Sabbatical 5

Christmas really has been overshadowed by the illness and death (on Boxing Day night) of the friend I wrote of last time. He would have been 80 next year. Bob was a former Archdeacon of Liverpool and, while still in office, bought a house in this parish at about the same time I arrived. When he subsequently retired, he served here most willingly and faithfully, with his wife Rachel who is a Reader on our team. Bob was a very good friend to me in my early years of ordained ministry, and one of the distinctions of his life was the way he encouraged and nurtured many young vocations: he was Director of Ordinands for the diocese before becoming Archdeacon. Though changing jobs, he never lost that acute desire to see others flourish, to help them find opportunities to serve the living God. Bob was inspirational in many ways: I regarded him not only as a superb priest and pastor, but also a wonderful human being - a great example of Christian manhood. He was a devoted husband (Rachel being one of those whose vocations he nurtured), and loving and supportive father, who also took special delight in his grandchildren later in life.He was always willing to step in and help us here, while keeping contact with a number of others both within church life and elsewhere. He had a particular interest in church law (there's archdeacons for you!) and in retirement gained an academic qualification in the subject. And on top of all this, there was his wicked sense of humour, delighting to pull others' leg and often laughing at himself. He was an inveterate story teller: 'stop me if you've heard this before,' he'd say. But we never did! Thanks be to God for Bob, for his godly life, his inspirational companionship, his deep love for God and all whose lives he touched. I think it will be standing room only at his funeral.

Because of Bob's death, and the big funeral to organise I have suspended my sabbatical. I could not possibly sit this out, neither supporting the family nor helping to coordinate the funeral arrangements. This morning, I went to St Barnabas church, where I was so glad to see many familiar faces I have not seen for nearly two months. Joy!

Today in the church is Holy Innocents Day, when we commemorate the ghastly slaughter of new-born babies by the mad, bad king Herod, who desired to get rid of the infant Jesus. He could not bear the thought of a rival to his throne. How little he understood the kingship of Jesus! It's made me think of the suffering of children today, who are still victims of ideological tyrants, who see the massacre of children as a way to maintain power and control. It is one of the devices of IS, who are trying to rid northern Iraq and Syria of Christians by killing the children of believers in front of their eyes. Chilling. But there are other ways in which children's lives are 'lost'. Day after day, we hear stories of historical child abuse: their bodies abused, their spirits killed by the loss of their innocence at a tender age. All signs of the utter corruption of some people's minds and hearts.

We have my sister-in-law staying with us over the Christmas period. Yesterday, she was going to visit a friend in Bebington and stored the address in her sat-nav. According to the device, there was no such address, until she realised that the official address was 'Wirral' not 'Bebington'. A sat-nav is only as good as the information fed into it - and even then, judging by the stories I've heard, it's not 100% reliable! I've just read an article which compares a sat-nav to direction-finding in national life: we cannot achieve the society we want to be unless we are clear not just about where we're going but the 'data' which will help us get there. Values in other words. (Have you noticed, politicians in the UK and America often talk about national values, but they are never defined: 'toleration' is about as far as they get.) Before the Scottish referendum, Evangelical Alliance Scotland published a document entitled 'What kind of Nation?' It concluded with this set of values:

• poverty is unacceptable
• welfare is effective and dignified
• relationships are treasured
• marriages are honoured
• children are nurtured
• freedom is protected
• justice is transforming
• communities are empowered
• the environment is cherished
• resources are stewarded
• land is shared

Not bad! Maybe we should reflect on these as we prepare for the General Election next May.

And what about that film The Interview? In all the arguments about artistic freedom, democratic rights etc, no one seems to have asked the question, 'Was it not disrespectful at best, offensive at worse, to make a film about a current foreign ruler being assassinated? We may not like North Korea, its values and its leadership but we don't live there. I wonder how the West would react if North Korea (or any other foreign nation come to that) were to make a film which imagined the assassination of our Queen or the US President? I'm afraid I do regard this film as unnecessarily provocative and foolish in terms of foreign relations. It would have been better not only not shown, but also not made. How can we show North Korea a better way in terms of our values if we deliberately insult them? For although this was the production only of the film-makers, it reflects badly upon our Western way of life as a whole.

Christmas Morning

Happy Christmas everyone!

It's a very strange experience, celebrating Christmas but not with the church family while on sabbatical leave. But I really treasure the time with my own family - the first time in 39 years I've been able to spend the whole Christmas season with them, not disappearing to write a sermon, prepare worship or be out at church! Last night, some of us went as a family to the Cathedral for midnight communion.

On the way, I visited a dear friend, who, with his wife, give so much so our church and community life here at All Hallows. He is seriously ill in hospital, and our thoughts and prayers are very much with him, and all the family today. While he and I were together, we were thinking of that first Christmas - the vulnerability of the infant Jesus and his parents - and of the countless people across the world lacking even the most basic requirements for daily life. My friend, in his weakness, was very aware of the love and care being poured out for him. Every word, every tender touch, every medical treatment being signs of the presence and healing power of Jesus.

I shared with him something which has struck me these last two days: the phrase 'God remembered mercy'. I found it in yesterday's Psalm (98.4) and of course we find it in Mary's song, the Magnificat, when she discovers she is to be the bearer of the Son of God: he has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful (Luke 1.54). The coming of Jesus is the surest demonstration that 'God remembers mercy'. For generations, in God's heart, there had been the intention to show mercy in this most extravagant and miraculous way. And we, dear friends, are recipients of that mercy by God's Spirit! Always remember: God is merciful. That is his nature. So we can pray, 'Lord remember mercy' as we pray for these and many other situations:

• for the injured, traumatised and bereaved people of Glasgow
• for the victims of the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone, Liberia and elsewhere
• for our Christian brothers and sisters in Iraq, Pakistan and other countries, in danger of extermination
• for those who this day struggle with emptiness and deprivation while others over-indulge
• for those spending their first Christmas following the death of a loved one
• for those sick at home and in hospital

Lord, remember mercy.

As some of you know, I belong to a community called the Community of Aidan & Hilda. I'd like to share with you the words specially written by one of our Guardians for this year's Christmas card:

This Christmas,

may the God who is there with us in the dark night, 

lead us not by bright light

but by knowledge of his footfall

finding him

in every street,

in every home,

in every solitary place.

May Christ lead us

not by way of success or comfort

but to the place of his presence.

May the Spirit who sings the song of the angels over us

fill us with joy

and lift our hearts to laugh.

God bless us all today, and enable us to be merciful as he is merciful to us.

Sabbatical 4

This week, we have spent a few days at our apartment in South Cumbria. We bought this property some years ago both as a 'retreat', and also with a view to possible retirement there in due course. Part of the sabbatical plan is to reflect on and prepare for the final period of stipendiary ministry in Liverpool and to think and pray about what retirement might look like when the time comes. Since that might mean an eventual move to Cumbria, spending some time there is important. We are getting to know people up there, and we love that part of the world. But could we bear to leave Liverpool, family and friends? Time will tell: we just want to discern God's call.

I have continued to work my way through the Psalms. It's interesting to note how often being right with God is associated with space. Trusting in him means a freedom from fear and anxiety. So 4.1 says to the Lord, 'You gave me room when I was in distress...'; 18.19, reflecting on God's deliverance, the writer says 'He brought me out into a broad place.... And there is that wonderful verse which, in the Prayer Book is translated 'The lot is fallen unto me in a fair ground: yea I have a goodly heritage.' Or more prosaically in NRSV, 'The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage' (16.6). Wrapped up in these verses is a deep appreciation of God's providence, which enables a patient endurance in time of trouble or difficulty. Room to move, room to breathe, even when hemmed in by all kinds of worries is the gift of God to those who wait on him.

During this week, we have seen the end of a long 'wait' for women clergy in the Church of England. I was one of those who said 'Libby who?...' when the appointment was announced of Revd Libby Lane as Bishop of Stockport, in the diocese of Chester. I think this must have confounded most if not all those who were making predictions as to who would be the first woman bishop! But I'm glad. Not just because now female leadership in the CofE is fully recognised, but also because Libby was not considered a 'front runner'. Had it been someone already in a senior position (Archdeacon or Cathedral Dean), the appointment might have given the impression of just another promotion. As it is, although Libby is apparently well known in the national church, her current appointment is that of a parish priest. It reminds us that the call of Jesus is not first and foremost to the 'great and the good' in human terms, but to the meek and the lowly. Just as the first disciples were fishermen. God bless Libby in her new ministry, when she will be so much in the spotlight.

