I've been advised I need to change my blog title to 'Cumbrian Ramblings' so I'll get round to that sometime.
Meanwhile, this is a particularly interesting week. Those who know me will have heard me say several times, 'Church is not the place you go - it's the people you are' - wherever that may be. To make the point, as I've done in Liverpool before, I offer 'Take Your Vicar to Work' days i.e. church members invite me to accompany them to their place of work, or voluntary service. I see it as a way of blessing and affirming church members in the work they do,valuing them and appreciating the life they have beyond church services and meetings. After all, I normally only see people in that context. Of course, it's also a learning experience for me, especially as still a 'new boy' (nearly 4 months now, incredibly). I can discover a lot more about the people and culture of this area.
Last month, I shadowed one of our church members who is manager of a care home in Whitehaven. The home has a Christian foundation, and it shows in several ways. The residents were welcoming, the staff and trustees friendly. I even played the piano for a short service and later took a Communion service. Jokingly, Les and I said we'd book a place there and then; but seriously, it caused us to reflect a lot on the ageing demographic, especially locally. I wish there could be more places like this, offering care and provision for the elderly in a Christian environment. One lady told us her life story (became a Christian at 9), and others told us 'we love it here.'
Last week, I went to the warehouse which serves the North Lakes Foodbank which is managed by a church member. I was amazed at the stacks of food and drink stored there, and enjoyed meeting some of the volunteers who 'bank' it there. Many of them are local church members; some are not, but are glad to give their hours of service alongside us. This particular foodbank was started just before the Flood in 2009 (when they lost everything) by a leader from a local evangelical fellowship who had a vision for what the churches here might do together. His faith has been more than rewarded.
Today, I have done two visits. At lunchtime to a Christian counselling service in Carlisle, which serves a wide sweep of our county. One of our members is a volunteer counselor there. I was moved by the devotion and commitment of those present at their monthly staff meeting, and the way they work so hard to maintain that service in the face of many challenges and changes, financial, social and medical. Every single person is a volunteer there, some travelling considerable distances to offer their time.
This evening was spent with the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Service, where again a church member is a volunteer. One of only two women in the team of 43! So impressive. Every single member has to be trained in first aid and rescue techniques obviously, but also in driving skills to police standard, communications technology and orienteering. Again, every one a volunteer and (like the counselling service) entirely dependent upon fund-raising and donations. Naturally, they need a lot of equipment. Again, I was privileged to sit in on a staff meeting, and was impressed by the professional approach (of course, many are professionals in other fields); also by the robustness of debate when issues needed to be thrashed out. Church meetings could learn a thing or two from this! Unafraid to express their views, and everything out in the open.
Today's visits have both, in a sense, been about rescue, and Christians in the front line.
On Wednesday, I'm spending the morning in a charity shop where, again, church members volunteer. The charity is 'Hospice at Home' - a new one on me, but a fantastic organization which, as the name suggests, offers terminal or respite nursing care in a patient's home because distances in Cumbria are too great to allow residential hospices. There are, of course, many other advantages to this expression of end of life care and support. Quite topical, given the current Parliamentary debate on assisted dying.
In the afternoon - something a little different. One (very) elderly lady said, 'Well, I work in my kitchen. Would Godfrey visit me there?!' Of course I will, so I will try and make myself useful.
Tomorrow morning, the Tour of Britain Cycle Race begins Stage 3 in Cockermouth. The whole town has been taken over: bunting,window dressing, and the Main Street statue of a former MP bedecked in racing colours! I have offered to help staff at the Coffee Kitchen - owned and run by a married couple, also church members. My job, I think, will be to be the runner from the cafe to Main Street to service their market stall and provide refreshments for various race organisers etc. It's a 6.30am start so better close now and get to bed.
So thankful for so many dedicated people who do what they do as Christ's representatives in these different situations, with a huge amount of skill and kindness.
Oh - and thanks to those who have enquired about the hens. They're in great form.One egg a day from each of them at present. We've started to give them away.
Monday 7 September 2015
Tuesday 25 August 2015
'Wild'
It's been a busy week, with both Pete and Chris coming to stay with their families. We've had a great time together: the first time they've seen us in our new home. We've also had Ruth & Tim's cat,Milo, staying with us for nearly a month, while they were on holiday in the US and Canada. What with the hens as well, there has been quite a lot of 'estate management' to do.
Hattie, Hennie and Hilda are now well settled and most of the time roam free in the garden, which they enjoy. All three are laying - not consistently, but most days we get at least two decent sized eggs from them. There are still the occasional mishaps, eggs which are small, with very thin or poorly-formed shells, landing in the bottom of the henhouse rather than laid in the nesting box. But these are becoming less frequent. We are learning all the time, and it's fascinating being part of nature in this way, living with the rhythms of the wild.
Last weekend, Les and I watched the DVD of 'Wild', starring Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, from the original memoir of the same name, subtitled 'From Lost to Found'. It was totally absorbing. It tells the story of a woman who launches, completely unprepared, into a 1100-mile hike across the Pacific Crest Trail following the early death of her beloved mother and the failure of her marriage. In her lostness (the name 'Strayed' is significant) she becomes trapped in a cycle of self-destructive behaviour then, realising her plight, decides on this journey in order to find redemption. ('Am I being redeemed or have I been redeemed?' she asks herself towards the end of the journey.) Along the way, there are several encounters with both nature and other humans which test her endurance to the limit as well as many joy-giving and revelatory experiences, such as the experienced hiker who helps her shed several pounds from her over-large rucksack (symbolic, of course, of elements of her past she is also shedding). At the end, after 94 days, she comes to the Bridge of the Gods, which she is about to cross into Washington, and, you feel, into a new life - more confident about who she is and who she is becoming. In some ways, it reminds me of The Way, which is another film of self-discovery on a challenging journey.
I don't know whether I would ever have the courage or the resources within or without to undertake such a journey, but I do find the wild very appealing and like that sense of risk-taking and adventure. Maybe I prefer to adventure vicariously! As a metaphor for life, however - especially life in the Spirit - it is thrilling. May I suggest you have a read of this piece by Martin Cavender, who offers a 'wild thank you' for his life, which he knows is coming to an end. (In fact, he died only 2 weeks or so after writing this.)
http://www.resource-arm.net/pdf/NMC%20Our%20strength%20and%20our%20song.pdf
This is a piece which says much of what I would want to say about living the Christian life, in particular about heaven on earth and about 'a long obedience in the same direction' (after Nietszche).
As a matter of fact, two of the books he mentions have inspired me over the past two months: The Shepherd's Life: A Tale of the Lake District by James Rebanks and Following Jesus - the Plural of Disciple is Church by Alison Morgan. Catch them if you can!
Hattie, Hennie and Hilda are now well settled and most of the time roam free in the garden, which they enjoy. All three are laying - not consistently, but most days we get at least two decent sized eggs from them. There are still the occasional mishaps, eggs which are small, with very thin or poorly-formed shells, landing in the bottom of the henhouse rather than laid in the nesting box. But these are becoming less frequent. We are learning all the time, and it's fascinating being part of nature in this way, living with the rhythms of the wild.
Last weekend, Les and I watched the DVD of 'Wild', starring Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, from the original memoir of the same name, subtitled 'From Lost to Found'. It was totally absorbing. It tells the story of a woman who launches, completely unprepared, into a 1100-mile hike across the Pacific Crest Trail following the early death of her beloved mother and the failure of her marriage. In her lostness (the name 'Strayed' is significant) she becomes trapped in a cycle of self-destructive behaviour then, realising her plight, decides on this journey in order to find redemption. ('Am I being redeemed or have I been redeemed?' she asks herself towards the end of the journey.) Along the way, there are several encounters with both nature and other humans which test her endurance to the limit as well as many joy-giving and revelatory experiences, such as the experienced hiker who helps her shed several pounds from her over-large rucksack (symbolic, of course, of elements of her past she is also shedding). At the end, after 94 days, she comes to the Bridge of the Gods, which she is about to cross into Washington, and, you feel, into a new life - more confident about who she is and who she is becoming. In some ways, it reminds me of The Way, which is another film of self-discovery on a challenging journey.
I don't know whether I would ever have the courage or the resources within or without to undertake such a journey, but I do find the wild very appealing and like that sense of risk-taking and adventure. Maybe I prefer to adventure vicariously! As a metaphor for life, however - especially life in the Spirit - it is thrilling. May I suggest you have a read of this piece by Martin Cavender, who offers a 'wild thank you' for his life, which he knows is coming to an end. (In fact, he died only 2 weeks or so after writing this.)
http://www.resource-arm.net/pdf/NMC%20Our%20strength%20and%20our%20song.pdf
This is a piece which says much of what I would want to say about living the Christian life, in particular about heaven on earth and about 'a long obedience in the same direction' (after Nietszche).
As a matter of fact, two of the books he mentions have inspired me over the past two months: The Shepherd's Life: A Tale of the Lake District by James Rebanks and Following Jesus - the Plural of Disciple is Church by Alison Morgan. Catch them if you can!
Thursday 13 August 2015
Chickens!
We have just got in from a rather exhausting evening, chasing chickens around the garden to get them back into their enclosure! We thought they'd return of their own accord when it got dusk, but they seem to have enjoyed their freedom too much! In the end, it was the old corn trick: shake a bag of corn, the chooks follow it, throw a handful into the run and bingo!
So here they are. Meet, from top to bottom: Hattie, Hilda and Hen-rietta (Henny). They are all hybrids, and named after a local place: Blencathra Black, Skiddaw Speckledy and Bewcastle Blue.
We had our first egg this morning, but we don't know which of these laid it. It was small, soft and squidgy which is normal for the first eggs. Not edible, but at least we're under way now with egg production. We're told that each hen could lay around 250 eggs per year, once they get going. So if you live near us or come to visit, you could be getting some fresh eggs every so often.
This is a steep learning curve. We've already had to extend the run as we could see the three hens were a bit too crowded. We have to be up early every morning to let them out of their house; and they have to be safely shut up at night when they go to roost. Then there is the feeding and drinking aspect which needs some care, plus routine maintenance of their environment. They all seem to be healthy, but any problems and we'll be going back to the various reference books we've been given!
This is something I've wanted to do for some years, though I didn't realise how challenging it would be. I think it's about working with the rhythm of nature which I quite enjoy. It also gives me a common interest with local people, and makes me a 'disciple' - a learner, being so aware of my own ignorance. All in all a very positive experience.
So here they are. Meet, from top to bottom: Hattie, Hilda and Hen-rietta (Henny). They are all hybrids, and named after a local place: Blencathra Black, Skiddaw Speckledy and Bewcastle Blue.
We had our first egg this morning, but we don't know which of these laid it. It was small, soft and squidgy which is normal for the first eggs. Not edible, but at least we're under way now with egg production. We're told that each hen could lay around 250 eggs per year, once they get going. So if you live near us or come to visit, you could be getting some fresh eggs every so often.
This is a steep learning curve. We've already had to extend the run as we could see the three hens were a bit too crowded. We have to be up early every morning to let them out of their house; and they have to be safely shut up at night when they go to roost. Then there is the feeding and drinking aspect which needs some care, plus routine maintenance of their environment. They all seem to be healthy, but any problems and we'll be going back to the various reference books we've been given!
