Fat Prophet

Book Review–Reggie by Reggie Dabbs, John Driver

2012-01-01T23:53:00.001+01:00

Reggie

By Reggie Dabbs, John Driver

This book as the title suggests is based on the life of Reggie who finds out in second grade that his parents are not his real parents. His birth was as a result of a 20 dollar deal his mother made to obtain food when she was just sixteen years old. His past was not what you might call good and while the news did affect him it did not stop him making a future for himself.

We are taken through Reggie's life and as we watch him grow up we see the lessons he learnt and how we might apply those lessons in our lives. I think there should be something in this story that most of us can associate with and there are questions and discussions at the end of each chapter to help readers think through the events in the story.

I found this to be an inspiring read which should appeal to people from all walks of life and may help us to see life from a very different perspective.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T22:53:00.001+01:00

A happy new year to all my readers.

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Carol Praise Event

2011-12-19T08:51:00.001+01:00

Carol Praise

Wednesday 21st December

Pleck Methodist Church

Bescot Road, Walsall. WS2 9AD

7-30p.m.

Tea, Coffee, Mince Pies & Sausage Rolls

Come along for a Carol Service with a difference (or two)

Christmas is coming!

2011-12-09T11:42:00.001+01:00

It can not have escaped anyone’s notice that Christmas is coming, I have already been involved in my first carol evening and tonight I will be attending a Christmas party at the Crystal Folk Club which will then sadly close until the new year.

Readers might be interested in two events that are taking place in the Walsall Circuit the first one being the Circuit Carol Service which is taking place this Sunday the 11th at Darlaston Methodist Church, Slater Street, Darlaston with the theme ‘Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future’. The service starts at 6-00p.m. – come early to get a good seat.

The second event is Carol Praise on Wednesday 14th December at Pleck Methodist Church, Bescot Road, Walsall beginning at 7-30p.m. and it has become an annual event. This was originally stared as an alternative carol event for those who wanted something a little different to the traditional carol service and has proved to be quite popular over the last few years.

Christmas Present!

2011-11-16T23:38:00.001+01:00

Sorry to say but Christmas is getting very near so thought I might mention two possible presents you could buy for someone at very reasonable prices. The first one is my book of Vestry Prayers for year B of the lectionary which starts on Sunday 27th November (first Sunday in Advent). The book is just £5 plus £1 post and packing and is available from me direct. It can also be purchased from the printers here for £6.05 plus £2.99 post and packing’

The second one is my book about my childhood in Hill Top, West Bromwich in the 1950’s and 1960’s called ‘A bang or a Whimper@ which is also available direct from me for the price of £7.00 plus £1 post and packing of from the printers here for £12.23 plus £2.99 post and packing.

If you would like more details of how to order drop me an email at ipsouthall at supanet.com and I will get back to you within 24 hours.

For preachers and church musicians

2011-10-30T09:56:00.001+01:00

I heard about an interesting resource for preachers ands church musicians yesterday which I thought I would share here for my readers who fulfil either of these roles. It is the website associated with Singing the Faith, the new hymn book of the Methodist church and has a section that details hymns for each week to go with the lectionary readings. Numbers are all from Singing the Faith but many of the suggested hymns can be found in other hymn books –it is something I may well use in the future at least as a starting point.
You can find the page here .

Singing the Faith–reminder

2011-10-27T07:33:00.001+01:00

Just thought I would remind readers who live near enough to Walsall about our Singing the Faith workshop this Saturday (29th October)

The event will take place at Bentley Methodist Church, Margaret Road, Bentley, Walsall, WS2 0HB and will run from 10a.m. until 4p.m. with an admission charge of £2 per person. Any one attending will need to bring a packed lunch but tea and coffee will be provided during the day.

The workshop will be led by two members of the worship resource group Revs Ian Worsfold and Paul Wood and we will be singing a number of items from Singing the Faith so it will be quite interactive.

For readers who may not know Singing the Faith is the new Methodist Hymn book that was launched at the Methodist Conference this year and one of its aims is to keep the Methodist people singing through a book that combines old, not so old and new in one collection.

I am looking forward to the day which is open really to anyone with an interested in learning a little more about the new book and perhaps learning the odd new hymn or two.

If you are a reader of this blog and you come along please make sure you say hello to me as I am always interested in meeting readers.

And the best preacher is……..

2011-10-04T07:24:00.001+01:00

In the previous post I raised the question that Robert Johnson had put over on facebook. He did get a number of replies and the names there were some I would have expected to find.

I think while it was an interesting question in itself it does prompt another question in my mind and that is ‘what makes a good preacher’? I suppose this might be as subjective as the previous question but I would be interested to see what people think on this one – I might even pop it on facebook as it will the hit a different audience to this page. Please feel free to offer an opinion or comment.

Interesting Question

2011-10-01T22:46:00.002+01:00

Robert Johnson on the Facebook group 'Worldwide Christians' has posed the following question amd sparked an interesting conversation. I thought readers here might also find it interesting.

Who in your humble opinion, is the greatest preacher of all time? [and no picking the obvious

one]

It will be interesting to see what readers think on this one so over to you

2011-09-27T16:51:00.002+01:00

Anybody notice the missing info on the previous post? No details of when in October - it is Saturday 29th.

Singing the Faith day

2011-09-25T19:24:00.001+01:00

Just thought anyone reading this blog who lives reasonably near to Walsall Might be interested in a Singing the Faith day we have coming up in October.

The day will take place at Bentley Methodist Church, Margaret Road, Bentley, Walsall, WS2 0HB and will run from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. for a cost of just £2.
The day will be led by Rev Paul Wood and Rev Ian Worsfold who are members of the music resource group.
Tea and coffee will be provided but people attending will need to bring a packed lunch.

The event is open to local preachers, ministers, church musicians, worship leaders and anyone who is keen on engaging with the new book in an interactive session.

Singing the Faith

2011-09-20T17:05:00.001+01:00

I have now had my music copy of Singing the Faith since Friday last week and have been working through it and have mixed feelings. It is good to have a copy of it at last – wish it had been out in June as originally planned. It is a pity that take up does not seem to have been very good and I know this is for a variety of reasons that may be very sound and well argued by those who are not supporting the new book. I probably agree with some of the thoughts.

But lets come down to the actual book and some observations I have made in respect of it – they are not in any particular order.

The book is a fair size and appears to sit on the organ music stand quite well – time will tell.

The print is reasonably clear and for me a good size.

There is some inconsistency as some hymns have guitar chords and others do not – I think it would have been helpful to have chords on all the hymns and I am sure it could have been done reasonably easily. When the worship group lead worship leads at our church this would be helpful to our guitarists who read chords rather than music.

Some hymns songs go over three or more pages which means a page turn and while this may not have been something easily solved it does mean it may be necessary to photocopy music to assist musicians.

I was disappointed that words were separate to the music – often we lead worship from a keyboard at the front of the church and there is an expectation that we will sing and play – not always easy when the hymn is not so well known and the music and words are not together – I have seen books where the words are all within the music and hoped this might happen with Singing the Faith.

While I realise this all seems quite negative they are early observations on Singing the Faith which may well change to some degree as I use the book and get more used to it.

Watch for further updates.

It's here

2011-09-17T16:19:00.001+01:00

Yes folks after what seems like ages my music edition of Singing the Faith has arrived - had a skim through and some of the new stuff looks interesting

Hymn for today

2011-08-27T20:35:00.001+01:00

Today’s hymn by Fanny J Crosby features a tune written by Phoebe Knapp and brings together the same team that wrote Blessed Assurance. The tune can be heard at Cyberhymnal.

Behold Me standing at the door,
And hear Me pleading evermore,
With gentle voice: oh, heart of sin,
May I come in? May I come in?

Refrain

Behold Me standing at the door,
And hear Me pleading evermore:
Say, weary heart, oppressed with sin,
May I come in? May I come in?

I bore the cruel thorns for thee,
I waited long and patiently;
Say, weary heart, oppressed with sin,
May I come in? May I come in?

Refrain

I would not plead with thee in vain;
Remember all My grief and pain;
I died to ransom thee from sin:
May I come in? May I come in?

Refrain

I bring thee joy from Heav’n above,
I bring thee pardon, peace, and love:
Say, weary heart, oppressed with sin,
May I come in? May I come in?

Refrain

Vestry Prayers year ‘B’

2011-08-22T06:45:00.001+01:00

Just a reminder that the book of vestry prayers for year ‘B’ is now available direct from me. There is a prayer for each Sunday to tie in with the readings for that Sunday as detailed in the Revised Common Lectionary.

The book is available for £5 plus £1 post and packing and you can obtain a copy by getting in touch with me by email and I will give you full details. My email is ipsouthall@supanet.com

Hymn for Today

2011-08-14T08:58:00.001+01:00

This week’s selection Fanny J Crosby. Hear the tune at Cyberhymnal

O what a blessing, how can I express it?
Out of the fullness of rapture I sing,
Now by the Father received and adopted,
I am a child and an heir of a King.

Refrain

I am adopted, O wonderful love,
Heir to a heritage purchased above;
Tell it, my soul, and joyfully sing,
I am a child and an heir of a King.

O what a Father, how tenderly gracious,
O what a Savior to make me His care;
Tho’ I have slighted, rejected, and grieved Him,
Still He permits me His kingdom to share.

Refrain

O the unsearchable riches He giveth,
Riches increasing from day unto day;
Treasures in value all others excelling,
Treasures that never will rust nor decay.

Refrain

When I have finished the work He appoints me,
When I have ended my journey below,
Then to my Father and Jesus my Savior,
Home to a beautiful palace I go.