I have continued to read about 'blessing' - specifically, a new book with that title by Andrew Davison. It is a scholarly work, both Biblical and theological. He reminds us of the connection between blessing and vocation: to bless something or someone is to call them out of their present circumstances into a fuller relationship with the living God. The business of blessing is ... not only a matter of acknowledging that things come from God but also a recognition that everything that comes under the shadow of God's grace...is being drawn to God as the one in whom it will find its eternal fulfilment. For 'it' read him or her also! It's a reminder that we need to see everyone and everything in heaven's light: not just what we are becoming in Christ.

Speaking of which, heaven's light is what this season of Christmas is all about. Last Sunday we worshipped with Ruth and Jude at Frontline Church, where there was an amazing, original Christmas play about the journey of the shepherds. Very professional! Tomorrow, we worship with Pete and his family at West Derby Evangelical church, where two of our grandsons will be in their nativity play. With Christ came the light of heaven, shining into the darkest places of earth and of human hearts.  Welcome him. Make space for him, to enjoy the freedom of the children of God. Happy Christmas.

Sabbatical 3

It's been an absorbing few days. I have effectively become site manager for Jude's house, where I'm making almost daily visits to check on things then discussing with the 'boss' in the evenings! There has been cuddle time with baby Chloe and, this afternoon, an outing with our Chris and Chloe's big brother George - lunch and a game of tenpin bowling (I came 3rd!)

Last Monday, I spent the day in London. The reason for the visit was to advance discussions leading to a biography of David Sheppard, our former bishop. I don't go to London very often, but love it when I do: the buzz, the cosmopolitan atmosphere, the antiquity. A feeling of walking where the great and the good have walked for centuries, seeing some of the buildings, street- and place-names which speak of bygone ages. And of course, you know you are at the centre of much wealth and power. I find it almost intoxicating. Much progress has been made on the biography: an excellent author has been appointed, who has put forward a most attractive proposal and outline for the book. He has described its purpose as 'history with contemporary relevance'. It essentially tells the story of a great Christian leader in cricket, the Church and society, who was unafraid to bring his Christian values as much to society as to Church. We hope it will be ready in time for Christmas 2017.

Values-based leadership is sorely lacking in today's society. With almost every utterance and report of our politicians, you have a sense of wanting to score points rather than address issues with an eye to the common good. The train journey to and from London enabled me to finish reading a book by Jim Wallis, On God's Side. The book takes its title from some words of Abraham Lincoln: My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side. Wallis's book is about 'the common good': how Christians can partner with one another, across denominational and party divides, and with those of other faiths and none, to work for a more just, equitable and healthy society. Wallis points out that so often politicians address a problem thus: First, they try to make people in the public arena afraid of the problem. Then they try to blame the problem on the other political side. The result of course is a sterile debate which progresses little towards effective solutions. Think, for example, of immigration and the economy as two immediate issues. We have to move, says Wallis, to governing by problem solving and that strategy needs to involve a much wider consensus in society to bring it about.

Interestingly, as part of the common good, Wallis lays strong emphasis on marriage and family life: marriage (which may not necessarily be male/female), because there is practised faithfulness, truth-telling and commitment; family life because there role-modelling, community, and affirmation are practised and taught. He invites us all to consider how much we value and prioritise our life-partner and our children (or grand children, for that matter, I guess). Compassion and justice as well as charity begin at home.

This morning, I spent a refreshing, illuminating hour with our local rabbi. I had asked him what 'blessing' meant in Jewish faith, life and culture. I was so grateful that he had prepared for my visit by looking up various passages in the Jewish Scriptures (the Old Testament) and, in effect, we spent an hour in Hebrew Bible study! What was the first thing he said? We are not interested in what people think. The question is, what does God think? What does God want from us? We then looked at various passages, particularly in Genesis and Deuteronomy where 'blessing' is mentioned and demonstrated. The main theme of our discussion was that God wants all to know him, for all to live his way (as expressed in the Ten Commandments and the other of the Books of the Law) and so we should not be satisfied until the earth (is) filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11.9, Habakkuk 2.14) That's a mighty big vision, which goes rather further than that of most local church congregations!

As a consequence, many Jewish people have a profound sense of being present in the world for the world. Not to 'bless' the world, using the gifts and talents God has given, would be an offence to God. Consequently, I was informed there is a disproportionate number of Jewish people among Nobel prize-winners and a high proportion of Jewish people are involved in voluntary service of some kind. In their liturgy, blessings are regularly called down upon the nation, with the prayer that the people might themselves be a vehicle of that blessing. The rabbi ended our session with these words of exhortation of the former Chief Rabbi, Jonathan Sacks: Be true to your faith; be a blessing to others, regardless of theirs. Great words - and not just for Jews!

All this proves that the term 'community of blessing' needs to be seen in a broad context. The local church should be concerned not just with the re-formation of the individual in the likeness of Christ (discipleship), but with the making whole of society. The vision of a world where all are filled with the knowledge of the Lord, is one to inspire and challenge us all.

There was a pleasant end to my London visit. I shared an evening meal at a restaurant with my two remaining aunts (my mother's younger sisters), who still live in the house where they grew up in Ealing. It was good to catch up with each other's news. I was astonished to find that the older one turned 80 last month, and I didn't even realise. She seems no older to me! I think we remembered to send a birthday card, but it wasn't a special one.

Sabbatical 2

At St Peter's, Woolton this morning, where we arrived 39 years ago, when I was curate. It was good to see a number of familiar (and rather older!) faces. The new Bishop of Liverpool was the preacher, reflecting on John the Baptist. There had been talk in the notices of 'eating and drinking', and he reminded us that John was criticised for his abstinence, whereas Jesus was criticised for doing both. So he encouraged us to go on 'eating and drinking', for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven - provided that all are welcome. Kip, the Rector, followed with a new liturgical response! -

Is this the Good News?

We'll drink to that! (hands raised, as in a toast)

Great worship; inspirational sermon.

It's been a mixed week. A lot of family stuff going on: more work at Jude's house (and lots of discussion and planning), Christmas preparations, and continuing Bible study. There is no doubt about the highlight of the week, though: the birth of baby Chloe Grace, to Chris & Debbie. A little sister for George and our first grand-daughter! Here she is:

Isn't she beautiful?  She arrived on Wednesday evening at 8.30pm, weighing in at a healthy 7lbs 7ozs. She more than made up for a pretty dismal game at Goodison Park, where I was at the time! (1-1 v Hull, if you're interested.)  All are doing well, and George is being a star, especially caring towards his mum. Chris & Debbie of course are delighted - not to say relieved, as Chloe arrived after labour of just 1 hour! They were very nearly too late at the hospital.

It feels very strange, after nearly 40 years of ordained ministry, not to be 'on duty' during Advent and over Christmas. It actually affords me more time to plan with the family and to be more involved with the preparations: shopping, cooking, decorating etc. I'm hoping to do some cooking over the next week or so, and some menu-planning for the Season itself. It's not exactly a new skill for me, but I'm not very confident. This week, we have also spent some time revising our Christmas card list which was rather out of date. Been meaning to do that for some years! As we found at our Ruby wedding earlier in the year, we have friendships which have endured over many years, for which we are so thankful. Others which, sadly over time, have been lost - but no less appreciated.

My study of the Psalms (one or two a day) has been enriching. I have come to appreciate how the psalmists make a clear distinction between the 'righteous' or godly and the 'wicked' or ungodly. These categories are different from our own. They are not to do with moral goodness or imperfections, but rather signify a difference between those who honour God and those who do not. The righteous are by no means perfect (for example, Jacob was deceitful and David an adulterer); on the other hand there are those who, while not claiming to be God-fearers, nevertheless lead lives which conform to God's purposes in creation. In particular, this relates to care for the poor and oppressed. So often in the Psalms, there are laments which cry out to God for justice on behalf of the downtrodden, and equally call down judgment on the greedy and the oppressors. For example, Psalm 10 highlights what you might call 'practical atheism' ('they think in their heart, 'God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it.')  To which the response is, 'But you do see! Indeed you note trouble and grief, that you may take it into your hands; the helpless commit themselves to you; you have been the helper of the orphan.' The psalmist then implores God to 'break the arm of the wicked and evildoers' while declaring that God will 'hear the desire of the meek and strengthen their heart.' Always the blessed are defined as those who trust in the Lord, whatever their station in life -  especially if they are oppressed. 'Happy (=blessed) are all who take refuge in him' (Psalm 2.11)

Later this week, I plan to have a meeting with a local rabbi, to discuss the Jewish understanding of blessing. I have been reflecting on God's words to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that 'through them and their offspring all the nations of the world shall be blessed.' In trying to understand how churches can be 'communities of blessing', I am curious to know what this means in Jewish thought, historically and today.

