The last day of Christmas!

Last day of Christmas - really (I actually waited a day to satisfy those who pleaded)!

The trees come down and the lights and baubles get packed away for another year (unless you fancy keeping the Christmas spirit going until the 2nd of February and Candlemas). Easter eggs are now on sale and Jesus' short life is running towards its end as Good Friday (3rd April) is less than three months off.

I've really enjoyed this themed thing for Christmas and so reach this point with a tinge of sadness and a modicum of relief and something the(hopefully) leave you with a smile as the Houston Rockets mascot gets some rough justice:

The Bear is called 'Clutch' (wonder why?)

Thank you for the many positive comments regarding the 'twelve days' - I look forward to some fun, fellowship and thinking over the days to come.

Pax

ps. Thanks go to (Grumpy) Stan for notifying of this flyer that appeared through letterbox this morning - Ho, Ho, Hosanna!

On the eleventh Day of Christmas ...

Well we've almost reached the end and as we reach my eleventh (I still think it should be the tenth but as I started when I did to please some then so be it - eleven it is!) day, what do we see through the windows (You have to be old enough to remember the BBC's 'Play School' to fully appreciate this)?

The Church
Is out there partying with Epiphany - so I won't repeat my self but merely point you to today's 'Can't make it to church - let Church come to you' blog entry.

The World
Is a right confused old thing with people wanting more than justice yet again in so many situations and places!

I have found a handful of campaigns in the UK alone where people are being stirred up to seek 'justice' in ways that actually not only deny right actions but corrupt what would have been 'right-thinking' in others too and this is a sadness for me.

There are many things with which I find myself in disagreement; many things that I would neither do myself nor wish to be a part of, and yet freedom of thought and of action has to be defended regardless.

What is sad is that the many who use their bitterness and rancour to develop like a cancer on our society such causes and campaigns are not promoting their cause but stifling our nation.

Why don't we work for justice that works for everyone this year?

Why don't we look at the things that are wrong and address them in ways that don't leave us looking wrong too this year?

Humility, Justice and Mercy: May these be the hallmarks of our nation and of us :-)

Something Free to see and listen too
In fact, as I see it, The best free things there can ever be (or have been):

Epiphany

An Orthodox church version:

O God, who by the leading of a star manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth:
mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith, may at last behold your glory face to face;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

On the tenth day of Christmas ...

Apple having put aside their Twelve Days of Christmas giveaway this year has given me the chance to get people thinking, praying, learning, listening (to some great music) and finding app's they might not have otherwise done: Day Ten ...


The Church
As the world begins to think about getting back to work I wonder how many of us who dare to assume we are 'saved' will be thinking about the work of the Church over the coming year. After all, it seems to me that we are more about keeping the customers happy and providing thing that tickle their ears. So many appear to put on the Sunday shows in the hope that the BOPs (Bums on Pews) will be happy with it - and that is surely part of the malaise that is stifling the Church and influencing the way that we are perceived by those 'in the world'!

The other part of the path to decline is surely the fact that we are so desirous of being 'liked' that we are willing to change what has always been and to declare that which was white to now be black, and vice versa, whilst declining to mention the grey areas.

The ABC (Archbishop of Canterbury) has called the Church to engage and to be engaging and in applauding the generosity of the British nation (something that defies the xenophobic Jingoism of some political types) lays down a gauntlet for the church he leads (and all Christians) to be outward looking. Having had the privilege of being present when the New Year message was filmed the most exciting and inspirational thing for me, the pinnacle of it all, was this:

'When we are at our best, living out the generosity of Jesus Christ, as that has formed itself in our national character; when we turn outwards and use our best resources to change this world in which we live; we see what a wonderful heritage we have - and the hope we can bring to the poorest, and those with the greatest suffering on the face of our planet.

So what do we hope for in 2015?

My hope and prayer is that we are the kind of country that goes on looking outwards; that is full of a generous spirit. Because when we’re generous we find joy and others find comfort and hope.'

Don't forget to Pray for Justin and Caroline
and the life and ministry together in 2015

The World
What can we say about this world of ours other than it is such a beautiful place and yet, like many parties, it's people that spoil it. From the religious bigots who just love to say 'No' and past the Atheists who claim logic, rational thinking and science and yet trot out the same old trite stuff repackaged (Religion starts all/most war, etc.) and along to the 'free to be' (meaning free be what they want and no one else's views matter and ending with the animals have spirits folk who seem to think this give some inalienable right to act as they do.

