the world!' Despite many signs of decline in the church, there are even more signs of life, as the church - realising the challenge of the age - learns to live and to serve differently.
Yesterday, I convened a meeting of various professionals and volunteers at the riding stables for the disabled near where I live. Because of government cuts, the City Council can no longer fund this establishment so we're having to think about how to manage ourselves. This will involve finding the necessary money, employing staff, caring for animals, maintaining buildings and equipment etc. Most of us were well beyond the limits of our experience, but without exception willing to have a go. Why? Because we believed in the importance of what the stables have to offer and because we could see the potential. Scary though! None of us was prepared to think in terms of closure.
We have heard of yet another dreadful atrocity in Boston, Mass. and then of the factory blast in Texas. In both cases, and in many other similar situations we hear of amazing tales of courage and compassion. In the face of death, many heros are found.
Somehow, 'death' (literally or figuratively) always seems to bring some hope or blessing with it. As Christians, we have the best reason of all for never giving up!
Thursday 11 April 2013
Mrs T
I find the huge variety of opinions expressed about Margaret Thatcher very revealing - revealing of a nation not really at ease with itself, and in many ways divided. Some of the comments are hateful and ignorant. We forget that Mrs T and her government were democratically elected on three separate occasions, and so governed with permission, whatever anyone may think of her. Furthermore, she was a woman of great integrity, who passionately believed that what she was doing was for the good of the nation. Privately, she was known to be caring and sensitive while publicly she was often bullish and strident. Bishop David Sheppard said that he found facing her as nerve-wracking as batting against Australia's fastest bowlers!
Simon Walker in his trilogy The Undefended Leader, likens Margaret Thatcher to F.D. Roosevelt whose leadership he regards as an example of 'the Commanding Strategy' (Leading with Nothing to Lose pp.49-51). Roosevelt became President of the USA in 1933, just after the Great Depression, when the state of the economy was dire. Unemployment was at 25% and industrial output had fallen by more than 50% in just 4 years. Roosevelt's approach was highly interventionist - it had to be - as he had to determine a way forward which would bring hope, confidence and prosperity. Margaret Thatcher came to power in similar times for Britain in 1979. Something had to be done, as strikes paralysed enterprise and strangled the economy. She confronted the unions, as Roosevelt had previously done with a greedy private sector: in both cases, suggests Walker, it was like a new teacher putting his foot down with an unruly class of children, imposing order and demanding compliance with his rules.
The Commanding Strategy is not the only way of leadership, however, and if there is no discernment and no checks, it can lead to an abuse of power, becoming tyrannical. There are plenty of examples of that in history! Ultimately, it was Mrs Ts undoing: she seemed incapable of changing her style and her 'children' revolted - on the streets, because of the infamous poll tax, and in the Cabinet because of her treatment of colleagues. The same democracy which had given her power was also able to take it from her.
I wonder also whether the Falklands factor was particularly unhelpful in this sense: that it encouraged some Britons (inflamed by some sections of the media) to hark back to the glory days of Empire, and to forget that years ago we lost the desire to dominate and to fight. Which is partly why we have this confusion over Mrs Ts legacy. Some regard her as a 'great Briton'; while others see her as having ruined any sense of social cohesion.
The unfortunate thing is that political leaders since Mrs T seem to regard her as a role model, with their TINA (There is No Alternative) language. Although we are a nation in crisis - to some degree of our own making - the Commanding Strategy will not work, unless there is space for others to offer their opinions and work out their own solutions.
In 1975, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Donald Coggan, issued his Call to the Nation. As I recall, he asked two questions (I cannot find the actual words):
Simon Walker in his trilogy The Undefended Leader, likens Margaret Thatcher to F.D. Roosevelt whose leadership he regards as an example of 'the Commanding Strategy' (Leading with Nothing to Lose pp.49-51). Roosevelt became President of the USA in 1933, just after the Great Depression, when the state of the economy was dire. Unemployment was at 25% and industrial output had fallen by more than 50% in just 4 years. Roosevelt's approach was highly interventionist - it had to be - as he had to determine a way forward which would bring hope, confidence and prosperity. Margaret Thatcher came to power in similar times for Britain in 1979. Something had to be done, as strikes paralysed enterprise and strangled the economy. She confronted the unions, as Roosevelt had previously done with a greedy private sector: in both cases, suggests Walker, it was like a new teacher putting his foot down with an unruly class of children, imposing order and demanding compliance with his rules.
