The Ponderings of a Meandering Minister…
This morning, Sunday 31 December 2023, we gathered as church in cafe style around tables with coffee and pastries. I knew we would probably be thin on the ground, so meeting in a smaller space and with a different format seemed appropriate – a harkening back to covid distancing days, but with singing allowed! We … Read moreGathering the Stones – New Year’s Eve Reflections
Last year I shared my wee booklet of daily readings gleaned from the Vanderbilt Lectionary website, here’s the one for this year, which begins Thursday 30 November 2023. You’re welcome to view/download and use!
On World Mental Health Day – just a reminder that there is always hope. This piece of art was on digital display in the public library in Oslo last week. I think it looks like a piece of cross-stitching with the messy underside unusually visible. Which is the way I think I’ve experienced hope throughout … Read moreHope – World Mental Health Day
Kathryn and I were invited to lead worship and share about living with family illness under the theme of ‘Beautiful Brokenness’ at Castlewellan Holiday Week in 2018, when Patrick Regan was the main speaker. Patrick had previously spoken at CHW in the youth marquee, and was already known for his work with young people, but … Read moreBrighter Days
A long time ago I had the idea of writing about songs that have been meaningful in my life, perhaps telling stories in a semi-biographical manner. I shared that idea here in 2014, wrote one post in 2015, and then – nothing. But it’s been nagging at me for ages, and so more out of … Read moreOh My God
I’ve been fascinated by the Tenebrae service since it was drawn to my attention by a retired minister while I was the Worship Development Leader for the Methodist Church in Ireland. It’s similar in format to a service of lessons and carols, but with the bible readings (‘shadows’) pointing us towards Jesus’ death rather than … Read moreTenebrae Reflection: Dark Places
I had the privilege of taking a Sabbatical along with holidays from July to October 2022. It had been delayed by four years due to moving station, caring for the family and covid, so it was great to finally have an extended period of leave after fourteen years on circuit and a fair amount of … Read moreSabbatical Reflections
There are many ways of reading through the Bible. When I was in my late teens, I devoured it, my Bible from those days is covered in red underlinings! I’ve used various devotional books and Bible reading notes. When I was doing a lot of driving, I listened to ‘The Bible in a Year’ in … Read moreDaily Lectionary Readings
I’m starting the photo-a-day challenge again, this time through the season of Lent. A word has been selected for each day (see umc.org/lent22), drawn from lectionary readings for the season – then I try to be present enough during the day to spot something I can photograph that connects in some way with that word. … Read morePhoto-A-Day for Lent 2022
I took this image and it connected in my mind with part of Zechariah’s prophecy after his son, John, was born: “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide … Read moreA Sunrise Blessing