Yep, there's a whole bunch out there who don't dialogue and use the mask of 'righteousness' (self or God's) or 'science' or 'rights' and 'liberty' to hide the fact that at the end of the day it is all about them and what they want!

Look at Eastern Europe and see beyond Ukraine and other issues - things that could cause real problems - and ask yourself what's really going on?

Do the same with Israel and Palestine: two naughty children who use allies and media to garner support and make their wrongs right!

Look at Islamic State and the radicalised and passion-filled people who come from the West to fight with or against them. The attempts of some to create an East/West, Christ and Jew/Islamic conflict with the potential to cause the world to suffer (and yet even then the superficial claim that religion starts war will be hollow because this is about greed, power and wickedness - and that brings it back to humanity at the end of the day.

This year why not get into reading a newspaper (online will do) and finding out about the situations that appear on our screens and radios and try to look past the spin and manipulation.

You might be surprised to see whose fingers are on that smoking gun ;-)


A giveaway?
Today I want to make you an offer that will enrich your live and bring the joy of learning and dialoguing with others around the issues that arise from whatever it is that you choose to study.

A few months back I stumbled across a mention of futurelearn and upon searching on that found www.futurelearn.com where I found some excellent courses on WWI and writing fiction and (shortly) I will be embarking upon a passion of mine, the M42, not the motorway but the Orion Nebula which is located in, the constellation Orion.

There as a number of great courses from a number of great places of learning (and administered by the Open University) and the best thing is that these are free.

This is one of the greatest opportunities to experience education in a comfortable and accessible way - why not have a look?



Something to look at and listen to too!
A wonderful ten minutes of a great bloke - well worth a listen:

And of course something good to listen to too (as promised):

Almighty God, who wonderfully created us in your own image
and yet more wonderfully restored us through your Son Jesus Christ:
grant that, as he came to share in our humanity, so we may share the life of his divinity;
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
 one God, now and for ever. Amen.

On the ninth day of Christmas ...

Apple having put aside their Twelve Days of Christmas giveaway this year has given me the chance to get people thinking, praying, learning, listening (to some great music) and finding app's they might not have otherwise done: Day Nine ...


The Church
Today the Church celebrates a few people, two of whom are Basil the Great (no, not the mouse detective) and Gregory of Nazianzus - a couple of Bishops (and teachers of the Faith) from the late 4th Century - an eighteenth century  Russian Monk, Seraphim of Sarov - and a more modern twentieth century, South Indian, Bishop and Evangelist, Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah.

So what did they ever do to be remembered:

Basil, Bishop in Cappadocia, was one of those who opposed heresy wherever it was found (especially Arianism and Apollinarianism), is regarded by many as the father of the monastic way of life and was a great theological thinker of his day. He is celebrated by both Easter and Western churches.

Gregory, Archbishop of Constantinople, brought things Hellenistic into the emerging Church and was force behind the development, nay, establishment) of Trinitarian theology in the Church. He and Basil were two of the 'Cappadocian Fathers' (Gregory of Nyssa, being the the third man). Another man the traditional Church venerates.

Seraphim of Sarov was one who taught that the goal of the Christian life was to be in communion with the Holy Spirit. The Orthodox believers quote him thus: "Acquire a peaceful spirit, and thousands around you will be saved." And other hero of both East and West.


Bishop Azariah apart from being the first Indian bishop was a pioneer of Christian ecumenism in India and was opposed by Gandhi's for his work in uniting Christians and removing differences between nationals and the colonial, ruling, classes. A real hero of the faith who stood for the Gospel before nationalistic demands and desires. Only remembered in the Western Church, but that's the Eastern Church's loss!


The World
Whilst most of the Western world has taken down the lights and put away the baubles and decorations leaving the tree to be collected along with the other detritus of Christmas the other half of the world is looking forward to celebrating Christmas as the Magi finally reach the Christ child.

In Turkey the government are banning the use of lifts in an attempt to diminish waistlines - now that's a desperate measure indeed!

Another 'crewels' ship, this time containing around 1,000 would be immigrants have been rescued after the crew left the vessel on autopilot and abandoned ship (and them). Apparently there has been an increase in Kurds and Syrian migrant activity of late and yet still nothing on the IS front as far as the popular press is concerned.

