Dog Collars and Rabbit Corpses

Thoughts

2008-05-21T14:36:00.002+01:00

My self imposed goal at the moment is to ensure that I continue to find time to read. So over the last few months I have been creating the space to do just that. At the moment I am reading a book called 'Everything Must Change' by Brian McLaren. The blurb on the back says this ' If you are hungry for a fresh vision of what it means to be a person of faith, Everything Must Change applies the good news of Jesus to a world in need, igniting a revolution of hope that can change everything. Beginning with you. Beginning now.'

Change is a challenge that often makes us all feel uncomfortable yet at the same time is an inevitable part of all our lives. From the very day we are born we are changing and learning to adapt to the new circumstances that we constantly find ourselves in.

But so often we find the church doing the opposite of this, resisting change at every opportunity always appearing to be convinced that the 'fashion' it advocates will once again be in vogue. Whilst reading the first couple of chapters of the book I mention I was struck by the following paragraph.

"At that moment, I realized this man saw clearly what I had begun to see: that religion, even the religion we are committed to and in which we have found God and purpose and meaning and truth, can become captive to a colossal distortion. It can become a benign and passive chaplaincy to a failing and dysfunctional culture, the religious public relations department for an inadequate and destructive ideology. It can forego being a force of liberation and transformation and instead become a source of domestication, resignation, pacification and distraction"

This is the problem we face as churches, we have taken the radical life changing message of Jesus Christ wrapped it up in new packaging and in doing so misled others and ourselves as to the real identity of the contents. Worse than that we often then ask others to continue selling the product in the same packaging even though we know the truth.

Being a follower of Christ is not about conforming to a cultural identity it is in fact the opposite, it is about being counter cultural. It is about becoming part of an agenda of radical change. Constantly having to readjust our circumstance to make sense of what being a follower of Jesus means to the circumstance we find ourselves in.

The function of the church is not to maintain a comfortable haven in a world of change but to equip followers of Christ in their role as agitators and revolutionaries of hope. It is an uncomfortable job but one to which we are all called. Christ came not to develop an institution but to show us what God was like and to work with us to bring God's kingdom for all. If we too want join in that work to recognise the call of Christ then we cannot get away from the fact that indeed 'Everything Must Change'.

Time Out

2008-01-25T11:59:00.001Z

I am starting to discover some of the problems with ministry. I still love it and that is great however, there are times when I need moments of escapism. Those moments when I can just put work to the back of my mind and think about other things. I was talking about this with a colleague of mine recently and we both agreed. The problem is that even when you have been away on holiday the moment you arrive home work is there immediately waiting. Waiting in the piles of post, in the emails, in the telephone messages and wham no time to adjust, work immediately there.

I'm not talking about the God stuff, that would be silly I would hope and want like others that God would be with me wherever I am, no it's the church stuff and it is that which I need a break from. Not cause it's bad or I don't like it but just because if I don't it will consume me. Friday is my day off, I was going to come home from dropping B off at school and hang around at home. Inevitably that means checking email of which there are work related messages and before you know it, well you can guess the rest. So today conscious decision on the way home call and see a colleague (and friend) whose day off it is as well. Cup of coffee some quick lessons given to his dog on laying out a blog and then off to the shop at the City of Manchester Stadium.

I didn't buy anything but P made up for it, coming out with a full bag, we followed that with a coffee and a sticky bun and suddenly I forgotten everything I was meant to forget. A lovely morning! Now the only problem is what to do with the afternoon?

Happy Christmas

2007-12-25T08:56:00.001Z

May the HOPE that is only found in Christ be born again in you today.

VDG

2007-12-10T00:18:00.000Z

Today was my first meeting of the volunteer development group for Greenbelt. So it was off to London on the 8.45 from Manchester. It was a pleasent journey down on what was a crisp clear morning. As the train sped along I was treated to some lovely views of the Cheshire countryside. The company was equally pleasent as I was able to share it with M. He has not been well lately so it was good to check up on him and find out how he was doing. We were there early and planned a coffee stop at Liverpool St sadly however, the tube had different ideas. We walked onto the platform straight on to the tube and then sat in a tunnel for 15 mins. So it was straight into the meeting.

Gosh it moved at a pace, only having three hours ensured we kept focussed and didn't allow for diversions. Still it was good to see the folks in the office and gave chance to say goodbye's to some who were leaving.

After the meeting we had time to kill.

So over to Covent Garden to buy some presents, walk round Liecester Square and then back to Euston to grab some tea before heading home on the 18.05. Delays on route meant I had to wait 30 mins for my connecting train. Home for 9.30 a long day but a worthwile day.

