To make up for our lack in the Christmas card department, we offer you this little video of out-takes from an attempt to create a video of us reading a Christmas story for children linked to our church's Facebook group. We did actually succeed in making the video in the end (but the dog, not... Continue Reading →
Another New (and beautifully loud) experience
Today I did something for the first time: I was shown part of how to ring a church bell and allowed to have a go!Very exciting as I've never served in a church which has bells before and St Matthew's Salford Priors has eight - apparently when they all get going the whole tower sways.... Continue Reading →
A Beautiful Oasis – the Joys of Open Water Swimming
Why would I want to swim in a lake?
A ‘silent’ retreat at beautiful St Beuno’s
If the idea of a 'silent' retreat doesn't appeal... let me try to persuade you and clarify. Firstly you are not totally silent. You do speak to a spiritual director once a day at the same time each day and he/she helps you attend to your inner world and attend to how God may be... Continue Reading →
Grief and glory: the thief on the cross
In case any of you want to revisit one of the first sermons I gave at St Peter and St John's in Nov 2013 (how lovely that St Andrews Benn school featured right at the start and right at the end of my ministry here) One of my first sermons here Nov 2013 This week... Continue Reading →
Church: factions and fractions. Part 1
Anyone who has been part of a church for any length of time has survived (or not) some kind of disagreement. Soon the much anticipated Living in Love and Faith Resources will be published by the Church of England working group who have been working on the church's response to issues of sexuality and gender.... Continue Reading →
Touching the Wall Gently – a reflection on dying
Yesterday I went swimming and was praying. Not for myself that I wouldn't drown, I'm a reasonable swimmer. I was praying for others while I swam up and down because it's an activity that creates some quiet and still headspace for prayer. I have one close friend in mind especially so this blog piece is... Continue Reading →
Mostly Joyful, Surprisingly
via Mostly Joyful, Surprisingly
Living well: is it all about place?
https://youtu.be/UIM76y4nM_A (and below for those who prefer the script) Living in a good part of town, having a view, a garden, seclusion, peaceful neighbours or simple access to local facilities: everyone has a slightly different view of the best place to live. But we are all agreed we all need somewhere to live, it is... Continue Reading →
How to pray #1 ‘the Greeting’
Often our time of prayer together begins with the words, In the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen What does this mean? My answer here: https://youtu.be/4Fb49F81sYI