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.