KCC Blog

2008-09-17T08:37:00.003Z

BOOKS

At the Ministers meeting yesterday we had a long chat about books and smy good friend Tom suggested that we put up a list of what we have read and are reading. The books I have listed as read are not in particular order of reading, just the order they are on the shelf. Think this just about covers the last couple of years. I think! I have a fascination with books of a strange title.

Reading Just Now
The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid
The Last Word and the Word After That by Brian McLaren
The Post Evangelical by David Tomlinson

Last Books I have read
Edward Truncorn’s Nose by Giles Milton
Two Caravan’s by Marina Lewycka
The Story We Find Ourselves In by Brian McLaren
Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
The Curious Incident of the dog in the night by Mark Haddon
A New Kind of Christian by Brian McLaren
Everyone’s Normal until You Get to Know Them by John Ortberg
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen by Paul Torday
A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka
When The Game’s Over It All Goes Back in the box by John Ortberg
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
The Secret Message of Jesus by Brian McLaren
The Church on the other side by Brian McLaren
Sex God by Rob Bell
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell

Hoping to Read soon
Church Unplugged by David Male
A Generous Orthodoxy by Brian McLaren
The McDonaldization of the Church by John Drane
After McDonaldization by John Drane
The Irresistible Inheritance of Wilberforce by Paul Torday (still to buy)
The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (not out yet)
Jesus wants to save Christians by Rob Bell/Don Golden (not out yet)

2008-09-15T21:30:00.002Z

CHURCH 101

I remember a few years ago Michael Heaney General Secretary of the Federation wrote a piece in the Congregationalist called Church 101, based on the TV programme. He got a bit of stick.

There has been an interesting debate on CF Scotland about similar things, direction and such like.

I was thinking we could ask the question again today. What would you put into Church 101? What would you want to throw out?????

Will someone post an answer?

2008-09-09T15:49:00.002Z

THIS IS WORTH THE CHALLENGE

I have signed up for the Scottish Parliment Prayers. It is designed to make us more aware of the issues involving OUR Parliment.

Anyhoo, they have set up this page http://www.ppscotland.org/challenge.php

Go on give it a try and let me know ur time!!!!!

2008-09-08T22:01:00.002Z

WHY ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a notable date happening this week...another year older (but wiser?). And guess what? They are forecasting the end of the world......Just my blooming luck. So, if anyone wants to give a present early, let me know!!!! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7600966.stm

ON A MORE POSITIVE NOTE

Have just started reading Brian McLaren 'The Last Word and the Word After That.' I love being challenged in how I think. It certainly broadens my world view....BTW he is coming to Scotland in December :-) http://www.eauk.org/scotland/brian-mclaren-in-scotland.cfm

AND FINALLY

Just back from a day on Arran.......reminded of what a lovely place it is. How about one more sponsor.....Climb Goat Fell??????????

2008-09-03T21:21:00.003Z

CATCHING A BUG

I was worried about catching the running bug and becoming one of these people who spend every waking hour pounding the streets. I am glad to say that has not been the case. I have reverted back to the couch potato quite easily.

CHURCH CAUGHT NAVAL GAZING AGAIN

Do you get fed up with the weather? What's the story with global warming, we seem to be getting wetter and wetter every year and quite frankly I am sick of it!!!!!! Feel better now that I have that off my chest. (Deep sigh!).

Then we see the devastation caused by the weather on other sides of the world.

Then we read stories like this http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.plays.down.speculation.of.gay.cleric.as.next.bishop.of.bangor/21346.htm

Will we ever get the point? People will ask.......what is the point. Naval gazing again

2008-08-23T16:07:00.002Z

DRYMEN 10k

1 Hour 15 mins!!

Arrived at Drymen...place was busy, and a lot of serious runners about. Wasn't really expecting that. Anyway we set off sharp at 1.00 pm, through Drymen, up through forests (mind you no one mentioned hills being part of the bargin.

1st 5k was reasonable going, managed to do that without a break. I can honestly say no problem.....The hill was harder...a lot harder...OK very hard, so I walked for about 1k. Then it was the run down into the village. I won't be entering for London 2012, but I did finish and I have a medal to show for it.

Finally big thanks to all who have supported me. Over £600 at the moment it was one of the top amounts. If you still want to give go to www.justgiving.com and add my name in the friends box.

2008-08-23T10:04:00.002Z

TODAY'S THE DAY

Start time is 1pm.............

So here goes, I hope I can make it. I will post a couple of pictures later to let you see the full effect.

TOMORROW

We are going to start having a look at 'A New Kind Of Christian' by Brian McLaren. http://www.brianmclaren.net/ I hope this will challenge us and stimulate us to have a think about what the Church might look at in the future.

Is traditional Church dying? Or maybe even dead? What does anyone think. Just post an answer, it's good to know that someone actually reads this thing!!!!

2008-08-15T20:07:00.002Z

MADNESS

Well, things have taken a turn for the worse here. Ever since I lost a little weight I have had delusions that I am returning to some sort of fitness level.

