This is going to sound really silly, but it is only today that it has finally hit me that I am leaving Newtownstewart so soon. It was only when I went into the Post Office (which is also a men's clothes shop, furniture shop, hardware, fancy goods, and undertaker business and more stuff that I either haven't seen or can't remember) and was squaring up the remainder of the rent with my landlord that it hit me. Then later on, when I was back in the PO, and one of the staff wished me all the best in case she didn't see me again before I left.
I am gonna miss this place so much. From the flat (yes, even the flat with the regular return of mice, and the at times dodgy shower, and the 4 bedrooms and the heating system and the coin box electric meter), and Finlay's supermarket for the morning paper, and the quiet life of a wee village, and the view of the Sperrins from my desk, and the friends I have made with my colleagues - Stephanie, Ken, Pauline and Hazlett, as well as the committee and members - the victims who have suffered so much in this part of the world. All coming to an end.
I'll be sad to go. And yet, a part of me is ready to move on, to see what is around the next corner, because I know that I am going in the power of God - he has called me (I believe) to the ministry of the word, and I go to follow his call. So I'm well excited about Dublin and all that lies beyond there! Here goes...!
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
History Book!!!
Remember way ages ago I talked about the History Book I had written in work, that would be published some time? Well, today the lady from the Community Relations Council came in to say that it is virtually approved for publication - there's one sentence needs to be changed (but I'm not telling you what it says!) and then we can start.
So watch this space to order your copy of the book!
So watch this space to order your copy of the book!
Video Footage now available!
Ok, I have now found a way of hosting some of my video footage of bands etc... Thanks to the good folks at PutFile.com, just click on the below links, and you will be able to watch some of the footage from Sturday's parade. But be patient - the videos take a wee while to download. But they're worth it! More will be added with time... Check the links down the right hand side for all the clips, but here is the best one:
Click here to watch 'Upper Crossgare Pipe Band'
Click here to watch 'Upper Crossgare Pipe Band'
Bank Holiday Monday
Oh how nice it was yesterday to be off for the whole day. Bank Holiday Monday - what a great idea! And even better was the opportunity to spend half of it (up to noon) in bed! I had been quite tired recently so that allowed me to recharge the batteries and catch up on lost sleep.
Then in the afternoon, I went to Bangor with me ma, and I managed to meet Adrian and catch up on what he had been up to. The weather was great yesterday, and there was a huge crowd about the town.
But then in the evening it was back up to Newtownstewart, now with just 9 days left to work... it is indeed getting very close!
Then in the afternoon, I went to Bangor with me ma, and I managed to meet Adrian and catch up on what he had been up to. The weather was great yesterday, and there was a huge crowd about the town.
But then in the evening it was back up to Newtownstewart, now with just 9 days left to work... it is indeed getting very close!
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21 A Sermon Preached in Dromore Cathedral at Morning Prayer on 28th August 2005
What way do you think? What sort of attitude do you have? How do you view things that come along? This morning we're going to look at the only two ways we can think – either from our natural, sinful viewpoint, or we can see things as God sees them.
Our second reading this morning is the turning point in the Gospel of Matthew. Up to Matthew 16, we find the birth of Jesus, then the start of his ministry, some teaching, healing and miracles. It took the disciples until Matthew 16 to discover who Jesus was. But within Matthew 16, we find a turning point, a new departure, with that revelation of Jesus' identity.
We find Jesus and Peter in conversation. The other disciples are there too. It follows on immediately from the previous verses, in which Peter had declared that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. So now that the disciples understood that Jesus was the Christ, Jesus declared what the Christ would do.
He told them, “That he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things ... and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Matt 16:21). These were the things the Christ, the Messiah had come to do. These had been promised in the Scriptures, that the Christ would come to die for his people, crushed for their iniquities.
Yet Peter had other ideas. What does he do? He takes Jesus aside and has a quiet word with him. It goes something like this – 'now, come on Jesus, wise up; this isn't going to happen to you!' Peter was expecting, along with most Jews, that the Christ would be a great military leader, who would expel the Romans, the occupying army, and would set up his kingdom on earth and restore Israel to it's strength and glory.
