News Archive
March 2007
I've just written a Psalm
On Sunday morning, Ross McCall was taking us through a day in the
life of a friend of God, from Genesis 18. Abraham was invited into a
decision by God over Sodom and Gomorrah. God desires that we also share
our thoughts and concerns with Him.
Currently I’m reading God360, by Andy Flannagan, as a daily
devotion. The 120 readings will probably take me two years to do
though. The other day Andy encouraged us to stop, and spend 15 minutes
writing a Psalm. No, (as Andy would write), stop what you’re doing,
make a coffee, open a Word document and spend 15 minutes writing a
Psalm. Tell God what you’re thinking, whatever it is. You can always
delete it if it is personal. It may be the best 15 minutes you have
with God today.
Here’s a bit of mine (I don’t think it is in any danger of becoming Psalm 151):
Let the knowledge of my hope in the Saviour help me to pick my
fights today; to tackle the important issues, to let my other concerns
fade into perspective, and to enjoy the day in the company of the One.
Faith and The Simpsons
I had the pleasure of taking a couple of seminars this week on the theme of 'Faith and the Simpsons' as part of a sixth form RE conference at Longbenton Community College with Year 12 students.
The sessions went really well and the students responded with interest to the content and engaged with the materials I had spent time preparing. It was really encouraging to see the school's Religious Studies department put so much work into giving their students an opportunity to engage in issues/themes spirituality in a way which was relevant to popular culture.
Other sessions that day included finding stories of faith in films and superheroes and spirituality. I am a firm believer in this kind of approach to encouraging young people to engage with spiritual issues. Jen often finds it amusing that we can see even the most awful or violent of films together and I am somehow still able to pull out a spiritual message or theme. It's a book project I want to work on in the next year or so!
Wouldn't it be great if churches took a similar approach to engaging with popular culture? I know of some that have tried it. A good friend of mine, Neil Sorenson, who is a youth pastor at Holy Trinity Church (Jesmond) spent last summer, with his church, looking at what Doctor Who, Big Brother and other well viewed progs had to say about the Christian faith.
I would love to hear any stories or reflections from you about how or where you have seen faith in contemporary culture recently. What was the last movie you saw that contained echoes of the gospel? Where did you last see faith or God crop up on your TV set? When was the last time you heard the audio of God on your iPod? Where did you, like the prophet Elijah, last hear the still small whisper of God in everyday life? (1 Kings 19:12)
Prize money for pulpit puns
I thought this was too good an opportunity to let slip for all those creative minds in Heaton!. It's from the bdaily regional electronic news bulletin:
"Fight truth decay" is a favourite. "Come in for a free faith lift," is another.
These are just two examples of the puns found on notice boards outside churches. Reuters has reported that the hunt is now on for the best pulpit pun, with a £500 prize for the number one religious slogan.
Margaret Slater, of church property specialist Congregational and General Insurance, which is organising the competition, said: "It never fails to amaze us how many interesting posters there are. Some of the puns really make you smile and we've seen some great examples of creative copywriting too."
Among the classics she cited were: "Chxxch - Have you guessed what's missing? UR!" and "God, you're great!"
The World Cup last year offered the perfect chance to cheer on striker Wayne Rooney and make some converts too: "Rooney shoots... but Jesus saves."
Friday Focus
Friday Focus invites all Christians across the UK to pray on Fridays for specific issues throughout 2007.
This week marks the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery Act on March 25th (Freedom Day). Today, people trafficking affects at least 12 million children, women and men.
Give thanks: for all organisations working globally to bring change.
Pray: for the people who are doing the trafficking, that God will change their hearts; that those caught in trafficking will be set free.
Consider: finding out what you can do to help those affected by today’s slavery.
This week's downloads
To listen to talks by Nic Megoran, Sean Harris and Phil Lightbody, click here.
Faith and flaws
The elders and deacons have been looking at their roles in greater detail and exploring how we can better serve the church with the skills, gifts and tools God has given each of us.
Before I did this I found it useful to look too at my character flaws. I can get stressed quite easily, I get angry with church politics and I can't stand people who seem to do nothing but moan at church leadership!
But, take a look at the following bunch of leaders, taken straight from the scriptures! And as you read it, be encouraged, like the deacons and elders have been, by the fact that God is more interested in our character than our competence. Be encouraged that God doesn't need the letters after your name and be willing to let him shape you into the great people he wants you to be. Like this bunch of odd-bods...
Man and the moon
I'll confess that the total lunar eclipse which occurred the other day passed Jen and I by as we were in Asda doing our shopping!! That's what 24 hour stores do to you - make you miss world events because you were too busy on aisle 15 buying 'out of date' goods for half the price.
I have, however, been looking on the BBC News pages and looking at the coverage of the event after a prompting from a friend (cheers, Dr Carlisle). It's remarkable how many people are quick to point out the wonders and even 'miraculous' nature of the event. Science indeed has its explanations for it - but so does scripture.
Richard Hawkins once said, "In all my scientific knowledge and understanding I can explain how the world began - what I fail to explain is why."
When I look at events like this (rather than 24 hour shopping in Asda!!) I see evidence that we are not alone. I'm not talking about little green men from Mars. I believe that God is in our world and that he created it. His DNA (aka his identity) is wrapped up in the everyday wonders of the world that we witness. Perhaps you looked at the total lunar eclipse and thought "What a wonderful natural world we live in." I look on it and see the thumbprint of my God who, even after millions of years, still impresses the people of the world with the 'big cheese'.
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