This is something I've wanted to do for some years, though I didn't realise how challenging it would be. I think it's about working with the rhythm of nature which I quite enjoy. It also gives me a common interest with local people, and makes me a 'disciple' - a learner, being so aware of my own ignorance. All in all a very positive experience.
Sunday 26 July 2015
A Bat in the Bath!
Last time, it was all about birds. This time, I have to tell you we've had a bat in the bath - fortunately not at the same time as one of us! Les and I had just come home from a pleasant walk and a drink in our 'local' (see below) - and there it was.Sitting calmly in the bath, or at least it was until it seemed to sense it was being watched, whereupon it started to flap about, trying to get out. Somehow, it couldn't get enough height to fly out, so there was only one thing for it: put on the rubber gloves (a bat-bite is seriously toxic!) and pick it up. I managed it first time, and out the window it went. We've seen plenty of bats flying around outside, but this is the first one we've seen inside. Memo to selves: shut windows and doors before going out in the evening! At least this one was contained in the one room. I dread to think how we'd have coped if it was flying round the house. But, as I said to Les, bats are the real residents of the area. We are the intruders.
Earlier, we had had a very pleasant evening in the pub. It only opens 3 nights a week and Sunday lunchtimes: the landlord is an elder of the local evangelical church. Now there's a combination you wouldn't find often! It's a real centre of the local community, so a natural place for Les and me to frequent from time to time. Unfortunately, on Wednesdays, it seems to be men only so Les felt a bit awkward to start with. Now, of course, she's a star attraction and the men seem to enjoy talking to us (well, to her anyway!) On Wednesday, Bobby came to join us. He will be 90 in October, and is a war veteran. We got his life story, which was fascinating including close encounters with death during WW2, his 40 years at Workington docks, the death of his son and his wife. At the end of the evening I said, 'Any regrets, Bobby?' 'None,' he said. 'I thank God for my life every night.' Very humbling.
Then there is our Everton supporter friend, who this time was even wearing his Everton shirt. Good to see him. Apparently, there is an EFC supporters club in Workington, and a coach goes down to Liverpool for every home game, and some away ones too. I think I might join them one day, especially as now I have a closer connection there: our son-in-law Tim has just got a job as teacher at Everton in the Community School.
Last Saturday, it was Carnival Day - the 101st in fact. Les and I decided we must be there as this is a major village event, to see the floats and the crowning of the Carnival Queen. We didn't expect to be part of it, though! The organiser (who also attends our local pub) had asked me to say a few words at a certain point in the procession to commemorate the 22 men of Great and Little Broughton who died in WW1, but that was all. Imagine our surprise then, as the procession formed, to be told that we were processing too! Apparently, I was a 'dignitary' and was to walk behind the two Mayors, of Allerdale and Cockermouth. See the photo below: the brass band from Northallerton, Yorks, and (left to right) the 2 Mayors and the Lady Mayoress of Cockermouth. It was all a bit surreal, especially as further into the village, the crowds grew into the hundreds! Behind us, there were all manner of floats, including 'Sister Act' (with a very camp-looking 'cardinal', and a rather suggestive dance routine); Bertie's Dust Busters (men dressed as cleaners), and the rather more decorative and serene floats on which were perched the current and the next Carnival Queens. (Some H&S issues, we felt, there!) It was a fun afternoon, which not even the drizzle managed to dampen completely, and a great way to bring people together. From a vicar's point of view, several 'visits' all at once!
'What about the chickens?' I hear you ask! Well, it's funny how, once you've made a decision, things just fall into place. Once I started to talk about our plans, I discovered that one neighbour had a chicken coop + run which he bought 2 years ago but never got round to unpacking; and another used to breed chickens and still has contacts in the business; yet another used to keep a flock of chickens and is full of good advice. He has also given us a feeder and water dispenser. He assures us that he and other neighbours would be happy to mind the hens when we're away - and they'd keep the eggs of course. One of our churchwardens also has a contact in the trade and can recommend a good breeder. So all I need to do now is wood-paint and assemble the coop and go shopping for chickens.
Earlier, we had had a very pleasant evening in the pub. It only opens 3 nights a week and Sunday lunchtimes: the landlord is an elder of the local evangelical church. Now there's a combination you wouldn't find often! It's a real centre of the local community, so a natural place for Les and me to frequent from time to time. Unfortunately, on Wednesdays, it seems to be men only so Les felt a bit awkward to start with. Now, of course, she's a star attraction and the men seem to enjoy talking to us (well, to her anyway!) On Wednesday, Bobby came to join us. He will be 90 in October, and is a war veteran. We got his life story, which was fascinating including close encounters with death during WW2, his 40 years at Workington docks, the death of his son and his wife. At the end of the evening I said, 'Any regrets, Bobby?' 'None,' he said. 'I thank God for my life every night.' Very humbling.
Then there is our Everton supporter friend, who this time was even wearing his Everton shirt. Good to see him. Apparently, there is an EFC supporters club in Workington, and a coach goes down to Liverpool for every home game, and some away ones too. I think I might join them one day, especially as now I have a closer connection there: our son-in-law Tim has just got a job as teacher at Everton in the Community School.
Last Saturday, it was Carnival Day - the 101st in fact. Les and I decided we must be there as this is a major village event, to see the floats and the crowning of the Carnival Queen. We didn't expect to be part of it, though! The organiser (who also attends our local pub) had asked me to say a few words at a certain point in the procession to commemorate the 22 men of Great and Little Broughton who died in WW1, but that was all. Imagine our surprise then, as the procession formed, to be told that we were processing too! Apparently, I was a 'dignitary' and was to walk behind the two Mayors, of Allerdale and Cockermouth. See the photo below: the brass band from Northallerton, Yorks, and (left to right) the 2 Mayors and the Lady Mayoress of Cockermouth. It was all a bit surreal, especially as further into the village, the crowds grew into the hundreds! Behind us, there were all manner of floats, including 'Sister Act' (with a very camp-looking 'cardinal', and a rather suggestive dance routine); Bertie's Dust Busters (men dressed as cleaners), and the rather more decorative and serene floats on which were perched the current and the next Carnival Queens. (Some H&S issues, we felt, there!) It was a fun afternoon, which not even the drizzle managed to dampen completely, and a great way to bring people together. From a vicar's point of view, several 'visits' all at once!
'What about the chickens?' I hear you ask! Well, it's funny how, once you've made a decision, things just fall into place. Once I started to talk about our plans, I discovered that one neighbour had a chicken coop + run which he bought 2 years ago but never got round to unpacking; and another used to breed chickens and still has contacts in the business; yet another used to keep a flock of chickens and is full of good advice. He has also given us a feeder and water dispenser. He assures us that he and other neighbours would be happy to mind the hens when we're away - and they'd keep the eggs of course. One of our churchwardens also has a contact in the trade and can recommend a good breeder. So all I need to do now is wood-paint and assemble the coop and go shopping for chickens.
Thursday 16 July 2015
Birds
Les and I continue to enjoy our new life. We recently took a week out, to return to Kippford near Dumfries, where we used to holiday when the children were young. Weather wasn't good, but it was restful and it was nice to have Jude with us for half the week. The caravan park promised sightings of red squirrels, but we were disappointed not to see any. But Les did often see nuthatches - her favourite bird - on the feeders at the next door caravan.
We went for a walk one day to Threave Gardens, where it's possible to view some nesting ospreys. An amazing sight. And what was particularly remarkable was their habit of migrating to and from Africa every year, returning to the same spot to nest. This particular male had returned for the past 4 years, and the ring on his leg revealed that he was born himself in Wales. How do they manage to navigate over so many thousands of miles each year, to the same spot? The hen has also returned several times: ospreys apparently mate for life.
Bird life round here is good. My current favourite is the song thrush, of which I have seen several. They have a variety of sounds - so many that sometimes you don't realise what you are listening to. One day I came home, and a thrush was on the chimney singing his heart out for several minutes. A beautiful sound.
I hope we shall soon have some resident birds: chickens! I have done a lot of research on keeping poultry and I think the time has come to take the plunge. Apparently, they make excellent pets, being very friendly and responsive. Some breeds are capable of laying up to 260 eggs per year, which is prolific: I love the idea of plentiful fresh eggs for eating and baking with. We'll get 3 hens I think. Plenty of eggs to give away too, at local events, or when visitors come to stay. The only problem is what to do when they get old or past laying. I really don't think I could bring myself to slaughter and eat one of my own chickens! I'll worry about that one when the time comes, I think. Watch this space.
Parish life is good. Beginning to think strategically now, in preparation for an Away Day in September and a parish weekend in November. Relations are good all round, and the issues becoming clearer. There is a major diocesan emphasis on 'discipleship' and we are exploring that further ourselves.
We went for a walk one day to Threave Gardens, where it's possible to view some nesting ospreys. An amazing sight. And what was particularly remarkable was their habit of migrating to and from Africa every year, returning to the same spot to nest. This particular male had returned for the past 4 years, and the ring on his leg revealed that he was born himself in Wales. How do they manage to navigate over so many thousands of miles each year, to the same spot? The hen has also returned several times: ospreys apparently mate for life.
Bird life round here is good. My current favourite is the song thrush, of which I have seen several. They have a variety of sounds - so many that sometimes you don't realise what you are listening to. One day I came home, and a thrush was on the chimney singing his heart out for several minutes. A beautiful sound.
I hope we shall soon have some resident birds: chickens! I have done a lot of research on keeping poultry and I think the time has come to take the plunge. Apparently, they make excellent pets, being very friendly and responsive. Some breeds are capable of laying up to 260 eggs per year, which is prolific: I love the idea of plentiful fresh eggs for eating and baking with. We'll get 3 hens I think. Plenty of eggs to give away too, at local events, or when visitors come to stay. The only problem is what to do when they get old or past laying. I really don't think I could bring myself to slaughter and eat one of my own chickens! I'll worry about that one when the time comes, I think. Watch this space.
Parish life is good. Beginning to think strategically now, in preparation for an Away Day in September and a parish weekend in November. Relations are good all round, and the issues becoming clearer. There is a major diocesan emphasis on 'discipleship' and we are exploring that further ourselves.
Tuesday 9 June 2015
Cumbrian Migrant
Amazingly, it's nearly 6 weeks since we moved in and coming up to a month since I was licensed. Here's something else I've noticed: long evenings. I'm sure it gets darker later here, presumably because we're further north. 10.30 at night and it's still only twilight: we're seeing some wonderful night skies.
Since last blog, a large number of encounters worth writing about:
Since last blog, a large number of encounters worth writing about:
- I've visited one of our church primary schools: there are two, plus another state school which has good church connections. I was so impressed with the quality of the place, in particular that they offer the children many opportunities of residential experience for learning history or geography, or glimpsing the life of a university student. It's all about aspiration. They also have a Christian value for each half of term, currently 'perseverance'. I have to decide how much to get involved, e.g. taking assemblies or even just story-telling.
- I had a session with the Town Clerk, who gave me the benefit of her knowledge and experience. She had only been in post for less than a year when the flood hit. She explained to me the challenges of having a town so popular with retirees, which both makes for an older population and can exclude younger people from the housing market. (Another problem of migration!) Currently, the Council has a policy that 40% of new housing must be 'affordable' for first-time buyers.
- I have done my first wedding (happy!) and another 2 funerals.
- There has been a church meeting for one of our churches, which has had a hard time in recent years. There is a feeling of a page having been turned, and of a renewal of hope. They may not be huge in number, but there is an unmistakable devotion to the Lord Jesus and his church, which I find quite moving. We just need to think more in terms of blessing the town than 'keeping the church going'. Nothing new there then!