Tomorrow I am off to London for a meeting, in my capacity as 'Literary Adviser' for the late Lord David Sheppard. While I am there, I'll  be having an evening meal with my 2 aunts, the only remaining (of 6) sisters of my mother. It will be good to catch up with them, and show them photos of the new arrival amongst other things.

Sabbatical 1

It's hard to believe that I am already more than 3 weeks into our 4-month sabbatical. The first fortnight was spent in Antigua. We arrived home last week to the news that Jude (our youngest) had at last secured the purchase of her new house, after 5 months of negotiations, and the building project was about to begin. A lot of renovation work is required, including total re-wire, damp-proof course, new floorboards and central heating system. Then, of course, there is the decorating. It will be early to mid-January before she can actually move in. So I have spent a few hours this week labouring for Jude. This wasn't foreseen when we planned the sabbatical, but the timing is perfect and I'm glad to be able to help. Meanwhile, we are also awaiting the birth of our 4th grandchild, due last Sunday.

The holiday in Antigua was truly a holiday of a lifetime - Les's and my ruby wedding present to each other. It was a wonderful experience. The travel arrangements worked perfectly, and we so much enjoyed our time with both staff and other guests at the small beach resort (couples only!) where we stayed. It wasn't all sunshine: November has the highest rainfall, but the local people said it was much more than usual. We even had a tropical storm, after which we were serenaded all night long by Cuban tree frogs! Mind you, Caribbean rain and English rain are very different, the former being soft, warm, and torrential in short bursts. It was never cold enough to wear more than shorts and t-shirts. Here is a picture of the view from our lodge, over the beach to the Sea, and one glorious sunset. Note the 'Bali beds' on which you recline, with some shelter, on the beach. That's providing you can get there, with your towel, in time. (It wasn't just the Germans!!)

We had agreed before we went that we would just 'be': enjoy the warmth, the rest, and each other's company. We swam and read, and enjoyed the great hospitality of our hosts. Les developed quite a liking for pina colada (coconut cream, pineapple juice and rum)! The only excursions we made were to church on the Sunday and a full-day tour of the island.

Church was an experience - the local Anglican church about 5 miles away. One of the staff was a member there, and her husband a recently-ordained deacon. It was their harvest festival, and very English, sad to say! We sang 'Come ye thankful people, come', 'We plough the fields', and even 'All things bright and beautiful', though thankfully with more appropriate verses! It felt rather odd, to be honest - imported religion, like many other aspects of Antiguan life. On the other hand, it was good to feel part of a world-wide Anglican family. People really dress up to go to church, especially the women; there was a robed choir. In fact, there was little 'Caribbean' about the service at all apart from the sermon (lots of 'Amens' from the congregation) and the length (2 hours!). For the Lord's Prayer, all stand and link hands across the church, raising them up when it comes to 'Thine is the kingdom...' Might try that at All Hallows sometime!

The day excursion was both impressive and sorrowful. Our driver/guide was Alvin. We introduced ourselves, saying we were from Liverpool, and I acknowledged the historic connection between our city and his country through the slave trade (the Liverpool/West Africa/Caribbean 'triangle'.) I said I was ashamed and deeply sorry for what the British had done to his ancestors. This rather opened the door for some fairly deep and personal conversations later in the tour, which included a visit to a museum and a former sugar plantation. You could almost hear the cries of the slaves - quite an atmosphere about the place. We talked about contemporary slavery, the continued denigration of black people, and Alvin's hope that one day the British government might make reparation for the slave trade, as Germany had done more recently for its treatment of the Jews.

Twice Alvin serenaded us! The first time, a love-song for our marriage, as he drove along; the second, in the parish church where he grew up,where he sang, tunefully and sonorously 'You raise me up'. Here he is:

Alvin would like to form his own Gospel band, he informed us. He then sang a couple of Christian songs he'd composed himself. He had a great voice.

There were several highlights to the tour, including two particular reminders of Antigua's colonial past. We went to 'Devil's Bridge', the easternmost tip of Antigua. Here there is the awesome sight of the Atlantic - next stop, Africa. Awesome, because we marvelled at the sheer skill and courage of early mariners navigating these fearsome waves in sailing ships; awesome too - and tragically - because here thousands of slaves perished. They came to seek death by drowning as the only escape from their servitude. Here are Les and me, at the point where slaves would have jumped, the crashing waves of the ocean behind.

The other highlight was English Harbour, which is what it says! An amazing natural harbour where Nelson and other English sailors berthed their fleet, while protecting traders from pirates or foreign attack. This photo was taken from Shirley Heights, named after Sir John Shirley: an important look-out post from where signals were sent to the navy below to warn them of possible invaders.

When we later visited the Harbour, we found many of the 18th century buildings still in use, and the harbour still a busy place - now more usually for millionaires' yachts!

This was a very special time for us both. We have returned, rested and refreshed, to our English winter. It has been a powerful history lesson and we are so aware of how history shapes our present. A fact as true in Antigua as it is in England. Much to think about.

Now I'm beginning to establish a sabbatical routine, which includes writing a journal and daily study of the Psalms. One of my aims during this period is to understand more what it means to be 'blessed' and to be a blessing. The Psalms seems to be a good place to start, with  its often-repeated calls to bless the Lord and to trust him in order to receive his blessing.

The Murder of Alan Henning

The murder of Alan Henning by Islamist terrorists is not only an atrocious and horrific act of violence, it is also a revelation of the true nature of Islamic State. The murderer and his IS companions have shown themselves to be not only incapable of compassion and mercy but also contemptuous of their own Islamic law and Muslim leaders. Henning was by all accounts a deeply compassionate man, willing to risk his own life in order to relieve the suffering of others. On an often-repeated video from last Christmas, he talked of his pleasure at seeing relief supplies reaching their destination. The pleas for mercy, on the basis of his completely nonpartisan mission to Syria, fell on deaf ears as far as IS were concerned. Furthermore, even the appeals from conservative Muslim leaders and scholars failed to impress them. These are real fanatics, blind and deaf to the needs of others, incapable of recognising goodness when they see it,  and having no respect for their fellow humans. Their unspeakable cruelty and barbarism is truly a manifestation of evil.

Tomorrow, I am returning to St George's, Everton where I used to be Vicar. They are inviting former incumbents back to preach in their bi-centenary year. I am preaching from the prophet Isaiah, and in preparing, I found that nearly 3000 years ago, another crisis involving extreme violence was being visited upon precisely the same area of the world. In Isaiah's time, the Assyrians (not to be confused with the Syrians) were dominant, and were renowned not only for their advanced weaponry but also for the cruelty they inflicted upon their victims. Then, as now, the strategy was to create such a climate of fear that they could simply impose their regime with little resistance. However, then, as now, evil empires tend to be short-lived and were eventually overcome by a more powerful force - at that time, the Babylonians.

I was interested to read, in a statement responding to Henning's murder by 'Muslims of the North of  England', that 'the killing... represents the beginning of the end for this group (IS)' I wonder whether the death of an innocent man, with all that it reveals about IS, will in fact not only make opposing forces the more determined to overcome them, but also cause them to lose whatever support they might originally have had from fellow Muslims.

However, many are concerned about the military response to IS. I can understand how this seems to be the only option, and does seem to match the criteria of 'just war' theory. But while military force might rid the world of an evil aggressor, history shows that it leaves a legacy of hatred and bitterness which only leads to further bloodshed in the longer term. Furthermore, precisely as IS intends, the culture of fear causes people and nations to react irrationally and hastily, which can also have longer term consequences.

This is what happened in Isaiah's day. The beleaguered country of Judah tried both to buy off the Assyrians, and to form alliances with neighbouring countries, formerly their enemies. Sounds familiar? In response to which Isaiah called upon the people to trust in God: 'in quietness and confidence shall be your strength'.

As it happens, today the Church remembers St Francis of Assisi, author of that famous prayer, 'Make me a channel of your peace'. The weapons God would have us use are love, forgiveness, faith, hope, light, and joy. Tragically, lives of innocent people like Alan Henning will inevitably be lost but this is the Jesus way, and in the perspective of eternity, wars will cease and the good will be vindicated.

Searching for our Soul

So it's a 'no'. I really thank God that the result of the Scottish referendum is in favour of a united kingdom. But what a lot we have learned from the experience. 85% of the population voted, which was a massive turnout, especially when you compare it with a typical vote in governmental elections. Why was the interest so great?