Refrain

Pleasant surprise

2011-08-12T06:53:00.002+01:00

There was a knock on my door last evening at about 7-30p.m. and I thought it might be my Muslim neighbour bringing me some food (an almost daily happening) but it was a stranger. He asked if I was Mr Southall and I said yes I was and he said I have brought you this and gave me a hardback copy of the New International Bible which was a free gift I had qualified for by completing ten bible quizzes.

I had expected to receive the Bible through the post so it was a pleasant surprise to receive it by personal delivery and we chatted for a while and although I didn't know the man we had some mutual acquaintances.

If you might be interested in this either for yourself or to encourage people you know to engage with the Bible more the quizzes can be found at www.freebible.org.uk

Early Christmas Present?

2011-08-11T07:27:00.001+01:00

I know its too early to mention Christmas but I will try not to do it again before December 1st after this post.

In our circuit we tend to use the readings from revised common lectionary quite a bit and as some readers may know the lectionary year starts on the first Sunday in Advent each year and runs to the Sunday before Advent the following year. The year that begins on 27th November 2011 is Year ‘B’ and I thought this might be a good chance to remind people about the book of vestry prayers I wrote specifically for year ‘B’.

Quite a number of the churches in our circuit use the book whatever year it is because they say the prayers are more modern than some of the collections of vestry prayers and are easy to read and consequently say.

Perhaps you are a steward who sometimes finds it difficult to pray with the preacher or perhaps you know a steward who might find this book helpful – if you would like to get a copy they are available for just £5 plus £1 post and packing. If you would like further details just email me at ipsouthall@supanet.com and I will let you have full details.

Hymn for Today

2011-08-07T00:33:00.000+01:00

Another hymn from the pen of Fanny J Crosby

All the way my Saviour leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Saviour leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread;
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Saviour leads me
O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way.

A challenge to meet have I.

2011-08-06T22:27:00.004+01:00

Our district synod is meeting in Walsall in September and I asked if we were having a bookshop as I though it might be a good opportunity to have my book of vestry prayers for year B of the revised common lectionary on sale (Year B starts the first Sunday in Advent 2011). I was at coffee morning at Pleck Methodist Church this morning and one of the circuit stewards said that there would be a bookstall and they would be willing to sell copies of the book.

That was fair enough but then one of the folk from Pleck said what happened to the other two years of prayers which I had said I was going to write. I said I hadn’t got round to it and she said I really ought to. She does have a point as most of the churches in our circuit use the book when I am preaching and often comment on how useful they find it. So the challenge now is to write prayers for Year C to publish middle of next year so they can go on sale around September.

I will keep you updated on progress here – I am four chapters into a follow up to my other book about my childhood so I may need to do a bit of work on both – hope I don’t get confused.

Taken to task

2011-08-06T19:25:00.001+01:00

Well its been an interesting week over on Facebook where I pasted a similar post to the one below about CRB checks and ended up being accused of using base language, going against Methodist Church policy and being the devil incarnate.

All I did was raise the questions I had raised here and then entered into a discussion on their with a number of people. I was accused of undermining the safeguarding process and ended up feeling insulted so after allowing time for an apology from the person (it didn’t come) I pulled the post to avoid the possibility of me slipping into the kind of language I had been accused of using.

I was and still am at a loss to understand how people can so badly misunderstand and misrepresent what one has said. I am not opposed to safeguarding and recognise the need for some sort of process to enable us to ensure vulnerable people are protected but what I have and will continue to argue against is the blind faith that some people place in the CRB system as the be all and end all of safeguarding. It is one tool with in my opinion lots of issues that I detailed in my previous post – when I can be convinced that my worries have no basis in fact then I might too be able to adopt the view that CRB is marvellous, until then I shall try to avoid the people over on Facebook that I got into debate with.

More on CRB checks.

2011-07-31T22:24:00.001+01:00

I have to admit to not being a great fan of the increasing red tape which seems to face churches in a variety of areas, Health and Safety, Fire Regulations, Schedule A, B,C etc. or whatever the letters are and the move from our safeguarding system which seemed to be working well to CRB checks for an increasing range of people.

I have not felt that CRB checks are as good as some of the experts in the field of safeguarding would have us believe and being ever so slightly cynical I am not entirely sure they are not just a money making scheme for the government of the day (whoever they might be).

There are a number of issues with this whole process in my opinion.

1) the stupidity of having to have multiple CRB's for different organisations. (I know someone who has eleven – even Brian Rix could not come up with a farce like this)

2) The cost involved in having them done - especially given how tight for money some organisations are.

3) How good are they? I think they are rather like the MOT certificate on a car which is only valid on the day it is issued.

4) What do they prove - in a sense only that someone has not been caught. They certainly do not in my opinion prove that a person is not an axe murderer or multiple rapist.

5) Are the people they are meant to protect really any safer because of them? If someone wants to abuse other people they can do so with or without CRB checks.

6) Isn’t there a danger that some very long serving church members could feel their integrity is being challenged by this? Why do we need to ask a local preacher of 50 years standing who never has any involvement with children except in a worship service to submit themselves to this process? (I know it’s not here yet but mark my words it won’t be long)

7) Why is it necessary to list offences that may have been committed when someone was much younger and may have been done in a moment of silliness, especially if they are not the type of offences that are in any way relevant to working with vulnerable people. There may be people who feel they have moved on from their past lives and this type of thing only serves to rake up old stuff they may wish to forget. I am sure there is a saying about God taking our sins and burying them at the bottom of the deepest sea and then putting up a sign which says ‘No Fishing’

I have been on the safeguarding training with the Methodist church but to be honest I still remain unconvinced of the validity of these checks.Our district safeguarding officer while being very good did not really give me any clarity on how these checks really made a difference to the safety of vulnerable people. Of course the cynic in me says it is an exercise in ticking boxes but I am sure there is someone who will argue otherwise.

I do sense there is a very real possibility that we are not far away from standing on our church doors greeting people and saying do you have a CRB check? I hope I am wrong but as the insidious introduction of these checks come in it may be that we struggle to fill posts where people feel it is totally unnecessary to go through this system.

Hymn for today

2011-07-31T21:15:00.001+01:00

This week’s hymn from Fanny J Crosby –tune can be heard here

Be Thou exalted, forever and ever,
God of eternity, Ancient of Days!
Wondrous in majesty, perfect in wisdom,
Glorious in holiness, fearful in praise.

Refrain

Be Thou exalted by seraphs and angels,
Be Thou exalted with harp and with song;
Saints in their anthems of rapture adore Thee,
Martyrs the loud hallelujahs prolong.

Be Thou exalted, O Son of the Highest!
Gracious Redeemer, our Savior and King!
One with the Father, co-equal in glory,
Here at Thy footstool our homage we bring.

Refrain

Be Thou exalted, O Spirit eternal!
Dwell in our hearts, keep us holy within;
Lead to Thy home in the life everlasting,
Open its portals and welcome us in.

Refrain

Formatting on last post

2011-07-30T09:30:00.001+01:00

Not sure what is going on with the formatting in my last post – it looks fine in Windows Live Writer and in blogger itself but comes out all over the place on the blog. The important things is it is all there.

CRB checks for Local Preachers

2011-07-30T09:24:00.002+01:00

I have just posted about this on the Faith and Worship facebook page.
Persons seeking a note to preach will now require a CRB check and those people on trial will need a CRB check before they can be come fully accredited - the details are copied below from the frequently asked questions page on the Methodist Church Website. Go to Local Preachers and then FAQ’s.

Do I need a CRB check to become come a local preacher?
It is expected that both during training and once accredited that new local preachers will be
engaged in church services which are for children or include children and adults who may be
vulnerable.
It is therefore required that:
• Local preachers should obtain a CRB disclosure prior to going on trial.
• For those local preachers currently on trial, a CRB disclosure should be obtained before
their accreditation can be completed.
Existing local preachers need to be CRB checked where they have developed a significant ministry
of preaching or teaching with children, young people or adults who may be vulnerable.
Tel: 0207 467 5216 | Email: : : : cas@methodistchurch.org.uk Web: www.churchsafe.org.uk

Christmas is coming - official.

2011-07-28T21:11:00.004+01:00

I have just heard on the radio that Harrods and Selfridges have opened their Christmas departments today and trade has apparently been quite brisk.
What a shame that we can not at least get the summer holidays out of the way before they start with Christmas - no wonder people are fed up with it by the time we get there.
I think I might ban the word until at least the 1st December.

Tragedy - Why?

2011-07-26T07:45:00.003+01:00

Blogging has been very light here of late - mainly because I have not felt there was much I wanted to blog about but the news this weekend and conversations at work yesterday have brought me out of blogging sabbatical.
The question I heard yesterday in respect of the problems in Somalia, the killing in Norway and the death of Amy Winehouse was why? Some of my colleagues then sprung the where is God in these things and I have to admit I find myself agreeing with them in some senses. it is difficult to argue the concept of a loving God when such things happen and especially when the news seems to be saying the gunman is a 'Christian'.
I have to admit to not knowing the answer and just for a time being like Thomas because I am human and naturally wonder about these things.
Answers on a postcard perhaps?

Hymn for today

2011-07-10T22:14:00.001+01:00

Here is this weeks offering from the pen of Fanny J Crosby and as usual the tune can be heard over at Cyberhymnal

Awake! Awake! the Master now is calling us,
Arise! Arise! And, trusting in His Word,
Go forth! Go forth! Proclaim the year of jubilee,
And take the cross, the blessèd cross of Christ our Lord.