But notice the strong rebuke from Jesus: “Get behind me Satan! You are a hindrance to me.” Hardly the words you would expect to hear Jesus saying to one of the disciples. And to call him by the name of the enemy – Satan? So what was the problem? Surely Peter was looking to Jesus' welfare, and trying to cheer him up, rather than thinking about death and despair? Jesus himself told Peter what the problem was: “For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
Peter was looking at the whole situation through the eyes of man, and sinful man at that. He was looking for Jesus to set up the earthly kingdom, to expel the Romans, to get the glory through self-preservation. But that wasn't why Jesus came.
Jesus came because he had his mind firmly set on the things of God. He knew that he had to die on the cross to save his people. As the hymn tells us:
There was no other good enough to pay the price of sin,
He only could unlock the gate of heaven and let us in
As Philippians 2 tells us, he 'humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name' (Phil 2:8,9). And, as we find in Hebrews 12:2, Jesus,'who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame... is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.'
Jesus, knowing that there was no other way for his people to be saved, looked beyond the despair and pain and death of the cross, to the glory and the joy that would be his, and through him that would be extended to those who trust in him. And this was God's way. This was what God intended.
Thanks be to God, therefore, that Jesus resisted the subtle temptation from Peter to take the easy way out. Jesus suffered and died, going the hard way, the way of the cross, the way that we could be saved. Have you come to glory in this? Have you found this salvation because of what Jesus did for us?
After we come to faith, and have found that salvation in Christ, how do we view our faith? How do we live our life? What are the decisions we make in everyday life, in following our Saviour? Jesus then moves on to talk about the cost of being his disciple, which is all about denying yourself and living for God. Now to those of us who are settled, with a comfortable existence, these words will be very unsettling, very uncomfortable. We'll think first of what the world would tell us, then we'll hear how Christ calls us as his followers to be different.
The world around us, and even our own sinful natures would tell us that, even though we've come to faith, we should really look to our own interests – to make sure that we're all right. To take things easy, to seek comfort, and to avoid pain or struggle.
Jesus says: 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.' Those who follow Jesus must put to death their sinful nature. They must crucify the flesh, and battle against the devil. This is no life of ease – but a difficult, painful struggle.
The world says, save your life; look after yourself. Store up for yourself good things; make as much money as you can and treat yourself to everything you desire or want.
Jesus says: 'Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?'
Again, it is all about seeing things from God's perspective. Those who are materialists only see this world and live for this life, without realising that there is an eternity to live for – and a heavenly home to gain. And while it might look like you're throwing your life away in living for God, you are living in light of eternity, and storing up treasure for eternity – you truly find life, real life!
Indeed, some people have said to me that it is a waste that I'm going to become a minister – surely I could have a proper job, and make lots of money, and become wealthy, and have it easy? But all that is as nothing when you recognise the certainty of eternal judgement. This world is not the final thing – it will all come to an end. But our soul is eternal, and will live on – either in heaven, or in hell.
JC Ryle, the first Bishop of Liverpool writes on this passage that 'there is nothing so precious as a man's soul ... there is nothing that can make amends to us for the loss of our souls ... the world and all that it contains is temporal: it is all fading, perishing and passing away. The soul is eternal: that one single word is the key to the whole question.'
This theme of Christian living is also raised in the first reading, from Romans 12. Verse 2 (which wasn't read) tells us 'Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.' We are not to be conformed to the patterns of this world – whether in the way non-Christians think or behave. But as the spirit dwells in us, renewing our mind, he takes us, and changes us, making us to think like God, and turning away from acting like sinful beings.
But be warned of this – the Christian life is not easy. In fact, I don't have to tell you that – you probably know that better than me. Hard times come, and persecution comes, because the world outside doesn't want to know about the faith, or thinks us odd.
So how should we act when persecution or opposition comes? How should we relate to those around us? The natural, sinful, easy reaction is: REVENGE! As the saying goes – revenge is sweet – you get back at the person who hurt you, and it feels good (at least initially). It is so easy to lash out and get back at them! But it isn't God's way. It isn't the way we should live as Christians.