- Last Sunday, there was a more 'normal' service in the morning, this time in Broughton itself, where I live. Unusually, I was present for a non-eucharistic service which enabled a more informal style, led so well by an experienced lay member of the congregation. She has clearly been helping to hold the church together for many years, as vicars have come and gone. That happens a lot round here!
- In the afternoon, I visited two families who have applied for their baby's baptism. A long time since I've done this, but what a joy it was! The thing is, here, everything is much smaller scale from what I have been used to. Smaller communities, smaller churches, therefore fewer people to exercise their ministry, so more for clergy to do. So it's back to the basics of parish ministry as far as I'm concerned BUT, part of my task here is to enable more people to take on pastoral and liturgical roles for the days ahead when there will be even fewer clergy to go round.
- On Sunday evening, I was grilled by a young people's group - 12 in number with 4 adult leaders. So enjoyable, with a tangible sense of joy in the things they share together. I hope we shall get to know each other well, and see young faith grow and mature into adult discipleship.
This Sunday: one of our churches celebrates its 150th anniversary. So, a special service has to be written and we will have two mayors and our MP present! When it was founded, it was intentionally for 'the poor of the parish' and this church has always been known for its care and compassion. This was demonstrated most recently in the flood. But now? Where are we going? What new calling is God placing on our life? Maybe we can use the anniversary as a time of reflection.
So back to the migration issue. I've been doing some more reading around this. Leaving aside migrants who leave their country for another (100,000 already this year in the Mediterranean alone!), there are millions of Internally Displaced People (IDPs): 6m in Syria, 3.3m in Nigeria, 3m in DR Congo, 2m in Iraq and 2.5m in Sudan. All these figures are approximate, of course, but it gives a sense of the scale of the problem. It is hard for us to imagine what this must be like, living in more settled communities. But we do need surely to think 'hospitality'. The former Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks, has pointed out that in the Hebrew scriptures we are only once commanded to 'love our neighbour' but 37 times to 'love the stranger'. And when you think about it, the story of the People of God in both Testaments is of refugees, asylum seekers and travellers: from Adam and Eve, sent out of the Garden to Abraham who was commanded to leave his own country, to the Exodus and the Exile, to Jesus' own flight into Egypt and Paul's travels.
You could also say that Jesus sought asylum on earth from heaven. Which leads one to the First Letter of Peter, where God's people are described as 'sojourners and exiles' (1 Peter 2.11): earth being our temporary home while our true home is in heaven. Today we remember St Columba, who 'migrated' (as many Celtic Christians did) from Ireland to Scotland and the north-west of England.
None of this, I'm afraid, really addresses the massive problem of migration and human trafficking, but at least if we can get our attitude right it might lead to appropriate actions.
Sunday 31 May 2015
Things I Have Noticed
There's been a bit of a gap since last blog, as Les and I have tried to complete the settling in process. I think we're pretty much 'there', with all the packing cases finally empty, most things put away, pictures on the walls etc. However, there is a garage full of stuff we have not been able to find room for and we have to dispose of that over the next week or two. It already feels pretty much like home, and it's hard to believe we have only been here just over 3 weeks.
There has also been a settling in process at work, in the churches. The two Sundays since licensing have not been typical. Last Sunday, Les and I (with Adrian, my colleague) worshipped at 3 of our churches, having been licensed at the 4th the previous week. It was Pentecost, so we had a special Eucharist at each one. Poor Les and Adrian had to hear the same sermon 3 times! It was good to meet so many new friends, though quite a few were away, being a Bank Holiday weekend. I was told afterwards I could stay!
Today, being a 5th Sunday in the month, it was a 'Parish' service i.e. all 4 churches coming together in one place. Today it was the turn of Christ Church, in Cockermouth, so basically back where we started. Adrian has been away this week, so I co-led with one of our lay worship leaders, and this seemed to go very well. (You will be able to hear the sermon on the Team website later - www.cockermouthareachurches.org.uk/) Once again, we were warmly welcomed.
Living in Little Broughton, I have committed myself to taking their midweek communion every Thursday. Coincidentally, this happens at the same time as St Barnabas, Penny Lane so it's good to have that connection. I have also taken a funeral there and in July will take the wedding of the grand-daughter of the man who had died. My first wedding, however, will be at All Saints next Saturday. I am looking forward to that.
There are a number of things I have noticed here:
There has also been a settling in process at work, in the churches. The two Sundays since licensing have not been typical. Last Sunday, Les and I (with Adrian, my colleague) worshipped at 3 of our churches, having been licensed at the 4th the previous week. It was Pentecost, so we had a special Eucharist at each one. Poor Les and Adrian had to hear the same sermon 3 times! It was good to meet so many new friends, though quite a few were away, being a Bank Holiday weekend. I was told afterwards I could stay!
Today, being a 5th Sunday in the month, it was a 'Parish' service i.e. all 4 churches coming together in one place. Today it was the turn of Christ Church, in Cockermouth, so basically back where we started. Adrian has been away this week, so I co-led with one of our lay worship leaders, and this seemed to go very well. (You will be able to hear the sermon on the Team website later - www.cockermouthareachurches.org.uk/) Once again, we were warmly welcomed.
Living in Little Broughton, I have committed myself to taking their midweek communion every Thursday. Coincidentally, this happens at the same time as St Barnabas, Penny Lane so it's good to have that connection. I have also taken a funeral there and in July will take the wedding of the grand-daughter of the man who had died. My first wedding, however, will be at All Saints next Saturday. I am looking forward to that.
There are a number of things I have noticed here:
- Birdsong. It is loud and tuneful, especially early in the morning. On our first morning here, I was wakened before 5am. I wish I could recognise all the different tunes. That is something to work on: I like to think they are all joining in creation's chorus of praise.
- Hills. Stating the obvious, I know, but it's not just the landscape. It is the way it is constantly changing according to the time of day, weather features etc: sometimes dappled in sunlight, sometimes dark and brooding behind the clouds.
- Accent. The Cumbrian accent is taking some getting used to after 40 years of Scouse! At the funeral reception, one elderly man spoke to me in an accent so thick I couldn't make out a word he was saying. I think that he was being mischievous, on hearing where I was from! There are some new words to learn and I'm interested by the way 'eh' comes into speech, and a soft 'r'.
- People. Without exception, people are amazingly friendly. But a local told me I would need to make an effort to smile and speak to everyone, otherwise they might think I was stand-offish. Consequently, Les and I greet everyone, whether we know them or not. Trouble is, most people seem to know us even if we don't know them.
- Village life. We have been warned that everyone will know our business! When we go out, when we get home, when we do our washing, who we have spoken to etc. And 'be careful what you say - everyone is related, or was at school with so-and-so, so word will get back!' This was illustrated last week: I was in the local bookshop. One of the staff introduced herself to me as a neighbour up the road, whom I had greeted in her garden a few days previously. I couldn't remember, I must admit. She gave me her name; I said, 'I'm Godfrey'. 'I know,' she said.
- Singing. The singing at worship is excellent. None of the churches has a choir, but the congregations more than make up for this. One church doesn't even have an organist, but manages with CDs - a mixed blessing! Last week, I asked Les to come out of retirement and play her guitar for one song. That was appreciated.
- Mobility between churches. There are quite a number of different churches in a relatively small area. It is noticeable how people migrate from one church to another, for a variety of different reasons, and they bring with them something of the style and culture of their previous church. Christ Church, where we were this morning, has a particularly mixed membership.
It's all very different. Smaller scale, slower pace, more travelling - the funeral last week involved a trip to Carlisle Crematorium, 40 minutes away. And several of our church members live some way away, though not in our village where many are lifelong residents.
And speaking of migration, it is desperate to see and hear of the plight of those fleeing from war-torn and poverty-stricken countries in North Africa and Eastern Europe. I suppose you could say I am a migrant myself (originally from the South of England!) - as many of us are, in this sense - and there is nothing new about mass migration as a result of war and poverty. What seems to be different about the current situation is the scale of it, which threatens to overwhelm countries like Italy. I guess this has something to do with global news media which makes even the poorest people aware of a possible better life elsewhere.Somehow, in our wealthier countries we surely have to change our attitude: recognise the desperate need of these fellow human beings, and unite to help them. Who can say we would behave any differently if we were in their situation? It is part of our human nature to seek a better life.
Sunday 10 May 2015
The Move
So here we are. Cockermouth. Or, to be more precise - Little Broughton. A village, next to Great Broughton, set on raised ground above the River Derwent, about 3 miles outside the town, a mile or so off the A66. We have had a marvellous welcome, and so many people seem pleased to see us. The villages have had a difficult time, without a resident vicar for about 5 years, so we can understand why we are greeted so warmly. The surrounding landscape is beautiful, best appreciated when driving away from the village, back to the main road. I'll send publish some photos when I get round to it!
The move itself went as smoothly as it possibly could, and for that too we are very thankful. There is still much to do, with several cartons to unpack, furniture to arrange and the study to organize, but we are making good progress. We are actually enjoying it! The vicarage is about 30 years old, and is best described as 'quirky'- a most unusual design with sloping roof and skylight windows in every bedroom! The landing acts as a kind of bridge across the hall, with two bedrooms at either end, one of them with a new en suite bathroom (which we'll use for guests). We are especially grateful for the way the diocese have provided for us, investing much in the vicarage to bring it up to modern standards, with a view to the longer term,beyond our stay here.
Today we are going to worship at the King's Church - part of the New Frontiers network, with whom, I gather, there are friendly relationships across the churches. Last night, we had a really lively and enjoyable evening with my new colleague, Adrian, his wife Lucy and children Eleanor and William. A very special, talented family, with whom I know we will get on well.
In other news (!) - our moving day was also Election Day. Not to boast, but I did actually share with a few people that I thought the Tories might emerge with a clear majority. So I wasn't shocked. Just a feeling I had. To quote from Bill Clinton's 1992 election campaign, 'It's the economy, stupid!' Like it or not, the Tories managed to get across a message that the economy is safer in their hands (and, to be fair, Labour's track record in this respect isn't great, even allowing for the crash of 2008), and they coupled this with a 'fear factor' of possible Labour/SNP partnership. In the end, I think a lot of people were swayed by this, and felt safer, more secure with a Tory government - overlooking, sadly, the all too obvious consequences in terms of those who would suffer most. It is, after all, human nature to look after one's own interests and the Tory propaganda really appealed to this. As I said in my previous blog, there was little to inspire us in the whole campaign with a vision of the kind of nation we could become as one that sought the 'common good', and illuminated the world as a beacon for justice, righteousness, peace; goodness, truth and beauty.
Many people are angry with the result, as is clear from social media. My immediate response is to say 'Our God reigns'. This is not pious talk: it's a reminder that any government, of any colour, has to be accountable first and foremost not to the electorate but to God, so we are not to be the judges. It's also a reminder that our task as Christians is to act with the authority of Jesus to alleviate suffering, to live compassionately, to bless our neighbours rather than expend our energies in furious political attacks. I like what Bishop Paul of Liverpool wrote before the election: '...we need people who can see that the church is part of the solution...My responsibility is not to moan, but to vote. To vote, and to work for the common good. My responsibility is to vote for, and work with, those with the moral vision and courage to work for a better society.'