1. The passion of the people was kindled, realising what could be gained and what could be lost. There was a real, perceptible soul-searching with a view of the future which transcended the usual 5 years max in a normal election. In short, on both sides, there was vision and that surely was a key factor.
2. Behind this passion was also an anger. A friend of mine is married to a Scot, so she spends a lot of time north of the border, and did so this summer. She said everyone was talking about the referendum, but the 'backstory' was the catastrophic poll tax fiasco of Margaret Thatcher's years in government. David Cameron rightly identified the desire of some to 'kick the Tories', but equally rightly pointed out that this should not be the determining factor in deciding which way to vote. So history - further back than Thatcher, and more recent - played a part.
3. It wasn't just the 'Yes' campaigners who wanted change. Nor is it just the Scots. As I mentioned in my last blog, we are all trying to work out what it means to belong:  how we may remain part of a larger enterprise, contributing to the good of all while not losing our own distinctive identity. This calls at the same time for both humility and courage. Humility to change; courage to face a different kind of future.

If I am right in thinking that a supremacist attitude characterises the English - against which millions of Scots were reacting - then learning humility as a nation is surely a must. Behind the UKIP campaign, I believe, stands exactly that spirit. I would certainly be in favour of regional devolution and local determination, so long as there is a sense of a 'common good'. The North West, for example, not implementing policies which might be detrimental to Yorkshire. No spirit of rivalry. A sense of one nation, and for that matter one continent.

Last Wednesday, Bill Addy was appointed Leader-in-Mission at St Barnabas. It was a joyous evening, and the people of that church were clearly delighted. A number of Bill & Pauline's friends came to cheer them on - friends of many years. I was pleased that the other two churches in our team were well represented and it was a great time of worship. I am full of hope that all three of our churches will go from strength to strength. But as we agreed at a meeting earlier this week, what will determine our future will be the relationships and agreed strategies of us three leaders. And the same principle will be true nationally, as the United Kingdom. Leadership is key!

State of the Union

In just a fortnight's time, we may no longer be a united kingdom. As far as I know, I have no Scottish blood in me, but we have very good friends who are Scottish and we have had many a happy holiday north of the border. I view the prospect of separation with dismay, though I admit it is hardly likely to impact on me in any significant way. It's not so much the effects of separation as the logic. In a world where there is division (often forced) along ethnic or religious lines, it seems to me crazy actively to promote political and economic separation. I have a feeling that history will not judge Alex Salmond kindly. More than ever, surely, this is a world which desperately needs strong alliances and economic stability. I have the same concern about the growing clamour for England's separation from the European community,

A few years ago, a theologian by the name of Walter Wink wrote a book called Engaging the Powers. In it, he claimed that behind state, governmental, and corporate institutions there lies a Power, which might simply be described as 'the will to be', above and beyond the individuals that comprise them. So corporate action might be regarded as the outward expression of an inner spirituality. I found myself wondering what is the Power behind our English nation. The word 'supremacy' came to mind: through centuries resistance to enemy attack, of empire, colonialism and commonwealth we are used to thinking of ourselves as somehow impregnable, unconquerable. I wonder if it is this that the Scots are reacting against (what is their Power?). And, although any sense of supremacy must have evaporated surely many years ago, perhaps the desire to assert ourselves somehow remains - hence the 'go it alone' attitude which still appears in the language of some politicians and parts of the media.

Now more than ever we need the language of partnership and alliance both internally and internationally. In a funny kind of way, we are confronting the same issue here in Mossley Hill! This month, we begin a new chapter in the life of our Team ministry. The new minister (Bill Addy) coming to St Barnabas enables that church to find a new confidence and self-expression within the Team; and I at All Hallows, Alan at Mossley Hill church might find the same there. However, I do not regard this as the end of 'Team'. Just a moment for re-examination of our relationship. Instead of seeing Team as a monolithic structure (which, if I'm honest, I have tended to do) we might now see ourselves as joint contributors to each other's life and growth as partners and co-workers for God's kingdom. In microcosm, a model for a new united kingdom?

Aidan for Today

Last week, I was able to spend a couple of days on Holy Island, once more. The main reason was to accompany my son-in-law, Tim, who was keen to go and see the island, and to explore Celtic spirituality. We were able to spend some quality time together, as well as giving each other space to commune with God and nature. It was a refreshing time for me: I always draw fresh strength and inspiration not only from the place but from the stories of saints who lived there.

As it happens, yesterday was St Aidan's Day. All 3 of our churches combined for the main morning service, principally to say farewell to Rich, our youth minister, and Kathryn, our administrator, who are both leaving us for fresh challenges. It was also an opportunity to reflect on the continuing challenges of our contemporary mission and in my sermon I linked St Aidan with God's mission today. I have been asked to post the sermon on my blog, so here it is:

 ST AIDAN’S DAY SERMON – Mossley Hill Parish Church Sunday 31^st August 2014

A monk was once confessing to his friend that he was troubled with impure thoughts towards women. There was a pause as his friend decided on how to respond and then he said, “Great! It shows you’re alive!”

That’s the thing about passion: it shows there is life and energy in you whether that passion is for sex, football, food, shopping, your favourite hobby, a celebrity. It involves an intense feeling perhaps so strong it almost hurts. It’s a sign of life. Every passion needs disciplining and channelling, of course as unbridled passion can be dangerous. Nevertheless at least it shows that something is going on deep within.

Paul had a passion for the gospel. “Woe is me,” he said in the old translation, “if I preach not the gospel.” Paul’s commission came from Christ himself at that momentous meeting on the Damascus Road. It led to a real passion for God and for the good news of the Gospel. And what marks out the man or woman of God is that passion for God and the good news; they believe it intensely and want others to believe also. Paul’s passion was also his commission. 

Today we remember another saint, this time one of our own. St Aidan died this day in 651. He has been rightly described as ‘the apostle of England’. His commission came not directly from the Lord, as in Paul’s case, but from King Oswald of Northumbria who promised God that in return for victory in battle he would have his kingdom evangelised and united around the Christian gospel. So it was that Aidan came from Iona to preach good news with his band of monks.

Here are a few facts about Aidan:

·         He established a monastery on the holy island of Lindisfarne.

·         He trained many in prayer and knowledge of the scriptures.

·         He sent them out on mission.

·         He walked rather than rode, as any other man of his social status might do, enquiring of people along the way whether they were Christians. If they were he blessed them and encouraged them in the faith. If they were not he shared with them the good news of Jesus.

·         He gave away his possessions and used any money given to him to liberate slaves, so that they also might train as monks.

One of my favourite passages in Bede’s account of the early English church concerns the reaction that Aidan’s monks would receive as they entered a village. People would come out to welcome them with joy. The monks would bring with them perhaps food for the poor but also the good news of Jesus.  Many found peace for their souls with the promise of everlasting life, and in time the kingdom of Northumbria and even the nation were united around this Christian faith.

We stand today in succession to Paul and Aidan. We too have a commission and hopefully a passion. Unlike Aidan we don’t need to build monasteries, we have cathedrals and parish churches. We don’t need to train monks, we have our congregations. We can have the same passion for God and the good news. Our buildings can be mission stations, gospel resource centres. Our people – YOU! - can be trained as people of prayer and of the word of God to tell others. That picture of the monks being welcomed joyfully would be a wonderful description of how people might greet us. Wouldn’t it be great if in our places of work, in the supermarket, amongst our friends, in our homes, people delighted in our company because they could hear from us the good things God has done in history and in your life today. Wouldn’t it be great if people found us to be people of hope, integrity, joy, truthfulness to light up their lives? Wouldn’t it be good if every one of us was able to speak of a God of love; of a Saviour who died that they might be forgiven for any mess they’d made of their lives or ever could make;  and speak also of a Spirit of peace, of comfort, of healing and inward strength.

Did you know we had a murderer here in church just three weeks ago? He was passionate alright; we couldn't stop him talking. He’d had a terrible childhood, twenty years in prison. He’d got caught up in the drugs culture and in gang wars and it was in such a fight that he killed another gang member. While in prison, he met Christ through godly people who told him of God’s power and forgiveness. I don’t know about you but I long to hear more stories like that; of people whose lives have been transformed because they have found the grace of God. This can happen if we release that passion for God and his gospel. Sometimes I fear we are so preoccupied, anxious even, for the future of our church, its worship, buildings, finance – so anxious that we forget what we are here for. Our passions should be for God, and only afterwards for his church. But so often our passion, our energy is dissipated by the sheer slog of trying to keep things going. We must reach out; we are under commission; we must release that passion.

