Made me smile: A game to try after the port's been passed . . .

Peter Ould posted his 'Steps to break through a liberal's theological nonsense'.

 1. Ask the question, "Do you want to live a life that is surrendered to the will of God for you?"

 2. Ask the question, "Do you think it's unfair that God would permit you to have a sexual desire you shouldn't act out on?"

 Repeat asking questions 1 and 2 until the penny drops!

I love Peter's posts - he's so subtle :-)

Still - I get the feeling it would work well as a conversation starter!

Blue Sky Thinking - Counter Cultural

Now here's is something that I believe to be true:

Blue Sky Thinking - Fiction

How very true this one is!

Blue Sky Thinking - Inclusivity

This is one of those thoughts that has caused a fair bit of dialogue - but perhaps that's because what it says is real!

Now that's a thought in itself, innit?

Blue Sky Thought - Room

I like this as it made me sigh and then think:

Christmas Cards - Dec 20

This is Banksy's Christmas card - it rather speaks for itself I reckon:

To you Ephraim will be born ...

NAH!

Sung Services - Level Playing Fields!

One of the problems is making church accessible is that even when it is we contrive to make those visitors who come feel a bit left out and uncomfortable by whatever means we may. One of the very best of these it the use of 'sung bits' in our services for these not only make newcomers feel a little out of the loop but can stymie even the most faithful of the faithful when they decide to play away from home for a service.

A 'let me explain' can be brought about by using the words below (AKA the 'Sanctus and Benedictus').

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

There they are in the order of service in big black bold print (so you know this is 'your' part in the proceedings) and as you open your mouth to 'say' them, the organs kicks in and you hear :

or

Now both of these settings are splendid but if those who use a different setting turn up and are lost, how do the new people feel?

A someone who enjoys the various settings I have to say that this is not an issue I've really considered before, but it is obviously an issue!

Undoubtedly more to come on it :-)

Advent Caption Calendar (9) - Action Jesus

It made Bradley Wiggins popular but few knew how he learned to ride!

And Jane Torvill enjoyed it too!

Jesus - How do you imagine yours?

Advent Caption Calendar (8) - Action Jesus

Here's a depiction of Jesus that's definitely going downhill:

Amazed how many people asked why He didn't have skis!

Advent Caption Calendar (7) - Action Jesus

Another figure which sees jesus playing a round!

Advent Caption Calendar (6) - Action Jesus

This one caused quite a bit of discussion when I showed it to a group of people recently.

Jesus - how do you see Him?

Advent Caption Calendar (4) - Action Jesus

Not sure what happened to yesterday's - it was scheduled to go off but instead has vanished (divine intervention?). So here is number four in a series of (well, wait and see) images of Jesus for your consideration.

Pax

Advent Caption Calendar (2) - Action Jesus

Following on from yesterday's American football Jesus it is only fair that today's image meets the needs of those who follow the real football (or as our American friends call it 'soccer').

Advent Caption Calendar (1) - Action Jesus

I thought it would be nice to have a different image of Jesus showing some of the ways that other people see Him and to make it an Advent Caption Contest - with a prize for the best comments between now and Christmas Day.

Some of the images have left me breathless - often in shock and disbelief rather than awe - but each to their own.

Why not have a go at the comments and perhaps even reflect on what Jesus is doing and have a think about placing Him in your own life - work, home or hobby?

Happy Adventide