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Weblog Archives: March 2003
Monday, March 31, 2003
Yesterday, I chalked up what I'm pretty sure was a first for me. I got a sermon out of a blog entry. You might remember that Darren was asking
What are the 5 most important, non-negotiable, aspects of faith and discipleship for you? If you had to boil it down - you had to get to the crux of it all - what would your core values, your DNA, be when it came to your faith.It's been bugging me all week (thanks, Darren!) and it seemed to me that it would be a useful starting point for the sermon at a quiet evening service. My first response is here - the points I listed here were essentially the first 4 points of the sermon. I added a fifth, which for completeness I'll share here, which would be the importance of that moment when we simply "are" in the presence of God - "lost in wonder, love and praise." Christian faith is sterile without worship in the Spirit.On a related theme I've been at my theology reading group today, where we were discussing the book, Standing in God's Holy Fire: The Byzantine Tradition by John Anthony McGuckin. One of the things I enjoy about the group is that it puts me on to stuff I wouldn't otherwise come across, and this book definitely comes into that category. I'd never even heard of the likes of Evagrios Pontike, the Hesychasts or Makarios the Great, but I'm glad I've discovered them. Only last week I was talking with an Orthodox priest about the differences between my own tradition and Orthodoxy, particularly in relation to ministerial training. But this book has helped me see the close parallels between Wesleyan piety and Orthodoxy. I must look more closely into what Wesley had to say about Byzantium.
In the meantime I'm left with the sense that the Western Church needs to rediscover that sense of the experience of the beauty of holiness which the Orthodox tradition has never lost. We can't simply ditch our penchant for theological analysis but we do need to regain a trust that this is not the only way, maybe not the best way, for believers to grow in grace and holiness. What Barth called "faith seeking understanding" is always going to be important to our discipleship, but time spent in the presence of God needs to be put back in the central place where it properly belongs.
Posted by Richard @ 10:30 PM BST [Link]
Sunday, March 30, 2003
I enjoyed this Canadian apology to the USA. Hope you do too.
Posted by Richard @ 01:39 PM BST [Link]
Found this at a Mothers Day Resource page, (Mothers Day is always the 4th Sunday in Lent in Britain) and thought you might enjoy it.
Whenever your kids are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God's omnipotence did not extend to God's kids. After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve. And the first thing he said was:"Don't."
"Don't what?" Adam replied.
"Don't eat the forbidden fruit." God said.
"Forbidden fruit? We got forbidden fruit? Hey, Eve...we got forbidden fruit!"
"No way!"
"Yes, way!"
"Don't eat that fruit!" said God.
"Why?"
"Because I am your Father and I said so!" said God, wondering why he hadn't stopped after making the elephants.
A few minutes later God saw his kids having an apple break and was angry. "Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit?" the First Parent asked.
"Uh huh, " Adam replied.
"Then why did you?"
"I dunno" Eve answered.
"She started it!" Adam said.
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"DID NOT!!"
Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus, the pattern was set and it has never changed. But there is reassurance in this story. If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give them wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourself. If God had trouble handling children, what makes you think it would be a piece of cake for you?
Advice for the day: If you have a lot of tension and you get a headache, do what it says on the aspirin bottle:
Take two,.... and keep away from childrenPosted by Richard @ 01:25 PM BST [Link]
Darren has been moved and challenged by newspaper photographs of soldiers killed in Iraq. I agree with him, that though I remain unconvinced of the justice of this war, it is always right that courage, loyalty and self-sacrifice should be honoured. He continues:
The other reaction that I had as I gazed at the faces of these young people was to ask 'V' - 'where are the others that have given their lives for this cause?' Where is the acknowledgement that other innocent people have had their lives taken? I notice that today the counter on my site says that between 320 and 428 civilians have been killed so far in this conflict.Amen to that.Where are their photos, where is the acknowledgement of their pain and sacrifice for the 'cause'? After all these are the people 'our best' have gone to fight for the freedom of - so surely their passing deserves some recognition also.
On this day I wish to remember the lives of both our soldiers but also those whom we do not know the names or faces of - all who have given their lives in these violent times.
Update: Jan pursued a similar theme yesterday, with the sensitivity and compassion you'd expect from her.
Posted by Richard @ 09:29 AM BST [Link]
Saturday, March 29, 2003
Cartoon courtesy of the WibsitePosted by Richard @ 12:10 PM BST [Link]
Friday, March 28, 2003
In the course of preparing my cache at blogs4God I came across this interesting article about premarital sex. It's a thoughtful article well-written. That's why I'm mentioning it. Not because it gives me the excuse to write "sex" and maybe boost my traffic from the search engines. If that were the reason I'd probably include "nude' and "porn" too, but I'm not going to do that.
Posted by Richard @ 09:10 PM BST [Link]
Grateful thanks to Bene Diction for unearthing this bit of lunacy. Priceless.
Posted by Richard @ 08:56 PM BST [Link]
Our regular Friday visit to the hymns of Charles Wesley.
This time it's a hymn written for an agape or "love feast"PARTNERS of a glorious hope,
Lift your hearts and voices up,
Jointly let us rise, and sing
Christ our Prophet, Priest, and King:
Monuments of Jesu's grace,
Speak we by our lives his praise;
Walk in him we have received,
Show we not in vain believed.While we walk with God in light,
God our hearts doth still unite;
Dearest fellowship we prove,
Fellowship in Jesu's love:
Sweetly each, with each combined,
In the bonds of duty joined,
Feels the cleansing blood applied,
Daily feels that Christ hath died.Still, O Lord, our faith increase,
Cleanse from all unrighteousness,
Thee the unholy cannot see;
Make, O make us meet for thee!
Every vile affection kill,
Root out every seed of ill,
Utterly abolish sin,
Write thy law of love within.Hence may all our actions flow,
Love the proof that Christ we know;
Mutual love the token be,
Lord, that we belong to thee:
Love, thine image, love impart!
Stamp it on our face and heart!
Only love to us be given!
Lord, we ask no other heaven.Posted by Richard @ 08:50 PM BST [Link]
Slightly late but sincerely offered birthday greetings to Bloggedy Blog. Here's to many more!
