On a town’s poverty

On returning to a town… The signs read as follows: Closed, Changed, Under new management, redesigned, updated, and I guess for some ‘left behind’ would also be appropriate. The old stone walls of a familiar building bid a welcome retreat from the rain. The welcome is short lived. A silent inquisition at the rerodos leaves a strange feeling of someone not quite together, perhaps also seeking refuge, but from what? There is an unease here, but not one limited to these walls. More familiar walls, yet an altogether different proposition. Gone are the softly upholstered bar stools. Gone the...

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Sliding Doors

I’ve just written a piece on an old film on journey. Sliding Doors and the question What if?

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Remembrance

‘Y Ddau Brennin” The tale of the Two Kings – a Danish folk tale re-told for remembrance. In the book ‘Active Hope’ by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone a folk tale is recounted from Denmark.  Though the story is perhaps unremarkable, it sheds light...

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September

Really?  Already? Well I guess it must be as everything green is blooming and giving forth its fruit, not least the apple tree which has just been harvested in full (far fewer than last year) it will soon be hedgerow jelly time!! mmmmm

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Greenbelt – Saved by Paradise?

Greenbelt – Saved by Paradise?

If we engaged with Peter Owen Jones & Bruce Stanley then perhaps (always worth listening) …And then the rain came down, almost comical that on the CT guide to greenbelt there was an Ark.  Dave did you know in advance what was going to...

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March

March is the right word, the year is fast-moving!!  This month shows the first signs of Garlic Mustard, a fantastic plant for pesto and it’s everywhere this year – get it while it lasts!!  The young leaves are the best. See Plants for a...

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Random College Entry

  • In the Middle

    I was duly given the stern advice that one should get one’s priorities right – especially in ministry. God first, then the church, all else follows. My immediate response was of God third at least!! A much better response however was given by means of a meditation in chapel yesterday. God in the middle. Strangely, this was echoed from a very surprising source. While getting frustrated and annoyed at the original comment I was reminded that really the ministry of those ordained or such was based on the biblical understanding of things and that the life and teachings of Jesus were all about people, rather than about God so much. Not bad for a reluctant ordinand’s wife casually commenting over a hot saucepan! So no priority for ‘God’, just God in and through everything – in the midst of it all with dirty hands!

Umeed on Justgiving

Helping the poorest women and children in PakistanUmeed Justgiving