A Night with Royalty

2007-12-09T00:08:00.000Z

Went to see the Kings of Leon with the lovely L1z tonight. On Saturday L1z had asked where the venue was, knowing that it was her least favorite in all manchester I tried to put off telling her by changing the subject several times. Boy that girl's persistant, so I told her. Predictably she was disapointed and spent the rest of the night moaning. I pointed out that I had tried to save her from this pain but she wasn't having any of it.

Back to Sunday, they were good musically tight, good stage show and creative use of video. Yet having said all of that there was something missing I consult L1z for her opinion. I should have known "that's what you get for holding a gig in the equivalent of an aircraft hanger" was her response as she looked up from the card game she was playing on her phone. Mmmmmm perhaps the gig didn't quite hit the mark or L1z iz right the venue is crap, oh well I'll chalk that one down to experience.

The night was rounded off nicely when a fight broke out in front of us as we left. You know when you have one of those nights when you would have been better off staying in!

She's Back

2007-12-07T08:08:00.000Z

And she brought shiny things with her!

But mostly she's just back!

Home Time

2007-12-05T16:54:00.000Z

Ok it's official I miss her and it's time she came home, roll on Thursday!

WooHoo

2007-12-04T11:19:00.001Z

Sunday was really good! Just thought I'd share that news with you.

Overwhelming Busyness

2007-12-02T08:51:00.001Z

I doubt anyone stops by here anymore. However, I was told by a least one person recently that it had been a while since I had last blogged. I haven't stopped it is just I never seem to have the time or mental capacity. So blogging will continue and normal service resumed shortly. What am I talking about, this is normal service!

Daily Mail Diet

2007-11-08T11:47:00.000Z

Genius

It’s Good To Talk

2007-10-05T11:32:00.001+01:00

Gosh, doesn't time fly when you are having fun. So much seems to have happened since my ordination 4 weeks ago. This week sadly seems to have been dominated by funerals, a privilege to do, but please not too often. I was struck last week at how appreciative people were for a visit from the 'minister'. Both the churches I work in have good pastoral care schemes where people are regularly visited. Yet a visit from me seemed to be different. However, I'm not special, I have no special words, but people seem so pleased to see me in my role.

I talked to a friend about it who said that he thought it was about the minister in that moment, being the church. It was about people who had given so much to the church now in their time of need receiving back from the church. I think he may be right, whatever it is I find it humbling and at times overwhelming. Can I cope with the expectation, how can I do all this as well as making worship stimulating, plan for the future, attend all the meetings, make time for my family and create the time I'm told I need for my own spiritual development.

I guess I'm not looking for answers or for sympathy, just sharing my thoughts.

Thanks for listening, it's good to talk!

Finally In 2007

2007-10-03T19:30:00.001+01:00

Hi it's me here again, you know me the sporadic blogger. Well I have a new lap top with this here new M*cros*ft O**ice 2007 on and it has this fancy link to post on your blog. So I'm trying it, who knows I may blog more as a result, but hey, don't hold your breath!

Sally Wanted Pictures

2007-07-15T00:21:00.000+01:00

It's not often you get what you ask for so here it is our view for the next two weeks.

Perhaps this isn't what Sally meant, oh well will have to do for now. See you in two weeks!

Passing Through

2007-06-28T00:04:00.001+01:00

Just about to move house back soon honest! (Providing B* manage to reconnect my broadband)

Listen Whilst You Legislate

2007-05-22T08:00:00.000+01:00

Now then what I want to know is what songs would a civil servant listen to on their Ipod!

Please Don't tell the Vet

2007-05-16T17:56:00.000+01:00

Take three friends, one Saturday night in, an empty bottle of lager and a willing dog and you get this:

*

* Please note no animals were hurt in the making of this photo.

Original Artwork

2007-05-15T17:44:00.000+01:00

Some of you may know that we are going to be moving in a couple of months. So we thought new house, new start. We fancied getting some original artwork and saw this

It's the piece on the left we like, you'll notice it shows our favourite place in Manchester 'The Punjab' how can we possibly resist!

A Duke Special night

2007-05-13T14:18:00.000+01:00

Church this morning, friends house warming in the afternoon and off to see Duke Special at the academy this evening. Great gig, he was chatty, witty and on good form. There was an informal feel to the night, laid back and chilled. After such a busy few days this was just what I needed. Earlier 1iz had echoed my thoughts by saying that had we have not already had the tickets she could have easily stayed at home. Perhaps this was the reason why that as we attempted to find a parking space 1iz suddenly remembered that the tickets were still on the fridge door. So we rushed back and decided to try again rather than give it up and stay at home. Still I'm glad we did, as I said to 1iz on the night 'in a world full of Sco*tch is good to have an intelligent musician'.

His playing was accomplished, lyrics thoughtful and provoking and his voice had the capability to take you elsewhere. The gig finished with the band coming down into the audience to busk. As soon as the lights went down we took advantage of our position at the back and made a quick exit. As we left the venue, we once again heard music only to discover the band coming up one the exit stair cases where we were treated to what can only be described as an intimate gig, hence the close up photo's.