So let your spirits be raised today. We bless Kathryn and Rich with a sense of sending them out into the next phase of their life; nursing for Kathryn and for Rich maybe ordination. May they know a passion for God in their hearts.  Meanwhile we welcome another Kathryn as our new administrator and soon we will welcome Bill Addy as a new leader in mission, based at St Barnabas. His arrival releases me and Alan at All Hallows and Mossley Hill Churches respectively.

But please may there be no talk of full time and part time vicars; we are not reverting to the old model of one vicar one church. Let’s remind ourselves continually we are part of a new missionary movement for the conversion of our land. It’s not unlike Aidan’s day when many were fearful, confused and ignorant of the gospel story. You will have heard of the heightened terrorism alert this week; we have also been shocked at the terrible revelations of child abuse in Rotherham. In Aidan’s day people also lived in constant fear of starvation, disease, invasion by foreign or neighbouring armies. The gospel brought peace to their land and peace to people’s souls as they realised that they have here no permanent home; they could look forward to heaven as their eternal rest; and such confidence made them men and women of courage and hope. Such, also, we can be.

We begin a new chapter next month. I know that Alan and I both feel a rising tide of excitement at the new possibilities.

So let us worship with joy: let our passion be for God and his gospel:  let us be inflamed by the Spirit of God, that we may fulfil our commission. Amen.

Learning from the Persecuted Church

Two weeks from the last blog - and it's happened again! The spacious month of August has filled up.

The week before last was given over largely to a children's Holiday Club at Mossley Hill. Over 120 children came each day, and about 70 church members were involved. It was a tremendous feat of organization, and this year was the 25th consecutive year it has happened. It was also the one where I was most involved personally. Each day, I led a brief devotional, looking at 5 people in the Bible who said 'Here I am'. I then featured as 'Mr Tagliatelli', the head chef of a fish and chip restaurant. This involved a slapstick sketch each day with 'Salt' and 'Vinegar' my trainee chefs who eventually, last Sunday morning, managed to cover me with cream as they tried to ice a cake!  All good fun, but that meant lines to learn, rehearsal time, as well as prep for each day's devotional.

All well worth it. Tremendous atmosphere, some very happy children, and some very happy parents and grandparents too: 5 afternoons to themselves! Already next year's dates are in the diary.

That same week, a total of 7 deaths were recorded in our 3 parish areas - 8 if you include a small-hours call-out to a dying resident in a care home, for whom no RC priest could be found! It just happened to be the week between Administrators: one had left, the other didn't start till this week. They all had to be arranged, and although I wasn't taking all of them, each one required some organization. Three were of very elderly church members, whose funeral services are or will be genuine times of thanksgiving and hope. One - which I have taken - was of a 59 year old woman, murdered in South Africa, where she was running a holiday estate. Her family were distraught of course. 'Why did God allow this?' cried her niece to me. I could only refer to C.S. Lewis' writing that if there were no evil we would not know what good looked like. The response to atrocities is often remarkable for its courage, hope and beauty. There were at least 7 tributes to this remarkable woman at the service, who was clearly much loved and truly inspirational in lots of ways.

Because of the South African connection, I thought it appropriate (in answer to the niece's question), to quote Archbishop Desmond Tutu's words, 'Goodness is stronger than evil, love is stronger than hate...Victory is ours through him who loved us.' At a few minutes notice, our choir - bless them! - sang it for us.

All this against the backdrop of the most horrific atrocities and inhumane behaviour in Northern Iraq and Syria. The stories coming from that region put our own struggles and difficulties into perspective. Reading the testimonies of some of our Christian brothers and sisters I am humbled, and have noticed 3 things:

• They are incredibly grateful for the smallest mercy and act of kindness, be it material help or the prayerful support of Christian brothers and sisters around the world.
• They have learned to trust God in ways we simply do not in our culture, where we can more often than not help ourselves, thank you very much. There is no one else they can trust, and so often the relationship with God is stronger, deeper, wider - making them more generous in their judgments than sometimes we are.
• They have hope - realising that this earth is not their home, they look forward to the heavenly country. As the writer to the Hebrews says, 'this world is not worthy of them'. In fact, chapter 11 from v32 is uncannily descriptive of what many experience today.

Two things follow from this:

1. Our need to care for these brothers and sisters. Could I appeal to all readers of this blog to donate to either Christian Aid: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/iraq-crisis-appeal/index.aspx or Canon Andrew White's own charity Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East: http://frrme.org/get-involved/donate/.
2. We are challenged to consider the strength of our own faith. Of course, none of us knows how we would react to persecution. But we can at least ask ourselves the question, 'Is my faith worth dying for?' If so, why? If not, why not?

August

It's the same every year. I look at my diary at the start of August, and think 'great - no meetings, I can get loads done.' I think of all the planning and preparation I can do. Then, suddenly, it's September and I think 'what happened? I didn't do half of what I intended.' I think it's the old cliche, that work expands to fill the time available. You think you've got loads of time, so you take longer to do things which normally would be fitted into a busy schedule.  This year...!

Today, we've had a brilliant day of HOPE - part of a nation-wide initiative to get 'church' out there, making its presence known in the neighbourhood. It was a fantastic collaboration between a number of local churches (mainly Anglican), Scripture Union, Youth for Christ, and the local Athletics Club, whose ground is adjacent to one of our churches. The sun smiled on us, 100s came: there was a barbecue, tea and cakes, bouncy castle, sports, prayer tent, 'messy' crafts, and loads of other activities. And all FREE. People simply could not believe there was no charge: imagine the delight of parents with small children. One visitor said to me he felt inclined to give more by way of a donation than any charge which might have been made. It was wonderful PR for the churches, and we hope will really develop our community relations. It's all about blessing our neighbourhood.

It's meant to end with an open-air service tomorrow on the same field. Unfortunately, I think Hurricane Bertha has other ideas. More likely to be in our church building. Hopefully that won't put people off. We hope it will not just be a gathering of church members.

I've been thinking again about evangelism, because in a sense this is what HOPE is all about. Not just PR, but providing opportunity for God-talk. My own prayer has been that just one person will come to faith this weekend - and more if possible. I hope I won't offend or embarrass anyone here, but I've been struck by something I've read this week which suggested that the coming to birth of a new Christian can be the spiritual equivalent of how a child is born! My summary would go thus:

1. It begins with Desire - for the other person, the Lover. Evangelism begins and ends with God, and our Christian hope for 'baby' Christians has nothing to do with proselytism, 'making converts', but love for God, out of which comes the hope that others will love him too.
2. Then there is Passion, which derives from the desire and leads to an expression of love. Sadly, I believe, as Christians, we are strikingly lacking in passion. Church life is often dull, mediocre, routinised. There is little expectation of the Holy Spirit shaking us, in such a way that something actually happens!
3. When a child is conceived, there is going to be Energy! (I won't elaborate here!!) But again, for a spiritual birth it doesn't just happen. Someone has to act, speak out, do something which calls attention to God's presence in the world be it for compassion or justice. Maybe just to read the Scriptures or engage in dialogue. I confess to having been guilty myself of acting as though people come to faith by a kind of osmosis. Action is required!
4. Conception. This is the natural, hoped-for result (in good time) of a loving, committed relationship between man and woman. May we not expect the same when there is a healthy relationship between God and his church? Another weakness of the Church today, it seems to me, is that we lack expectancy of anything ever being different. I realise, of course, that a hoped-for, longed-for child is not always possible, and couples sometimes have to come to terms with their childlessness. Likewise, I believe there are seasons in the church when we appear fruitless. But at this point, the circle is completed: we return to our Desire for the Other, which in the end is at the heart of our faith.

I hope this makes some kind of sense, without being too explicit. It certainly helps me, and fires me with a new hope of seeing more people new-born into a faith-relationship with Jesus Christ.

40 Years - and being fellow travellers

We're having a few quiet days after a wonderful weekend celebrating our Ruby Wedding. It does feel like a journey, in the company of many fellow travellers who have accompanied us along the way. We're so grateful for many family and friends who have done so. I'm also mindful of the fact that in the Bible, the number 40 has a special significance: 40 years in the desert before the people of Israel reached their promised land; 40 days in the wilderness before Jesus began his public ministry. I have a sense of looking forward as well as back as we pass this milestone.