One of the first things I did on May 8 was to discover who is our new MP in the Workington constituency, to write to her, congratulate her, and express the wish that we might meet up sometime. I hope we might
discern what the priorities round here might be and how we, with others (Christians or not) can work for the common good. I have also invited her to my licensing service next Sunday: please remember us all in prayer that day.
The move itself went as smoothly as it possibly could, and for that too we are very thankful. There is still much to do, with several cartons to unpack, furniture to arrange and the study to organize, but we are making good progress. We are actually enjoying it! The vicarage is about 30 years old, and is best described as 'quirky'- a most unusual design with sloping roof and skylight windows in every bedroom! The landing acts as a kind of bridge across the hall, with two bedrooms at either end, one of them with a new en suite bathroom (which we'll use for guests). We are especially grateful for the way the diocese have provided for us, investing much in the vicarage to bring it up to modern standards, with a view to the longer term,beyond our stay here.
Today we are going to worship at the King's Church - part of the New Frontiers network, with whom, I gather, there are friendly relationships across the churches. Last night, we had a really lively and enjoyable evening with my new colleague, Adrian, his wife Lucy and children Eleanor and William. A very special, talented family, with whom I know we will get on well.
In other news (!) - our moving day was also Election Day. Not to boast, but I did actually share with a few people that I thought the Tories might emerge with a clear majority. So I wasn't shocked. Just a feeling I had. To quote from Bill Clinton's 1992 election campaign, 'It's the economy, stupid!' Like it or not, the Tories managed to get across a message that the economy is safer in their hands (and, to be fair, Labour's track record in this respect isn't great, even allowing for the crash of 2008), and they coupled this with a 'fear factor' of possible Labour/SNP partnership. In the end, I think a lot of people were swayed by this, and felt safer, more secure with a Tory government - overlooking, sadly, the all too obvious consequences in terms of those who would suffer most. It is, after all, human nature to look after one's own interests and the Tory propaganda really appealed to this. As I said in my previous blog, there was little to inspire us in the whole campaign with a vision of the kind of nation we could become as one that sought the 'common good', and illuminated the world as a beacon for justice, righteousness, peace; goodness, truth and beauty.
Many people are angry with the result, as is clear from social media. My immediate response is to say 'Our God reigns'. This is not pious talk: it's a reminder that any government, of any colour, has to be accountable first and foremost not to the electorate but to God, so we are not to be the judges. It's also a reminder that our task as Christians is to act with the authority of Jesus to alleviate suffering, to live compassionately, to bless our neighbours rather than expend our energies in furious political attacks. I like what Bishop Paul of Liverpool wrote before the election: '...we need people who can see that the church is part of the solution...My responsibility is not to moan, but to vote. To vote, and to work for the common good. My responsibility is to vote for, and work with, those with the moral vision and courage to work for a better society.'
One of the first things I did on May 8 was to discover who is our new MP in the Workington constituency, to write to her, congratulate her, and express the wish that we might meet up sometime. I hope we might
discern what the priorities round here might be and how we, with others (Christians or not) can work for the common good. I have also invited her to my licensing service next Sunday: please remember us all in prayer that day.
Monday 4 May 2015
Nearly there
Another 48 hours and we will have left Liverpool. The moment I am really not looking forward to. There have been many farewell occasions in the past two or three weeks, all of them bitter-sweet. We have so much appreciated people's warmth and friendliness towards us, their well-wishing and expressions of appreciation for the last 20 (and in some cases, 40) years. It is true, you don't realise just how much impact you have had on a person's life until the time comes to leave them. I have been really humbled by things people have said, and memories recalled which I had not even noted in the first place. I guess that's one of the joys and blessings of ministry. It will be so sad to leave, but we do so believing that this is God's will for us,who has surprised us with this little adventure before I retire.
We are delighted - and amazed - at the number of people who have said they want to come to the licensing service on the 17th. It's a long way to come, and we really appreciate the support that is being shown us. Maybe others sense, like us, that it's something of an adventure?
We've had a couple of 'final' visits to the City. Last Thursday, something which we had booked months ago, before we knew we were leaving: a performance of Mahler's 2nd ('Resurrection') Symphony at the Phil. It really is the most astonishing piece of music, and something of a signature tune (if a symphony can be just a 'tune'!) for my life. Written when the composer was only in his late 20s, he had suffered several recent bereavements, which led him to reflect on his own mortality. Mahler was not a Christian himself (though he converted in order to obtain a top conducting job later in life), but he wrote a piece which defiantly proclaimed the defeat of death - perhaps more for this life than the next. As our pre-concert lecturer said, Mahler was about life after life rather than life after death. Nevertheless.allowing this marvellous music, sorrowful, lyrical, triumphant, glorious, to wash over you for 1 1/2 hours - especially as a Christian, who does believe in life after death - is to enjoy a heavenly experience. I am moved to tears every time I hear it.
The other City visit was to the Cathedral yesterday, for the morning eucharist. It seemed appropriate somehow, as that building has had a special place in my life these 40 years. What I will miss, I reflected after both these visits, was the sheer size and scale of Liverpool's buildings. Their grandeur is so impressive and by contrast Cockermouth is miniature - but of course has many other delights to offer both resident and visitor. We look forward to more exploring.
I took a couple of days last week to have some quiet, engaging heart and mind for the new challenges. I read a lot of Cockermouth's history, which goes back possibly even further than Liverpool's. Some of it quite controversial too, especially with the historical rivalry between 'church' and 'chapel'. I wonder how much of that remains, however vestigially.
While I was away, I meet a fiery black Pentecostal. He wanted to know what I thought of gay priests. I said, 'Well, it's a fact - there are gay people and there are gay priests'. Then - as I half expected - he launched into a tirade. He seemed less interested in what I thought; more concerned to tell me what he thought. It was a bit embarrassing at the meal table, but I decided to engage in the debate. 'It's an abomination to the Lord', he said, quoting various OT scriptures. I asked him what Jesus had to say on the matter. He couldn't think of anything (that's because there isn't!), and I asked whether that was not significant given it is Jesus we follow and not OT law. Not the point, he said. I then asked if he if knew a) any gay people and b) any gay Christians. 'No' to both. I suggested maybe it would be a good idea if he did, then he could hear their story and understand a bit better the kind of issues gay people have to face - including others' prejudice.
He then shared something of his story: a converted drugs dealer and gangster. So...if he could be 'delivered' from that kind of life, so could a gay person from theirs. I pointed out that there must have been a time when he wasn't into that lifestyle; a gay person would say that they had no choice. However, I did make clear that I believed a gay Christian must be just as chaste and faithful as a straight one, if they were to fulfil the law of Christ.
My companion then told me (us) about his training as a preacher, and how he wanted the 'pow-er' (emphasis on the first syllable), believing that God really could and did totally transform people's lives. Difficult one that: because I believe the same. But I think that has much more to do with where one's life is centred, and the fruitfulness that flows from that centre (Christ) rather than fixing on one particular aspect of a person's identity. I asked him why he felt so strongly about this one particular issue. I might just have well said to my friend that God wanted to deliver him from his blackness.
I mention all this, because I am aware this man was expressing a view which he had learned from his own particular culture. Knowing how, historically, black people have been enslaved and abused, could this be a reason why they feel so strongly about another persecuted minority - as if, somehow, to alleviate their own sense of despair and anger. In fact, is it human nature to construct a values system around a perceived 'enemy' when one has been a victim oneself? Might this be a factor in helping us understand Islamization?
The day is nearly over. Les and I have been so grateful for the help of family over this Bank Holiday weekend, and we have just enjoyed a final takeaway meal with them. The next two days will be long ones. Next time in Cockermouth. By the way, should I name-change from 'Harthill musings'? Any suggestions?
We are delighted - and amazed - at the number of people who have said they want to come to the licensing service on the 17th. It's a long way to come, and we really appreciate the support that is being shown us. Maybe others sense, like us, that it's something of an adventure?
We've had a couple of 'final' visits to the City. Last Thursday, something which we had booked months ago, before we knew we were leaving: a performance of Mahler's 2nd ('Resurrection') Symphony at the Phil. It really is the most astonishing piece of music, and something of a signature tune (if a symphony can be just a 'tune'!) for my life. Written when the composer was only in his late 20s, he had suffered several recent bereavements, which led him to reflect on his own mortality. Mahler was not a Christian himself (though he converted in order to obtain a top conducting job later in life), but he wrote a piece which defiantly proclaimed the defeat of death - perhaps more for this life than the next. As our pre-concert lecturer said, Mahler was about life after life rather than life after death. Nevertheless.allowing this marvellous music, sorrowful, lyrical, triumphant, glorious, to wash over you for 1 1/2 hours - especially as a Christian, who does believe in life after death - is to enjoy a heavenly experience. I am moved to tears every time I hear it.
The other City visit was to the Cathedral yesterday, for the morning eucharist. It seemed appropriate somehow, as that building has had a special place in my life these 40 years. What I will miss, I reflected after both these visits, was the sheer size and scale of Liverpool's buildings. Their grandeur is so impressive and by contrast Cockermouth is miniature - but of course has many other delights to offer both resident and visitor. We look forward to more exploring.
I took a couple of days last week to have some quiet, engaging heart and mind for the new challenges. I read a lot of Cockermouth's history, which goes back possibly even further than Liverpool's. Some of it quite controversial too, especially with the historical rivalry between 'church' and 'chapel'. I wonder how much of that remains, however vestigially.
While I was away, I meet a fiery black Pentecostal. He wanted to know what I thought of gay priests. I said, 'Well, it's a fact - there are gay people and there are gay priests'. Then - as I half expected - he launched into a tirade. He seemed less interested in what I thought; more concerned to tell me what he thought. It was a bit embarrassing at the meal table, but I decided to engage in the debate. 'It's an abomination to the Lord', he said, quoting various OT scriptures. I asked him what Jesus had to say on the matter. He couldn't think of anything (that's because there isn't!), and I asked whether that was not significant given it is Jesus we follow and not OT law. Not the point, he said. I then asked if he if knew a) any gay people and b) any gay Christians. 'No' to both. I suggested maybe it would be a good idea if he did, then he could hear their story and understand a bit better the kind of issues gay people have to face - including others' prejudice.
He then shared something of his story: a converted drugs dealer and gangster. So...if he could be 'delivered' from that kind of life, so could a gay person from theirs. I pointed out that there must have been a time when he wasn't into that lifestyle; a gay person would say that they had no choice. However, I did make clear that I believed a gay Christian must be just as chaste and faithful as a straight one, if they were to fulfil the law of Christ.
My companion then told me (us) about his training as a preacher, and how he wanted the 'pow-er' (emphasis on the first syllable), believing that God really could and did totally transform people's lives. Difficult one that: because I believe the same. But I think that has much more to do with where one's life is centred, and the fruitfulness that flows from that centre (Christ) rather than fixing on one particular aspect of a person's identity. I asked him why he felt so strongly about this one particular issue. I might just have well said to my friend that God wanted to deliver him from his blackness.
I mention all this, because I am aware this man was expressing a view which he had learned from his own particular culture. Knowing how, historically, black people have been enslaved and abused, could this be a reason why they feel so strongly about another persecuted minority - as if, somehow, to alleviate their own sense of despair and anger. In fact, is it human nature to construct a values system around a perceived 'enemy' when one has been a victim oneself? Might this be a factor in helping us understand Islamization?