Posted by Richard @ 08:38 PM BST [Link]
Thursday, March 27, 2003
The Gutless Pacifist asks:
What are your thoughts on protesting and faith?I'm hardly a regular protester, but I do believe that it is right that Christians, as Christians, should join in political protests. Whether it's about war, trade, asylum or any one of a wide range of issues I think it is important that Christians make their voice heard. Of course, they need to remember that their's is not the only Christian voice. Followers of Jesus will be found, for example, at both pro- and anti-war demonstrations. In the specific instances quoted I'd say, yes a GreenPeace rally is an appropriate place for a Christian to be. Writing letters for Amnesty International is another entirely legitimate form of Christian protest. Whatever the issue involved, protest should always be conducted in a spirit of respect for others and without violence or intimidation. But protest is a part of the political process in the West; it is vital that Christians are engaged in that process.What do you do with the more reasonable voices of protest? Should the church ever protest? If so, what should we protest for? What tactics should be used? Who should we be willing to join our voices with politically? The church has an ethic of stewardship -- is it fair to join a GreenPeace rally? The church believes in human rights for all - is it fair to join an Amnesty International letter writing campaign? How far is to far? What would you be willing to protest and how?
Posted by Richard @ 04:48 PM BST [Link]
I've been thinking about the "story sharing" that happened in the Chaplaincy yesterday. I keep coming back to one of them -- it's been nagging at me, you might say.
One of the participants spoke of first arriving at university and deliberately seeking out the company of Christians not because he was a Christian himself, but because he knew the Christians would welcome and accept him. He's become a Christian since, but what impresses me about the story is the expectation that Christians would be willing to include someone who found it difficult to "fit in". The inclusion. the welcome, came before a personal profession of faith. It raises a question within me: Is God less welcoming than his church?I don't know what this does to my theology of judgement, about which the warnings of scripture are stark and uncompromising. But I am certain that any step we take toward God, however faltering, hesitant and ill-motivated will be met with the overwhelming generosity of a father always glad to welcome home his children.
Posted by Richard @ 01:38 PM BST [Link]
A prayer for peace from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
We come to you, God Creator.
You are the source of life and beauty and power.
Your son, Jesus is the way of faith and hope and love.
Your Spirit is the fire of love, the fount of wisdom, the bond of unity. You call us at all times to be people of the beatitudes, Witnesses to the Gospel of peace and love and forgiveness. You call us at this time, when war and rumours of war, weigh heavily on the Peoples of Iraq and the Middle East. Their lives are already broken by suffering and violence.We renew our acceptance of your call.
We promise to work:
- To bring the light of the Gospel to those living in darkness,
- To bring the hope of the Gospel to those living in despair,
- To bring the healing of the Gospel to the lonely, the disadvantaged,the marginalised,
- And to bring the peace of the Gospel to a divided world.
Amen
Posted by Richard @ 10:14 AM BST [Link]
Wednesday, March 26, 2003
From the United Methodist News Service
The World Methodist Council has called upon its 132 member church bodies to pray for an end to the war in Iraq.A statement released March 25 by His Eminence Sunday C. Mbang of Nigeria, council president, said it was "unfortunate" that the United States, United Kingdom and others had begun the war without the consent of the U.N. Security Council.
"The public opposition to the war demonstrates the non-regard for the principles of fairness and justice by the forces of coalition," the statement continued. "We are more disturbed that nonviolent positions were not exhausted before the mad rush to armed conflict.
"The council therefore calls upon the United States, United Kingdom and their supporters to end all hostilities in order to avoid the looming catastrophe that can only be the eventual outcome of this conflict."
World Methodist Council members also were asked to pray for all victims of the war, including the children of Iraq. "We pray that God will create a desire in the hearts of all people for peace, a desire that can only come from God," the statement concluded. "We pray also for those in military uniforms, for the innocent who are at risk, and for world leaders whose decisions can bring an end to this conflict.
Posted by Richard @ 11:50 PM BST [Link]
Wood has beaten me to it with his post below -- not that I'm complaining. It was a great privilege to be part of a meeting in the chaplaincy today in which students (in Wood's case, ex-students) shared something of their faith journey. At the end, as Wood says, there was a long silence. I think that was because of the depth at which people had been prepared to share their stories of both brokenness and healing. It was a most moving meeting and I'm certain that those who were there will not look at one another in quite the same way again. If we had invited people to share their understanding we would have had disagreement and probably debate. But sharing stories doesn't lead to debate. The silence that followed the sharing was perfectly natural. It was the silence of compassion, of mutual recognition. There was no more to be said, perhaps because in the sharing we each realised that we are all the same but different, pilgrims together walking the same road.
Posted by Richard @ 06:47 PM BST [Link]
Chaplains in the uni have spent the last few weeks telling us about their faith journeys during the Wednesday meetings.
This week, the students (and me) had their turn. I was last up, and I spilled my guts, perhaps being far more vulnerable than I normally am. I've got a bit of a hard-luck life story. A bit of tragedy, a lot of pain. I don't go into it much. I did this afternoon. Which isn't normally like me.
There was a long silence afterwards. I was all choked up, meself, but, well, there wasn't much that was said after.
D'you ever find that when you've said a lot about yourself, people get really awkward around you?
Posted by Wood @ 05:54 PM BST [Link]
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
O God our heavenly father,
whose love sets no boundaries and whose strength is in service;
grant to the leaders of the nations wisdom
courage and insight at this time of darkness and fear.Give to all who exercise authority
a determination to defend the principles of freedom, love and tolerance
strength to protect and safeguard the innocent
and clarity of vision to guide the world into the paths of justice and peace.This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
From the Methodist Church of Great Britain
Posted by Richard @ 02:19 PM BST [Link]
At the LivingRoom, Darren asks two interesting questions:
My answer to the first would be something like:
- What are the 5 most important, non-negotiable, aspects of faith and discipleship for you? If you had to boil it down - you had to get to the crux of it all - what would your core values, your DNA, be when it came to your faith. (It doesn't have to be five - it can be less or more if you wish - but start with a few at least)
- What makes a Church unique from any other group of people, whether they be the local football club or a local Mosque?
1. The love of God has been most completely revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.
2. That love is available to all people of all races, cultures and conditions. It is "for all".
3. Freely given, freely received -- that love demands from us a response of obedience which will often calll us to sacrifice and self-giving. The love of God is not therapy.
4. However much I think I know about God, there will be stuff I don't know, and other stuff that I'm certain about but will have got wrong. God loves me anyway.That would be my first try.
The second question is trickier, because it would be possible to answer it from a number of different perspectives. So I'll ponder it a little longer. But what do you think? Answers here, or here would be gratefully received.