Yesterday, as a late birthday present for me, Les and I went on a steam train excursion on the Settle-Carlisle line. It began in Lancaster, so we had to travel by train there first. Excluding the two hours or so we had in Carlisle, we spent altogether 14 hours on trains! We are not particularly experienced travellers, and I feel we still have to learn some protocols about travelling with strangers. We found ourselves opposite a very pleasant couple for 12 hours altogether! Fortunately, we were reasonably compatible,  being of about the same age, and for him it was also a birthday present from his wife. I find it difficult to know how to engage in such situations. I'm aware that in a sense we are all captives to each other, thrown together randomly, so one does not wish to intrude. However, you can hardly not converse when you have so long together. So, how much do you share of your own life, without boring the other? And what is it appropriate to ask of the others, without being intrusive? Looking back, I could probably have risked more engagement.

Anyway, it was a fantastic day and the weather was good for the most part. The views were amazing. We marvelled at the enterprise, skill, ingenuity and labour of our Victorian ancestors in building that line and developing rail travel. Also, at the skill of yesterday's drivers controlling that great beast which hauled our train literally up hill and down dale, without the benefit of today's electronic comforts and safety devices.

We felt a bit like royalty at times, as all along the route, people had gathered to wave, or looked out of their bedroom windows, obviously ready for these weekly excursions.

The journey included the town of Appleby where we spent our honeymoon 40 years ago!

Asking the Right Question (2)

Last week, I spent 2 days at a diocesan training event on 'coaching'. It was extremely helpful and enjoyable. As always with these occasions, it is the company as well as the input that one appreciates. I met up with some old friends, and got acquainted with new ones. Since coaching/mentoring (all depends on your definition) is something I hope to offer in retirement, this was of special interest to me.

If you're interested, the difference between coaching and mentoring is that the former is a skill requiring no necessary knowledge of the business of the person you are assisting. There is a great story of some Swiss skiing coaches who, during the summer months, found themselves coaching tennis players. Their 'coachees' progressed better and faster than those being coached by tennis players! The reason was that, starting from a position of relative ignorance about tennis, they got inside the mind and game of the person they were assisting with no presuppositions of how it was supposed to be done, based on their own game.

A mentor, on the other hand, is a seasoned 'expert' on the subject in hand, and is basically passing on his or her own knowledge and experience. Did you know (I didn't) that Mentor was actually a character in classical literature? In The Odyssey, Odysseus entrusts his son Telemachus to the elderly Mentor to tutor him while he goes away to war. This is a different skill, requiring the imparting of knowledge,whereas coaching is more about asking the right questions. Though, of course, the good mentor will also apply coaching skills - not seeing their mentee as merely an empty vessel to fill.

Incidentally, I noticed during Wimbledon that some top players are now 'coached' by successful retired players. Surely that should be 'mentored'?

So we are back to asking the right questions! - this time, for the assistance of another person. On the course, we practised this and it really is a skill to be learned. Like most clergy, I guess, I am more likely to try and give someone the 'answer' rather than help them work it out for themself. For example, a friend of mine was telling me recently that he had been assisting a church member who struggled with low self-esteem. She was afraid to attempt anything new, for fear of messing it up. He asked her, 'What would you do if you were guaranteed not to fail?' What a great question for helping someone discover their giftedness! It was a transforming moment in the life of that person, and a whole new work began in that church.

The day after the course, Les and I were talking over breakfast. She was trying to resolve a particular difficulty. Having reached a decision, she suddenly turned to me and said 'Were you coaching me just then?!' Well, it was good practice!!

Asking the Right Question

A brilliant service last Sunday afternoon, in the local school hall. It was a 'civic celebration', suggested by our new Lord Mayor, who is one of our local councillors. The idea was both to celebrate the many good things about our local community, with the people that make them possible; and to 'launch' the Lord Mayor's year of office. Although, by her own admission, she doesn't 'do God' she felt strongly she would like to receive the blessing of her own community. It was a bit of a risk really: would anyone come? We reckoned at best 100, but it was getting on for double that! All kinds of people turned up: headteachers, representatives of various community groups, church members and - crucially - leaders of  local Muslims and Jews. The President of the Liverpool Muslim Society and a local Rabbi both took part, and there was a secular reading too, celebrating the power of literature. And the New Testament.

A great atmosphere. We gave thanks for our common life; we listened to children sing; we heard the Lord Mayor's words of appreciation; we committed ourselves to the common good, to all that builds community. There was much talk of 'one humanity'. The highlight for me came at the end, when the afore-mentioned Muslim and Rabbi, who had never met, warmly embraced and said 'this is how it should be - we are one'. Incidentally, before the event, a member of the Hebrew congregation and a Muslim went shopping together to provide food and drink for everyone. On the way, each explained to the other respectively about kosher and halal! Joy!

The challenge for me was putting together a 'service' which was at once non-religious (for agnostics, atheists, secularists) and faith-full for those of different religious creeds. I think we got it about right: we even had a prayer tree, for people to offer prayers, hopes, aspirations. Feed-back from the whole event was good.

A few weeks ago, I was talking to a retired bishop. He told me he was often asked, when a parish priest, what was his vision for his church and parish. With hindsight, he said, it was the wrong question. Should be 'What is your vision of God?'  I have had cause many times in the past few days to recall those words, as I have struggled to consider ways forward for our churches here. Lose sight of the God who has called you and you so easily turn inwards.

I told the story in church last Sunday of Antoinette Tuff. Last August, in America, a gunman broke into the school where she worked as a book-keeper, and threatened to kill her, the staff and children. As a Christian, she had recently been learning about being 'anchored in God' and she recalled this teaching as she prayed fervently for God to turn this situation around. She managed to talk the gunman into surrendering himself before any harm was done, sharing something of her own struggles in life and how God had shown mercy to her. As is the way of things these days, she has now become an 'author and inspirational speaker', given a new identity on the strength of one amazing incident! She has written of how 'asking the right question' is so important. Instead of 'what shall I do next?', how about 'God, what  are you doing now?'

The Guardian's comment on this whole incident is worth a read
 http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/25/antoinette-tuff-heroism-missing-from-politics

Centenary

I have been rather preoccupied of late with Centenary arrangements at St Barnabas. It's been a great week, especially the service last Wednesday (St Barnabas Day), when the Bishop came to celebrate Holy Communion with us. He really appreciated the choral music, which I must say was superb - our 3 choirs combining. During the week, we have been running an exhibition and flower festival. Our St Barnabas people have been working incredibly hard, and there has been real sense of joy about the place. Tonight, we have a concert and tomorrow morning another special service when we are joined by the Lord Mayor, Erica Kemp. She is one of our own local councillors, with whom we have worked closely in the community, so it will be a special pleasure to have her with us.

One of the highlights of the exhibition has been the contents of a time capsule, buried behind the foundation stone in 1912. The contents have been well preserved, and include a copy of the Liverpool Echo, newly-minted stamps and coins, photographs of the clergy, and beautiful, coloured original architect's plans for the church. They are truly a work of art. One interesting article in the Echo is about a bishop's objection to the conductor Sir Thomas Beecham coming to conduct at a concert in Manchester. He urges Christian people to boycott the concert. Why? Because Beecham is divorced! How times have changed: those were the days of 'Christendom', when it was felt there was a universal set of values to which all were expected to subscribe. Those who did not were sometimes regarded as beyond the pale.

None of us would want that kind of judgmental attitude to return, which so often led to hypocrisy. On the other hand, it does reveal how in today's world there really is no connecting narrative about values - as the recent Gove/May spat has revealed. Many would agree it was the First World War which caused that. People's best hopes of a world which was gradually becoming more humane, more prosperous, more just, more pleasant were dealt a cruel blow. It all fell apart with the ugly, brutal, catastrophic, horrifying experiences of war.

I have reflected on the timeliness of St Barnabas' foundation. It was consecrated in February 1914: I like to think it was God's providence that a centre for prayer and community gathering was right there on the high street, established in time for those gruelling years.

I have just finished reading Half the Human Race by Anthony Quinn. He is a Liverpool-born writer whose first novel The Rescue Man (set in Liverpool during WW2) I have also read.This second one begins in 1911, carries us through the War and beyond. It is essentially the story of a romance, but weaves together women's emancipation, cricket, trench warfare, and art among other things. It's a good read, and certainly conveys the atmosphere of pre-war England and the social changes the war produced. In particular the role of women: one of the characters, a suffragette, says I'm glad (the war) is over - but it did make us useful. It proved to men that we weren't just feeble domestic halfwits. I mean, didn't we take responsibility? We worked so hard they eventually had to give us the vote. She continues sourly, But...they're not letting us keep those jobs. It's "thanks a lot and you can all go home now....men still have all the cards you know."