Refrain

On, on, swell the chorus,
On, on, the morning star is shining o’er us;
On, on, while before us,
Our mighty, mighty Savior leads the way.
Glory, glory, hear the everlasting throng,
Shout “Hosanna!” while we boldly march along;
Faithful soldiers here below, only Jesus will we know;
Shouting “Free salvation!” o’er the world we go.

A cry for light from dying ones in heathen lands;
It comes, it comes across the ocean’s foam;
Then haste! Oh, haste to spread the words of truth abroad,
Forgetting not the starving poor at home, dear home.

Refrain

O Church of God, extend thy kind, maternal arms,
To save the lost on mountains dark and cold;
Reach out thy hand with loving smile to rescue them,
And bring them to the shelter of the Savior’s fold.

Refrain

Look up! Look up! The promised day is drawing near,
When all shall hail, shall hail the Savior King;
When peace and joy shall fold their wings in every clime,
And “Glory, hallelujah!” o’er the earth shall ring.

Refrain

Hymn for today

2011-07-03T16:16:00.001+01:00

Here is this week’s offering from the pen of Fanny J Crosby. As usual the tune can be heard at Cyberhymnal

We’ll give our hearts to Jesus,
And learn His Name to praise,
The blessèd Bible tells us,
How pleasant are His ways.
We’ll give our hearts to Jesus,
In sunny childhood’s hours,
Where life is like the springtime
And full of buds and flowers.

Refrain

And when we safely anchor
On Canaan’s happy shore,
To Him be all the glory,
And praise forever more.

We’ll give our hearts to Jesus,
Our best and dearest Friend,
He like a gentle shepherd,
Will guide us to the end.
In green and fragrant pastures,
His little flock will lead,
Beside the quiet waters,
Supplying all we need.

Refrain

We’ll give our hearts to Jesus,
Who died that we might live,
Our hearts, though weak and sinful,
Are all we have to give.
The simple prayer of childhood,
Our God will ne’er despise,
A lowly contrite spirit
Is precious in His eyes.

Refrain

Hymn for today

2011-06-26T00:05:00.000+01:00

Here is my choice of hymn by Fanny J Crosby –the tune can be heard here

Thou only art holy,
Thou only the Lord;
Truth, mercy and judgment,
Shine forth in Thy Word.
Thou rulest and reignest
All others above;
Thy throne is eternal,
Thy scepter is love.

Refrain

Thy reign everlasting,
Thy kingdom divine,
Henceforth and forever
All glory be Thine.

Thou only art holy;
In Thee is our trust;
Thy laws are unchanging,
Thy statutes are just.
All nations and people
Before Thee shall fall;
The Father, Redeemer,
And Savior of all.

Refrain

Thou only art holy;
The angels in light
With prophets and martyrs
Their anthems unite.
Thou only art holy,
O Ancient of days;
The boundless creation
Is filled with Thy praise.

Refrain

Illusistration

2011-06-25T20:05:00.000+01:00

Let me say to begin with that the title is not a typo or a spelling error it is a name used by the guest speaker we had at our local preachers meeting on Thursday. The speaker was Mark Harrington who came to talk to us about all age worship and I have to say it was better than I had hoped it might be. Mark uses a range of things in his approach to all age worship including puppetry, illusion and escapology.

The evening contained some interesting ideas and the hour that he spoke for passed very quickly as he demonstrated some of the routines he uses in communicating the good news of the gospel to people across a wide age range.

I did write and thank him and said I thought it had been an ICE evening – Inspiring, Challenging and Entertaining.

If you want to know more check out his web site at http://www.illusistration.com/

New Blog

2011-06-22T17:36:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Liz Mackay for telling m,e about a new blog that is aimed specifically at Local Preachers. If you are interested in local preaching check it out at http://www.localpreachers.com/

More on Exegesis.

2011-06-20T21:29:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Methodist Preacher for the following comment:

I am interested in your reference to the failures around exegesis. I keep hearing older Methodists complain that many of today's preachers just don't focus on scripture as the basis of their message. Is this because there is a failure to comprehend and respect the Bible as a key source for the understanding of our faith?

I am not sure that I can give a comprehensive answer to this but there are some observations that I can make based on four years of assessing and some of the comments that colleagues made on Saturday.

I think it is important to set the context of exegesis for those who may not know how students are expected to tackle the job. Essentially the task is divided into three parts with a total of 30 marks being awarded as follows.

1. Context and background = 8 marks

2. Original meaning = 10

3. Meaning for today = 12 marks

As with all other sections there is a requirement to achieve 40% to pass and it could be argued that a student who did really well on the first two and not well on the last part could still achieve the pass rate.

The guidelines in Faith and Worship and in the tutor’s handbook suggest that exegesis should be set out using the above plan and I think headed up but occasionally what could be called an essay could be submitted with no obvious divisions and it then becomes difficult to see where one part finishes and another starts, especially as the context and background stuff will spill into the original meaning.

The context and background is without doubt the easiest section as any decent commentary or even many Bibles will give a fair amount of information to complete this – i.e. who wrote it, when it was written, main themes etc. I have observed that occasionally there will be some disparity between students where the authorship is not entirely sure and one may take a particular stance while another will take the opposite view – in reality the students would do better to say that there are two views (or more) about the authorship of the book and maybe put forward which they feel more comfortable.

The original meaning section often causes some difficulties because as we all realise things were very different to now and it does require a little thought to weigh up what the passage meant to the people involved in the situation. Again use of a number of sources such as commentaries or the internet can be useful in provoking thoughts and giving ideas of what scholars and theologians believe to be the case. Again I don’t think there is anything wrong with students putting forward a different thought or siding with one train of thought but I do think recognition of other trains lets assessors know that the thing has been given some consideration.

The meaning for today section is in my experience often and area where students seem to struggle but again commentaries and the like may be a good starting point as well as the internet and students may have some ideas of their own which they may wish to put forward. I think it should go without saying that the meaning for today should not be in any way contrary to our doctrinal view point. We heard of a student who had said that the flooding in a particular area was punishment because they had sinned – not what we believe I think!

It is acceptable to put forward their own ideas but obviously they need to expand on the how and why of their thinking in an endeavour to convince the assessor of the validity of the train of thought.

I am not sure how it works on other panels but the chair of the panel I belong to sends us a marking guide and I will always be looking to match points in students exegesis to that. We are also encouraged to acknowledge original thinking where the case is put effectively.

I have had some exegesis that I have failed and in all cases I will write quite comprehensive notes to assist the student in getting it right for re-submission. I did have one student who I failed and wrote two pages of notes to assist them and when they re-submitted there was almost no improvement and it looked as if they had either not read the notes or had chosen to ignore them.

Another student had not written anything for the meaning for today and I really do fail to say how anyone can expect to pass if they miss out a third of the task and the area that attracts the biggest number of marks. It might be worth saying that anything that I fail has to be cross marked by the chair of the panel to ensure I am applying the marking criteria correctly.

In respect of preachers of today not focussing on scripture there may be some difficulty here because as a whole we do not connect with the Bible in the way I did in my younger days and if the only time our folk read or hear the Bible read is on Sundays in church there will be limitations because the lectionary does not cover whole areas of the Bible.

The exegesis process is in my opinion a vital tool in sermon preparation and should be considered as such rather than just a task to be completed – good exegesis = good sermons and to some extent like many things the old maxim of practice makes perfect comes to mind.

I am not sure if I have rambled a bit here but I do feel Local Preachers in training and those who are fully accredited would benefit from being competent at doing exegesis – perhaps those who know a connexional assessor for a particular section might like to try doing one of the exegeses for that section and asking the assessor to have a look at it – we could be very surprised at the outcome.

Connexional Assessors Meeting

2011-06-19T21:46:00.002+01:00

I had a most enjoyable day in London yesterday at Church House where I attended a meeting of Connexional Assessors for the Faith and Worship training course used by the Methodist Church to train Local Preachers.

I found it interesting to see the results of the last two years assessments and was quite surprised at some of the reasons students fail. There were a number who had failed because they had not sent items that are required in – one of them being their own service report form in the worship portfolio (11 people in the last assessments). Almost half of the people failed on at least one exegesis passage and it would seem there is a real need for students and tutors to get to grips with this area. There are four examples in the tutors handbook of exegeses which really should be shared with students and there is a Focus on Exegesis written by a connexional assessor (not me incidentally) that can be accessed on the Methodist Church website.

One of the other areas where some students were not doing well was on personal reflections on services they had been in but not had any responsibility for. In the case of the ones I have marked during my time as an assessor I can understand this as often the piece is more of a critique than a reflection and cab
n easily slip into becoming a criticism. Perhaps the dictionary definition might help people to focus on this – reflection =serious and careful thought.

Hymn for today

2011-06-19T21:22:00.001+01:00

Here is todays hymn from Fanny J Crosby – Saved by Grace

I hope that this link will take you to cyberhymnal to hear the tune as I am posting this using windows live writer which seems to be fairly easy to use and may enable me to attach all sorts of stuff.

Some day the silver cord will break,
And I no more as now shall sing;
But oh, the joy when I shall wake
Within the palace of the King!

Refrain

And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story—Saved by grace;
And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story—Saved by grace.

Some day my earthly house will fall.
I cannot tell how soon ’twill be;
But this I know—my All in All
Has now a place in Heav’n for me.

Refrain

Some day, when fades the golden sun
Beneath the rosy tinted west,
My blessèd Lord will say, “Well done!”
And I shall enter into rest.

Refrain

Some day: till then I’ll watch and wait,
My lamp all trimmed and burning bright,
That when my Savior opens the gate,
My soul to Him may take its flight.