Posted by Richard @ 11:42 AM BST [Link]
Monday, March 24, 2003
From the United Methodist News Service
While United Methodists hold differing views about the war in Iraq, church pastors transcended those differences by offering common words of comfort and pleas for prayer March 23, the first Sunday after the U.S.-led invasion began.
The Rev. Jacquetta Chambers focused on "Where Is God in the Middle of this War" in her sermon at McMillan United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Several families in the 247-member congregation have been affected by the mobilization and deployment of troops to Iraq. One mother has not heard from her son in weeks. Those families were invited to the altar to pray, and the congregation was asked to stand with them.
"God is standing by that soldier that did not know God until this time," Chambers said. "Although it seems that this conflict may get worse, we are required by Scripture to hold on and know that God is in the midst. God is in our president's head and mind, and God is even in the confusing way that Saddam believes in Jehovah God."
The attack on Iraq, which began March 19, led United Methodist Bishop Felton May to send a letter to the churches of the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference. Despite the circumstances, "we stand in need of God's steadfast grace and the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding," he said. He urged the conference members to be "vigilant in prayer, fasting, the study of Scripture, and active witnessing for a peaceful resolution to this war and for eventual healing in Iraq and throughout the Middle East.
"I further call upon all of us to engage in self-examination and soul-searching as a nation," May said, "for we must seek to understand the root causes of the anti-American sentiment - felt by friends and foes alike - and the terrorism that threatens our security here and around the world." [more]
Posted by Richard @ 10:20 PM BST [Link]
Sunday, March 23, 2003
How rude of me.
I meant to say thanks to Wood and Bene Diction for their contributions over the last day or two. And for the kindness of their words.Posted by Richard @ 09:38 PM BST [Link]
Well -- I'm back.
And it is always good to be back.I'm bound to say, though, that I've had a really good time on the Church Family Weekend, staying at a hotel in the Wye Valley perhaps 3 miles from Tintern Abbey. Everyone was in good spirits, there was a small gang of children to keep one another amused, the food was good and the sun shone. A near perfect set of circumstances.
The theme of our weekend was "Who do you say I am?" - a look at the life and teaching of Jesus. It wasn't a teaching event; mostly it was an opportunity for people to share together their own experiences and insights and some of the conversations I overheard had more depth of theology than their participants would have acknowledged.
What encouraged me most was seeing a "church family" actually being a church family - caring, encouraging and supporting one another. Many of us spend alot of time criticising the church, and it is true that there are plenty of good reasons for this. But this weekend reminded me that belonging to the church really is a joy and privilege which I'm not sure can be found anywhere else. I'm glad of the reminder.
Posted by Richard @ 09:26 PM BST [Link]
Saturday, March 22, 2003
So, in a fit of uncharacteristic vanity, I did a search for "John Heron Project" on Google today. A few people link me - no one unexpected - well, alost no one. This guy from a site called Religious Left Watch of all things, linked me a couple of months ago because he wanted to disagree with that political rant I put up a ways back (it's not online anymore - don't bother going looking for it). I don't mind that - guy's entitled to his opinion and everything, and it's not as if he had anything to go on beyond the usual straw man argument (question: was Pinochet living up to his capitalist principles when he was killing all those people?).
What annoyed me was that the guy said that he "hesitated" to link me because I "respond with invective".
Pardon?
I have't the faintest idea who this person is, right (did Richard link the guy a while ago? The name of the site rings a bell. Faintly), and he doesn't know me from Adam. So where does he get that from? Bizarre.
It ain't nice to diss complete strangers, kiddies.
Besides, anyone who says I respond with invective is clearly just a pooey bumhead.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.(For all you right-wingers out there, that last bit was a joke, k?)
Posted by Wood @ 08:43 PM BST [Link]
One of the real problems with being a writer - especially a writer of fiction, but you get it when you're trying to write inspirational religious stuff too - is in trying to write something that's not been said before.
Douglas Coupland is brilliant, and I hate the scumbag, because he's already said everything I want to say, better; meanwhile, I write Bible notes for a well-known religious publisher, and find myself spouting all the platitiudes I swore I would never, ever use.
It's actually worse when you're asked to write something, because inspiration, in one of the universe's more sadistic turns, invariably leaves when you're called to write something. The less specific your brief, the harder it becomes.
In this, I am saying nothing new (pah. Irony's a pain in the neck).
Blogs are the hardest thing to get right. If you have a blog, you invariably oblige yourself to have something to say, preferably daily, and prefereably in three hundred words or less. Now when you've got something to say (like Richard), this isn't a problem. When you have nothing to say, well.
The result: you have blogs that don't get updated for months; or you get blogs that frankly churcn out piles and piles of crap. Bad poetry, bad opinions, and a hundred thousand people telling you what they had for tea and the amusing thing someone down the road said. And as for the war...
In this, I am saying nothing new: thousands of people have commented on the piles of crap that are out there.
My point? Um, well, I've forgotten. Maybe it's that I heartily approve of Richard's policy of allowing other people to add their voices to his blog (more people = more things to be said). It's just a shame I can't think of anything that hasn't been said many times before. And better.
Posted by Wood @ 11:39 AM BST [Link]
Friday, March 21, 2003
Just popped over to Wood's page and he has a slight case of writers block.
Hey Wood, Richard says all the profound stuff here, Ivan the Crank and I just do our thing so Richard can look smart. ;^) Welcome!
"To understand a man you should walk a mile in his shoes. If what he says still bothers you that's ok because you'll be a mile away from him and you'll have his shoes." - UnknownAdmiration (n.) Our polite recognition of another's resemblance to ourselves. - Ambrose Bierce
When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before. - Mae West
English humor resembles the Loch Ness Monster in that both are famous but there is a strong suspicion that neither exists. Here the similarity ends: the Loch Ness Monster seems to be a gentle beast and harms no one; English humour is cruel. - George Mikes (English Humour for Beginners, 1967)
Normal is the setting on a dishwasher. The standard doesn't work at all for humans, but it works pretty good for settings on machines.
Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning. Rich Cook
Writing comes more easily if you have something to say. - Sholem Asch
Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't come to yours. - Yogi Berra, baseball catcher, manager
To err is human, but to really fowl things up requires a computer. - Paul Ehrlich
I work for the BBC. I was hoping to get into programme planning but unfortunately I've got a degree. - John Cleese
The man who smiles when things go wrong has thought of someone he can blame it on. - Arthur Bloch
Posted by Bene Diction @ 02:50 PM BST [Link]
Thursday, March 20, 2003
Um, hi, then.