The day is nearly over. Les and I have been so grateful for the help of family over this Bank Holiday weekend, and we have just enjoyed a final takeaway meal with them. The next two days will be long ones. Next time in Cockermouth. By the way, should I name-change from 'Harthill musings'? Any suggestions?
Monday 20 April 2015
Neither Here nor There
Last Friday, Les and I passed another milestone on our journey to Cockermouth. The removal men came to our flat in Dalton (60 miles south of Cockermouth, in Cumbria) and we completely emptied the place of all our furniture. I must admit, tears came to my eyes as we left it for the last time - at least for the time being. Over the past 7 years, it has been a place of rest, refreshment and retreat, not just for us but for family members and friends. Somehow, just 24 hours there seemed enough to recharge my batteries. We've concluded that we are unlikely to use the place while in Cockermouth. Although not that far away in miles, it takes almost as long to get there from Cockermouth as it does from Liverpool, and since we often used to drive there late at night it's not a journey we would relish. Also, because all our family and many friends remain in Liverpool, we imagine - indeed have promised! - that short breaks will often happen back here. Jude has kindly set up her spare room with us in mind! Whether or not we retire to Dalton eventually we'll have to wait and see, but meanwhile we're renting it out so the income will come in handy.
It feels like a kind of limbo at the moment. Neither here nor there. The process towards appointing my successor is under way, and of course I have no part in that. Plans are being made for the future, which pass me by. The diary is fairly empty as I attend fewer meetings, though we have enjoyed many social engagements. And there are various 'last times': my last wedding last Saturday, and my last visits to St Barnabas and Mossley Hill churches last week and my last christening yesterday. Have I taken my last funeral? Don't know. That's not a request by the way!
Meanwhile, there are phone calls and emails to Cockermouth as plans are made there for the move, for the licensing service (17 May) and for the first weeks in post. Rota-planning for the next 3 months is well under way. It's an in-between time for many of us, at the threshold of new beginnings.
The same could be said nationally. Auspiciously or not, we move into our new home on Election Day! Currently we are in between governments, and like many others I find much of the electioneering very dispiriting. So much of it seems to be point-scoring against one another, and the appeal to the electorate often seems based upon our self-interest (who will make us wealthier?) or our baser instincts (who will deal with immigration?) There is little to inspire us with a vision of a more just, equitable, healthier society, and almost nothing to do with Britain's place in the world. A complete absence of foreign policy, it seems. Meanwhile, we hear of hundreds of desperate refugees drowning in the Mediterranean Sea met with silence from our leaders (the Archbishop of Canterbury excepted), when there must surely be a role for a compassionate Britain not only in helping with rescue but, more importantly, addressing the causes of such mass migration. Of course, one cause is our own historical foreign policy.
We have the dilemma of whether to vote tactically or for values and principles. Les and I will have a postal vote for the first time, as we shall no longer be in Liverpool on Election Day, but not quite resident in Cockermouth either. Neither here nor there.
There's a new book I must try and get hold of. It looks like someone else is picking up on our theme here of the church being for the blessing of the world. Graham Tomlin's book, 'The Widening Circle - Priesthood as God's Way of Blessing the World' has just been published, and although it's particularly about ordained ministry I hope it's also about the priesthood of all believers, called as we are to be 'communities of blessing'.
Being neither here nor there has a theological significance too. We are citizens of heaven while inhabiting the earth. Learning to live as belonging to one while living in the other is a real challenge to Christian people. Next Sunday will be my last here, and - as it follows our Annual Meetings - the morning service will include a special prayer of dedication, as we all face our different futures. It includes the following words:
It feels like a kind of limbo at the moment. Neither here nor there. The process towards appointing my successor is under way, and of course I have no part in that. Plans are being made for the future, which pass me by. The diary is fairly empty as I attend fewer meetings, though we have enjoyed many social engagements. And there are various 'last times': my last wedding last Saturday, and my last visits to St Barnabas and Mossley Hill churches last week and my last christening yesterday. Have I taken my last funeral? Don't know. That's not a request by the way!
Meanwhile, there are phone calls and emails to Cockermouth as plans are made there for the move, for the licensing service (17 May) and for the first weeks in post. Rota-planning for the next 3 months is well under way. It's an in-between time for many of us, at the threshold of new beginnings.
The same could be said nationally. Auspiciously or not, we move into our new home on Election Day! Currently we are in between governments, and like many others I find much of the electioneering very dispiriting. So much of it seems to be point-scoring against one another, and the appeal to the electorate often seems based upon our self-interest (who will make us wealthier?) or our baser instincts (who will deal with immigration?) There is little to inspire us with a vision of a more just, equitable, healthier society, and almost nothing to do with Britain's place in the world. A complete absence of foreign policy, it seems. Meanwhile, we hear of hundreds of desperate refugees drowning in the Mediterranean Sea met with silence from our leaders (the Archbishop of Canterbury excepted), when there must surely be a role for a compassionate Britain not only in helping with rescue but, more importantly, addressing the causes of such mass migration. Of course, one cause is our own historical foreign policy.
We have the dilemma of whether to vote tactically or for values and principles. Les and I will have a postal vote for the first time, as we shall no longer be in Liverpool on Election Day, but not quite resident in Cockermouth either. Neither here nor there.
There's a new book I must try and get hold of. It looks like someone else is picking up on our theme here of the church being for the blessing of the world. Graham Tomlin's book, 'The Widening Circle - Priesthood as God's Way of Blessing the World' has just been published, and although it's particularly about ordained ministry I hope it's also about the priesthood of all believers, called as we are to be 'communities of blessing'.
Being neither here nor there has a theological significance too. We are citizens of heaven while inhabiting the earth. Learning to live as belonging to one while living in the other is a real challenge to Christian people. Next Sunday will be my last here, and - as it follows our Annual Meetings - the morning service will include a special prayer of dedication, as we all face our different futures. It includes the following words:
May we be at home in any place, for the whole world is
yours.
May
we, with our hopes set on eternal peace, live also as strangers in the land.
Perhaps because of my being 'in between', I have returned to a song which meant much to me years ago. It includes the title 'anchor of my soul', addressed to Jesus. This may not be your style of worship, but go to this video, and I hope you will be inspired. The singer is Lara Martin, and the song is entitled 'Voice of Hope'. You can find the lyrics elsewhere on YouTube, but they are clear enough in this live recording.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n_1B4VpXhI
Enjoy!
Wednesday 1 April 2015
A Passionate Woman
It's rather ironic that, having written about stress last time, we should hear of the dreadful, nightmarish aeroplane crash in France, allegedly the act of a suicidal pilot. Somehow, I think there is more to this and I am not convinced that it is quite as we have been led to believe. Normally, suicidal tendencies relate to self-harm or self-destruction not calculated homicide. If the man was depressed, and it was deliberate, this could be a most extreme example of how alienated people can become in today's world, and mental illness is misunderstood or ignored. Surely, somebody must have noticed there was something disturbing about his behaviour or his demeanour?
Last weekend, Lesley and I went up to our new parish in Cockermouth, this time just to explore. We were fascinated by the history and geography of this 'Gem Town', and are really looking forward to going to live there. It feels very strange still serving here in Liverpool while planning ahead for a new life in Cumbria. Someone we know in south Cumbria wanted to know if I'd been a 'naughty boy' - being sent up to 'Red Indian' country in the north! We're past the point of no return now, with the removal firm booked, phone and internet connections sorted, and the first service rotas planned! I've even got my first wedding with two more in the pipeline.
On Monday night, I watched the Richard Dimbleby Memorial lecture by Martha Lane-Fox. http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/speeches/2015/martha-lane-fox-dot-everyone. She is a passionate woman - passionate, that is, for the internet and its seemingly infinite benefits (at least, according to her.) Fox is a highly successful, wealthy entrepreneur who has made her fortune from the dot.com business. She is also a remarkable human being, having survived a near-fatal car accident which damaged her pelvis so badly that some 28 operations were required before she could walk again. Her mobility is still impaired. Her thesis was that we have scarcely begun to appreciate the scope and value of the internet. She described it as a new 'institution', to which everyone could belong regardless of age, education or background: Dot Everyone. She pleaded for business leaders and politicians especially to wake up to its potential. She has even started an online 'Dot Everyone' petition to influence the new Prime Minister! The greater part of her lecture was devoted to a passionate description of the possible benefits to our society, as one might expect from one who has made her fortune from it. She believes that UK could become a world leader in its development, and prosper greatly as a result. She devoted some time also to the question of ethics and proper controls, realising the many ways in which the internet has been abused for example in pornography, fraud, and trolling in social media. However, I was left somewhat uneasy: to belong to an institution is to be part of something bigger than we are and - most importantly - with an identifiable membership and a clear constitution, instruments of government etc. The whole point about the internet is that it is so vast, so expansive and expanding that it is quite impossible to define in the way an institution normally would be. What would be its values? How could it be organised? It all began to feel a bit Orwellian. Is it not rather a tool, to be taken out and used as and when required, not used as a substitute for human contact and relationship?
That said, I have no doubt that she is right about one thing: we don't use the internet to its full potential. I have been saying that in our churches for some time, and find it frustrating that good, up to date, fully functional websites are not seen as a priority. To misquote General Booth of the Salvation Army, 'why should the Devil have all the best media?'
Back to my own 'passionate woman' (aka Lesley!) On Friday, we watched the film 'Twelve Years a Slave'. I hadn't realised this was based on an autobiography, which made it all the more compelling and shocking. I particularly noticed the use of silence in the film, allowing the pictures to speak for themselves, to capture an expression or a scene for full effect.
It took me back to our holiday last year in Antigua. You just would not think that human beings could be so unbelievably cruel to another. In the slave trade you see the roots of today's racism, as our conversation with a local man revealed to us there. What is particularly hard to grasp is that many of those concerned in those days were God-fearing men. Just a couple of days ago, I came across some material about Liverpool slave merchants, who saw no contradiction in commending to Almighty God their ships' voyages, when setting out to purchase more black people for the slave markets in the West Indies. Now if the internet could be used to help change attitudes like these for the better, that could only be good.
Last weekend, Lesley and I went up to our new parish in Cockermouth, this time just to explore. We were fascinated by the history and geography of this 'Gem Town', and are really looking forward to going to live there. It feels very strange still serving here in Liverpool while planning ahead for a new life in Cumbria. Someone we know in south Cumbria wanted to know if I'd been a 'naughty boy' - being sent up to 'Red Indian' country in the north! We're past the point of no return now, with the removal firm booked, phone and internet connections sorted, and the first service rotas planned! I've even got my first wedding with two more in the pipeline.