Refrain

Off to HQ

2011-06-17T07:34:00.004+01:00

Tomorrow I am off to London to Church House for a connexional assessors meeting which I think should be quite interesting. I have often wondered what other assessors are like and this will give me an opportunity to meet some of them.
We have been sent some suggestions of things we might cover during the day and I think I may return with a headache as some of them look a little on the heavy side.
May say more after the trip so watch this space.

Hymn for today

2011-06-12T16:40:00.000+01:00

Here is a hymn from Fanny J Crosby for Pentecost Sunday

1 Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit!
How I need your help divine!
In the way of life eternal,
keep, O keep this heart of mine.

Refrain:
Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit,
gracious Teacher, Friend divine!
For the kingdom work that calls me,
O prepare this heart of mine.

2 Grant to me your sacred presence;
then my faith will ne'er decline.
Comfort me and help me onward;
fill with love this heart of mine. Refrain

test

2011-06-06T20:21:00.000+01:00

try

Hymn of the Day

2011-06-05T21:33:00.001+01:00

Here is today's offering from the pen of Fanny J Crosby.

We praise Thee, we bless Thee, our Father and Friend,
O let our devotions before Thee ascend;
In youth and in childhood, together we come,
To pray that Thy will in our hearts may be done.

We thank Thee for blessings received every day,
For which Thou hast taught us unceasing to pray;
But O, for the treasures Thy Word hath in store,
Thy Name, O our Father, we bless and adore.

Protect us—defend us from sin and from harm,
And gather, dear Shepherd, the lambs with Thy arms.
O nourish and strengthen our souls now in youth
With mercy and wisdom and goodness and truth.

You can hear this on Cyberhymnal

Good luck to Jean

2011-06-04T13:30:00.002+01:00

Just thought I would like to take this opportunity to wish Jean Martyn luck on Britain's got talent tonight. As an organist I was extremely impressed with Jean's performances earlier in the week and I am looking forward to hearing her performance tonight and subsequently voting for her.

What a shame

2011-05-28T23:04:00.003+01:00

The Catholic church have decided to pull the plug on one of our ordination services taking place at the Liverpool cathedral and a thread on the Catholic Herald website makes for very sad reading.
There are lots of comments made there which make extremely sad reading and have led me to comment there pointing to John 11 v 35.

Hymn of the Day

2011-05-28T23:03:00.000+01:00

This weeks hymn from Fanny J Crosby.
You can hear the tune on cyberhymnal

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am.

Refrain

Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.

Redeemed, and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
With me doth continually dwell.

Refrain

I think of my blessèd Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long:
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.

Refrain

I know there’s a crown that is waiting,
In yonder bright mansion for me,
And soon, with the spirits made perfect,
At home with the Lord I shall be.

Refrain

Aldersgate Sunday

2011-05-19T16:40:00.002+01:00

Those Methodist historians will know that his Sunday is the Sunday when we celebrate the occasion when John Wesley felt his heart strangely warmed. To celebrate this a services will be taking place at 2-30p.m. on Sunday afternoon at Fishley Lane, Bloxwich (near the Golf Club)WS3 5AE.
If you have a spare hour on Sunday and are anywhere near Walsall please come and join us.

Biblefresh Coffee Morning

2011-05-19T09:36:00.003+01:00

If you are anywhere near Walsall on Saturday 21st May you might want to drop in to our special circuit coffee morning for Biblefresh.
The coffee morning will be from 10-30a.m. until 12-30p.m. at Pleck Methodist Church, Bescot Road, Pleck, Walsall. WS2 9AD where we will be helping to hand write the Bible, serving tea,coffee, cakes and bacon sandwiches and will have a number of Bible reading aids on display to encourage people to read the Bible more.
We are also going to have some passages translated into other languages for people to see what the Bible is like for other people whose language is not English.
Proceeds from the coffee morning will go towards the translation project for Burkina Faso which is part of the Biblefresh initiative.
If you do manage to come along please make sure you say hello to me - it will be good to meet readers.

Hymn of the Day

2011-05-15T16:15:00.002+01:00

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! ’tis the voice of angels, borne in a song to me.
Over the fields of glory, over the jasper sea.

Refrain

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast
There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe from corroding care,
Safe from the world’s temptations, sin cannot harm me there.
Free from the blight of sorrow, free from my doubts and fears;
Only a few more trials, only a few more tears!

Refrain

Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge, Jesus has died for me;
Firm on the Rock of Ages, ever my trust shall be.
Here let me wait with patience, wait till the night is over;
Wait till I see the morning break on the golden shore.

Refrain

Marking Complete

2011-05-14T22:25:00.002+01:00

Well I have finished my marking in this round of connexional assessments and just emailed the feedback sheets to Methodist Church House.
Maybe i will post the odd item on here during the next week - watch this space.

Hymn of the Day

2011-05-08T21:39:00.000+01:00

Today's Fanny Crosby Hymn

Blessèd Redeemer, full of compassion,
Great is Thy mercy, boundless and free;
Now in my weakness, seeking Thy favor,
Lord, I am coming closer to Thee.

Refrain

Blessèd Redeemer, wonderful Savior,
Fountain of wisdom, Ancient of Days,
Hope of the faithful, Light of all ages,
Jesus my Savior, Thee will I praise.

Blessèd Redeemer, Thou art my Refuge,
Under Thy watch-care, safe I shall be;
Gladly adoring, joyfully trusting,
Still I am coming closer to Thee.

Refrain

Blessèd Redeemer, gracious and tender,
New and forever dwell Thou in me;
Thou, my Protector, Shield and Defender,
Draw me and keep me closer to Thee.

Refrain

Hymn for Today

2011-05-01T22:05:00.001+01:00

Sorry this is a little late - been a bit busy today what with church and marking unit 8 of Faith and Worship.

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Refrain

Draw me nearer, nearer blessèd Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessèd Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the power of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

Refrain

O the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend with friend!

Refrain

There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.

Refrain

Somebody asked me

2011-04-27T19:25:00.002+01:00

I have received an email today from one of my readers who are not on facebook asking if I could tell you more about the 30 day hymn challenge I mentioned a couple of days ago.
Essentially it is something I set up having done the 30 day song challenge on facebook. There are a list of things to choose hymns for and I have attached the list below if any of you want to have a go at it. One of the beauties of facebook is that I am able to post video versions of the hymns that I choose so in a sense it can be a type of witness as well.

This is the list of hymns.
Day 1 Favourite Easter hymn
day 2 Favourite hymn of all
Day 3 Least favourite hymn
Day 4 Your choice of hymn for a wedding
Day 5 Your choice of hymn for funeral
Day 6 your choice of hymn for a Baptism
Day 7 Your favourite Pentecost hymn
Day 8 Your favourite harvest hymn
Day 9 your favourite advent hymn
Day 10 your favourite Christmas hymn or carol
Day 11 A hymn that makes you happy
Day 12 A hymn that challenges you
Day 13 A hymn that comforts you
Day 14 A hymn that you could sing without a hymn book
Day 15 A hymn you learnt at normal school
Day 16 A hymn you learnt at Sunday School
Day 17 A hymn that reminds you of a place
Day 18 A hymn that reminds you of a person
Day 19 A hymn that reminds you of an important event
Day 20 Your favourite hymn at school
Day 21 A hymn you like to listen to when you are sad
Day 22 A hymn you like to listen to when you are angry
Day 23 A hymn your mother taught you or sang to you
Day 24 A hymn you used to like but don't now
Day 25 A hymn you would like to sing with a big choir
Day 26 A hymn you would like to sing as a duet with a famous singer
Day 27 A hymn you wish you had written (Words)
Day 28 A hymn you wish you had written (Music)
Day 29 A hymn that makes you feel like dancing (or at least tapping your feet)
Day 30 A hymn that fills you with joy.

Choices can be any hymn, song or chorus.

Easter Hymn from Fanny J Crosby

2011-04-24T08:35:00.004+01:00

He is Risen! Alleluia!

A hymn by Fanny Crosby that fits today well and with a rousing tune too. (Too hear it pop across to here
Christ hath risen! Hallelujah!
Blessèd morn of life and light!
Lo, the grave is rent asunder,
Death is conquered through His might.

Refrain

Christ is risen! Hallelujah!
Gladness fills the world today;
From the tomb that could not hold Him,
See, the stone is rolled away!

Christ hath risen! Hallelujah!
Friends of Jesus, dry your tears;
Through the veil of gloom and darkness,
Lo, the Son of God appears!

Refrain

Christ hath risen! Hallelujah!
He hath risen, as He said;
He is now the King of glory,
And our great exalted Head.

Refrain

What's going on?

2011-04-23T09:29:00.004+01:00

Just popped on to let you know I am in the middle of marking ten peoples work for the Faith and Worship course and expecting some more next week from people who have re-submitted work.

I have been trying to balance lots of things but the blogging has not really been a priority however I have popped on this morning to mention three things to readers.

1. If you live anywhere near Walsall there is an early morning communion service on Barr Beacon (local beauty spot) at 5-45 a.n. tomorrow morning (easter Sunday)

2. If you are on Facebook check out the 30 day hymn challenge - just type 30 day in the search box and you should find it without too much problem.

3. May I take this opportunity to wish all my readers a very happy Easter.

Expecting a parcel

2011-04-05T07:07:00.002+01:00

As it says above I am expecting a parcel today with a number of people's assignments for the Faith and Worship course.
Please pray for those who have submitted work for marking as they have to wait until the end of May to hear how they have done and please pray for those of us marking the work.

Hymn for Today

2011-04-03T08:25:00.001+01:00

Here is today's hymn by Fanny J Crosby.

Sing, my soul! proclaim the holy rapture
Bursting now from every chord of thine;
Angel choirs, their highest numbers waking,
Never told the bliss of a joy like mine.