1st, It was the West Highland Way, and then, once the pain had subsided a bit...

2nd, I got a bike....

3rd, I have signed up for the Blythswood Trust 10k.

Scary thing its on the 23rd of August THIS YEAR. So today, I thought I better buy shorts, running shoes, and oh yes socks. And....I better do a bit of running........so I have done a couple of miles tonight and survived!!!!!

A 10 mile cycle tomorrow.............

I will keep you posted, and btw if there are any readers of this blog that fancy sponsoring me........ please visit www.justgiving.com and enter my name in the 'friends name' box!!

Ta much, I will keep you posted!!!

2008-07-20T22:27:00.002Z

CONFIDENCE

There has been much talked over the last years about intelligence leading to wars and invasions......came across this story on BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7516463.stm

While I have the greatest respect for our service men and woman 659 laptops lost or stolen makes me wonder.......where do they end up...........

2008-07-14T21:13:00.004Z

APPLE PIE WITHOUT THE CHEESE IS LIKE A KISS WITHOUT A SQUEEZE

Just back from our hols. A great two weeks in the Lakes and a very friendly remote farm, peace, quiet, tranquility......oh yes and four teenagers.............

We stumbled across a very nice and friendly church. Sedbergh URC, their Minister Carole (the adult in the swimming pool!)made us feel very welcome and we were invited to a BBQ in the church garden, and the sun even came out for us.

We came across this saying (the one at the top)...never heard it before. But must say very good..... Here are some wee pictures of the good folks there.

2008-06-20T14:46:00.002Z

CHRISTIAN AID - Anyone seen my goat!!

Over the last couple of years I have been given a goat and various other things as presents from Christian Aid, and I always wondered what happens to them. Anyhoo

I know that there are some who speak against Christian Aid. Never realy been sure why. But! came across this video. And boy...shows what we are doing works!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3opgw6udhRY&eurl=http://www.scottishchristian.com/

Anyone seen my goat?????

2008-06-14T13:04:00.002Z

MILK IN PLASTIC BAGS

Did you see this on the news? The latest thing to try and save the environment. You can go into some supermarkets and buy milk that is in a plastic bag, therefore cutting down on waste. Thing is...they tried it in Dundee 30 years or more ago. AND it was a lot simpler idea of using it!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7447449.stm

ON MY BIKE.

Well, that's it. Helmet has been bought. Out for my first day on the bike today. It went OK, never got too tired. Managed to cycle to the Church and back for the coffee morning. How about a name for the bike? Here's a picture of it to help you think :-)

2008-06-11T08:30:00.002Z

DUNDEE AHEAD OF THE TIMES....AGAIN!!!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7447449.stm

Seen this on the news as a new green initiative. I hope it takes off, we are certainly becoming a bit more green over here.

Thing is I remember milk in plastic bags from when I was a kid. We had them delivered in Dundee to our doorstep. And by the looks of this new system, it was a lot easier then too.

Dundee....just miles ahead

2008-06-10T21:29:00.002Z

OTHER BLOGS

Dropped in past a few other blogs today http://lostintheheartofsomewhere.blogspot.com/

Do you ever watch the religious channels on cable? There are somethings that are just way over the top.

Big question. Is it real? Or is it fake???

I would love to hear your thoughts.

2008-06-09T18:44:00.002Z

THE SAFARI

We had the swimming club outing to the Safari Park on Saturday. We were blessed with good weather and good kids, we got them all there and back without loosing any. It was a great day, but we came across a couple of burly men, one from the swimming club and the other from St. David's church. I will leave their names out to spare their dignity, but they were sporting lovely bags.....here's their pictures, don't want to spare their dignity that much!!!!

2008-06-06T19:39:00.003Z

THE BIG DAY OUT

Tomorrow we set off, 54 of us, for Pam's swimming club outing. This year it's the safari park. Hope we don't feed anyone to the Lion's (joke!).

I remember being there as a kid and when we were there 3 years ago I was amazed at how small everything was......isn't that funny...how you remember everything bigger when you're a kid? Well, I thought it was funny.....

REMEMBERING THE PAST

Was on the BBC website the other day and they had this fantastic picture of the Tay Rail Bridge. In the water you see the remains of the first bridge, a reminder of the tragedy that went there.

ON YOUR BIKE

On Tuesday, I fell heir to a bike!!! A nice yellow one, just need to get a helmet...photo's to follow

2008-06-04T08:08:00.003Z

FRONT ROW SEATS !

Just back from a weekend in London, it was a great time. We were going there primarily to see Bruce and the concert was amazing.

I know I go on a bit about him, but you've got to be at a concert to get what he's all about. Played a couple of songs that even after all these years, I had never heard him play live before. Just outstanding!! It was at the Emirates Stadium, the home of Arsenal FC. I'm afraid we never had the front row seats, but the view was pretty good.

GOOD FRIENDS

We were also able to spend time with Pam's sister while we were there and also Bubba, Ginger and Rachael from Alabama who were stopping by in London. It was so good to see them again. It's funny, cause every time I see them, it feels like we are picking up the conversation where we left it off. Good times.