The Commanding Strategy is not the only way of leadership, however, and if there is no discernment and no checks, it can lead to an abuse of power, becoming tyrannical. There are plenty of examples of that in history! Ultimately, it was Mrs Ts undoing: she seemed incapable of changing her style and her 'children' revolted - on the streets, because of the infamous poll tax, and in the Cabinet because of her treatment of colleagues. The same democracy which had given her power was also able to take it from her.
I wonder also whether the Falklands factor was particularly unhelpful in this sense: that it encouraged some Britons (inflamed by some sections of the media) to hark back to the glory days of Empire, and to forget that years ago we lost the desire to dominate and to fight. Which is partly why we have this confusion over Mrs Ts legacy. Some regard her as a 'great Briton'; while others see her as having ruined any sense of social cohesion.
The unfortunate thing is that political leaders since Mrs T seem to regard her as a role model, with their TINA (There is No Alternative) language. Although we are a nation in crisis - to some degree of our own making - the Commanding Strategy will not work, unless there is space for others to offer their opinions and work out their own solutions.
In 1975, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Donald Coggan, issued his Call to the Nation. As I recall, he asked two questions (I cannot find the actual words):
- what kind of nation do we want to become?
- what kind of people should we be to become that nation?
Sunday 7 April 2013
Another Day of Resurrection
Easter has come and gone. But has it? Every day is potentially a day of resurrection - new life, fresh hope - and every Sunday celebrates the first Easter. As the sun penetrates the clouds, as a plant penetrates the frozen earth of winter so God's Kingdom penetrates our lives. If only we will see it!
On Friday, Les and I went to see 'A Day in the Death of Joe Egg' at the Liverpool Playhouse. Catch it if you can: it's on till April 27th. It's described as a 'black comedy', and was first performed in the 1960s. It has that feel about it. Brian and Sheila struggle with their marriage as they care for their 10-year old child, disabled from birth. The play reveals much about attitudes to disability, as relevant now as 40 years ago. The stage in the first half is dominated by a huge finger pointing downwards, which gives a rather ominous tone to the dialogue. Who's the greatest baby? Brian (the dad) or the disabled child? Guilt, shame, blame, cynicism abound. We loved the way the actors interacted with the audience and played a play within a play at times. There was even some theology! (I hope I'm quoting reasonably accurately). 'Faith is not believing in fairy stories. It's having a receptive mind. Always looking for signs.'
There is something very isolating about pain. As Job found - like Brian and Sheila - friends aren't necessarily the best help, try as they might. (That's the story of the second half). What dies in the play, for me, is hope. There have been many definitions of hope. For me, it has something to do with believing the best while facing the worst. And ultimately it's about a gift to aid us in our struggle.
In October, we are planning a special week of mission. Not that we're not in mission the whole time, but to raise our game, so to speak. Our themes are 'Heaven, Hope and Hospitality.' Watch this space.
On Friday, Les and I went to see 'A Day in the Death of Joe Egg' at the Liverpool Playhouse. Catch it if you can: it's on till April 27th. It's described as a 'black comedy', and was first performed in the 1960s. It has that feel about it. Brian and Sheila struggle with their marriage as they care for their 10-year old child, disabled from birth. The play reveals much about attitudes to disability, as relevant now as 40 years ago. The stage in the first half is dominated by a huge finger pointing downwards, which gives a rather ominous tone to the dialogue. Who's the greatest baby? Brian (the dad) or the disabled child? Guilt, shame, blame, cynicism abound. We loved the way the actors interacted with the audience and played a play within a play at times. There was even some theology! (I hope I'm quoting reasonably accurately). 'Faith is not believing in fairy stories. It's having a receptive mind. Always looking for signs.'
There is something very isolating about pain. As Job found - like Brian and Sheila - friends aren't necessarily the best help, try as they might. (That's the story of the second half). What dies in the play, for me, is hope. There have been many definitions of hope. For me, it has something to do with believing the best while facing the worst. And ultimately it's about a gift to aid us in our struggle.
In October, we are planning a special week of mission. Not that we're not in mission the whole time, but to raise our game, so to speak. Our themes are 'Heaven, Hope and Hospitality.' Watch this space.
Monday 1 April 2013
It's Personal!
Today, a day of winding down after Holy Week and Easter. People often say 'your busy time'. It doesn't feel any busier: the days are just filled with different things, though if anything there is more space, as we reflect on the events of 2000 years ago and their impact today. Once again, it has been a very special time, and I am thankful for the 3 Christian communities here which have invested much time and effort in planning and preparation.