When I've thought of something to write, I'll write it. See you tomorrow, I guess.
Posted by Wood @ 10:41 PM BST [Link]
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
Please give a warm welcome to my friend Wood. He's a proper writer - people pay him and everything. And he's a thoroughly splendid fellow. Wood has agreed to do a guest spot over the weekend, and if you're nice to him he might do another in the future. You know what to do.
Posted by Richard @ 11:33 PM BST [Link]
Russ Mayes has asked (via blogs4God) that today should be a day for prayer, not punditry. I agree.
Whatever your political perspective, please take some time today to hold before God the urgent needs of his world. For those who are anxious and fearful, for all those in authority, for troops facing combat, for medics and chaplains, for families divided:Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayerPosted by Richard @ 04:17 PM BST [Link]
Tuesday, March 18, 2003
This is Oystermouth Castle, which stands on a small limestone ridge overlooking Swansea Bay. It was founded in the 12th Century by the Lords of Gower. There is no excuse for posting this except I'm not feeling well enough to tackle any serious issues tonight and I thought the blue sky might cheer someone up. And, of course, the chance to show off the fruits of my new digital camera.
Posted by Richard @ 09:14 PM BST [Link]
Monday, March 17, 2003
The political fallout has begun as "Leader of the House", Robin Cook, resigns from the British government.
"Neither the international community nor the British public are persuaded that there is an urgent and compelling reason for this action in Iraq"Posted by Richard @ 11:52 PM BST [Link]
Whether it's for good or ill, it looks like the decision has been made and we'll soon be at war. I'm very (very!) unconvinced of either the legal or moral basis for this action, but I know there are many Christians who disagree with me. How can we pray together?
Surely, only on the basis of "thy will be done."Posted by Richard @ 05:57 PM BST [Link]
While I was celebrating on Saturday, Wood was ranting. I think you'll agree: he's impressive when his gander is up.
Ian's Messy Desk reminds us it's St Paddy's Day with St Patrick's Breastplate. Of course, you know Patrick was Welsh? Course you did. Just thought I'd mention it.
St patrick's story in his own words (allegedly).Speaking of saints, Martin Roth would canonize Dean Peters of blogs4God. Could Dean be the first internet saint? Now there's a thought...
Posted by Richard @ 05:00 PM BST [Link]
Sunday, March 16, 2003
I had a really good day yesterday, entirely family-oriented. I spent the morning with Catrin, my littlest daughter. We went to a local park, walked and talked, looked at the flowers and went to a cafe for a snack. In the afternoon, I took t'other daughter, Ruth, to 'the pictures' to see Treasure Planet, which I'm bound to say was a lot of fun. In the evening we had an Indian meal from a very good local take-away (Neel Akash on Eversley Road if you're ever in Swansea) so the day ended as well as it had begun. No really serious parties or jollification, just quiet "quality time" which was very special. I don't do enough of that really, and I should do more. I'm reminded of a bit of home-spun advice I was once given: "You can be a good father and a bad minister, but you'll never be a good minister if you're a bad father."
Best 40th present? I did get some very cool stuff, including a very spangly digital camera (thanks bruv!), but the best present accolade has to go to Ruth for the "World's Best Daddy" coffee mug. If I can anywhere near live up to it I'll be a happy bunny.Posted by Richard @ 10:06 PM BST [Link]
Saturday, March 15, 2003
On this day...
44 B.C. Gaius Julius Caesar, dictator of Rome, is stabbed to death in the Roman Senate house by 60 conspirators led by Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus.
1820 Maine enters the Union
As part of the Missouri Compromise between the North and the South, Maine is admitted into the Union as the 23rd state. Administered as a province of Massachusetts since 1647, the entrance of Maine as a free state was agreed to by Southern senators in exchange for the entrance of Missouri as a slave state.1917 Czar Nicholas II abdicates
During the February Revolution, Czar Nicholas II, ruler of Russia since 1894, is forced to abdicate the throne by the Petrograd insurgents, and a provincial government is installed in his place.1935 Evangelist Jimmy Swaggert is born.
So we have something in common after all.1937 Writer H.P. Lovecraft died
Born in Providence, Lovecraft was a sickly child whose parents died insane. When he was 16, he wrote the astronomy column in the Providence Tribune. Between 1908 and 1923 he wrote short stories for Weird Tales magazine, among others. He died in Providence, in poverty.1939 Nazis take Czechoslovakia
On March 15, 1939, during a meeting with Czech President Emil Hacha, Hitler threatened a bombing raid against Prague, the Czech capital, unless he obtained from Hacha free passage for German troops into Czech borders. He got it. That same day, German troops poured into Bohemia and Moravia. The two provinces offered no resistance, and they were quickly made a protectorate of Germany. By evening, Hitler made a triumphant entry into Prague.This and this may explain my sudden interest in history.
Posted by Richard @ 10:19 AM BST [Link]
Friday, March 14, 2003
WHERE shall my wondering soul begin?
How shall I all to heaven aspire?
A slave redeemed from death and sin,
A brand plucked from eternal fire,
How shall I equal triumphs raise,
Or sing my great Deliverer's praise?O how shall I the goodness tell,
Father, which thou to me hast showed?
That I, a child of wrath and hell,
I should be called a child of God,
Should know, should feel my sins forgiven,
Blest with this antepast of heaven!And shall I slight my Father's love?
Or basely fear his gifts to own?
Unmindful of his favours prove?
Shall I, the hallowed cross to shun,
Refuse his righteousness to impart,
By hiding it within my heart?No! though the ancient dragon rage,
And call forth all his host to war,
Though earth's self-righteous sons engage
Them and their god alike I dare;
Jesus, the sinner's friend, proclaim;
Jesus, to sinners still the same.Outcasts of men, to you I call,
Harlots, and publicans, and thieves!
He spreads his arms to embrace you all;
Sinners alone his grace receives;
No need of him the righteous have;
He came the lost to seek and save.Come, O my guilty brethren, come,
Groaning beneath your load of sin,
His bleeding heart shall make you room,
His open side shall take you in;
He calls you now, invites you home;
Come, O my guilty brethren, come!For you the purple current flowed
In pardons from his wounded side,
Languished for you the eternal God,
For you the Prince of glory died:
Believe, and all your sin's forgiven;
Only believe, and yours is heaven!