On Monday night, I watched the Richard Dimbleby Memorial lecture by Martha Lane-Fox. http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/speeches/2015/martha-lane-fox-dot-everyone. She is a passionate woman - passionate, that is, for the internet and its seemingly infinite benefits (at least, according to her.) Fox is a highly successful, wealthy entrepreneur who has made her fortune from the dot.com business. She is also a remarkable human being, having survived a near-fatal car accident which damaged her pelvis so badly that some 28 operations were required before she could walk again. Her mobility is still impaired. Her thesis was that we have scarcely begun to appreciate the scope and value of the internet. She described it as a new 'institution', to which everyone could belong regardless of age, education or background: Dot Everyone. She pleaded for business leaders and politicians especially to wake up to its potential. She has even started an online 'Dot Everyone' petition to influence the new Prime Minister! The greater part of her lecture was devoted to a passionate description of the possible benefits to our society, as one might expect from one who has made her fortune from it. She believes that UK could become a world leader in its development, and prosper greatly as a result. She devoted some time also to the question of ethics and proper controls, realising the many ways in which the internet has been abused for example in pornography, fraud, and trolling in social media. However, I was left somewhat uneasy: to belong to an institution is to be part of something bigger than we are and - most importantly - with an identifiable membership and a clear constitution, instruments of government etc. The whole point about the internet is that it is so vast, so expansive and expanding that it is quite impossible to define in the way an institution normally would be. What would be its values? How could it be organised? It all began to feel a bit Orwellian. Is it not rather a tool, to be taken out and used as and when required, not used as a substitute for human contact and relationship?
That said, I have no doubt that she is right about one thing: we don't use the internet to its full potential. I have been saying that in our churches for some time, and find it frustrating that good, up to date, fully functional websites are not seen as a priority. To misquote General Booth of the Salvation Army, 'why should the Devil have all the best media?'
Back to my own 'passionate woman' (aka Lesley!) On Friday, we watched the film 'Twelve Years a Slave'. I hadn't realised this was based on an autobiography, which made it all the more compelling and shocking. I particularly noticed the use of silence in the film, allowing the pictures to speak for themselves, to capture an expression or a scene for full effect.
It took me back to our holiday last year in Antigua. You just would not think that human beings could be so unbelievably cruel to another. In the slave trade you see the roots of today's racism, as our conversation with a local man revealed to us there. What is particularly hard to grasp is that many of those concerned in those days were God-fearing men. Just a couple of days ago, I came across some material about Liverpool slave merchants, who saw no contradiction in commending to Almighty God their ships' voyages, when setting out to purchase more black people for the slave markets in the West Indies. Now if the internet could be used to help change attitudes like these for the better, that could only be good.
Saturday 21 March 2015
The 'S' Word
Zayn Malik, from boy-band One Direction, has flown home from their latest tour because of 'stress'. Being far from home in south-east Asia, the object of adulation by thousands of female fans, having to fulfil constant demands from managers and the media - no doubt all these factors have contributed to the breakdown of his mental health. Then there were the photos of him hand in hand with an unknown woman, while still in a three-year relationship with his girlfriend at home.
The number of people succumbing to stress has reached alarming proportions. According to the Mental Health Foundation website (www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/mental-health-a-z/S/stress/), 13.3 million working days per year are lost to stress, anxiety and depression. Mental health generally seems to be a matter of increasing concern, particularly as there seems to be insufficient funding for its treatment. When there is a high-profile casualty, such as Zayn Malik, one becomes more aware of its prevalence.
Stress seems to be closely connected to 21st century lifestyles and life choices. There is a world of possibilities all around us, and the pressure seems to be that 'because we can, we should' - and if we don't, we are either boring, unadventurous or weak. Much of this has to do with the massive increase in computer technology which opens up an infinite variety of possibilities and makes the workplace a much more challenging place to be. Because things are possible they become essential. We are losing the ability to make wise, sensible choices based not on what's possible but on what's right and necessary for human wellbeing.
Two words or phrases have struck me of late in this connection. First, there was Jean Vanier (Founder of the L'Arche communities, and just this week awarded the Templeton Prize) who gave a lecture in London entitled 'Why the strong need the weak.' This was an address about 'the common good', and Vanier's starting point was the question 'what makes us human?' He pointed out that among the fruits of the Spirit is 'patience' - a quality rather lacking in today's world but which is essential for our common humanity, especially in relation to those who are physically or mentally weaker than ourselves. The 'strong' benefit when they are required to slow down, to notice those around them, to be less driven, to be in community.
Which leads me to a term I heard only recently, but apparently has a growing currency: 'self-compassion'. According to Dr Kristin Neff, this has three elements:
The number of people succumbing to stress has reached alarming proportions. According to the Mental Health Foundation website (www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/mental-health-a-z/S/stress/), 13.3 million working days per year are lost to stress, anxiety and depression. Mental health generally seems to be a matter of increasing concern, particularly as there seems to be insufficient funding for its treatment. When there is a high-profile casualty, such as Zayn Malik, one becomes more aware of its prevalence.
Stress seems to be closely connected to 21st century lifestyles and life choices. There is a world of possibilities all around us, and the pressure seems to be that 'because we can, we should' - and if we don't, we are either boring, unadventurous or weak. Much of this has to do with the massive increase in computer technology which opens up an infinite variety of possibilities and makes the workplace a much more challenging place to be. Because things are possible they become essential. We are losing the ability to make wise, sensible choices based not on what's possible but on what's right and necessary for human wellbeing.
Two words or phrases have struck me of late in this connection. First, there was Jean Vanier (Founder of the L'Arche communities, and just this week awarded the Templeton Prize) who gave a lecture in London entitled 'Why the strong need the weak.' This was an address about 'the common good', and Vanier's starting point was the question 'what makes us human?' He pointed out that among the fruits of the Spirit is 'patience' - a quality rather lacking in today's world but which is essential for our common humanity, especially in relation to those who are physically or mentally weaker than ourselves. The 'strong' benefit when they are required to slow down, to notice those around them, to be less driven, to be in community.
Which leads me to a term I heard only recently, but apparently has a growing currency: 'self-compassion'. According to Dr Kristin Neff, this has three elements:
- self-kindness - the ability to take care of oneself, not to judge oneself too harshly, nor to dwell on one's failures or short-comings
- common humanity - to recognise that failure, pain, weakness are common to all people so we not only need not to feel inadequate but, still more, to see it as our responsibility to care for others who are struggling.
- mindfulness - a fast-growing movement, particularly in highly stressful situations, which uses Buddhist meditation techniques to centre on the present moment: neither regretting the past nor fearing the future. There are both Christian and non-religious versions of this.
During Lent, we have been thinking about the mercy of God and we have shared lots of stories about times in our lives when we have been rescued from situations beyond our control, or restored to life and health out of a time of desolation. More often than not, 'mercy' is a divine quality mediated to us through other human beings. But there is also an element of personal responsibility here, and the choices we make. Because we can, does not mean we must. 'Hardening of the oughteries' is definitely a common dis-ease!
In the autumn of 2007, I was myself signed off work for 3 months with 'stress'. This was put down at the time to bereavement, following my father's death and a 72-hour vigil at his bedside, with hardly any sleep. Our much-needed summer holiday had been lost, following several months of ridiculously long hours at work. Essentially, I was exhausted - physically, mentally and spiritually. Of my many recollections from that period, I remember one recurring mental picture. It was of a devastated landscape, ravaged by some kind of natural disaster, where everything had been flattened: buildings, crops, walls and fences. I remember thinking clearly that what was needed was to rebuild the boundaries, to put up fences (not walls, which are immovable), in order to demarcate the areas which needed attention. So began a long journey towards creating a kind of mind-map, and some new disciplines which enabled me to foster a healthier, less stressful lifestyle. Giving myself permission not to work so hard - exercising self-compassion! - was key to this.
By God's grace and mercy, and the kindness of my doctor and those closest to me, I got back on the road. I hope Zayn does too - but he will have some hard choices to make.
Sunday 8 February 2015
End of Sabbatical
Well, that's it then. End of sabbatical. Back to work tomorrow for 3 months, and then off to Cumbria. Still can't quite get used to it: certainly not what I intended at the beginning of November. I've managed to catch up with a bit of study over the past few days, but there's also been some stuff to do with the move e.g. setting up the licensing service. (5pm, Sunday 17 May if you want to come. Tea from 3.30pm, so those travelling can be refreshed on arrival and get away fairly handy afterwards.) Today, after church with Chris & Debbie (rocking baby Chloe to sleep during the sermon!) I've been tidying the study in readiness and begun the task of emptying my shelves of books. I'm aiming to reduce by 50% by the time we move!
I've particularly enjoyed reading a new document published for General Synod next month, called 'Growing the Rural Church.' Where I'm going is not entirely rural - Cockermouth is a small town - but the difference in scale between here and there is pretty enormous. This parish has a population of 23,000 whereas the entire population of Cockermouth is only 8,000! And the population of the villages which also form part of the Team is only about 1000 each. One of the things I think I will have to get used to -as the document makes clear - is that the church is often more 'enculturated' (sorry about the jargon!) within the life of the local community than it is in the suburbs. So you tend to find the same people active in both church and community, and the major festivals of the year have a greater significance. In other ways, as the report suggests, the challenges are the same: helping people to be the church, rather than go to church, being much more collaborative both within churches and across denominational lines, and - for clergy - learning to be 'episcopal', encouraging and promoting the ministries of lay people rather than being the minister.
At my interview, I was asked if I was good at delegating. I said I think I am, in the sense that there are certain things I am not good at and others do better. But I went on to say that maybe the question implied that ministry belongs to the ordained person who shares his or her ministry with others. Not so: ministry belongs to the church (well, actually to Jesus!) not the vicar. As I sometimes say, 'it's not the job of lay people to help the vicar run the church; it's the task of the vicar to help lay people change the world!'
It's not all been serious stuff while I've been off duty. There was the holiday in Antigua, Jude's building project, and several family events, including a triple birthday party yesterday. I've enjoyed finishing work earlier in the evening than usual and watching more TV. Silent Witness is a favourite of mine, and I'm specially enjoying Wolf Hall on a Wednesday night. The lighting is so good that it not only makes the production seem more authentic but it also helps to give that sense of foreboding around the court of Henry VIII.
I've also read a fair bit of fiction. I enjoy a good crime thriller, and have been working my way through the Swedish Millennium trilogy (not in Swedish, I hasten to add!): The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo/Who Played with Fire/Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest. The author, Stieg Larsson died sadly at the age of only 50, by which time the 3 manuscripts were with his publisher. Lisbeth Salander is a kind of anti-hero, subjected to terrible abuse as a child, a damaged person as a result, but with phenomenal intelligence, great physical strength, a strong moral compass and immense courage. It's one of those stories - of intrigue, corruption, crime, political cover-up - which makes a great story but you can't help wondering whether it's rather too close to reality. Larsson has a particular concern for the abuse of women and the power of good journalism. It's well written, and the violent and sexual narratives are neither gratuitous nor indulgent. Not sure I'd want to see the films though!
I've particularly enjoyed reading a new document published for General Synod next month, called 'Growing the Rural Church.' Where I'm going is not entirely rural - Cockermouth is a small town - but the difference in scale between here and there is pretty enormous. This parish has a population of 23,000 whereas the entire population of Cockermouth is only 8,000! And the population of the villages which also form part of the Team is only about 1000 each. One of the things I think I will have to get used to -as the document makes clear - is that the church is often more 'enculturated' (sorry about the jargon!) within the life of the local community than it is in the suburbs. So you tend to find the same people active in both church and community, and the major festivals of the year have a greater significance. In other ways, as the report suggests, the challenges are the same: helping people to be the church, rather than go to church, being much more collaborative both within churches and across denominational lines, and - for clergy - learning to be 'episcopal', encouraging and promoting the ministries of lay people rather than being the minister.
At my interview, I was asked if I was good at delegating. I said I think I am, in the sense that there are certain things I am not good at and others do better. But I went on to say that maybe the question implied that ministry belongs to the ordained person who shares his or her ministry with others. Not so: ministry belongs to the church (well, actually to Jesus!) not the vicar. As I sometimes say, 'it's not the job of lay people to help the vicar run the church; it's the task of the vicar to help lay people change the world!'