All in all a good night so glad now I didn't stay in.

Eurovision Mayhem

2007-05-12T14:07:00.000+01:00

After a busy day it was off to round to 1iz's house for her annual and infamous eurovison party. A good night it was too, chance to catch up with friends and wind down. K junior had made Pakora and Samosa's for aunty 1iz and as a result had several offers from people who wanted to adopt her (i'm currently mulling over the offers)oh yes and there was the music.

Well a mixture of camp airline stewards and a cross between Sue Pollard and Elton John wrapped in baco foil

seems to sum up the night. As for the winner, pitty the money for hair styling ran out after the backing singers. Still as P aptly put it...... 'a victory for all those who had to endure pudding basin hair cuts!'

And Some Say I Only Work One Day!

2007-05-12T13:43:00.000+01:00

Saturday back down to earth with a very big bump.

I was running an elders training day here at Whalley Hall.

The surroundings were superb, the food great and the Church I was working with were eager. I was running the presentations and talking and a colleague was facilitating when they broke up into groups. This meant I had time to do a little exploring of grounds and pond.

Eventually after a lot of hard work(and I mean hard work) I think we left having made a decision!

Catching Up

2007-05-11T13:30:00.000+01:00

Events of the past few weeks appear to have over taken me. I had meant to Blog about lots but sadly it seemed innapropriate but still here I am back again and trying to move on.

So lets start with Friday!

Friday went to London for a Greenbelt training day. I had mixed feelins as I stood at Picadilly station at 7.15. Firstly, why am in Manchester waiting for a train and not at home with a coffee and secondly will it be worthwile. We had a similiar training day last year and it failed to hit the mark so I wondered was this just going to be a long day, long journey and all a waste of time.

I'm pleased to report back that it wasn't the day was most productive, investigating how we could improve our skills working with volunteers, the networking opportuities were also good and it was great to meet people new and old.

After the meeting we had time to kill before our train back so joined others in the pub for conversation and beer, both of which were good. A few us then wandered around the corner from Liverpool St Station and found this noodle bar again good company and this time fanatastic food.

Back to Euston for the 19.35 train (which we all thought left at 19.45, good job we were early) and home, a long but satisfying day!

Friends

2007-05-04T20:58:00.000+01:00

I meant to blog about the wedding and perhaps still will. It was a top,top weekend some of my best friends new and old. As Liz mentioned a weekend tinged with happiness and sadness. Sadly a week later it's just sadness, T and E we love you both and are thinking of you all the time. Remember where we are and T the memory of your Mum will live forever in the person you have become. Her values and her love shine through all you are and it is those qualities that make people love you like they do.

Happy Easter

2007-04-07T23:20:00.000+01:00

Blog by bullet points:

K poorly
I'm shattered
Happy Easter
We are off to Scotland following church
Hooray

Words

2007-03-29T15:08:00.000+01:00

.....are so powerful, they can heal or hurt, cause pain or make people laugh, they can cause division or bring back together. Today however, they were totally, totally insufficient! There are days when my job is brilliant and days like today when in its not so great. Having said that I am just so honoured to have shared those precious moments with them.

Dreams

2007-03-28T22:36:00.000+01:00

Friday we had friends from church round for a meal and K made her famous ragu for them. In addition she made an extra one for Liz, sadly however, due to problems at work she was unable to collect it until Saturday. So the weekend passed by, shared kebabs with K and Liz on Saturday, and then spent all day and evening at church (please don't do the one day a week joke it isn't funny). So Monday Karen calls Liz just to check the ragu went down ok. Now I'm sure Liz will share this herself and do a much better job than me. Whilst asleep Liz dreams that she has eaten the ragu for tea but seeing the size of the pancakes containing the ragu decides she can only manage one. So upon waking the next day she skips (metaphorically) down the stairs to look at the ragu in the fridge and then dream again about eating it for tea. Apparently it was then seeing the fridge empty that she realized she was dreaming and had in fact pigged out on both the previous night. After K had told me the story I went to the computer and realized that I had not turned to Monday on my F*rside calender, it revealed this:

So you see Liz you have to be so careful when it comes to over eating!

So thinking about dreams obviously caused me to dream. Now I need to tell you that I have a snake phobia. So that night I dream about a giant snake, only it has been crossed with a dog. The snake/dog is about 20 feet long and covered in fur it is white and tan in colour and has tiny little feet, yet still moves like a snake. Lo and behold when its tongue comes out of its mouth it is big and pink and dog like. We soon made friends, even I struggled to be scared, it was kind of cute. So off to bed now to see what I might dream about tonight, but hey anyone fancy interpreting Monday nights dream first.