Charles WesleyPosted by Richard @ 05:42 PM BST [Link]
I'm grateful to Dave at the Wibsite for permission to use their cartoons occasionally. He's a very nice man.
Posted by Richard @ 05:28 PM BST [Link]
Thursday, March 13, 2003
Our good friend Wood has recently started a new story you might enjoy. And he's been troubled by Coronation Street. But don't worry about him. He's better now. His wife (a really bright engineering type) has been too busy to blog, but you might drop by and encourage her.
Darren is much vexed by a talk on behaviour that singles out some aspects of living and ignores others.
There she stood making some sweeping statements on personal morality yet she was dressed in an outfit which my friend estimated would have costed in excess of $550. Is this another example of how the Church often is selective in what it speaks about?Couldn't agree more. Jesus said more about money than sex, but you'd never guess that from the churches' preoccupations.
Would it not have been just as beneficial (if not more) for these young people to hear about a faith that not only impacts ones decisions about whether to drink, swear or smoke or how to express ones sexuality – but also a faith that impacts ones decisions about how to spend money, what career path to take, where to live etc?Bene Diction re-tells a fable I hadn't heard before. It's bound to find it's way into a sermon sometime.
Pacificism is not vegetarianism, says the Bible Geek. This vegetarian agrees, but notes that both are political responses to the perceived demands of the gospel. Oh yes.
And finally. If you've emailed me today and I haven't replied, bear with me. I find myself in "Spam City, Arizona" and I may be some time coming out from underneath it all.
Posted by Richard @ 11:37 PM BST [Link]
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
I've been really grateful to have Bene Diction post on connexions in the last couple of days. I always feel just a little bit guilty if I don't add something (which is very stupid) but the last few days haven't included alot of time for the blog and to have someone else make a contribution was very welcome. Especially such encouraging contributions.
No. I can't really imagine what 3ft of snow must be like. We rarely get snow in Swansea (don't ask me why - something to do with the Gulf Stream Drift. Or something) We count a day desperately cold if it drops below 0 Celsius, and it starts to feel too hot if it approaches 25C. Today has been beautiful, a glorious springlike day, with more like it forecast. Then it will start raining again. And again. And again.Monday night the Chaplaincy hosted a public lecture at the University - "When we are dead, is there anything afterwards? It was a good lecture, clever and entertaining. The lecturer, Canon Reginald Askew, talked about the almost universal conviction that the answer must be "yes" and gave some examples of burial customs from various times and places. He noted that the certainty of a blessed eternal life can bring dangers, notably the suicide bomber. Is Christian faith inextricably allied to this "universal hunch"? He thought not, insisting (rightly I think) that in Jewish and Christian tradition death is real and final - there is a real ending associated with the death of the body. The notion of a seperate soul which is freed from the body and has its own inherrent life is foreign to the Bible, instead what we are offered is death and "the sure and certain hope" of resurrection. That this will be a bodily resurrection is taken for granted by New Testament authors, but clearly we have no idea what these resurrection bodies will be like. In short, the answer to the title question is "Yes -- but it is God's business."
To me, this is a much more satisfactory approach than what is commonly assumed to be Christian doctrine, because it insists that eternal life is a gift of God's grace rather than being an intrinsic part of the human condition. It is not that we have a soul, rather that we are souls who depend utterly upon God for all that we have and are. How this might translate into pastoral practice is another issue altogether, requiring much more thought and prayer. I'd be grateful if anyone would like to comment.Posted by Richard @ 09:05 PM BST [Link]
Surely this is a wind-up?! I hope so.
Thanks to Darren and Andrew for pointing this out.Posted by Richard @ 08:25 PM BST [Link]
A blog roll is the list of links that almost every blogger has on the side bar of their blog.
One of my favorites in Richards blog roll is Shalom. Richard credited Shalom for finding the post on the Palestinians Sunday.
Jan lives what she writes. During a very dark time in my life recently, she reached out to me by email with the same scripture God had given me to strengthen me. She has been a strong voice of encouragement for me many times.
Because she linked the Tony Campolo article she received hate email.
I think I was the first to link to the article by Campolo which has been taken up by several here. I didn't get any comments, but I did get some flaming email, calling me names I won't repeat and directing my attention to aggressive, confrontational sites, ugly in presentation and feeling. So ugly that many times I could not read them even to find out if what they said was true.Despite flaming, she remains a strong, steady and experienced voice. Jan, you'll always be well-received, and respected here at connexions and at Bene Diction Blogs On.
We also try live in shalom.
I used the word as a metaphor of my own personal journey to wholeness, healing, integrity and peace. I continued the name when I started blogging. As I reflect on that journey, I see that I still use it in that way. However, the concept has developed. I have found myself influenced by the word itself. I have tried to write entries in accordance with its spirit, although sarcasm gets the better of me sometimes. I have also tried, with varying success, to bring that spirit to what I say to others in the blogging world. I have tried to be irenic and encouraging in comments. More than that, I have found the influence of the word on me has grown and that too is part of my journey.Blog on!
Posted by Bene Diction @ 04:32 PM BST [Link]
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
I know most of you pop over here to Richard's blog to find out what he is up to and what is on his mind. And I know many of you pop in to see how Ivan "the Crank" is doing.
I stumbled across Richard's blog when he was in the US on the exchange, and not only have I been reading it since, I've managed to horn my way in with an occasional post as 'that Canadian.'
I also stop in often to see what Ivan has to say. Amazing, isn't it?
Three people from three countries blog in this space. And we get along just fine, celebrating our diversity and our similarities.
What makes it even more interesting is that only 40% of communication is words.
The rest is lost in the context of blogging...tone, volume, expression...that vital 60% that keeps us civil and relating with respectful boundaries in our societies.So, my hat is off to Richard, who is one of those rare people that can take this medium and use that 40% so wisely.
I wonder what Richard is up to these days? How are you doing Ivan? How are things in Florida and Wales? What is the main topic of conversations in our respective places?
This Canuck is fine thank you, but very tired of winter. It has snowed almost non-stop the past month, and we haven't had sunshine to give us a vital dose of Vitamin K. And it has been way too cold across most of my country. I wonder if Ivan can relate to -30C? Can Richard think snow three feet deep?