Refrain

Saved and redeemed, thro’ simple faith in Jesus!
Now I am His, and He abides in me;
Saved and redeemed! Oh, shout aloud the story;
Hid with Him forevermore my life shall be.

Sing, my soul! the Rock whereon thou standest,
Firm, unmoved, thy anchored hope shall keep;
He, thy Lord, still walking on the billow,
Calms the troubled wave like a child to sleep.

Refrain

Hark, my soul! from distant realms eternal,
Borne in light on faith’s celestial wing,
Love’s glad songs to thee are gently wafted,
Songs that by and by thou wilt learn to sing.

Refrain

Look, my soul! the morrow’s dawn is breaking;
Hail, oh, hail, thy heav’n on earth begun!
He, the Lord, such heights of joy revealing,
Holds the blessèd crown that will soon be won.

Refrain

Help and advice needed.

2011-03-28T20:42:00.003+01:00

At our last Local Preachers meeting the subject of expenses for local preachers came up and it seemed to be that we needed to review our position on this topic.

I have checked the Methodist Church website and note there are no guidelines for this and circuits generally make their own policy on it.

What I am looking for and I am sure one or two of my readers may have an idea, is what other circuits do in respect of this. I would be very grateful if any of you have a policy if you could let me know what it is by Wednesday of this week as it may come up at our Circuit Meeting on Thursday.

You can email me if you wish rather than commenting here ipsouthall@supanet.com

Many thanks

Long time no post!

2011-03-27T14:16:00.006+01:00

Except for the hymns of the day my posting seems to have been very slow recently but I notice that most bloggers have little spells like this.
I tend to blog when I really feel I have something to say and have not really had much to say recently so no posting.
I hope readers have been enjoying the hymns of the day from the pen of Fanny J Crosby and it has led me in a sense to comment on some things that are happening that lots of churches don't seem to have any knowledge about.
The past few week I have been asking congregations in churches I have been preaching at about a number of things that are going on at the moment and been rather disappointed how little knowledge there is about them.I was in another circuit this morning and they seemed to be poorly informed. Here for readers are the items and hopefully a few of you have heard about them:

The Real Easter Egg
I was amazed that we consume around 8 million Easter eggs in this country and that there has never been any details of the real Easter story on them - that is until this year. You can buy an Easter egg this year called the 'Real Easter Egg' which shares some of the story on the box and is Fairtrade.

Singing the Faith
I think I have mentioned this before and while I understand there is a great deal of opposition to the new hymn book, when I asked this morning there must have been 95% of the congregation who had blank expressions. Seems to me that the book has not even got onto agendas of churches and churches councils and really now is the time we ought to be thinking about it if we have any intention of buying it or even deciding not to.

Biblefresh
I am amazed that this is another project that people seem to have very little idea about especially when there are projects going on within the Methodist Church to support this. In our district we are helping with the project to hand write the Bible and each circuit is supposed to be taking part so it is reasonable to expect that this might have filtered down to the individual churches.
The other thing happening in our district is that we have purchased a John Wesley study Bible which is going round the district and will then be sent to Rwanda where we have been supporting a number of projects. The church I was at this morning is in our district so I had hoped they would have heard of the Biblefresh project.

I wonder if this is just a local thing or if it is a much wider thing and the church I attend is well informed and keeping abreast of a number of things that others seem to have no knowledge of.

Well a few things there to think about and who knows some of you might have some thoughts on them - or even what the experience is where you are.

Hymn of the day 27-3-11

2011-03-27T14:11:00.001+01:00

My latest choice from the pen of Fanny J Crosby.

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
A wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
Where rivers of pleasure I see.

Refrain

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life with the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day.

Refrain

With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
And filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God
For such a Redeemer as mine!

Refrain

When clothed in His brightness, transported I rise
To meet Him in clouds of the sky,
His perfect salvation, His wonderful love
I’ll shout with the millions on high.

Refrain

Hymn of the day

2011-03-20T13:36:00.000+01:00

Another hymn from the pen of Fanny J Crosby.

All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread;
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me
O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way.

Hymn for the day

2011-03-13T09:15:00.001+01:00

Here is this weeks offering from the Hymns of Fanny J Crosby along with some background information.

As earnest Christian pastor told of a young man about whom he had long felt much anxiety, as he had seemed so unconcerned about his soul, and was, in reality, a real cause of disturbance and interruption in classes for other young men. Meeting him one day, the loving pastor sought once more to influence him, urging, “We want you for Christ and his service.” There was a certain change in his manner which did not escape the eye of the prayerful watcher for souls, and—lacking time to do more—he seized the opportunity to secure the presence of his young friend at a Christian Endeavor meeting soon to be held. True to his promise he was there. When an opportunity was given for some of the young men to choose a song, it was seen that he was urging his companion to select some particular hymn. The other, yielding to his request, asked if the hymn, “Pass me not, O gentle Saviour,” might be sung; and both young men joined in the singing with evident interest and heartiness. Later in the evening it was requested that all who were definitely on the Lord’s side would confess their allegiance by standing. Whereupon the one over whom the heart of the pastor was specially yearning rose at once, and with decision.

“Tell me about your conversion,” the thankful pastor requested at the close of the meeting, when hands were clasped in glad, brotherly welcome and recognition.

“Oh, yes,” assented the other. “It was all through that hymn we have just sung. I was working on the canal at G–, and there was a meeting being held at the Mariner’s Chapel, nearby. The words floated out over the water, and from the tug where I was working I could hear them plainly enough. When they were just going to sing those lines—‘While on others Thou are calling, Do not pass me by!’ a great fear came over me, and I thought, ‘Oh, if the Lord were to pass me by, how terrible it would be!’ Then and there, on the tug, I cried out, ‘O Lord, do not pass me by.’ And”—with a bright smile—“he didn’t pass me by. I am saved.’”

Sankey, pp. 218-20

Pass me not, O gentle Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

Refrain

Savior, Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

Let me at Thy throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief,
Kneeling there in deep contrition;
Help my unbelief.

Refrain

Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace.

Refrain

Thou the Spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me,
Whom have I on earth beside Thee?
Whom in Heav’n but Thee?

Refrain

Hymn of the day.

2011-03-06T14:01:00.004+01:00

This week's hymn from Fanny J Crosby - you can hear the tune if you go across to cyberhymnal

Here in Thy Name we are gathered,
Come and revive us, O Lord;
“There shall be showers of blessing,”
Thou hast declared in Thy Word.

Refrain

Oh, graciously hear us,
Graciously hear us, we pray:
Pour from Thy windows upon us
Showers of blessing today.

Oh! that the showers of blessing,
Now on our souls may descend,
While at the footstool of mercy
Pleading Thy promise we bend!

Refrain

“There shall be showers of blessing,”
Promise that never can fail;
Thou wilt regard our petition;
Surely our faith will prevail.

Refrain

Showers of blessing, we need them,
Showers of blessing from Thee;
Showers of blessing, oh, grant them,
Thine all the glory shall be.

Refrain

Singing the Faith

2011-03-05T19:09:00.003+01:00

Well I received my sample copy of this in the week and I do have a couple of issues with it. Firstly the size of the print seemed to be fairly small and I think it could be difficult to read for some people.
The second thing was what appears to be a lack of consistency - one hymn has a number of verses with the words printed within the music staves making it very easy for musicians to sing when they are leading - other hymns have the music on one page and the words on the opposite page which makes it very difficult for musicians to sing (unless they know the words off by heart.

I do wonder if this is going to be a massive damp squib all round as from what I know and hear there are lots of churches that care not aware of the publication of the new book - I think we are the only church in our circuit that has taken any interest in the book and in fact it appears that many of our members have not heard of this book - not a good sign given it is published this year.

Methodist Anglican covenant.

2011-03-05T18:59:00.002+01:00

I see from this weeks Methodist Recorder that this topic has raised its head again and according to Rev Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church the covenant is now back on the agenda.
While I appreciate it may be back on the agenda for Church House and the Anglican HQ I am not sure it is on the agenda of many ordinary Methodists and Anglicans. There is a lot of good work going on across the country where groups are working together well but I don't believe the majority of them are looking for the formal joining together of the two churches.
I mentioned it at the coffee morning at our church this morning and the reaction was not at all positive.
I think there is a long way to go convincing us that this is a good move.

Hymn of the Day

2011-02-27T14:22:00.002+01:00

Here is this weeks hymn by Fanny J Crosby:-

To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Refrain

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Refrain

Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

Refrain

Hymn of the Day

2011-02-19T23:30:00.003+01:00

A fellow blogger posts a Hymn of the Day each Sunday and each one I think I have seen has been one of Charles Wesley's hymns. While this is very good I have thought for some time there are other hymn writers who could receive the same treatment and I thought I would look at a hymn writer who was probably as prolific as Charles Wesley, plus I like the persons hymns that I have chosen.

Here is the first hymn from Fanny J Crosby (Frances J van Alstyne)

My friend, Mrs. Joseph F. Knapp, composed a melody and played it over to me two or three times on the piano. She then asked what it said. I replied, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!”

Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Refrain

Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Refrain

Been there, done it, bought some books!

2011-02-19T20:40:00.002+01:00

Well I popped across to Quinton this morning to the book sale in aid of Engelsea Brook. I did pick up a few books at the sale and they were very reasonably priced.
I noticed some fascinating books for students of Methodism, lots of history of Methodism type stuff, quite a few hymnbooks including a Primitive and a Sunday School hymnbook as well as lots of general reading.
It might have been an added bonus if we could have got a drink but perhaps no one had thought of that.
I would have to say if you like books it is well worth a visit.