Relationships between Israel and Palestine are looking to decline as Palestine moves closer to membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC), something that will open the door to membership of many other bodies which will in turn strengthen the case for Palestine as an independent country with rights. A real chalet prayer and a 'watch this space' moment as 2015 begins to unwind.

Russia receives a string rebuff as Lithuania joins the euro zone and, as Russia continues its 'strong-arm' posturing in the region, makes a firm statement of intent and allegiance. Another place to be watching and praying over, especially as the first military fatality of 2015 is announced in Ukraine! The Russian economy is in trouble (and so is the West if they turn off the gas apparently) and Putin will need to put on a show to keep things the way he wants - Ooo'er.


A giveaway?
I am almost always amazed at the tripe that some of the big-haired, gold bedecked, flashy toothed American TV preachers spout. These people who pay themselves multiple thousands of dollars for peddling unbiblical tosh to a bunch of people who more often than not cannot afford it - the promise of prosperity and health and success because you're a Christian (you know the stuff I'm sure) - so it's rather nice to find somewhere offering Greek and Hebrew courses and downloads of great material for iPads and reader and the like.

Take a look here and see what takes your fancy and make 2015 a year when you extend your theological thinking skills


Something to listen to
Do you have friends you'd like to convince  that Christianity might not be for them? The look no further than this:

And for those who like a laugh at the arrogance of blind prejudice rebranded as science defeated by something else:

Lord God,
whose servants Basil and Gregory proclaimed the mystery of your Word made flesh,
to build up your Church in wisdom and strength:
grant that we may rejoice in his presence among us,
and so be brought with them to know the power of your unending love;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.Amen.

On the eighth day of Christmas

Apple having put aside their Twelve Days of Christmas giveaway this year has given me the chance to get people thinking, praying, learning, listening (to some great music) and finding app's they might not have otherwise done: Day Eight...


The Church
Celebrates the 'Circumcision and naming of Jesus' - no, it's not just a feats for the Catholics and 'high church' types - an opportunity to reflect on the recognition of who Jesus (Yeshua) 'God saves' (more accurately '(in) God is salvation' is.

Today we reflect upon the invisible God make visible. Today, as we begin a New year! we remember that the Church too, like Jesus, exists to make the invisible visible!

That the circumcision would have started in anywhere other than the temple (as many sermons I have heard preached have claimed) is an important element - for it would have been carried out 'at home' (whatever that means when you've had your sprog in a stable!) just as the recognition and making God's salvation visible God's begins in our homes. There's no point in relying upon being welcoming if no one comes. It's nice, but regardless of the invites a church might issue, they won't come because they know our boring, killjoy, critical, hypocritical labels and so (generally) avoid us!

This new year we need to start salvation where we are if we are to see others saved; and that is what it is about, not numbers.

So 2015, a year of wondering why there aren't more people in relationship when we aren't building and engaging in the relationships where we are?

Another year where we wonder what those in leadership are doing to bing mor people in to our congregations (and ask where are they)?

Another year where those in leadership wonder why the congregations won't get stuck in to bring others to our buildings because they have developed a relationship with them?

Jesus - the God made visible - is celebrated today. Let's commit ourselves to making Him visible in us this year, what do you reckon?


The world
Used to be that when I was a child it was the New Year sales that drew the crowds.Every year (as I remember it) I would be dragged off to Knightsbridge to spend a day I. The retail temples that were Barkers, Derry and Toms and Pontings. This year, listening to my radio, I'm hearing that we are all spent out and the sales are pretty much done.

I'm hearing that 2015 will be a year where many firms will go to the wall with the result that many more will be unemployed.

The situation for those oppressed and threatened by the presence of the IS fighters remains relatively unchanged, but if the press don't report it people assume it has gone away.

The numbers of people in refugee camps is set to rise over the coming year and which this could be the year when we see Polio finally eradicated completely from the planet- a year when the remaining forms of malaria as conquered - we need to be engaged and involved.

This will be a year when there is a new government elected in the UK. With the rise of such parties as UKIP such that some are billing them to as having expanded the political scene to four parties now (Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dem being the other three), we need to be informing our churches of their policies and to be preparing NOW for hustings in our churches.