God's way is to 'bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them ... repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all ... never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God ... to the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.'
This is the difficult thing, but the right thing to do. It is the mark of a Christian, because this is what Jesus did. In 1 Peter 2, we read this: 'if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly' (1 Peter 2:20-23).
Jesus was not only our Saviour, but also our example, and we should seek to live as he did. When you face those hard times, or people are hurting you, remember the example of Jesus, who didn't curse them, or answer back, or strike out – he was silent, he bore the hurt and prayed for his enemies.
So what does this mean for our every day life? What happens when you meet that annoying neighbour, or that hurtful colleague? Bear your suffering, having Christ as your example. Bless those who persecute you – do good to them, maybe making them a cup of tea, or asking how they are, or simply smiling, and not trying to fight back, or defend yourself.
And what might possibly be the results of such a course of action? By not fighting back, it means that the confrontation won't be escalated – they will lose interest, and they won't be provoked to continue on attacking you. It will also create space for God's grace to act, by making you a better witness. But it will also keep you from sinning – because whoever is angry with their brother is guilty of judgement – it is as if you have murdered them. So instead, by being transformed by the Spirit, and not fighting back, you will see so much good come from it.
But there's another reason, and both the passage from 1 Peter and Matthew focus in on it. It is the fact of judgement. There is a day coming, when everything that we have done will be laid bare, and will be judged. All sin will be punished. But for Christians, there is no condemnation, because Christ has paid for our sins!
So how are you thinking? How do you view life? Will you think the easy, sinful thoughts of instant gratification and revenge? Or are you willing to step out this week and set your mind on the things of God?
Our second reading this morning is the turning point in the Gospel of Matthew. Up to Matthew 16, we find the birth of Jesus, then the start of his ministry, some teaching, healing and miracles. It took the disciples until Matthew 16 to discover who Jesus was. But within Matthew 16, we find a turning point, a new departure, with that revelation of Jesus' identity.
We find Jesus and Peter in conversation. The other disciples are there too. It follows on immediately from the previous verses, in which Peter had declared that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. So now that the disciples understood that Jesus was the Christ, Jesus declared what the Christ would do.
He told them, “That he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things ... and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Matt 16:21). These were the things the Christ, the Messiah had come to do. These had been promised in the Scriptures, that the Christ would come to die for his people, crushed for their iniquities.
Yet Peter had other ideas. What does he do? He takes Jesus aside and has a quiet word with him. It goes something like this – 'now, come on Jesus, wise up; this isn't going to happen to you!' Peter was expecting, along with most Jews, that the Christ would be a great military leader, who would expel the Romans, the occupying army, and would set up his kingdom on earth and restore Israel to it's strength and glory.
But notice the strong rebuke from Jesus: “Get behind me Satan! You are a hindrance to me.” Hardly the words you would expect to hear Jesus saying to one of the disciples. And to call him by the name of the enemy – Satan? So what was the problem? Surely Peter was looking to Jesus' welfare, and trying to cheer him up, rather than thinking about death and despair? Jesus himself told Peter what the problem was: “For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
Peter was looking at the whole situation through the eyes of man, and sinful man at that. He was looking for Jesus to set up the earthly kingdom, to expel the Romans, to get the glory through self-preservation. But that wasn't why Jesus came.
Jesus came because he had his mind firmly set on the things of God. He knew that he had to die on the cross to save his people. As the hymn tells us:
There was no other good enough to pay the price of sin,
He only could unlock the gate of heaven and let us in
As Philippians 2 tells us, he 'humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name' (Phil 2:8,9). And, as we find in Hebrews 12:2, Jesus,'who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame... is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.'
Jesus, knowing that there was no other way for his people to be saved, looked beyond the despair and pain and death of the cross, to the glory and the joy that would be his, and through him that would be extended to those who trust in him. And this was God's way. This was what God intended.
Thanks be to God, therefore, that Jesus resisted the subtle temptation from Peter to take the easy way out. Jesus suffered and died, going the hard way, the way of the cross, the way that we could be saved. Have you come to glory in this? Have you found this salvation because of what Jesus did for us?