In our Centenary year, we're not just looking back though. Our slogan is 'Building for the Future'. We want to provide for those who come after us, as those 100 years ago and since have kept the flame of faith burning for us.

Ascension Day - Reasons to be Joyful

Taking some time out today: a Windermere walk in prospect.

Yesterday was Ascension Day, one of the great festivals of the Christian church yet often overlooked. Maybe because it's middle of the week, and people are busy with their everyday lives. (It's always a Thursday because it's 40 days after Easter - the period between the Resurrection and Jesus' return to heaven.) Time was when this was a public holiday, and not so long ago our church schools took it as a day off. It appears that the Catholic church has admitted defeat on this: at one of our services yesterday there was a 'rebel' (her word) Catholic, who wanted to keep the day but said she had come as a kind of protest since in her church the Ascension was being observed on Sunday.

Somehow, having a Christian festival not on a Sunday invites us to consider what determines our priorities. If we really shape our lives around the Christian story, would we not want to ensure that work and other commitments at least include these landmarks in the Christian year? I'm not suggesting a day off - but at least early morning or evening worship if at all possible.

We had four services yesterday, in our different churches! I was reflecting on the disciples' joy as they returned to Jerusalem after Jesus had left them. Why joy? Why not sorrow at the parting? Why not apprehension at the mission with which he had commissioned them? I suggested 3 reasons:

1. Jesus trusted them with his own work. He had confidence in them, and had trained them well.
2. Jesus blessed them (I'd love to know what he actually said by way of blessing). How affirming is that?
3. Jesus opened the door to heaven, reminding them that their life's journey would end not in death but in a heavenly home.

I won't repeat here yesterday's sermon! But I think we can find joy in these things too.

'Happy Valley'

I admit, I sometimes listen to Woman's Hour - and I know I'm not the only bloke who does. There's been an interesting discussion this week about Happy Valley - a 5-part drama serial, BBC1 on Tuesday evenings. Les and I are totally gripped by it though it wasn't a good idea to watch the last episode on 'catch-up' rather late at night last Tuesday!

The discussion was about what the story shows of violence towards women: are they merely being portrayed as victims of men's lust and cruelty. There are some violent scenes for sure - especially this week - but I must admit it never occurred to me that they were either too graphic or gratuitous. Nor that they showed showed a negative image of women. I am full of admiration for the lead actor, Sarah Lancashire, who plays a police sergeant. She is on the trail of an evil young man who raped her daughter (who, having given birth, commits suicide), and has now kidnapped another young woman whom he has also violated. As part of the story, this same young man viciously kills an up-and-coming female police officer by running her over in the kidnapped woman's car. It sounds bad, put plainly like this, but there are many other layers to it and Sarah Lancashire is by turns tough - even violent (see what she does to a youth who mocks someone being sectioned and taken into custody!) - tender and compassionate, vulnerable and sensitive, courageous and strong, intuitive and very professional. Her character seems to me a brilliant female role model. Her acting is superb: conveying sometimes only by actions and expressions, a whole range of feelings and emotions.

Two episodes to go. Watch earlier episodes on catch-up and see what you think.

I've had two consecutive nights out this week. On Thursday, to see Under Milk Wood with Les at the Playhouse; and last night to see Mercury - a Queen tribute band - with our Chris at Port Sunlight. (The latter, because of tickets kindly donated to me by a church member.) Both, for totally different reasons, really enjoyable. I really love live music and theatre and both were great productions.

Under Milk Wood is basically a long poem, describing 24 hours in the life of a Welsh village. It was written by Dylan Thomas, and completed only weeks before is death in 1953, at the age of just 39. The programme's biography of Thomas states that 'cultivating his poetic image' of himself - chain-smoking, heavy drinking, recklessly careless about his future - really rather suited him, and of course was the cause of his early death.

Something similar could be said of Freddy Mercury, lead singer of the original Queen who was only 45 when he died, after a life of wild excess. Why is that so many of the world's greatest talents in the arts are so careless about themselves that, having entertained us so well, they are unable to stay the course? I wonder if it is something to do with alter ego, falling in love with an image of oneself, so that one becomes disconnected from the real person. Somehow imagining oneself invincible. The human maturing process requires an integration of one's best hopes and dreams with hard realities about oneself and awareness of the needs of those around you.

Lindisfarne

I didn't mention last time that we have a new bishop, Paul Bayes. He is currently, Bishop of Hertford - Diocese of St Albans, from which I originally came. So he must be good! Actually, he seems to have many credentials for our diocese: ecumenically trained, and with great experience in evangelism, church planting, and 'new ways of being church.' I'm sure we will welcome him with open arms, and with a great deal of prayer.

Yesterday, I returned from Lindisfarne where I had been on retreat with 11 other members of our churches. It was a wonderful few days, blessed by mainly good weather, and with excellent food and hospitality. There's something about that place that just draws you into itself from the moment you arrive, and the worship in the parish church - though with familiar liturgies - seems to be fresh and invigorating. Lindisfarne is 'the cradle of English Christianity', from where centuries ago Aidan and his disciples left, schooled in prayer and godly living, to bring the Good News to our ancestors. It is a place of blessing, which somehow sends you away wanting to bless others, with a joyful heart.

I have booked another week next year - 4 nights this time - 18-22 May 2015. So book it now, if you're interested in joining me!

This year, our thoughts were led by a good friend of mine, Graham Booth, who is one of three Guardians of the Aidan & Hilda Community, of which I am a member. His theme was 'God in Creation' and the journey of faith. He spoke about the 'macro' and 'micro' aspects of God's world: the huge vistas of skies and seascapes, and the tiniest details of the plant and insect world. All speaking of a God of infinite imagination and creativity. We looked at several relevant Bible passages, together with quotations from writers, ancient and modern. How about this from Abraham Lincoln? - I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heaven and say there is no God. Developing a sense of awe and wonder in creation is surely essential for our worship of God.

I had my own experience of this as I went walking around the island one afternoon. On the north-east corner of the island, great breakers roll in from the North Sea. They were big enough when I was there, but clearly had been bigger in the past. Near the cliff there was a great mound of large pebbles and rocks, together with large lumps of wood, which had obviously been deposited by a rough and wild sea. Fearsome power! By contrast, in the meadow areas, among many buttercups and daisies - the most prominent of meadow flowers - there were some tiny, pink perfectly formed flowers with 6 or 8 petals, no more than 2 or 3 millimeters across. I have no idea what they were, but they were exquisite in their beauty. 'The Lord God made them all' - roaring waves and minute flowers, each calling attention to our Creator.

So back to life in Liverpool,with a good heart. As always, after a retreat, I try to put into practice some of the things I have learned while away. Retreat to advance, as the saying goes.

Death & dying

A great night last night: went with my friend Glen to Manchester to see 'Yes' - a 70s rock band making what looked like their farewell world tour. Well, most of them are late 60s/70ish and they can't go on for ever! It was amazing: they played all the tracks from 3 of their earliest albums, back to back, and were as accomplished as ever, even with a new singer and keyboard player. Their individual musicianship and harmony with each other were incredibly impressive. It was one of those evenings that lifts the spirits and somehow makes you feel that anything is possible. I've woken up still hearing some of their songs. Must dig out those CDs again sometime.

It had been an interesting 24 hours to say the least. A full 'parish' day yesterday, including marriage preparation session (6 couples, which was great), a wedding rehearsal, a 90th birthday party, as well as all the usual bits of admin, emails etc. But I only returned from Rugby earlier in the morning, having spent Friday with my sisters, one of whom lives there and the other who'd travelled up from Hampshire. We have promised each other to keep in touch, since Mum died last year, and the main business of the day was to agree on a gravestone! It took us 2 or 3 hours but we got there. You wouldn't believe how many choices you have to make, even with something like that: colour, make and shape of stone; inscription, plus any additional design such as a cross. Of course, it was the wording of the inscription that took the longest, but we got there.

But we did ask, 'why are we doing this?' It's a lot of money, even for something fairly modest. We laughed at one point, as we counted the number of letters - because each character adds to the cost - as we could just hear mum tutting at what we were doing. We're not sure she would have approved, but then we didn't need her approval did we? We concluded that this was, first, about 'honouring our mother and father', like the Good Book says; but also a kind of 'sermon in stone'. What we said on the stone would be read by many for years to come. How could we invite them to reflect on the importance of a life well-lived, and the Christian hope of resurrection? We were also aware that those who remembered mum and dad, as much-loved pastors of the local parish church, would be glad of a suitable memorial. Anyway, we agreed on something together and now we wait to hear how much it will all cost.

I couldn't help thinking of Spike Milligan's gravestone epitaph: I told you I was ill.

