The Ponderings of a Meandering Minister…
Ross 
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
I wrote a tweet t’other day that turned into several, and decided to collate them here… Your observations are welcome, as long as we’re civil! Sifting through some numbers this morning as I think about the huge pressure our local GPs and health service are under… We are FOUR HUNDRED times as likely to die … Read moreA wee covid rant
I wrote these prayers for use on Pentecost Sunday, and share them here in case you might find them helpful (feel free to use/amend in worship as you see fit). We’re going to pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit, for us and for the world. The response to “Holy Spirit, fall on us … Read morePrayers for Pentecost
I was kindly invited by our local RBL group to be involved in an outdoor service marking the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion last weekend, along with some of my church leader friends from the town. The service began with a prayer from the Parish Priest and a great sermon from the Non-Subscribing … Read moreDedication for Peace
This weekend twenty-four years ago, the first ‘Autumn Soul’ weekend for Youth Fellowship groups of The Methodist Church in Ireland took place in Bangor, Co. Down. Run by a group of young volunteers overseen by David Neilands and led by Julian Hamilton from the Department of Youth and Children’s Work (now IMYC), we took over … Read moreDeath and Re-Birth
An empty field is here No vans or tents attend the monkey puzzle The lakeshore silent stands Beautiful but not surrounded Flirting, courageous teens who love Jesus Do not linger at washroom doors Arms outstretched in worship Invisibly remembered Yet the air is pregnant With expectation
As the COVID-19 lockdown continues into its third week, churches around the world have moved their worship, community and care online. Video worship is a whole new world for most church leaders (including me!), so I was asked to gather a few key tips. None of these is original to me, so I’m grateful to … Read moreRecording for Video Worship
On Remembrance Sunday 2016 I was standing at the war memorial in Ballynahinch, chatting with another minister before the Remembrance Ceremony about getting ready for the birth of our fourth child, who was due almost a month later. Little did we know, that by the following Sunday the baby would be born and our eldest … Read morePreacher, Preach to Yourself
I’m an infrequent songwriter – by which I mean, I write a song every decade or so. This one has been bubbling away for a number of months as I’ve had the joy of experiencing life more ‘normally’ than had been the case for a few years. I’m guessing it’s similar to moving through stages … Read moreMelancholy Joy