After we come to faith, and have found that salvation in Christ, how do we view our faith? How do we live our life? What are the decisions we make in everyday life, in following our Saviour? Jesus then moves on to talk about the cost of being his disciple, which is all about denying yourself and living for God. Now to those of us who are settled, with a comfortable existence, these words will be very unsettling, very uncomfortable. We'll think first of what the world would tell us, then we'll hear how Christ calls us as his followers to be different.
The world around us, and even our own sinful natures would tell us that, even though we've come to faith, we should really look to our own interests – to make sure that we're all right. To take things easy, to seek comfort, and to avoid pain or struggle.
Jesus says: 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.' Those who follow Jesus must put to death their sinful nature. They must crucify the flesh, and battle against the devil. This is no life of ease – but a difficult, painful struggle.
The world says, save your life; look after yourself. Store up for yourself good things; make as much money as you can and treat yourself to everything you desire or want.
Jesus says: 'Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?'
Again, it is all about seeing things from God's perspective. Those who are materialists only see this world and live for this life, without realising that there is an eternity to live for – and a heavenly home to gain. And while it might look like you're throwing your life away in living for God, you are living in light of eternity, and storing up treasure for eternity – you truly find life, real life!
Indeed, some people have said to me that it is a waste that I'm going to become a minister – surely I could have a proper job, and make lots of money, and become wealthy, and have it easy? But all that is as nothing when you recognise the certainty of eternal judgement. This world is not the final thing – it will all come to an end. But our soul is eternal, and will live on – either in heaven, or in hell.
JC Ryle, the first Bishop of Liverpool writes on this passage that 'there is nothing so precious as a man's soul ... there is nothing that can make amends to us for the loss of our souls ... the world and all that it contains is temporal: it is all fading, perishing and passing away. The soul is eternal: that one single word is the key to the whole question.'
This theme of Christian living is also raised in the first reading, from Romans 12. Verse 2 (which wasn't read) tells us 'Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.' We are not to be conformed to the patterns of this world – whether in the way non-Christians think or behave. But as the spirit dwells in us, renewing our mind, he takes us, and changes us, making us to think like God, and turning away from acting like sinful beings.
But be warned of this – the Christian life is not easy. In fact, I don't have to tell you that – you probably know that better than me. Hard times come, and persecution comes, because the world outside doesn't want to know about the faith, or thinks us odd.
So how should we act when persecution or opposition comes? How should we relate to those around us? The natural, sinful, easy reaction is: REVENGE! As the saying goes – revenge is sweet – you get back at the person who hurt you, and it feels good (at least initially). It is so easy to lash out and get back at them! But it isn't God's way. It isn't the way we should live as Christians.
God's way is to 'bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them ... repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all ... never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God ... to the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.'
This is the difficult thing, but the right thing to do. It is the mark of a Christian, because this is what Jesus did. In 1 Peter 2, we read this: 'if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly' (1 Peter 2:20-23).
Jesus was not only our Saviour, but also our example, and we should seek to live as he did. When you face those hard times, or people are hurting you, remember the example of Jesus, who didn't curse them, or answer back, or strike out – he was silent, he bore the hurt and prayed for his enemies.
So what does this mean for our every day life? What happens when you meet that annoying neighbour, or that hurtful colleague? Bear your suffering, having Christ as your example. Bless those who persecute you – do good to them, maybe making them a cup of tea, or asking how they are, or simply smiling, and not trying to fight back, or defend yourself.
And what might possibly be the results of such a course of action? By not fighting back, it means that the confrontation won't be escalated – they will lose interest, and they won't be provoked to continue on attacking you. It will also create space for God's grace to act, by making you a better witness. But it will also keep you from sinning – because whoever is angry with their brother is guilty of judgement – it is as if you have murdered them. So instead, by being transformed by the Spirit, and not fighting back, you will see so much good come from it.
But there's another reason, and both the passage from 1 Peter and Matthew focus in on it. It is the fact of judgement. There is a day coming, when everything that we have done will be laid bare, and will be judged. All sin will be punished. But for Christians, there is no condemnation, because Christ has paid for our sins!