And here's some food for thought. While I was away, I read a piece about the Archbishop of Canterbury's new evangelism adviser, Canon Chris Russell (who happens to be my nephew's vicar). He says that every year on his birthday he assumes this will be the last day of his life (he's in his 40s). This is not to be morbid, but he believes that facing who we are and our own death does bring a clarity to our living. This is not about feeling you have to do something worthwhile, which is disastrous as it just puts pressure on yourself to perform in some way. Rather, with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Russell suggests, the big question is how is the future generation going to live? Knowing that I am going to die means that I need to concentrate on the people who are coming after me. I find that both inspiring and humbling.

Rev

Last week, at a social event, I was quizzed by a young female student about my job. Questions like 'Do you get paid?' 'Is it only on Sundays?' 'Do you do anything apart from services in church?' You can easily forget how little people know about church, from the outside. I was interested (and pleased!) that she was interested!

If you've been watching Rev on BBC2 you might have wondered how true to life it is. The producers have been surprised at its popularity, which is causing it to be franchised in other countries now. What started off as a gentle comedy has taken on a greater depth and realism than was apparent in the first series. The researchers and producers have done a great job. The penultimate episode, shown in Easter week, had streams of tears running down my face. I'm not quite sure why. Maybe it was the way the vicar (Adam Smallbone), having lost his job, walks in imitation of Christ, carrying a cross down a London high street, until on top of a hill he sings and dances to 'Lord of the Dance' until a 'ministering angel' (in the person of Liam Neeson) appears to comfort him. I found the pathos of the whole sequence almost unbearable.

What you realise from these several episodes is the almost impossible nature of the vicar's job, having to combine a number of skills (if you can) which might normally be employed by one person at a time. For example, you have to manage staff, take care of hundreds of thousands of pounds-worth of real estate, deal with some really messed-up people on the margins of society, perform in public several times a week, read and think clearly like a scholar, know the law (civil and ecclesiastical), fund-raise and balance the books, respond to the latest requests from the diocese, sit alongside people at some of the key moments of their lives, often at their most vulnerable, pray and be holy. And all the time being nice to everyone! Of course, you don't do it all yourself, and many of these responsibilities are shared, but the feeling of being ultimately responsible is unavoidable - as Adam is constantly being reminded by the Archdeacon!

It's not getting any easier. Adam's predicament is not unlike that of many actual vicars, particularly in inner-city churches. Most churches are now in decline, so financial and maintenance worries stack up. It's easy to blame yourself. At one of our annual meetings, I was asked what I was doing about our declining numbers; and I have since received a letter from someone in despair, who is convinced their church is dying. I said at the meeting we have to realise that what's happening locally is part of what's happening nationally, so beating ourselves up about it is no help. It's not our fault it's happening - but there is a challenge to be faced. I don't believe that challenge is 'how do we get more people to come to church?' Rather, it is to recover a sense of what the church is actually called to be: in word and action showing the Way of Christ, and inviting others to walk that way with him. As long as we are preoccupied with our own survival, we are doomed. And we are unfaithful to the spirit of Christ, who calls us to lose our lives for his sake and the sake of the Gospel (Mark 8.35)

One of the many positives of the Rev series is the way Adam continues his interior dialogue with God, and his faith remains. Although his church closes and he is in despair, the series ends with a tiny flicker of hope as - on Easter Day - a motley collection of parishioners, down-and-outs and diocesan personnel celebrate the Easter vigil together and Adam baptises his own baby. One senses that the Easter faith remains strong, though church-as-you-know-it passes away.

There is the message, it seems to me. We are to be a (motley?) community of the Resurrection, committed to each other as to God, bearing a message of hope to the needy, to neighbourhood and to nation in ways which reflect an authentic life lived in God.

Taking a week off...

...back soon!

A Christian Country?

David Cameron wrote in the Church Times last week of his belief in Britain as a 'Christian country', and our need to be 'more confident about our status' as such. He expressed appreciation of what the churches contribute to our society: Christian values of 'responsibility, hard work, charity, compassion, humility and love'; faith to strengthen us 'in the toughest of times'; and a belief that Christianity can inspire us to 'change people's lives, and improve both the spiritual, physical and moral state of our country, and even the world.' Describing himself as a 'classic' member of the Church of England, he said that he welcomed the contributions of church leaders and faith communities to contemporary issues.

His article drew a robust response from some leading writers, artists, scientists, politicians and philosophers, who wrote an open letter to three of our national newspapers. They accuse the PM of  'mischaracterising ...our country as a Christian country' and suggest there are 'negative consequences for our politics and society' engendered by this view. Quoting recent census data, they seek to demonstrate that in fact religious faith is in decline, and the growth of other ethnic groups and religious faiths further weakens the claim to be a Christian country. They suggest that Cameron's views could even foster alienation, and regret the 'increasing incursions of religion into politics'. 

If I'm honest, as far as the 'Christian country' bit is concerned, I think I am rather on the side of the secularists. Not because I think that such a view is divisive necessarily (many people of other faiths are happy to live in a society where the language of faith is freely spoken and shared values are expressed), but because I'm not sure what it means. There is no way it could be claimed that as a nation we live by Christian values, by and large - otherwise, for example, we would be addressing far more rigorously the rich/poor divide. On the other hand, it is equally obvious that we have a Christian heritage witnessed by the way our laws are set, and by our many ancient buildings, and sublime examples of art, music and literature.

However, history shows that when church and state come too close, when politicians try to recruit Christians to their cause, there are likely to be severe problems. That, for example, is what Hitler did and many German church leaders were naive enough to go along with his rhetoric. The Barmen Declaration of 1934 (written largely by Karl Barth, and with Bonhoeffer among others as signatories) was a courageous stand against the politicization of the church.

For the moment, what interests me most is that Christianity, despite all the obvious signs of decline, still clearly matters! The fact that a PM writes so positively about the Church, and the fact that leading secularists bother to attack it is proof enough that we still have a major influence in the life of our nation. Is it my imagination, but this Holy Week and Easter, were there not even more programmes with Christian content on mainstream radio and TV? And were there not even more public depictions of the Passion story through art and drama - including, for example, the use of 12 shipping containers in the north-east?  If only, as a Church, we were more alert to our calling as witnesses to Christ and the values of his Kingdom; and more aware that there is an audience out there, more ready to listen than we sometimes think.

Happy Easter!

I have just returned from our Sunrise Communion service. It is always a joy to gather with members of our church community outdoors, around a bonfire, before entering church with the new paschal candle lit from the fire. I rejoice that we always have 25-30 hardy individuals who gather at dawn for this special Easter celebration. This morning was bright and clear, the birdsong was amazing; earlier, there had even been a flock of honking geese flying over, symbols of the Holy Spirit in Celtic thought. It felt like resurrection.

I don't go to London often, but when I do I like to ride the Underground. Checking the destination board (1st train...2nd train...3rd train...), the distant rumble, the rush of air pushed out ahead of the train, the loud, almost deafening clattering and then the light as the train emerges from the tunnel. It always seems to me to be going too fast to stop in time! This subterranean experience speaks to me of resurrection.

Mary Magdalene and friends had not read the script ('they did not understand the scripture that he must rise from the dead'); they had not heard the rumblings of new life in Jesus' words, nor felt the rush of the Spirit's breath which told them God was on the move. So they were caught completely by surprise that first Easter day. Not so with us. We have read, heard, felt, even seen evidence of the resurrection to prepare us for that general resurrection on the Last Day.

Henri Nouwen writes movingly of an Easter morning service in a l'Arche community. Philippe is a badly disabled and disfigured young man, by an accident of birth. Incapable of speech, he cries out from deep within himself as the Easter liturgy proceeds. Nouwen notices his plight, but also the loving, tender care Philippe receives from community members. One day, Philippe will have a new body; meanwhile the attention he receives prefigures that resurrection and is in preparation for it. Just so, the love, the tenderness, the care we show for others is in readiness for that day when all shall be gathered up in Christ and all will be made new.

Meanwhile, we live with the ups and downs of life, our moments of anger and tranquility, times of sorrow and celebration. This past week we have remembered the Hillsborough 96 here in Liverpool; we have also heard of the dreadful ferry disaster in Korea, with nearly 300 children drowned. The grief and the anger in both cases is past our understanding if we are not personally involved. And yet...and yet... there is hope. Hope that, one day, we shall hear those subterranean rumblings, feel the bright wind of the Spirit, be dazzled by the light, and 'we shall all be be changed' (1 Corinthians 15. 51).

For we have read the script!