Grand Book Sale

2011-02-19T11:36:00.001+01:00

As requested by Methodist Preacher please see this grand announcement:-

The grand book sale in Quinton starts today! 10,000 volumes!

The renowned Englesea Brook book sale in the West Midlands starts today and runs until next Saturday, except tomorrow Sunday. There will be 10,000 good quality second hand books on sale.

This is truly an exceptional event and draws in book lovers from all over the region. All proceeds go to support the excellent museum at Englesea Brook in Cheshire.

The museum attracted a rave review in the Guardian last year so you can be assure it is for a good cause commemorating both Methodist and working class history.

The venue is Quinton Methodist Church in Ridgeway Avenue, between Spies Lane and Halesowen Road. It is on the route of the 9, 140, 141, 202 and 636 bus routes and is opposite the Reel Cinema, Quinton.
The post code is B62 9AU. There is a large (free) car park and the entrance to the sale is off the car park. It is right next to the M5 and equidistant between Junctions 2 and 3.

Opening hours are 10am to 5pm with late opening until 8pm on Thursday

Communication, Information and Advertising

2011-02-16T23:50:00.002+01:00

I have been thinking a lot recently about the three topics of communication, information and advertising and looking at how well or how badly we do as the church.
I suppose this started not long before Christmas when I came across, by accident the 'Not Ashamed' project and started to wonder why no one at church or in our circuit seemed to have picked this up and told us about it (communication) why we didn't know about it (information) and how well it was publicised (advertising).

The second thing was the Biblefresh project which is taking place this year and while this may have reached a few more churches it still seems to me that there are lots of churches that know nothing about it.Certainly in our circuit it appeared that our church was the only one who had any information on the project. I was preaching at a Baptist church on Sunday gone and mentioned Biblefresh and they said they had no knowledge of the project.

The third thing was the new Methodist hymn book 'Singing the faith'. I find it quite incredible that at least one of the churches in our circuit didn't discuss it at their church council and that's only one I know about. I heard from one of our members that a relative of hers who is a local preacher in another part of the country didn't even know that we were looking at having a new hymn book. How well has this been communicated and how well has it been advertised?

The fourth thing I picked up on Methodist Preachers blog when he raised questions about the website of the Methodist Church Connexion and the news pages that each district can use to publicise and advertise events. Apparently there was nothing on there at all - the cupboard was bare so to speak.

How well are we getting the message of the things detailed above to our folk and if we are doing badly with this how are we doing with communicating the gospel?

Some interesting things to consider and think about - not sure what the answers are but look forward to any thoughts or comments my readers might have.

Where am I?

2011-02-16T08:06:00.003+01:00

Where am I? Where have I been? might be two question those regular visitors here have been asking themselves or on the other hand it might be you haven't noticed my lack of posting.
Well the answers are I am still here and not a lot. I have been thinking what I might say on here that would be interesting or thought provoking but a lot of the time I sit in front of the computer and there is little or no inspiration, even after visiting other blogs (although I have commented in a number of places).
I haven't gone away and will no doubt be back to normal service (whatever that is or was) at some point and just hope you will keep dropping by because you never know when there might be something really interesting.

Local Authors

2011-02-06T18:27:00.003+01:00

I am always interested in writers of local history and came across a book by Brian Stringer from Walsall Wood called 'The Clayhanger Kid' which he had self published. If you can get a copy of this book it is well worth a read and while it is set earlier than my book I can relate to many of the things he talks about.
I have just read that he had a book signing in a library yesterday which was very well attended and enjoyed by many.
I do still have a few copies of my book available if any readers are interested - the book is called 'A bang or a Whimper' and is available from me directly for the princely sum of £10 which includes post and packing.
I recently sent one to an old school chum up in Northumberland and he emailed me to say that it was the best tenner he had spent in ages.

Read this - Please!!!!

2011-01-23T14:59:00.002+01:00

I have just visited and incredible blog about a 6 year old with a brain tumour which I found fascinating and amzing.
If you read nothing else to day have a look at this blog

Goodbye!

2010-12-31T12:19:00.002+01:00

Thought that might catch your attention! I really meant to put goodbye 2010 as we are now very near to the end of this year and the beginning of the next.

I do wonder where the last twelve months have disappeared to as it seems like just a couple of weeks since it was last new years eve.

I am sure that as I get older time seems to go faster.

The new year is just a few hours away and I am sure there will be much written about resolutions and plans for the new year - I am not intending to write about either.

What I would like to do is take this opportunity to wish all my readers a new year that is joyful, peaceful and healthy.

May 2011 be a really good year where you are able to say in 12 months time that it was a very good year.

All Change

2010-12-29T21:42:00.004+01:00

Hi Folks,
I suspect you will have immediately noticed the cosmetic changes I have made (gone from red to blue) and the more observant of you will have noticed I have changed the grouping of other blogs and sites of interest.

I may add some other blogs and sites during the next few days or may leave it as it is. Whatever I decide it will be with a view to showing readers some of the other things I am interested in as well as church and Christianity related stuff. It may be that some of this will give readers a better picture of who I am and what I am about.

I can promise that I will steer clear of politics as much as possible because my Mom always said there were two things you should never discuss and one of them was politics - the other was religion but I really do believe I can break that one as Christians have a responsibility to be witnesses of God's love and grace.

I did make some mention of not having blogged much recently and what I might do with this blog in the future and Pam BG has picked up on this and written a very interesting piece around this discussion.

I have also come very close to telling two people where to go over on a post at Connexions but managed to refrain from being rude.

I hope you like the changes and find it easier to navigate the blog with the new groupings and that you will find some of the new links interesting.

Incidentally in my last post I said Christmas was all over for another year and obviously I realise that it isn't for Christians but for those who have no interest in the gospel story it will be.

It's all over!!

2010-12-27T09:35:00.001+01:00

It’s all over – well for another year anyway. Christmas has come and gone and I am sure that before we know where we are next Christmas will be with us. I am convinced at the risk of sounding like my mother that times goes faster as you get older. (I know it can’t but it certainly appears to!)

I imagine that during this week the media and perhaps many of us will start thinking about the year that has gone and the year ahead with some emphasis on what we think the year ahead might bring.

I was sitting here looking at other blogs I read and thought it was perhaps time I did a little bit of maintenance work on this blog. Those who visit regularly may notice some changes during the next few days as I am on holiday until next Tuesday but my wife is working in the morning so I will be looking at this blog and making some adjustments.

It has been a sad year in a number of respects with the loss of two bloggers who were both quite unique in their own ways and were the first blogs I used to check each day. Bob the Black Country Brummie was a tireless campaigner on a number of local issues while Olive Morgan was one of the oldest bloggers I know of – I have kept both of them on my blog for some time now but feel that perhaps the time has come to take the links to their blogs off mine. I noted too the other day that Doorman Priest has decided that his blog has run its course and I would like to thank him for the enjoyment reading his posts have given me – especially when he has been writing about his school and some of the amusing things the pupils have been up to.

I may well remove links to blogs where there have been no posts during the last four months as I really feel whatever I am linking to should be relevant and reasonably up to date.

I have also thought about changing the way I group items together and one idea I had was that anything local would be put in its own category – there are some local links already but there are one or two more I might add.

Finally I need to think through the future direction of this blog – I did mention this a few weeks ago and I have to say that in some senses the original impetus of the blog seems to have waned. I don’t know if I ever really had an aim for the blog or whether I should have. It may be that the style and content has been right for me and for the blog and I am pleased that since it started in June 2007 I had just over 10,000 visitors, given that I wasn’t really sure if anyone would visit other than by accident.

I do occasionally check the statistics and note that there are a number of casual visitors but also that there are a number of regulars to who I say thanks for keep coming back.

Well I think this post is probably long enough so will end here with the old saying ‘Watch this space’.

Good point on bad weather

2010-12-19T22:35:00.002+01:00

I was just looking through the blogs I read and found a post on Black Country Kid's blog which I have a great deal of sympathy with.
He makes some very good points about the bad driving that is evident in this particularly wintry weather.

Carol Praise Tonight

2010-12-15T08:17:00.001+01:00

Don't forget if you are in the Walsall area tonight and have a free hour we would be pleased to see you at our Carol Praise event - 7-30p.m. at Pleck Methodist Church (see earlier post for more details)

If Jesus had been born in the Black Country

2010-12-15T08:12:00.003+01:00

Here you go folks a little bit of the Jesus story told in the way it might have been had Jesus been born here in the Black Country.

God sent Gabriel ter the sitty o’ Nazreth tew a yung wummun nairmed Mary. Er wuz Elizabeth’s cuzzen. Wen Mary sid th’airnjul it mithered ‘er cus ‘er day know wor ‘e wuz doin theer.
Gabriel sed ‘Now doh be frit Mary. God aye arf blest yo. Yo’m gunna ave a babby an ‘is nairm is gunner be Jesus. E wo arf be a grate mon an e’ll be called the Son o God.
Mary’s ansud ‘Ah’m a sairvent o’ the Lord soo lerr evvrythin’ appen wo yo’ne sed.
Mary’s bloke wus nairmed Joseph, E wuz a carpinter and they wor very well off.
The emprer sed tharr all the Jews ad gorra goo ter the plairces we’er theeer Fairthers wuz boirn ter rite theer nairms dahn.
Mary an Joseph went ter Bethlem t’ ave theer nairms put dahn. Wen thay got ter Bethlem theer wore no room in th’inn so they went ter a stairble ter rest.
While they wuz theer the time come fer Mary ter ave the babby and they wrapped im up in swaddling cloths and laird im in the manger.