So how are you thinking? How do you view life? Will you think the easy, sinful thoughts of instant gratification and revenge? Or are you willing to step out this week and set your mind on the things of God?
The Fourteenth Sunday After Trinity
Well, now, today has beena busy day, all in...
8.30am Communion, with Alex Cheevers, then 10am Celebrate at Ten, then 11.30am Morning Prayer, at which I led and preached (and did the readings and prayers unexpectedly!). So I was in church from 8am til about 1pm... But the service went well (and yes, apologies - I have started another sentence with the word 'but' - evidently my English still isn't very good... you know who you are!), and the sermon seemed to go ok, apart from the random wee woman that came into the church halfway through the sermon, sat down, looked all around her for 5 minutes, then left again!
We even had Presbyterian visitors from Stewartstown, who were very welcome - I'm not sure if we converted Aled to the Book of Common Prayer yet - but maybe he will give us his impressions on it all in a comment...
Then this afternoon, we were in Newcastle with the family for a while, then back to the Clayton Hall to see the video of the RTE Morning Serice, which some of our parishoners were involved in this morning from the studio in Dublin. Then a wee jaunt to the park, before the last of our Summer Praise services at 8pm... next Sunday returns us again to our 6pm Evening services... where has the summer gone? It seems to have passed so quickly. In fact, this time four weeks and I will be in Dublin ready to start the first Monday of the course!
But I'm in Dromore tonight with the lovely prospect of a day off tomorrow for the Bank Holiday - excellent!
8.30am Communion, with Alex Cheevers, then 10am Celebrate at Ten, then 11.30am Morning Prayer, at which I led and preached (and did the readings and prayers unexpectedly!). So I was in church from 8am til about 1pm... But the service went well (and yes, apologies - I have started another sentence with the word 'but' - evidently my English still isn't very good... you know who you are!), and the sermon seemed to go ok, apart from the random wee woman that came into the church halfway through the sermon, sat down, looked all around her for 5 minutes, then left again!
We even had Presbyterian visitors from Stewartstown, who were very welcome - I'm not sure if we converted Aled to the Book of Common Prayer yet - but maybe he will give us his impressions on it all in a comment...
Then this afternoon, we were in Newcastle with the family for a while, then back to the Clayton Hall to see the video of the RTE Morning Serice, which some of our parishoners were involved in this morning from the studio in Dublin. Then a wee jaunt to the park, before the last of our Summer Praise services at 8pm... next Sunday returns us again to our 6pm Evening services... where has the summer gone? It seems to have passed so quickly. In fact, this time four weeks and I will be in Dublin ready to start the first Monday of the course!
But I'm in Dromore tonight with the lovely prospect of a day off tomorrow for the Bank Holiday - excellent!
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Black Saturday
Well, today was Black Saturday, and Newtownards was very good. The weather was good, and the bands were great (well, most of them... two particular pipe bands from the Newcastle/Leitrim area weren't so good, but I won't name and shame just yet!)
I even got the chance to call in at 'Speak' - a week of mission stuff going on in Ards, linked between 7 churches in the town. This afternoon, they had a roller disco going on (music outside, music inside!), but I wasn't on rollerblades/skates - I would spend most of the time on my bottom... with bad memories of the same at Dundonald Ice Bowl one night...
The reason I called in at Speak, though, was to see Mark Henry, Youth Pastor at Movilla Church, who was at the event. It was great catching up with him again!
On the way home, we stopped at Connswater Centre briefly, then home again!
Some pictures of the parade will follow - again, if anyone has a way of hosting video footage that people could download, then please let me know - I'll have a couple of good video clips - one of the start of the Newry District (with Tullyvallen and Commons Silver Bands, then Altnaveigh Pipe all in a row), and also a clip of Upper Crossgare Pipe Band, who were the best pipe band on parade today!
I even got the chance to call in at 'Speak' - a week of mission stuff going on in Ards, linked between 7 churches in the town. This afternoon, they had a roller disco going on (music outside, music inside!), but I wasn't on rollerblades/skates - I would spend most of the time on my bottom... with bad memories of the same at Dundonald Ice Bowl one night...