So a bright, hopeful and challenging new year for the world - now watch someone go out and spoil it - and when
they do, how will we respond? Like the world or like the Church?

A giveaway?
Now I was always taught that if something looks too good to be true then it probably is!

But there's always an exception to the rule and this is to be found in the Church of England's 'Daily Prayer' App which you will find here: http://bit.ly/1xlK90l 

It is a strange thing but I am often amazed to find that despite the apparent prayer, study and full-on worship that some groups present as a perception, I still find some of the deepest and more consistent stuff to be found within the Church of England. Makes me wonder why I ever bought into the 'vain repetitions and babbling' put down that I encountered within some of the more outwardly effective churches - all part of growing up in the faith I guess!


Something to listen to

Apparently 'the' song of 2014

Whilst 'the' hymn of the year is that Wesley great:

Almighty God,
whose blessed Son was circumcised in obedience to the law for our sake
and given the Name that is above every name:
give us grace faithfully to bear his Name, to worship him in the freedom of the Spirit,
and to proclaim him as the Saviour of the world;
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

On the sixth day of Christmas ...

Apple having put aside their Twelve Days of Christmas giveaway this year has given me the chance to get people thinking, praying, learning, listening (to some great music) and finding app's they might not have otherwise done: Day Six ...

The Church and the World
Today all is quiet in the Western Church - but one hundred years ago today things were just a little different and to mark the centenary of the 1914-18 conflict SGM (Lifewords) have created a facsimile of the New Testament that would have been carried by those engaged in the conflict (Active Service  John's Gospel):

SGM Lifewords

This conflict changed the world in so many ways and lasted some 244 weeks - perhaps 2015 might present an opportunity for churches (and individuals) to get hold of some of these and use them as part of remembrance and commemoration where you are. Why not take the opportunity to bring the Church and the World into relationship by looking at the war memorials in your buildings and create some links and mark those who marched away from your home town?


Karaoke and Church Resources

We have somehow developed a couple of traditions associated with New Year in our church. The first is that we pray until early into the next year and some how it has also become a bit of a standard feature for us to engage in the wonderful art of Karaoke. 

I'm about to start producing Christian CDG (music and video files) and wonder how many of you out there would like to experiment with this as a resource. I already have a place where service resources can be found and am happy to extend it to this if it would be helpful.

For what is on offer already, take a look here .

Something to listen to

Following a request for something instrumental:

And for the person who asked for another piece of music by Adrian Snell, here is one of my favourite pieces:

Almighty God, who wonderfully created us in your own image and yet more wonderfully restored us through your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as he came to share in our humanity, so we may share the life of his divinity; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

On the fifth day of Christmas ...

Since Apple have put aside their Twelve Days of Christmas giveaway this year I thought I would have to do something too redress the gap left by them: Day Five ...

The (Western) Church
Today the Church in the West commemorates Thomas (a) Becket (whilst the Eastern Church takes up with the 'Holy Innocents') that 'troublesome' priest from the twelfth century who, as Archbishop of Canterbury,  having upset his sometime patron and friend King Henry II, was murdered by four of his (the king's) Barons. The reason  being that having Henry uttering the words, 'Will no one rid me of this troublesome / turbulent / meddlesome* priest?" they assumed that he wanted the priest removed.

Such was Henry's apparent remorse at the death that he walked barefoot from London to Canterbury - mind you, a cynical lecturer of mine led me to write, 'The world around Henry was appalled and were stirred up against him because of the act - so it was an easier option to walk than war!'

And Thomas was made a saint with Canterbury Cathedral his shrine. He seems to have been a good written. Definitely a shrewd, and brave, man who (if the accounts in the clip below are accurate) stood between for what he considered to be right and knew the God he served with a passion.

Hopefully this sheds some light on the man and makes the facts a little more accessible.

* Take your pick here. I was taught 'troublesome' at school, 'turbulent' at college and 'meddlesome' at Uni' - all fit the bill :-)

The World
Today looks at turbulence in many forms today with travel being at the forefront of the news with:

+ The apparent loss of AirAsia Indonesia flight QZ8501 with 163 people on board,

+ The 'Norman Atlantic' ferry fire where, having removed 316 people,  162 remain onboard awaiting rescue from the disabled vessel.