Posted by Bene Diction @ 09:00 PM BST [Link]
Monday, March 10, 2003
The WikiWord of the Day (and just in the nick of time) is Pharisee.
If that doesn't light your candle, have a look at the list of jargon, especially those marked with ? that have no definition as yet. An, of course, you're always welcome to add to the list.Posted by Richard @ 11:45 PM BST [Link]
Martin Roth is always worth reading. This article, I think, especially so.
Posted by Richard @ 11:51 AM BST [Link]
At our "Alternative Worship" yesterday evening, Alice led a reflection which she has said I can reproduce here. Just to put you "in the mood", the worshippers were surrounded by posters advertising a range of Hollywood blockbusters. Over to Alice:
There is such a lot of hype at the moment in the film world, with the BAFTA's just gone and the Oscars just ahead. In cinemas, on television screens, hoardings & bus stops we are told about the latest, newest, best films in a way designed to make us think that seeing the film is the most necessary and important thing we could possibly do. The advertisements, reviews and images that our senses are flooded with have the sole aim of getting us hooked, to go and see the big picture, to find out what all the fuss is about. More often than not, we then tell friends about the film we have seen, discus it and (if we enjoyed it) encourage them to go too. We effectively act as live adverts. In a world were (at a guess) more people saw "Lord of the Rings" at Christmas than went to church, can we learn something from this? In a society whose outlook has shifted towards an image-based culture, where the visual is the central means of communication, do we as Christians act as a good "trailer" for Christ? Does Joe Public see us as a brief glimpse and want to know more about the "main feature"?
More importantly, can we put ourselves across in their language? You will probably have noticed the posters around us and the thing that stands out to me is how they rely on 2 things as attention grabbingselling points: sex and violence. (There are obviously variations and exceptions, but that's the trend) Can the Church begin to connect with that world? Does the Church have any way of using the same language without compromising her position or values, for the sake of dialogue?
If we take are to take our faith seriously, we can't ignore the commission to communicate our "good news" in a way that is relevant and meaningful to the world. We may be the salt of the earth, but unless we are actually salty, making even a little difference, getting into the wounds of society and stinging, what are we actually good for?
The secular model is to conform, to be in the "in crowd" by buying in, whereas the Church (unlike Hollywood) exists more for the benefit of its non-members. Can we use the images and culture of these films to connect with people who live outside our club?Posted by Richard @ 11:40 AM BST [Link]
Sunday, March 9, 2003
Campolo calls evangelicals to 'face facts' about Middle East
Strong stuff indeed. Here are a few selected quotes to whet your appetite:"Right now, we have to face the facts that the Christian church, in its proper zeal to support the state of Israel, has forgotten that there's a group of people called the Palestinians. And unless we stand up and speak for justice on behalf of the Palestinians, we are going to lose the missionary struggle in the next hundred years."(Link via Jan)"Let me just say that our attitudes towards Israel have hurt the missionary enterprise. Hurt them, hurt them greatly. Do not get me wrong. Do you hear me when I say I believe that the state of Israel must and should by God exist, that it is God's will that it exists? But my Bible says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice." Justice for all people, justice for the Palestinians."
"Nothing would destroy the authority of Saddam Hussein more than if we Christians provided a massive relief program of food and medicine to the people of Iraq. And if we are going to pave the way for missionary enterprise, we have got to do that. We've got to do that. I don't know who's going to do it; but somebody's got to organize the Christian community, and say we're going to load up freighters with food and medicine -- and we're going to send them to Iraq, and we dare the US Navy to stop us.
"When we try to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, you say "You can't overcome Saddam Hussein that way" . . . I believe in Jesus, and Jesus says "Overcome evil with [good]." "
"Let me lay it on you: You don't get rid of terrorism by killing terrorists, anymore than you get rid of malaria by killing mosquitoes. You get rid of malaria, not by killing mosquitoes, but by getting rid of the swamps that breed those mosquitoes. You don't get rid of terrorists by killing terrorists -- because it only creates more terrorists, does it not? You get rid of terrorists by dealing with the poverty and the humiliation that Arab peoples have had to endure. It's time that we stand up and speak as peacemakers in the world. We are called to a ministry of reconciliation"
Posted by Richard @ 08:02 AM BST [Link]
Saturday, March 8, 2003
More Lent reading with the Lentblog from Grace.
Posted by Richard @ 12:04 PM BST [Link]
Most church goers don't realize how busy a minister's life gets as major religious holidays approach.
Along with regular responsibilities come added ones, and it can be a time of weariness.Since connexions has won blog of the week, I think it only fair that Richard gets a bit of help in his none stop life with fresh content to match his worthy acknowledgement at The Wibsite.
Richard's blog is also a ministry. Real life takes precedence, and connexions is an extention of his real life ministry that he works hard at. So in recognition of his work here is an opportunity for a cold Canuck to step in and help out a warm and generous overworked friend.
Vint Cerf on the popularity of blogging: "We would collectively and individually like our lives to 'count' somehow and if someone finds our blogs of interest, it is confirmation that our lives and opinions are making a difference to someone."Allison Kaplan Sommer, an American in Israel: "I've been reading so many blogs, I had to get in on the fun, even though there is little time between working, parenting, and redecorating my sealed bomb shelter."
Tom Coates in a post about how marketers may increasingly use blogs to spread word of new products: "Weblogs are becoming the natural meme ecology... They are public opinion made manifest."
Phil Ringnalda: "I've been feeling a touch of what it's going to be like when practically everyone with something interesting to say has a weblog to say it in, and me oh my..."
Jerry Michalski says he's "turning the volume up" on his enthusiasm for wikis: "Wikis are the ultimate social software. They don't work because of the software, they work because the participants figure out how to participate."
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm AlbrightIf you don't think every day is a good day, just try missing one. ~Cavett Robert
Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things. ~Author Unknown
In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer
A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails. ~Donna Roberts
A true friend is one who thinks you are a good egg even if you are half-cracked. ~Author Unknown
There is magic in long-distance friendships. They let you relate to other human beings in a way that goes beyond being physically together and is often more profound. ~Diana Cortes
I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday. ~Author Unknown
If a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it. ~Edgar Watson Howe
Humor has a way of bringing people together. It unites people. In fact, I'm rather serious when I suggest that someone should plant a few whoopee cushions in the United Nations. ~Ron Dentinger
As we move through Lent into Easter, take some time and let a busy minister in your life let him/her know you appreciate what they do for you, by putting a comment on your blog, their blog,thank them face to face, phone, email, or anyway that is comfortable for you. Why not? What have you to lose and your minister to gain?