It's not all been serious stuff while I've been off duty. There was the holiday in Antigua, Jude's building project, and several family events, including a triple birthday party yesterday. I've enjoyed finishing work earlier in the evening than usual and watching more TV. Silent Witness is a favourite of mine, and I'm specially enjoying Wolf Hall on a Wednesday night. The lighting is so good that it not only makes the production seem more authentic but it also helps to give that sense of foreboding around the court of Henry VIII.
I've also read a fair bit of fiction. I enjoy a good crime thriller, and have been working my way through the Swedish Millennium trilogy (not in Swedish, I hasten to add!): The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo/Who Played with Fire/Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest. The author, Stieg Larsson died sadly at the age of only 50, by which time the 3 manuscripts were with his publisher. Lisbeth Salander is a kind of anti-hero, subjected to terrible abuse as a child, a damaged person as a result, but with phenomenal intelligence, great physical strength, a strong moral compass and immense courage. It's one of those stories - of intrigue, corruption, crime, political cover-up - which makes a great story but you can't help wondering whether it's rather too close to reality. Larsson has a particular concern for the abuse of women and the power of good journalism. It's well written, and the violent and sexual narratives are neither gratuitous nor indulgent. Not sure I'd want to see the films though!
Tuesday 3 February 2015
Sabbatical 10 (The Leaving of Liverpool)
We've been away this past weekend: my brother-in-law's 60th birthday, down in Rugby. A good time to meet up with my family, and meet some of his friends too.
While we were away, 'the announcement' was made: we will be leaving Liverpool at the beginning of May for a new post in Cockermouth. I will be Team Rector of the Cockermouth Area Team, consisting of 4 churches: 2 in the town, and 2 in outlying villages. (You can check it out at www.cockermouthareachurches.org.uk.) This has come completely out of the blue, and yet seems to connect in many ways with what has gone before. For one thing (and not a lot of people know this!), I think I am a country boy at heart. I was brought up the son of a vicar in rural Hertfordshire, where I lived for most of my childhood. When we first came to Liverpool in 1975, neither Les nor I thought it would be for more than the 3 years of a first curacy! I have often thought I might serve in a rural parish, but it has just never happened - even though I have applied. It seems that every time we thought of moving, God said 'Stay in the city'. So we have.
But I love to be in the country, especially the hills and lakes of Cumbria. Seven years ago, we bought a small apartment in the less touristy area of Dalton, not far from Barrow, south of the Lakes. We have loved to go there for occasional breaks, and enjoyed exploring the whole area around the Furness peninsula. We had wondered about the possibility of eventually retiring to Cumbria (diocese of Carlisle) but more recently we had been thinking it would be Liverpool, mainly because all our family are here now. My sabbatical leave had a two-fold purpose:
While we were away, 'the announcement' was made: we will be leaving Liverpool at the beginning of May for a new post in Cockermouth. I will be Team Rector of the Cockermouth Area Team, consisting of 4 churches: 2 in the town, and 2 in outlying villages. (You can check it out at www.cockermouthareachurches.org.uk.) This has come completely out of the blue, and yet seems to connect in many ways with what has gone before. For one thing (and not a lot of people know this!), I think I am a country boy at heart. I was brought up the son of a vicar in rural Hertfordshire, where I lived for most of my childhood. When we first came to Liverpool in 1975, neither Les nor I thought it would be for more than the 3 years of a first curacy! I have often thought I might serve in a rural parish, but it has just never happened - even though I have applied. It seems that every time we thought of moving, God said 'Stay in the city'. So we have.
But I love to be in the country, especially the hills and lakes of Cumbria. Seven years ago, we bought a small apartment in the less touristy area of Dalton, not far from Barrow, south of the Lakes. We have loved to go there for occasional breaks, and enjoyed exploring the whole area around the Furness peninsula. We had wondered about the possibility of eventually retiring to Cumbria (diocese of Carlisle) but more recently we had been thinking it would be Liverpool, mainly because all our family are here now. My sabbatical leave had a two-fold purpose:
- to draw breath, listen to God, and consider what my priorities should be here in my remaining years before retirement
- to begin to prepare for retirement (when & where?), and do some more work on coaching and mentoring, as a ministry I might offer when the time comes.
We had been back from Antigua less than a week when I was texted a message: would I like to consider this post in Cockermouth? The person spec seemed to fit me. I laughed! Moving now was not remotely in my thoughts, but it seemed as if God might have other ideas. So, early in December, Les and I travelled to our flat, and from there spent a full 12-hour day in Cockermouth. We visited all 4 churches, talked with countless people (including an extremely helpful and supportive Archdeacon and Team Vicar), and arrived back in Dalton buzzing. Would I apply? Yes I would - so I filled in the requisite form, nominated 3 referees (thank you - you know who you are!) and waited. Just over 2 weeks ago,we were back in Cumbria, this time for interview. First, there was a presentation to an invited audience of 70 people, representing the 4 churches in the Team, other denominations and the local communities. This was followed by a Q&A and social time. The following morning, there was an interview by a panel of 12 and subsequently I was offered the post.
It was a very good process of discernment, I thought. I'm not just saying that because I got the job! It enabled a large number of people to be part of it, so I can go not only sensing that I am called, but knowing that others think so too. The amazing thing is that, as far as I know, though a large number of people met me, knew my name etc, there doesn't seem to have been any breach of confidentiality. So huge thanks to all concerned. And thanks especially from both Les and me to all those we've met so far who gave us such a warm welcome and seemed so eager to support us on this journey.
Now the news is out, the reality is setting in. Packing up after 20 years, down-sizing in the process! It will be such a wrench leaving behind family, friends, and a city we love. There have been many warm messages of support, encouragement, and appreciation of our time here. So thank you if you are one of those. We won't be that far away of course, and I'm sure we will return often. And - who knows? - maybe we will retire here after all. But it looks as if that could be 5 years away now - if all goes well! Meanwhile, I might keep chickens, if I can first persuade Les!
Wednesday 28 January 2015
Sabbatical 9 (Two Popes)
Lesley and I spent last week at our apartment in Cumbria - more of that next time. We arrived back last Saturday, in time to go to Wigan on Sunday morning for the licensing of a good friend to her new post as an associate priest in a parish there. A new initiative is under way for the mission of the Church (of England) in Wigan, and I can see her having a significant role within that.
I have been reading recently the work of two Popes, 1500 years apart! I have always wanted to read the epistles of Pope Gregory the Great (c.540-604, and Pope from 590). He it was who sent Augustine, later of Canterbury, to England at almost precisely the same time that Columba arrived on Iona (c.597). Thus the British Isles were evangelised in a kind of pincer movement, of Romans from the south-east and Celts from the north-west. Gregory was Pope at a very turbulent time politically, following the break-up of the Roman Empire. There were violent incursions from the Lombards, who threatened the very gates of Rome, and Gregory struggled to gain authority in both secular and spiritual realms. Yet he had a pastoral heart, which is why he sent missionaries to England, hearing about her lapse into paganism. Once he had arrived, and people were becoming Christians, Augustine had a number of pastoral issues for which he sought the advice of the Pope. Several of these related to marriage: should clergy marry? can certain degrees of blood-relations marry each other? for example. Another related to how soon after child-birth a woman may enter church!...
The one that interested me most, however, concerned the temples of idol worship. Gregory's advice was that they should not be destroyed, but the idols within them should be. ...If these same temples are well built, it is needful that they should be transferred from the worship of idols to the service of the true God; that, when the people themselves see that these temples are not destroyed, they may put away error from their heart, and, knowing and adoring the true God, may have recourse with the more familiarity to the places they have been accustomed to. (Epistle LXXVI)
There is something humble and incarnational about this approach to mission. In a different tone and a very different era, Pope Francis writes with a similar outlook today. I just love his Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel)! He writes from the heart with a profound understanding of today's world and the human heart. For example, writing of city-life, he writes New cultures are constantly being born in these vast new expanses where Christians are no longer the customary interpreters or generators of meaning...This challenges us to imagine innovative spaces and possibilities for prayer and communion which are more attractive and meaningful for city dwellers.
Today, we may not have any obvious physical temples of idol worship (although maybe we could name a few?!), but that sense of the Christian faith inhabiting and purifying existing cultures provides an interesting comparison. Both popes challenge their readers to be bold and creative. Be prepared for more quotations from Evangelii Gaudium!
I have been reading recently the work of two Popes, 1500 years apart! I have always wanted to read the epistles of Pope Gregory the Great (c.540-604, and Pope from 590). He it was who sent Augustine, later of Canterbury, to England at almost precisely the same time that Columba arrived on Iona (c.597). Thus the British Isles were evangelised in a kind of pincer movement, of Romans from the south-east and Celts from the north-west. Gregory was Pope at a very turbulent time politically, following the break-up of the Roman Empire. There were violent incursions from the Lombards, who threatened the very gates of Rome, and Gregory struggled to gain authority in both secular and spiritual realms. Yet he had a pastoral heart, which is why he sent missionaries to England, hearing about her lapse into paganism. Once he had arrived, and people were becoming Christians, Augustine had a number of pastoral issues for which he sought the advice of the Pope. Several of these related to marriage: should clergy marry? can certain degrees of blood-relations marry each other? for example. Another related to how soon after child-birth a woman may enter church!...
The one that interested me most, however, concerned the temples of idol worship. Gregory's advice was that they should not be destroyed, but the idols within them should be. ...If these same temples are well built, it is needful that they should be transferred from the worship of idols to the service of the true God; that, when the people themselves see that these temples are not destroyed, they may put away error from their heart, and, knowing and adoring the true God, may have recourse with the more familiarity to the places they have been accustomed to. (Epistle LXXVI)
There is something humble and incarnational about this approach to mission. In a different tone and a very different era, Pope Francis writes with a similar outlook today. I just love his Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel)! He writes from the heart with a profound understanding of today's world and the human heart. For example, writing of city-life, he writes New cultures are constantly being born in these vast new expanses where Christians are no longer the customary interpreters or generators of meaning...This challenges us to imagine innovative spaces and possibilities for prayer and communion which are more attractive and meaningful for city dwellers.
Today, we may not have any obvious physical temples of idol worship (although maybe we could name a few?!), but that sense of the Christian faith inhabiting and purifying existing cultures provides an interesting comparison. Both popes challenge their readers to be bold and creative. Be prepared for more quotations from Evangelii Gaudium!
Thursday 22 January 2015
Sabbatical 8
There's been a bit of a gap between blogposts, as last week I was away on retreat. This was with the Community of Aidan & Hilda, of which I am a member. Every January the 'Voyagers' (i.e. committed members, as distinct from 'Explorers' and 'Friends') spend the inside of a week together. We hold our Annual Meeting, with the usual reports, but mainly spend time in learning, prayer and fellowship together. This year's theme was 'Celtic Spirituality and Mission': we were reminded particularly of the communal life and prayer of our Celtic Christian ancestors, and how for them 'mission' was a natural outworking of their lives, not an add-on. Somehow, today, mission so often feels like something you have to do in addition to all the other things associated with being church. In fact, in those days, mission was the very essence and had as much to do with being Christ's presence in the world as with any particular activity. It flowed from their inner life, as persons and as community.