Three highlights. On Good Friday morning, we had 'Messy Church' when adults and children come together for food, worship and crafts. It's mainly intended for those who don't 'do church' in the traditional sense. We had over 120 people of all ages, and what particularly interested me was the story-telling as part of the worship. We have a gifted story-teller, Janet (a retired school teacher). Everyone was captivated as she simply recounted the events of the first Good Friday and Easter from the Last Supper to the Empty Tomb. No notes, no pictures. The only movement was from babies and toddlers. Otherwise, silence. The power of story.
Shortly afterwards, we had our Churches Together Walk of Witness along the main highway in the parish. Over 80 people from 6 Christian denominations took part: it was a glorious day. You can view some pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/saintbarnabaspennylaneliverpool/sets/72157633124306870/
It interests me that this a real 'all-age' event: parents with children and babies in prams and buggies to folks in their 80s. All are glad to meet up with friends from other churches, and very simply, unpretentiously represent the presence both of churches and of Christ in the neighbourhood.
My Easter theme was 'It's Personal'. After the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to several of his friends to convince them that he was truly alive. They went on to witness for him both near and far. Ever since, encounter with the risen Christ has been a life-changing experience for countless Christians, and has inspired them to courageous acts of self-sacrifice which have brought freedom, hope and new life. As I was preparing my Easter sermon, I received the newsletter from one of our mission partners: Dr Ruth Hulser in Tanzania. Her letters make my heart ache and sing simultaneously, as she tells of the chronic medical and social needs of those amongst whom she lives and the help and comfort she is able to bring. http://www.cms-uk.org/Ourstories/Newsarticles/tabid/151/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/3920/My-story-the-importance-of-dwelling.aspx.
Then I read in Third Way magazine of of Anne-Marie Wilson, a Christian who gave up a promising career in HR to found a charity dedicated to the ending of female genital mutilation across Africa. It's a very tall order which has cost Anne-Marie everything, but one she undertakes out of her faith in Christ. You can read about it at www.28toomany.org.
I say 'it's personal' because I believe that to have faith in the risen Christ is to accept there is a specific call upon our life which leads each of us to do some work for him. It doesn't have to be as ambitious or as sacrificial as Ruth's or Anne-Marie's, but for each of us there is a call to obedience in some way, great or small. And it can be life-changing for others.
Three highlights. On Good Friday morning, we had 'Messy Church' when adults and children come together for food, worship and crafts. It's mainly intended for those who don't 'do church' in the traditional sense. We had over 120 people of all ages, and what particularly interested me was the story-telling as part of the worship. We have a gifted story-teller, Janet (a retired school teacher). Everyone was captivated as she simply recounted the events of the first Good Friday and Easter from the Last Supper to the Empty Tomb. No notes, no pictures. The only movement was from babies and toddlers. Otherwise, silence. The power of story.
Shortly afterwards, we had our Churches Together Walk of Witness along the main highway in the parish. Over 80 people from 6 Christian denominations took part: it was a glorious day. You can view some pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/saintbarnabaspennylaneliverpool/sets/72157633124306870/
It interests me that this a real 'all-age' event: parents with children and babies in prams and buggies to folks in their 80s. All are glad to meet up with friends from other churches, and very simply, unpretentiously represent the presence both of churches and of Christ in the neighbourhood.
My Easter theme was 'It's Personal'. After the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to several of his friends to convince them that he was truly alive. They went on to witness for him both near and far. Ever since, encounter with the risen Christ has been a life-changing experience for countless Christians, and has inspired them to courageous acts of self-sacrifice which have brought freedom, hope and new life. As I was preparing my Easter sermon, I received the newsletter from one of our mission partners: Dr Ruth Hulser in Tanzania. Her letters make my heart ache and sing simultaneously, as she tells of the chronic medical and social needs of those amongst whom she lives and the help and comfort she is able to bring. http://www.cms-uk.org/Ourstories/Newsarticles/tabid/151/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/3920/My-story-the-importance-of-dwelling.aspx.
Then I read in Third Way magazine of of Anne-Marie Wilson, a Christian who gave up a promising career in HR to found a charity dedicated to the ending of female genital mutilation across Africa. It's a very tall order which has cost Anne-Marie everything, but one she undertakes out of her faith in Christ. You can read about it at www.28toomany.org.
I say 'it's personal' because I believe that to have faith in the risen Christ is to accept there is a specific call upon our life which leads each of us to do some work for him. It doesn't have to be as ambitious or as sacrificial as Ruth's or Anne-Marie's, but for each of us there is a call to obedience in some way, great or small. And it can be life-changing for others.
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