Posted by Bene Diction @ 03:09 AM BST [Link]
Friday, March 7, 2003
Another Friday in the company of Charles Wesley. I haven't the energy for anything more.
JESUS, in whom the weary find
Their late, but permanent repose,
Physician of the sin-sick mind,
Relieve my wants, assuage my woes;
And let my soul on thee be cast,
Till life's fierce tyranny be past.Loosed from my God, and far removed,
Long have I wandered to and fro,
O'er earth in endless circles roved,
Nor found whereon to rest below:
Back to my God at last I fly,
For O, the waters still are high!Selfish pursuits, and nature's maze,
The things of earth, for thee I leave;
Put forth thy hand, thy hand of grace,
Into the ark of love receive,
Take this poor fluttering soul to rest,
And lodge it, Saviour, in thy breast.Fill with inviolable peace,
Stablish and keep my settled heart;
In thee may all my wanderings cease,
From thee no more may I depart;
Thy utmost goodness called to prove,
Loved with an everlasting love!Posted by Richard @ 09:12 PM BST [Link]
Thursday, March 6, 2003
The WikiWord of the Day is: Worship
Posted by Richard @ 03:58 PM BST [Link]
Guess who's "Blog of the Week" at the Wibsite?
(false) Modesty forbids me from saying any more...
:o)Posted by Richard @ 03:42 PM BST [Link]
Lent is here. It's a long season, all the way from Ash Wednesday to Easter that does not exactly inspire many modern day Christians. In this fast moving world, we lack the patience for a season of such length. We prefer the one day beano, like Christmas, Easter, or (at a pinch) Pentecost. Sometimes we might actually stretch it out to a three day holiday weekend, but an observance lasting forty days and forty nights, like Lent, is almost beyond imagining.
Giving up chocolate, or some other pleasure, is the focus of Lent for many - 40 days of misery so that we can feel jolly at Easter. There are 2 problems with this. The first is that at Easter we ought to be celebrating much more than the end of a long period of self-imposed privation. Second, it misses the essential point that Lent is principally about reflection and repentance.
To “repent” means to change direction, to alter course, to change one’s mind. The conventional understanding involves drawing up a list of ones foibles and sins...then, trying to cross those sins off the list one by one. Yes, I'll surely try to give up smoking; I'll try to lose weight; I'll try to be more concerned about the hungry and the homeless; I'll go to church every Sunday; I'll even try harder to be merciful to my least favourite people. The problem is, we usually find, after an effort at moral reform, that the sins come back all the more healthy than ever: lots of chocolate cake and ice cream, deep resentment about the flaws of certain people, terrific self-indulgence. That's the problem with the moralistic approach to repentance. If we approach this season with the idea of routing out all that is evil in our lives, pumping ourselves up to a pitch of virtue and good will, we're likely to find that the bubble of our virtue bursts soon after the season of our reform has past, and the vices come back on with a vengeance.
Instead of approaching Lent from a moralistic perspective, we should perhaps reflect upon the true meaning of repentance. This is the season for exploring the mysteries, a time for looking beneath the surface and examining our own motives and desires, asking ourselves where we are headed. What in the world makes us tick? Where does our real commitment lie? If we are brave enough, this can be a time for pushing beyond the conventional wisdom, for re-examining traditional understandings and finding fresh new perspectives on our faith. Rather than trying to “pick off” individual sins, true repentance is about orientating the whole of our life together - individual, church and society - in a “God-ward” direction, seeking the mind of Christ who “did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Phil 2:6,7). So repentance is not about self-improvement, still less is it self-indulgent. True repentance directs us to the needs of others as surely as a compass needle is drawn to point north and is more about joy than misery.
Posted by Richard @ 07:42 AM BST [Link]
Wednesday, March 5, 2003
The WikiWord of the Day is, appropriately enough, Lent. All contributions welcome of course, but I'm especially keen to get input from those to whom Lent is especially meaningful.
(Have a look at this and this if you want to know more about how Wiki works)Posted by Richard @ 12:29 PM BST [Link]
Tuesday, March 4, 2003
WikiWord of the Day: Pantheism
Posted by Richard @ 01:10 PM BST [Link]
Josh Claybourn is exercised about this poll which reports the changing nature of Christian belief in America. Apparently, 90% of American adults say they believe in God, with belief being more likely among blacks, Republicans and those with no college education.
About two thirds say they believe in hell, though 84% believe in the survival of the soul after death. These statistics are taken to imply a creeping erosion of true Christian belief - "people are much more comfortable with conforming God to their own wishes and designs than conforming their minds and hearts to His" - and I'm not convinced that it's any such thing. First, as I've commented on Josh's site, I don't think the two statements "I believe in God" and "I believe in hell" are equivalent in Christian terms. "Belief in God" (for a Christian) is far more than a propositional statement about God's existence. It has to, because the Christian God is not distant from the world, aloof and indifferent. For a Christian, belief in God implies a commitment to worship and service. If that worship and service are absent, the statement has no meaning, it is merely a cover for what has been called elsewhere "practical atheism".
Secondly, is it really true that hell and the survival of the soul after death are core Christian beliefs? They were not included in the Apostles' or Nicene Creeds. Scriptural teaching about the nature of judgement is hardly straightforward, and during the centuries of the church its teaching has been complex and nuanced. It could be argued (and I think I might!) that "survival of the soul" is anything but a Christian idea; we believe in resurrection, not survival and these are very different ideas.
With Josh,I'm convinced that there are many who prefer to conform God to our minds rather than being conformed to his. I'm very unconvinced that Conservatives are any less susceptible to this than others.Posted by Richard @ 01:05 PM BST [Link]
Monday, March 3, 2003
I preached yesterday on Mark 9: 2-9, the transiguration of Jesus.
Whenever I have preached on this before I have emphasised the coming down from the mountain, the engagement in the "real world" as being of central importance. Peter was not allowed to put up his tents, I've said. We must leave the glory of the mountaintop for the ordinary life in the valley below.
I would want to keep that emphasis as an important part of understanding this strange event, but I have come to see that I have been wrong to "down play" the importance of the event itself, the wonder and splendour of it.