FINALLY

We got caught up in all the Tube chaos!!!! I sometimes wonder what the answer is to all the problem drinking we have. Where does all the viloence come from?

2008-05-28T14:43:00.004Z

THE PRICE OF CHEESE...WELL PETROL

It's funny about how we think about petrol. Well maybe it's just me!!

We talk about gallons in a lot of what we do, but we count it in litre's...and I can remember the days when we changed form a gallon of petrol to a litre, I thought back then it was all about trying to confuse us so we didn't know what we were really paying.......but now we do, we are paying too much. And don't the oil companies seem to be making profits?? Healthy ones???? And what about all the talk of Scotland being an oil rich nation..........where is all that going!!!!!

This is a rant!!!!!

People are very concerned about carbon footprints, well you can maybe stop worrying about them, because we can no longer afford them!!!!! So there!!!!!!

COULDN'T RESIST

Hannah Montana takes up a bit of room in our house, have to say it's quite a funny program. But seen this picture the other day....quite liked it.

2008-05-24T14:19:00.003Z

THEY ARRIVED TODAY

Today, we got our Bruce Springsteen Tickets. Next Saturday...we will be there.... The tour started on Thursday night in Dublin, and the reports have been good, so needless to say we are looking forward to it.

Becki and Buddy!!

Thursday night we were able to meet up with old friends from Alabama who were across here for a wee break, the amazing thing about it was that it just felt that the conversation hadn't stopped. It was good to see them again....more visitors over the next couple of weeks. Watch this space.

THE ROOM

A couple of pictures of the before and after of the room at Bankhead. Official opening in a week and a bit.

2008-05-20T16:26:00.006Z

JELLY

Finally, at school lunches, we eventually got Jelly. Finally I feel that I have officially arrived. That's the stuff school meals are made of.

The room is nearly ready. Carpet tomorrow...then we are done. The young people of the church have clocked almost 100 hours of volunteering for it. Good job?

DEBATE

Whilst chatting with people today, we got into a whole debate about the Christain Nation. Are we really one? Where does this notion fit in with a multi-cultural society? Can we be a Christian nation and multi-cultural.....A debat was had that Church leaders should be speaking out more....but maybe it shold be that Christians who are active in Churches, should be more active in the community! Answers on a postcard.

FINALLY FOLKS

Isn't this video amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7410340.stm

2008-05-19T21:50:00.002Z

DO YOU EVER THINK LIFE IS NOT GOING WELL.

There have been plenty days where I have got up and felt today is not going to be a good day. Gladly, there are more better days than bad ones.

If you are feeling blue, well cheer up you may get notoriety yet.

Have you ever heard of William McGonagall??? He was the worst poet of his time, but the other day at auction he outsold Harry Potter, not bad for a guy who was supposedly rubbish!!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7402920.stm

And he does have Dundee connections, but well you would expect that!!!

I got to wondering, what do you think might be of value in 100 years time that's considered rubbish today???? Any thoughts.

On another note, I think I might well by Robb Bell's new DVD the God's Aren't Angry......

2008-05-15T14:30:00.005Z

ROOM GETTING THERE

The young people of the Church have been doing a great job at Bankhead, the room is getting there, slow but sure. Hope you are beginning to see the difference.

2008-05-13T15:07:00.003Z

Yoker...You Did Well

I was in past Yoker Primary School today to present their prizes. They raised a good sum of money, £211, that will be split between the school and Yorkhill Hospital. Picture of me, Pam and Mrs Taylor (head teacher) and the winning children Paul (book token winner) and Rebecca (I pod).

On the next post I will show you the before and after pics of me and Pam.......the weight loss is starting to show.

Mark sent me this email, made me laugh......http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/7398211.stm

Hasn't the weather been great!!!

IN PRAYER

Remember those in China and Burma

2008-05-12T16:52:00.003Z

Gladiators Ready.....................

Last night saw the relaunch of the cheesy 90's show and our Mark auditioned for the part, but you will be glad to know that he didn't get the part!!!

Seriously though, it was day three of painting at Bankhead, we will put up a wee picture gallery to let you see how things are looking as we go. Well, I'll ask Mark nicely.

Are the winner is.........

We have encouraged local schools to get involved in helping us reach our charity target. Bankhead did a great job and £500!! Our compition winners were Jade (book token), Morgan (I pod shuffle) and Rhudih (book token). Picture shows kids with Mrs Tysen (head teacher) and me!!

Yoker tomorrow.........

2008-05-09T21:17:00.004Z

SCHOOL LUNCH

The last couple of days I have had lunch at Bankhead Primary School. By the way it was really good. A lot better than I remember from when I was a kid...and yes, I can remember that far back.

But I seem to remember school dinners being only one choice. And that was take it or leave it. Spag Bol today!!

But the reason that we were there was to paint an area in the school. An old clockroom area so it can be used as a useful space for the school. So we have been there a couple of days and we will keep you posted on the progress.