So often we glibly talk of 'journeying mercies' and yet, despite the safety record of land, sea and air transport, life is always fragile and precious. Who will you be praying for over the New Year celebrations I wonder?

How many of us pray when we read the news? Is it just 'news' or a call to reflect and pray and, where possible, become more fully engaged?


The Common Worship Lectionary
One of the greatest things I have on my phone and on my computer is Simon Kershaw's offering of an electronic Common Worship Lectionary which resides on the equally excellent Oremus site.

This application integrates into your computer's calendar and into your pocket regardless of what device you have. IPhone, Android, iCal, Outlook, iPad, Blackberry and Palm are all catered for - and it even support those who enjoy BCP too! So for those of us who promised at their ordination to study and pray, and for those who would like to know what the readings for Sunday might be (if your church uses the lectionary that is) - this is the app' for you!

Each and every day you can find the readings, the commemorations and feasts, the colours for the day (it's a traditional church thing for those of you who are now confused!) and there's also the Collects and Post Communion Prayers too.

Who could ask for anything more? This sets the benchmark for liturgical calendars


Something to listen to

Some chant:

And something a little newer from the Rend Collective (who are always worth listening to):

Lord God,
who gave grace to your servant Thomas Becket to put aside all earthly fear and be faithful even to death:
grant that we, disregarding worldly esteem, may fight all wrong, uphold your rule, and serve you to our life’s end;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

On the third day of Christmas ...

Since Apple have put aside their Twelve Days of Christmas giveaway this year I thought I would have to do something too redress the gap left by them: Day Three ...

The (Western) Church
Celebrates the feast of St John (the Evangelist - the theologian - the Divine)
Him what has a Gospel and some letters and Revelations.
It's Him what (as the Evangelist) has an Eagle as his symbol and this is often said to be the reason for the design of many of the lecterns - as the place from whence the word goes out into the world!

The Western World
Continues generally unabated with its sad affection with crime as the body of Father Gregorio Lopez was found near the Mexican city of Ciudad Altamirano. Fr. Lopez accused the drug gang 'Guerreros Unidos'* of the kidnap and murder of 43 young people (something few see to have been affected by in this country) in September and it is this group that many suspect to be behind the killing. He is the third priest to have been killed this year!

* United Warriors

China
Apparently Christians are still coming in for attention from the state as reports of crosses being torn down and congregations tear gassed. The number of those who have made Christianity a lifestyle is, according to some, as large (if not larger) than the number of those in the Communist party itself - and this is obviously seen as a bit of threat.

So much of a threat it seems that the authorities are enforcing rules forbidding minors from engaging in any religious practice in an attempt to put an end to stop Christian organisations working with those under the age of 18 whilst 'requiring' local legislatures to work with this age group to spread an atheist message.

So Christians are still spreading the word, making a stand for what is right, and being opposed.

Hallelujah or what?

Something to listen to

and for those who like something a little older in style'

Merciful Lord, cast your bright beams of light upon the Church:
that, being enlightened by the teaching of your blessed apostle and evangelist Saint John,
we may so walk in the light of your truth that we may at last attain to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ your incarnate Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

On the Second Day of Christmas ...

Since Apple have put aside their Twelve Days of Christmas giveaway this year I thought I would have to do something too redress the gap left by them: Day Two ...

The (Western) Church
Celebrates the Feast of Stephen - One of the first Deacons* (Acts 6), Stephen was stoned to death (Acts 7) and commemorated today.

Many people know of the feast, even if subliminally, thanks to the carol:  'Good King Wenceslaus'

* people selected to 'wait at tables and deliver charity so that the Apostles could get on with their job

The Western World
Today is a day set aside for other worshippers to gather together in search of close fellowship and a sprit of camaraderie and joy as they seek that elusive bargain and return the stuff they received yesterday!

Africa
They're not doing Boxing Day as they are still having a 'lockdown' to try and address the Ebola crisis - in fact Christmas didn't happen this year for many!

Merciful Lord, we thank you for the signs of your mercy revealed in birth and death:
save us by the coming of your Son,
and give us joy in honouring Stephen, first martyr of the new Israel;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Second Day of Christmas

Which is, if the explanation is correct is all about the Old and New Testaments.

Two books containing more books:

Thirty-nine in the Old Testament
Twenty-Seven in the New Testament

Why not print the above image and start to learn the books (if you don't know them)