The reason I called in at Speak, though, was to see Mark Henry, Youth Pastor at Movilla Church, who was at the event. It was great catching up with him again!
On the way home, we stopped at Connswater Centre briefly, then home again!
Some pictures of the parade will follow - again, if anyone has a way of hosting video footage that people could download, then please let me know - I'll have a couple of good video clips - one of the start of the Newry District (with Tullyvallen and Commons Silver Bands, then Altnaveigh Pipe all in a row), and also a clip of Upper Crossgare Pipe Band, who were the best pipe band on parade today!
Friday, August 26, 2005
Bands tomorrow!
Tomorrow is Black Saturday - the day when the Royal Black Institution has its annual parades. The one in County Down is the biggest, and this year is in Newtownards... so I'm going to it. Nothing else really to report... Was out for a drive this evening, out through the Mournes and into Newcastle, and it was great, as usual!
Thursday, August 25, 2005
This Sunday...
Just a quick posting... This Sunday morning's service on RTE is featuring a congregation from Dromore Cathedral - so watch out for that! But I won't be on tv (not this time, anyway - weren't my appearances coming up to the election enough for one year?), as I'm holding the fort back at the Cathedral.
Which meant that last night I was working on my sermon - as always, it will appear here through the week, but why not come along and hear it in the flesh - 11.30am in the Cathedral for the service of Morning Prayer 2 (Contemporary Language).
Oh - and a happy birthday to dad!
Which meant that last night I was working on my sermon - as always, it will appear here through the week, but why not come along and hear it in the flesh - 11.30am in the Cathedral for the service of Morning Prayer 2 (Contemporary Language).
Oh - and a happy birthday to dad!
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Prayer Support
Just today I have been blown away... In exactly one month, I will have started at college - well, we will be in the midst of our tour of Dublin, but it is the first day we're there. The time is getting very close now, and I have to admit, it is slightly scary!
But today I got two emails from different people, just to let me know they were thinking of me and praying for me and the task ahead - what a great encouragement! So I want to say a big thank you to everyone who is praying for me as I prepare for Dublin - I appreciate your prayers and support so much.
At some point in the near future I'll be getting ready for a prayer letter type thing... but more news of that when I'm ready!
But today I got two emails from different people, just to let me know they were thinking of me and praying for me and the task ahead - what a great encouragement! So I want to say a big thank you to everyone who is praying for me as I prepare for Dublin - I appreciate your prayers and support so much.
At some point in the near future I'll be getting ready for a prayer letter type thing... but more news of that when I'm ready!
Portstewart
Last night I began my meet-ups with people before heading off to Dublin... (yes, I know I'll be home most weekends, but it's still a big thing moving on...). So I was up in Portstewart, and had dinner, then a walk out round the coast to the strand. Thankfully the rain didn't come on til we were back at the car, and it was a good evening, made even better (again) by the performance of a pipe band beside the bandstand!
In other news... I've got the new router installed for broadband, so hopefully no more crashes, and certainly not in the 2 and a bit weeks I have left to work!
And finally... this headline from the Ballyclare Gazette, as passed on by Mr Andrew Brannigan, Diocesan Youth Worker for the Diocese of Down and Dromore (otherwise known as Brandy):
'PENSIONERS KNOCKED OVER BY RUNAWAY COW'
In other news... I've got the new router installed for broadband, so hopefully no more crashes, and certainly not in the 2 and a bit weeks I have left to work!
And finally... this headline from the Ballyclare Gazette, as passed on by Mr Andrew Brannigan, Diocesan Youth Worker for the Diocese of Down and Dromore (otherwise known as Brandy):
'PENSIONERS KNOCKED OVER BY RUNAWAY COW'
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
The Desire of our Soul
If you're Church of Ireland, you might well recognise these words, and could even finish them off... 'The desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee'. Words, of course, from the Urbs Fortitudinus, one of the Canticles we sing, which is taken from Isaiah 26 - 'We have a strong city, salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks; Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in...'