Carol Praise

2010-12-14T08:29:00.002+01:00

Don't forget if you have a free evening tomorrow (15th) and are anywhere near Walsall we would be pleased to see you at our Carol Praise event at Pleck Methodist Church, Bescot Road, Walsall. WS2 9AD starting at 7-30p.m. and to be followed by mince pies, sausage rolls and tea or coffee.

Christmas is coming.......

2010-12-14T08:22:00.002+01:00

Christmas is coming,
and the shops are going mad
got to get a present for me
dear old Mom and Dad.

I am convinced that the world is going mad and that for shop and v=businesses there is a degree of Jingle all the way as their cash registers ching with the sound of money going into them.

We have just had a new Tesco store open in Walsall and very foolishly on Saturday I allowed my wife and daughter to persuade me to go and have a look at it - not a good move really as it was extremely busy and I was amazed at how much stuff people were buying - I suspect the shops will only be shut for one day and yet you would think people were stocking up for a siege.

At the risk of sounding like Scrooge I am tempted to say Bah Humbug to the whole thing - of course the only thing that stops me is that the story behind all the trimmings and turkey and tinsel has to be the most amazing story ever told, and of course the reality of knowing Jesus as Lord and Saviour gives the whole thing an added dimension that is sadly missing for many of the folk I saw in Tesco on Saturday.

I was just thinking!

2010-11-23T08:02:00.002+01:00

Now there's a dangerous thing to be doing but I have to say I was just thinking about a post over on Methodist Preacher's blog about Cyrille Regis a local footballer and his testimony.

Methodist Preacher is in a sense bemoaning the fact that the language of Damascus style conversion is not often heard in our Methodist churches and I do have some sympathy for what he says. I did comment on his blog but have given a little more thought to the matter since and started to wonder whether one of the reasons we don't hear much of this type of testimony is that the sort of experience we talk about was either that far back that some of our folk have forgotten it or because it has never really been tapped into people feel a little reluctant to talk about it.

One of the other things that struck me was the number of people I know who would not be able to say they had a conversion experience as many of them have grown up in Christian homes and seen themselves as Christians for the whole of their life.

If I wanted to be a little controversial I might even suggest that some may never have actually had a conversion experience and may not know the saving power of the risen Lord - but hey I don't do controversy.

My other thought I suppose is that while Cyrille's story might be very interesting it may only have reasonably local appeal especially given it has been a few years since he was playing top line football.

Is it safe?

2010-11-19T20:19:00.002+01:00

I have to admit to finding my self wholeheartedly in agreement with Methodist Preacher on a topic he has posted on today. (I hope nobody holds it against me.

I like him can not stand the tripe that is served up in the name of entertainment under the heading of Children in Need!

I have no problem with the concept of raising money for worthy causes and do quite like Sir Terry but having watched about five minutes of it I can no stand any more - I am glad it is nearly time to go out to the Crystal Folk Club at the Liberal Club in Blackheath.

If it runs true to form we will have around 20 artistes and will hear about 40 songs in good company.

Folk on Friday

2010-11-18T22:32:00.002+01:00

Its Friday tomorrow and I had a choice of going to a Winter Wonderland celebration which is effectively our works Christmas Celebration or going to Crystal Folk Club.

Crystal Folk Club won the toss as they say. It will be disco music at the Winter Wonderland thing and last year it nearly deafened me.

I had looked at singing a song written by Stephen Foster called Hard Times but having tried it we think it needs a little more work on it along with the Bob Dylan number we are working on.

We will be singing two songs tomorrow night - one concerns a fishmonger in Dublin and the other was song by Brian and Michael who were also know as Burke and Jerk.

I have not given the titles and wonder if anyone will come back with suggestions of what the two songs are called (Perhaps Richard Hall might be the man to answer this one)

Israel and the Methodist Church.

2010-11-17T22:58:00.003+01:00

I have said to myself that I would not get involved in the debates that are going on around this issue but as I continue to read the various blogs and comments I have begun to wonder about something in a sense quite fundamental.

My question is 'How many ordinary Methodists know what the official Methodist position is on this topic?' (Or any other topic for that matter)
This probably leads to another range of questions such as 'will the majority of our folk even be interested?' You can't even get them to cross the circuit to attend circuit events so what chance of them taking an interest in global issues?

It may be too that some of our folk would say it's the other side of the world it doesn't concern me! Why do we have to interfere in other people's business? Will it make any difference? What are the government doing?

Whatever we might think or not think it seems that this particular debate could continue for some time to come.

Special event coming soon.

2010-11-15T22:10:00.004+01:00

Any readers who may have a spare evening in December would be welcome to join with us on Wednesday 15th December for and evening of words and music for Christmas.
Tea coffee and mince pies will be served at the end of the evrening.

It's over!

2010-11-15T21:27:00.002+01:00

As the late great Roy Orbison said it is indeed over for another six months - all the work is marked, the feedback sheets have gone back to church house and all but two of the students will be very pleased in the next couple of weeks.

I really do not like having to fail anyone as I am still near enough to to the Faith and Worship Course (having only finished in 1990) to appreciate how much hard work goes into the assignments and the study.

It seems to me both from marking and from what I read on the Facebook group for local preachers in training that the biggest difficulty for most students are the exegesis passages. On each occasion I have had to fail anyone it has been on their exegesis passage, and while I realise they are not the easiest thing to complete there is plenty of help available in the tutors handbook on the way to complete them successfully.

I suppose the really important thing is that the exegesis process is a really useful tool for preachers and some of the work I have seen in the exegesis that have been submitted would certainly form the basis of very good sermons.

I am greatly encouraged by the work that I have seen and believe it bodes well for the future of Local Preaching.

Twice in one day - this could become a habit!

2010-11-09T09:02:00.003+01:00

I have just noticed the verse for today and was quite intrigued by the concept of becoming like wool. I am sure the writer was referring to the whiteness of wool but when I look in my wife's knitting bag I see all sorts of colours including some wool that has a number of colours in one ball and knits some very interesting patterns.
It's quite funny to me how occasionally something like this will just strike a chord and a scripture you have read many time throws up a new thought - could Isaiah have written this today given the range of different coloured wools available? Would we and do we understand what he means by this or do we get confused by our modern idea of wool?.

Normal service will be resumed shortly.

2010-11-09T08:22:00.002+01:00

Well I hope it will! I am now nearing the end of my marking so may have a little more time to do the odd blog although of course we have the really busy time of Advent and Christmas coming up so that will no doubt take up some time.

I know I have said normal service will be resumed but I am not quite sure what that normal service is or should be - this blog seemed like a really good idea when I started it and there have been some interesting moments on here but I am wondering if it is time for a rethink and perhaps even a new direction for the blog.

I intend to give the matter some thought and while in the past I have made some cosmetic changes I just wonder if it is time to make some deeper changes.

I will share my thoughts here and hope there may be some feedback - it might be that what I am already doing here is OK and readers feed that back to me or it may be readers have some other suggestions. Whichever way I will just say watch this space!

Where have I been?

2010-11-01T08:09:00.003+01:00

Regular visitors to this blog will have observed it has been a while since I posted again and the main reason for this is down to a lack of time - I am currently marking 17 peoples submission for section B of the Faith and Worship course as well as maintaining all the other activities I am involved in - this week is the week when I produce our bi monthly newsletter so again that is time consuming as well and of course I work full time.

I suppose a secondary reason but probably as important a reason is my disappointment with the continuing heated debate that seems to be going on across a number of blogs that I read and the tone of both the posts and comments being made.

I have always tried to recognise that other peoples views on any given topic may be different to my own and I try very hard to respect their right to hold such views. I may state my views and say that they are my views and while I respect your right to hold a different view I hope you will equally respect my right to do so.

It seems quite unfortunate to me that this is not happening within the Methodist blogosphere at the current time and having just spent some time reading posts and comments again I am very sad that the language has sunk to the type of thing I would expect to find in the playground at school and not from people I believe to be reasonably intellectual and certainly intelligent.

I have to admit that I do not feel I know enough about the situation in Israel and Palestine to comment in any depth on the issues and my reading of the blogs where these matters are being discussed has not helped me in any way to have a clearer picture.

While realising the importance of the topic being discussed I do wonder how useful it is to continue the discussion given that there seems to be little chance of an amicable resolution to the discussion where it appears that views are diametrically opposed and there seems to be no common ground where a solution may be forthcoming either in the situation in Israel or in the situation in the Methodist blogosphere.

I make no apologies for this particular post and while I realise it may attract some comment (or then again it may not) I really did think I needed to put my view on the situation and to perhaps ask for a little bit of peace and tranquility to return.

Whoops!

2010-09-30T14:21:00.004+01:00

I think I may have put my foot in it in the closing part of my previous post and have been gently taken to task by Gerry for doing so.
I would be quite happy of course for any of my readers to pray for those people who have submitted work for marking - my comment was made to Methodists on the basis that as the folk are training to be Methodist Local Preachers it is more likely to be other Methodists who will benefit from their ministry. There was no intention to exclude other Christians and I hope all of my readers whether a member of a faith community or not will spare a thought for the folk who have submitted and will have a two month wait to receive their results.

Connexional Assessment

2010-09-29T20:37:00.003+01:00

Well today was the day that Methodist Local Preachers in training have to submit their assignments to Church House for marking. I am expecting a parcel in the next few days with another batch of section 'B' of the Faith and Worship course.
I have been marking for a while now and always find it an interesting experience and always feel that there is a good future for the Methodist Church in respect of its preachers who are in training at the present time.
I have seen some quite excellent work and some extremely interesting services that have been prepared and used by some of the preachers. I often say I wish I had been present in the services and this is very true as there is such a breadth of material.
I would like to wish all those who have submitted every success and ask that those of my readers who are Methodists pray for the students as they wait anxiously to see how they have done.