The phrase I came away with was 'in the Name of Jesus'. Not because anyone was speaking about this in particular but because for me it summed everything up. The Name of Jesus provides the incentive for all we do, giving us confidence; it calls us to account for all our words and actions; it is also the assurance that nothing we do for his sake is ever wasted, even if we don't ourselves see any result.
Among the news items last week were the shootings in Paris, with its aftermath of the street Je suis Charlie demonstrations, and the Archbishops' warnings against social inequality. International terrorism (the clash of ideologies), the gap between the very rich and poor people, together with climate change, seem to me the three greatest challenges of our day. They are all connected, of course. The recent TV programmes by Jacques Peretti, The Super Rich and Us, have shown how great the gap is, with (apparently) 85 people owning 50% of the world's wealth. The worrying thing, though, is how most billionaires just don't get it: Countess Bathurst, who appeared in one of his programmes and who organises polo matches on her country estate, said the problem belongs to the poor, who are envious, don't appreciate how hard wealthy people work, and the worries they have! The programmes showed how the super-rich live in a kind of bubble. The worst thing for me, though, was that social inequality has come about, in this country, by the deliberate policy of successive governments since the 1980s. It has suited them to make London the financial capital of the world, because the wealth of the few gives the appearance of a flourishing economy when in fact the opposite is true.
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, writing in Sunday's Independent, says 'Democracy will collapse and aspiration will die unless we turn back from this disastrous ideology (of 'trickle-down' economics). ...When the masses have nothing left to lose, they may rise and light a bonfire of vanities.'
The Community of Aidan & Hilda has its own version of traditional monastic vows: simplicity, obedience and purity. These qualities, lived out in today's world, stand in real contrast to some prevailing attitudes and may just save the world, as Christian mission centuries ago helped to rescue Britain from its Dark Ages.
The phrase I came away with was 'in the Name of Jesus'. Not because anyone was speaking about this in particular but because for me it summed everything up. The Name of Jesus provides the incentive for all we do, giving us confidence; it calls us to account for all our words and actions; it is also the assurance that nothing we do for his sake is ever wasted, even if we don't ourselves see any result.
Among the news items last week were the shootings in Paris, with its aftermath of the street Je suis Charlie demonstrations, and the Archbishops' warnings against social inequality. International terrorism (the clash of ideologies), the gap between the very rich and poor people, together with climate change, seem to me the three greatest challenges of our day. They are all connected, of course. The recent TV programmes by Jacques Peretti, The Super Rich and Us, have shown how great the gap is, with (apparently) 85 people owning 50% of the world's wealth. The worrying thing, though, is how most billionaires just don't get it: Countess Bathurst, who appeared in one of his programmes and who organises polo matches on her country estate, said the problem belongs to the poor, who are envious, don't appreciate how hard wealthy people work, and the worries they have! The programmes showed how the super-rich live in a kind of bubble. The worst thing for me, though, was that social inequality has come about, in this country, by the deliberate policy of successive governments since the 1980s. It has suited them to make London the financial capital of the world, because the wealth of the few gives the appearance of a flourishing economy when in fact the opposite is true.
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, writing in Sunday's Independent, says 'Democracy will collapse and aspiration will die unless we turn back from this disastrous ideology (of 'trickle-down' economics). ...When the masses have nothing left to lose, they may rise and light a bonfire of vanities.'
The Community of Aidan & Hilda has its own version of traditional monastic vows: simplicity, obedience and purity. These qualities, lived out in today's world, stand in real contrast to some prevailing attitudes and may just save the world, as Christian mission centuries ago helped to rescue Britain from its Dark Ages.
Sunday 11 January 2015
Sabbatical 7
This past week, I have been almost completely preoccupied with two things: completing Jude's house refurbishment and organising Bob's funeral. There has been no time at all for study, but I don't regret a moment.
The pressure was really on this week for Jude. She had set yesterday (Saturday) as removal day, and the carpet-fitters were coming on Thursday. I admit I had my doubts that we would make it in time, and for the past week we have really put the hours in. Three times, there were 12-hour days decorating etc! But all well worthwhile. The transformation is almost complete, apart from a couple of bare walls where the plaster is not quite dry enough to paint. If you follow Jude on Facebook you can see the photos! It's impressive.
So yesterday, I hired a large Transit van and we took 3 loads of furniture and personal possessions over to the house. That was not quite the end though. She decided to spend one more night with us, rather than try and sort everything out yesterday. Today we loaded up the car with yet more stuff (mainly clothes this time) and I took her over to spend her first night in her new home. It was quite emotional. Jude is the only one not to have gone away to uni, so it was the first time she has left the nest. And for me and Les: our 'baby' has gone, and we are empty-nesters after nearly 39 years. It will feel very strange, but we are so proud of our 4 offspring who all now live independent lives. Jude's attitude and accomplishments over the past few months have been amazing. I've told her she could well go into property development as an occupation!
Bob's funeral (actually, a celebration of his life, following private cremation) was one of the most remarkable services I have ever attended. Over 850 came to our parish church, which can only really seat 350 comfortably. But with extra seats, and standing room only - some outside, with extra sound relay - we managed. It was a long service, but so full of thankfulness for many aspects of Bob's character and ministry. People from many walks of life were there: his large family, many friends, former colleagues, and some who have simply received his ministry and just wanted to say 'thank you'. His family said he would have loved it, which I always think is the highest praise of a funeral service. For myself, I reflected that Bob had been a constant in my life almost since I was ordained. Like many, I had often valued his wisdom, his solidity, his love of life, his positive outlook. So important for one like me, who can sometimes be a bit of an Eeyore!
A week of beginning and ending. Strangely, in both, tears and laughter, sorrow and joy.
The pressure was really on this week for Jude. She had set yesterday (Saturday) as removal day, and the carpet-fitters were coming on Thursday. I admit I had my doubts that we would make it in time, and for the past week we have really put the hours in. Three times, there were 12-hour days decorating etc! But all well worthwhile. The transformation is almost complete, apart from a couple of bare walls where the plaster is not quite dry enough to paint. If you follow Jude on Facebook you can see the photos! It's impressive.
So yesterday, I hired a large Transit van and we took 3 loads of furniture and personal possessions over to the house. That was not quite the end though. She decided to spend one more night with us, rather than try and sort everything out yesterday. Today we loaded up the car with yet more stuff (mainly clothes this time) and I took her over to spend her first night in her new home. It was quite emotional. Jude is the only one not to have gone away to uni, so it was the first time she has left the nest. And for me and Les: our 'baby' has gone, and we are empty-nesters after nearly 39 years. It will feel very strange, but we are so proud of our 4 offspring who all now live independent lives. Jude's attitude and accomplishments over the past few months have been amazing. I've told her she could well go into property development as an occupation!
Bob's funeral (actually, a celebration of his life, following private cremation) was one of the most remarkable services I have ever attended. Over 850 came to our parish church, which can only really seat 350 comfortably. But with extra seats, and standing room only - some outside, with extra sound relay - we managed. It was a long service, but so full of thankfulness for many aspects of Bob's character and ministry. People from many walks of life were there: his large family, many friends, former colleagues, and some who have simply received his ministry and just wanted to say 'thank you'. His family said he would have loved it, which I always think is the highest praise of a funeral service. For myself, I reflected that Bob had been a constant in my life almost since I was ordained. Like many, I had often valued his wisdom, his solidity, his love of life, his positive outlook. So important for one like me, who can sometimes be a bit of an Eeyore!
A week of beginning and ending. Strangely, in both, tears and laughter, sorrow and joy.
Sunday 4 January 2015
Happy New Year (Sabbatical 6)
First of all, a God-blessed New Year, one and all!
This morning, I was back at All Hallows, sharing once more in the sorrow of Bob's passing. With the passage of time, I realise more and more just how much he meant to so many people. Rachel has had over 300 letters and cards! It has been a real honour and privilege to prepare a service to celebrate his life, together with the family.
This is the prayer I wrote for this morning:
The past few days have contained a mixture of funeral-related matters, and hours of decorating at Jude's house. We're really seeing the results now, and slowly it is becoming a home, with the arrival of domestic appliances etc. However, we have to accept that the job will not be complete by the time she moves in. Very exciting, all the same. Les and I haven't really adjusted to the fact that after 38 years of parenting we will finally be 'empty-nesters'! Maybe we'll take a lodger!
I'd like to introduce you to Derek & Jane Waller. I hadn't heard of them either till New Year's Eve. By the look of their photo, I guess they're late 50s/early 60s but about to head off to South Sudan: Derek to train church leaders and Jane to contribute her ICT skills. I learned about them through the Church Mission Society Prayer Diary which I habitually use. I am often challenged and inspired by news of people who, for love of God and his world, travel 1000s of miles from home to serve some of the poorest people in the world. I am even more humbled when I read in the same publication of people 'who cannot be named' in countries 'which cannot be identified', sharing their Christian faith through practical action in hostile environments where they have not only given up their home comforts but risk their very lives for the sake of Christ. It is of the very essence of Christianity that, counter-culturally, men and women are prepared anonymously to follow their Lord, as the famous prayer says, 'labouring for no reward, save that of knowing that they do his will.'
Equally inspiring are the stories of medical staff (Christians or not) who go to serve in ebola-stricken countries: people like Pauline Cafferkey, now seriously ill, and William Pooley, who recovered and returned to Africa. Puts our struggles here in some kind of perspective.
This morning, I was back at All Hallows, sharing once more in the sorrow of Bob's passing. With the passage of time, I realise more and more just how much he meant to so many people. Rachel has had over 300 letters and cards! It has been a real honour and privilege to prepare a service to celebrate his life, together with the family.
This is the prayer I wrote for this morning:
Jesus, Lord, our resurrection and our life, we begin this New
Year with you, but with sorrow in our hearts. We bring to you our memories of
Bob.
Our lives are poorer for having lost him, but richer for
having known him.
We are sorrowful that he is no longer with us, but rejoice
that he is with you.
We are thankful for all that has been, and we are hopeful for
all that shall be.
Be with us, Immanuel, in our journey from sorrow to joy, from
darkness to light, from death to life.
Be with all
the family in their journey of grief. Remind them moment by moment that neither
Bob nor they are lost to you.
And lead us all, with your servant Bob, to our heavenly home
and our eternal resting place where you reign, his Lord and ours for ever and
ever. Amen.
I'd like to introduce you to Derek & Jane Waller. I hadn't heard of them either till New Year's Eve. By the look of their photo, I guess they're late 50s/early 60s but about to head off to South Sudan: Derek to train church leaders and Jane to contribute her ICT skills. I learned about them through the Church Mission Society Prayer Diary which I habitually use. I am often challenged and inspired by news of people who, for love of God and his world, travel 1000s of miles from home to serve some of the poorest people in the world. I am even more humbled when I read in the same publication of people 'who cannot be named' in countries 'which cannot be identified', sharing their Christian faith through practical action in hostile environments where they have not only given up their home comforts but risk their very lives for the sake of Christ. It is of the very essence of Christianity that, counter-culturally, men and women are prepared anonymously to follow their Lord, as the famous prayer says, 'labouring for no reward, save that of knowing that they do his will.'
Equally inspiring are the stories of medical staff (Christians or not) who go to serve in ebola-stricken countries: people like Pauline Cafferkey, now seriously ill, and William Pooley, who recovered and returned to Africa. Puts our struggles here in some kind of perspective.
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