Why I say Church of Ireland, and not Anglican per se, is because it is only used in Ireland! It is our own canticle - the Canadians used it for a while, but it isn't in their latest BCP.
But anyway, why am I writing about that? I finished reading a book of the same name last night - written by Bishop Harold. It's subtitle is 'A User's Guide to the Book of Common Prayer 2004' and is a very good read. It basically goes through the book, and more especially the contemporary services, highlighting new things, raising concerns and commenting on why we do things the way we do them in the C of I.
It might not be a book for outsiders to understand what we do, but I think that members of our church might well find it useful to see the structure and thinking behind the new Prayer Book (Harold was the Chairman of the Liturgical Revision Committee which did the spadework for it).
Harold writes with humour, and even reveals some interesting facts (e.g. that the Urbs are only sung in Ireland, and that the phrase 'hocus pocus' comes from a word play on 'the Body of Christ' from the mass, indicating the funny business that goes on in transubstantiation.
However, one thing that is annoying in the book is the numerous spelling mistakes and typos - it does distract from the points being made. I'm not sure who is was, but the spell-checker or sub-editor or whoever needs to be fired or replaced!
All in all, though, it was a good read, and well worth it.
Oh, and 'the Desire of our Soul' - that is of course God! The Book of Common Prayer is not to be worshipped itself, but it is a vehicle to worship, containing ways in to worship, and material (all Scriptural) to aid in worship. But the words are just words, unless they are heartfelt and earnest words.
Why I say Church of Ireland, and not Anglican per se, is because it is only used in Ireland! It is our own canticle - the Canadians used it for a while, but it isn't in their latest BCP.
But anyway, why am I writing about that? I finished reading a book of the same name last night - written by Bishop Harold. It's subtitle is 'A User's Guide to the Book of Common Prayer 2004' and is a very good read. It basically goes through the book, and more especially the contemporary services, highlighting new things, raising concerns and commenting on why we do things the way we do them in the C of I.
It might not be a book for outsiders to understand what we do, but I think that members of our church might well find it useful to see the structure and thinking behind the new Prayer Book (Harold was the Chairman of the Liturgical Revision Committee which did the spadework for it).
Harold writes with humour, and even reveals some interesting facts (e.g. that the Urbs are only sung in Ireland, and that the phrase 'hocus pocus' comes from a word play on 'the Body of Christ' from the mass, indicating the funny business that goes on in transubstantiation.
However, one thing that is annoying in the book is the numerous spelling mistakes and typos - it does distract from the points being made. I'm not sure who is was, but the spell-checker or sub-editor or whoever needs to be fired or replaced!
All in all, though, it was a good read, and well worth it.
Oh, and 'the Desire of our Soul' - that is of course God! The Book of Common Prayer is not to be worshipped itself, but it is a vehicle to worship, containing ways in to worship, and material (all Scriptural) to aid in worship. But the words are just words, unless they are heartfelt and earnest words.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Annoying technology
Technology is great when it works... I've a feeling this is going to be similar to a posting that Martin had on his blog a wee while back... but let me tell you about today in the office.
We have had broadband in the office since January, but on Friday (once), and then numerous times today, the whole connection has crashed - not just the internet, but also our internal network system... Rage! It's so annoying when you're trying to keep up to date with emails, or work from websites to check things out, and suddenly it is all unavailable. To such an extent that this posting was written offline, and hopefully added when it came back on!
As well as that, I've been trying to sort out the stuff on the work laptop and my office computer, seeing what is my own, and needs to be removed (or rather, copied to cd)... It's amazing how many documents and pictures you accumulate in just 2 years.
And then soon will come the unenviable task of trying to clear out the flat with mountains of books, cds and videos... then deciding which stuff I need urgently in Dublin, and which should be put into my (already full) bedroom in Dromore...
We have had broadband in the office since January, but on Friday (once), and then numerous times today, the whole connection has crashed - not just the internet, but also our internal network system... Rage! It's so annoying when you're trying to keep up to date with emails, or work from websites to check things out, and suddenly it is all unavailable. To such an extent that this posting was written offline, and hopefully added when it came back on!