Our faith may be about practical care for the needy, standing against oppression and injustice, offering support to the fearful and broken-hearted. But it is also about seeking the presence of God, worshipping him for who he is, recognising his glory, being open to those special moments when God is so near he can almost be touched.
Which is not to say that we should all our time looking for such experiences of the divine. Rather, as we go about our ordinary life, taking part in the duties and discipline of Christian life we need to keep minds and hearts open for those occasions when God seems to draw especially close, unbidden and unlooked for.
These moments of glory will not be frequent for most of us. But their reality has the power to equip and sustain us for the times when the work is hard and dry, when the task is arduous and seems beyond our strength. It should be no suprise that Jesus' transfiguration occurs just before he begins his journey to Jerusalem and the Cross.Posted by Richard @ 11:45 PM BST [Link]
WikiWord of the Day: Grace
Jump in with those edit's - rescue me from the hoary old cliche I've put up as a starting place!Posted by Richard @ 01:24 PM BST [Link]
Sunday, March 2, 2003
This is the letter I included in the Circuit preaching plan, which begins today:
These are very unsettling times. On the world stage events seem to be becoming ever more unpredictable. Armies are gathering in the Middle East, diplomatic disagreements are becoming rows and the newspapers are full of stories of the threat of terrorism. Opinion about the prospect of war is deeply divided. There are many that believe that a war on Iraq is not justified that the gospel compels us to find some peaceful solution. Others believe with equal sincerity that the Biblical demand for justice requires us to take a stand against Iraq, and whilst warfare is to be regretted, it is sadly necessary.
This is not the place for a personal opinion – there are plenty of other places for me to express one. What I want to do is urge vigilance about the dangers that face us. The temptation to vilify those who take a different view from ourselves. The danger of allowing our political opinions to interpret the scriptures, rather than the scriptures challenging our political opinions. The danger of becoming so full of fear of "the terrorist" that we wilfully neglect our duty to care for those who seek refuge amongst us. The danger of de-humanising those we see as our enemies. The danger of putting all our trust in force of arms or political manoeuvring and neglecting the power of prayer. We may be remote from the machinery of government, more remote still from the expected fields of battle, but we are all involved in and imperilled by the situation in our world.
Against these dangers we have only one sure protector. He is the one whose wounded hands cradle the world, whose outstretched arms embrace the lost and unlovely. He is the one who touches the unclean and eats with the sinner. He is the one who cries "Father, forgive them!" even at the moment of his desolation. He is the one who calls us to him and then says "Take up your cross and follow me." He is the one who says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life."
We cannot know what the future will bring, nor can we expect to be immune to "the changes and chances of this world". What we can know is that we are heirs to the promises of God who gave himself for us. If we are his heirs, then we are also members of his household – bound to one another with bonds of blood. So as we face an uncertain future let us do so with a fresh determination to speak with boldness of the great things that God has done
In all lands and with all races
Let us serve, and seek to bring
All the world to render praises,
Christ, to thee, Redeemer, King.God bless -- Richard
Posted by Richard @ 07:49 AM BST [Link]
Saturday, March 1, 2003
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn anwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Ei gwrol rhyfelwyr, gwlad garwyr tra mad,
Tros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.Chorus:
Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad,
Tra mor yn fur
I'r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i'r heniaith barhau.2. Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd,
Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i'm golwg sydd hardd;
Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
Ei nentydd, afonydd, i mi.
Chorus:3. Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad dan ei droed,
Mae hen iaith y Cymry mor fyw ag erioed,
Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.
Chorus:(Follow the "more" link for an English version)
[more]Posted by Richard @ 04:16 PM BST [Link]
It is with great pride that I have not only come to claim my Welsh Heritage (many of you remember my quest for information on my great-grandparents, James Davies and Martha Harries of the Fynon Gron Farm near Welsh Hook north-west of Haverford West), but we are also celebrating it at Community United Methodist Church in Fruitland Park, Florida today. Actually, the celebration is accidental with the church. We wanted to schedule a covered dish dinner and presentation on last summer's pulpit exchange with Sketty and the Halls and March 1 worked best. Only after choosing the date did we remember that it was St. David's Day, but perhaps he had a hand in the selection of the day!
My wife, Debbie, is the organized one in the family and she has planned the following: People entering the building where our fellowship hall is located will have to turn into hall using a small roundabout, complete with directional signs in English and Welsh. Also, they will be greeted by a "Welcome to Wales" sign in English and Welsh complete with the dragon. Place mats will have a map of Wales and symbols of the country printed on them. Welsh music will be playing in the background and displays of Welsh spoons, the Flag, photos and even laverbread will be there for the viewing. Debbie is even planning to have someone play the piano and have our folks sing a hymn with a familiar title only to discover that the tune is a Welsh tune (we had that happen a couple times). We've also condensed our several hours of video into a 30 minute run through Swansea, Mumbles, Gower, Caerphilly, St. Fagans, the Fair Trade program at St. Paul's, Cardiff and, of course, a little bit of London, Bristol, Paris and Dover. (The video also stars many of our friends from Sketty - hope that's alright) Debbie is even attempting to bake Welsh Cakes as part of the offering tonight and she found actual leeks to display and help keep evil spirits and parishoners away.
So, pray for us at about 10 p.m. Sketty time, for that is when this whole Fruitland Park celebration of St. David's Day begins.
From our home to all of yours, Happy St. David's Day! Bore Da.
Ivan The Crank
Posted by Ivanthecrank @ 02:50 PM BST [Link]
Welsh Rarebit
What could be more pleasant for a light snack or a spot of supper on St David's Day? For those who think that beer is the work of the devil - try this, you'll discover you're wrong ;o)To make Welsh Rarebit, grate 8 oz of cheddar cheese and put it in a saucepan with a heavy bottom. Add 4 tabespoons of brown ale. an ounce of butter, a teaspoon of dry mustard and salt and pepper to taste. Melt together over a low heat, stirring all the time.
Pour the mixture over toast, and put under a hot grill until it's golden and bubbling.Enjoy.
Posted by Richard @ 11:34 AM BST [Link]
St David's Day
An article by Rhys James Jones, released under Creative Commons Public Licence.If you were lucky enough to be in Wales on March the first, you would find the country in a festive mood. Every self-respecting man, woman and child would be celebrating St. David's Day in one way or another. But who was St. David, and why is he so important to the Welsh? And just how is St. David's Day celebrated in Wales today? [more]