What? No Post?

2010-09-23T07:08:00.003+01:00

An interesting question I suppose given it has been a while since I posted anything, and I am not sure I can give a reason why other than a period blogging wise with Ezekiel in the valley of the dry bones.
There have been lots of things going on and like most of my readers the usual busyness with working full time and being active in church matters does sometimes eat into the majority of any day.
I suppose it would also be true to say there has not been anything that has really made me feel like sitting down and writing something on here - nothing that has really mad me mad or sad.
The nearest I came to putting something was about the report that came to Synod about the future of the Presidency of the Methodist Conference but having had a fairly lengthy debate at our Synod I think even that didn't excite me enough to say something.
My Methodist readers will know that next week is the date for our on trial preachers to submit their work for marking so in the next two weeks I am expecting a fairly large parcel from Church House with a number of people's work to mark.
One interesting thing on marking was we had a visiting speaker at our Synod who told us she had just become a fully accredited Local Preacher and I had marked her section B work so was quite pleased to hear she had been successful.
Thanks to David and Gerry for prompting me to post something - I will try to do better in future.

Tuesday Thought

2010-07-27T17:30:00.002+01:00

“[God Disciplines His Sons] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

Now here's another verse that brings us such good advice and yet there is perhaps a stumbling block as well. Those who know me will know I am not exactly built for running races so suggesting that I run the race with perseverance doesn't quite work.

The good thing of course is that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses that is even greater than when this verse was written.

It is of course not so easy to throw off the things that hinder us and the sin that so easily entangles - we are after all mere humans who live in the world with all its temptations.

But let's try with the help of the cloud of witnesses to at least walk the race with perseverance so that we may one day enter in to the joy of the Lord and hear those words ' well done thou good and faithful servant'.

Another thought

2010-07-23T07:24:00.002+01:00

I check the daily verse that comes up on here and some of them just start me thinking so I thought I might share the odd thought with readers - I am not trying to comment on every verse but will do it when the verse triggers somehting off in my head.

“Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)

I like this verse because it allows me to be like a child in some ways - the kingdom of heaven belongs to little children - I think the next time I dribble when I am eating something like corn on the cob I might remind my wife of this verse.
Elsewhere we are told that we need to be like children and sometimes I wonder if we forget this - we lose our way because we try to be far too analytical in our faith. In general terms I find that children are often more accepting of ideas and concepts and can believe the bible stories a lot more than us adults do.

I have been looking at the book of Revelation recently (Oh no I hear some of you say) and there is so much in there that people try to analyse and work out hidden meanings. Sometimes I think we would do well just to read it right through and picture in our minds all the marvellous things that John saw in his vision - I think the city alone will be something to see and if all the other stuff is there as well it will be an absolutely marvellous place to see and be in.

I suppose that our loss of childhood in this respect is partly down to Paul who urged us to put aside childish things but hey I enjoy a good water pistol fight any day and I really do think it is so easy to be old before we are.

I hope I am like a little child for a long time to come and that I will still be misbehaving for many years to come - my wife says I am always naughty, especially when I am in church business type meetings. I really do enjoy it though.

Just a thought

2010-07-22T21:57:00.002+01:00

“But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:15-16)

Now here's an interesting question that was posed to Simon Peter but you know we could easily be asked the same question. 'Who do you say I am?' Jesus says to Simon Peter.

I wonder what our answer would be if Jesus were to ask us the same thing? Would we say what Simon Peter said or would our answer be a little less positive. Would our answer be influenced by the thinking in our wider society, would we not be positive in our response in case we upset someone else or would we go for it with no thought of any potential consequences?

I am fairly sure a lot of my readers might say the same thing but there may also be readers who would not - because they have never realised the truth that he is the Christ the son of the living God!

Thought for Saturday

2010-07-17T20:48:00.002+01:00

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

This is a verse that I really like but again it is quite challenging and one of those that is difficult to live up to. What a statement to start off 'I am not ashamed of the gospel' and I would hope that all of us who claim to be a Christian could say this but do we then live up to the saying?

I was thinking about this recently after I had preached and talked about the interesting conversations I had at work on Mondays when they asked me what I had done the weekend. Somebody had asked me if I really did this and I had said yes and they had said they couldn't do it. I do understand how hard some people might find this difficult but the second part of the verse should give us courage when it reminds us that it is the power of God for salvation. There is no greater power than the power of the almighty, and if God is for us who can be against us.

I suppose part of the difficulty as well is that we are worried about offending other people because it seems this is something that is prevalent in the minds of people these days.

I really do think that if we share the gospel gently and not take a sledgehammer to crack a nut there should be little reason for people to take offence.

Vestry Prayer for Sunday 18th July 2010

2010-07-17T20:42:00.004+01:00

Lord God at this gathering of your people we pray that you would be present with us, we ask that you would speak to us as we sing your praises, listen you word and share in the word that our brother/sister bring today.
As we consider the busyness of Martha may it be that we will take some time to be hearers of the word so that we can then become doers of the word too.
WE pray your blessing on our time off fellowship today in Jesus name .Amen.

Mutilated!

2010-07-16T06:52:00.003+01:00

THIS POST IS IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ IT!

As many of my readers will know in Methodism we have various committee type meetings where usually the business of running the church is the main topic on the agenda. Last night at our Circuit Meeting we had a presentation that after we had watched it the Superintendent said if he had realised the content of the presentation was very disturbing he would have written to people to warn them. I think that would have been a bad move given the topic and content of the presentation.

We were considering what I can only describe as a barbaric activity called female genital mutilation. I found it hard to believe that this went on but the facts are there and what is even more disturbing is despite the illegality of this practice there are large numbers of girls in this country who are sent back to there ancestral home to have this dreadful procedure carried out.

I really do think this is a topic that needs a much higher profile and would urge readers to have a look at the World Health Organisation's website for further information. I would like to urge those other bloggers who read this blog to consider putting something on their blogs about this topic.

I make no apology for posting on this particular topic as I was absolutely appalled to learn that such barbaric practices take place usually on girls between the ages of 4 and 14.

Thought for Thursday

2010-07-15T06:55:00.002+01:00

“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (James 1:21)

Now here's another interesting verse today and I think quite a difficult one to follow given the state of the world in 2010.

I suspect it would be easy for us to think that we have no moral filth or and evil in our lives - if we are Christians then surely we are living a godly life and doing our best to follow God's commands, and yet how can we not be tainted to some extent by what we read and see in the newspapers and on T.V.

It may be that if we lived in a cocoon or on a desert island that this would be a much easier verse for us to follow, but of course we don't - we live in the real world where there are real issues around evil. Of course we could adopt a 'Holier that thou' attitude and only mix with other Christians but how then are we being salt and light in the world?

We have to I believe do what we can to share the love of God and to take encouragement from the second part of the verse claiming the promise that the word that is planted in us can save us.

Thought for today

2010-07-14T18:42:00.003+01:00

“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.” (John 15:10).

This is an interesting verse and one of those that many people find challenging - there are two things contained in this verse that many of us are reluctant to do.

The first difficulty is with the plea to obey - not something we find easy and I suppose to some extent we try from a very early age not to obey. We tend to push the boundaries to see what we can get away with and often if we are given an instruction to obey there is a temptation to test it out - think of the 'Wet Paint Do Not Touch' sign and how often we find ourselves wanting to see if it really is wet.

The second difficulty is with commands - how hard it is to follow a command - I am much more likely to react positively if asked than if I am told and I suspect there will be many who can associate with this thought.

And yet what a promise there is in this verse - the promise that if we do obey His commands we remain in His love. What better place can there be?

Complaint received!

2010-07-13T22:41:00.002+01:00

I have received a complaint via my son from one of my readers who has expressed their disappointment at the lack of posts on this blog.
There is no single reason for this and it is probably a combinations of things that has led to the lack of posts.
We have been undergoing a re-shaping at work and this has meant I have been quite busy at work as I prepared to move into a new team at a different office and some days I have felt quite drained - this is my second week in the new location and it has really been in some senses like starting a new job. The experts reckon there are a number of stages in team building -forming;storming;norming and performing and I reckon there is a little way to go yet.
Away from work I have also been busy with activities at my own church and preaching engagements at others - on Sunday last I had three appointments and each one needed a different approach and in fact a different sermon.
I am also trying to write my second book 'Neither use nor ornament' due to the success of the first book (over 100 copies sold) which I never really intended to sell.
In addition to all this I made contact with a cousin I haven't seen for almost forty years through a colleague at work who is on facebook and I have been exchanging some emails with her and doing some catching up.
I suppose one of the biggest issues which I think I have hinted at before is that blogging can be quite a lonely business - I know how many people look at the blog but some I believe arrive by accident and stay a matter of seconds while others arrive and stay for some time but I think that sometimes it might be good to get the odd comment from visitors. I do note that some other blogs which are more controversial than mine generate a number of comments - perhaps that is a tack I should take.
I have I think also said before that sometimes there is an issue I think about blogging on but when I actually get five minutes to sit down and do it there are a number of other bloggers who have covered the topic and I feel there is no point in covering the same ground over and over.
Anyway I will try to do better in the next few weeks - if only to keep the complainant happy.

Vestry Prayer for Ordinary 15 year C

2010-07-03T20:38:00.002+01:00

Living Lord as we gather to worship today we pray that you would be with us. We ask O Lord that our hearts and mind would be open to you and to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and that we would be a kingdom people bringing our worship to the King of Kings.
Be with our brother/sister as they lead our time of worship and bring your word to us. As we have heard your word and been fed may we be encouraged to bear witness to those we come into contact during the coming week.
We bring our prayers in the name of Jesus.
Amen

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