As well as that, I've been trying to sort out the stuff on the work laptop and my office computer, seeing what is my own, and needs to be removed (or rather, copied to cd)... It's amazing how many documents and pictures you accumulate in just 2 years.
And then soon will come the unenviable task of trying to clear out the flat with mountains of books, cds and videos... then deciding which stuff I need urgently in Dublin, and which should be put into my (already full) bedroom in Dromore...
Dublin Photos
Photographs from our adventure to Dublin are now available at my photo site. Click here to go to them!
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Wedding and Dublin
NO, not my wedding... no chance of that in the very near future! Yesterday evening I was in Omeath (County Louth) for the wedding party of my cousin Jason, and his wife Georgina. The party was quite good craic, although we were only home at about 3am, which was awfully late!
Then today, it was off to Dublin. Translink have been having some special £10 return to Dublin offer on Saturdays in the summer, so we went down - Scott, Donna, Lorna, Gillian, Lynsey and me, and ganshed about. We went on one of the city bus tours, hopping off and on again at several stops, of not much interest as it turned out, but then ended up on Grafton Street and St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre.
So I'm only home there at about 11.30, by the time we had been to Dromara and then out by the Maze to check church times for tomorrow, which then I didn't need as David isn't taking the service there... ah well... I'll get to see him at some stage!
Then today, it was off to Dublin. Translink have been having some special £10 return to Dublin offer on Saturdays in the summer, so we went down - Scott, Donna, Lorna, Gillian, Lynsey and me, and ganshed about. We went on one of the city bus tours, hopping off and on again at several stops, of not much interest as it turned out, but then ended up on Grafton Street and St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre.
So I'm only home there at about 11.30, by the time we had been to Dromara and then out by the Maze to check church times for tomorrow, which then I didn't need as David isn't taking the service there... ah well... I'll get to see him at some stage!
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Thursday
Again, not much to report on today... I spent much of yesterday evening reading 'The Sinner' by Tess Gerritsen - with lots of twists, turns and exciting bits. I have about 50 pages to finish tonight, when it will all become clear. There were more surprises with the dead nun, and with the other nuns too, but I won't spoil it for anyone who would read it!
In other news, we're in the monitoring season in work, it seems, with reports due for most projects and visits from the funders - people always keeping an eye on others to check they're getting on well. But there is One who always knows what is going on with us - 'He who watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps' (Psalm 121).
God keeps watch over us and knows all about us, as Psalm 139 also tells us. Now, that might seem frightening to those who are against Him, or who have fallen out with Him, but it is a tremendous relief and a joyous delight to be knowing that God loves us so much that he watches over us all and knows what is going on with us. We aren't a number to him, we are a beloved child (when we have come to trust in Him and become part of His family).
There's a wee thing in granny's house which speaks so much of this. Granny can worry a bit, and doesn't sleep too well, but the plaque says 'When you go to bed, give your concerns and worries over to God - He'll be up all night anyway'
In other news, we're in the monitoring season in work, it seems, with reports due for most projects and visits from the funders - people always keeping an eye on others to check they're getting on well. But there is One who always knows what is going on with us - 'He who watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps' (Psalm 121).
God keeps watch over us and knows all about us, as Psalm 139 also tells us. Now, that might seem frightening to those who are against Him, or who have fallen out with Him, but it is a tremendous relief and a joyous delight to be knowing that God loves us so much that he watches over us all and knows what is going on with us. We aren't a number to him, we are a beloved child (when we have come to trust in Him and become part of His family).
There's a wee thing in granny's house which speaks so much of this. Granny can worry a bit, and doesn't sleep too well, but the plaque says 'When you go to bed, give your concerns and worries over to God - He'll be up all night anyway'
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Nothing much to report
I know I'll get a bit of stick from Scott, but I really have nothing much to report today... last night I was in the flat, and finished the book on Calvinism, but I'm not in a position to write any more on it yet. Be assured it will come though!
I don't read that much fiction, but I started a new book last night - 'The Sinner' by Tess Gerritsen. So far we have been in a convent where one nun has been killed and another seriously injured...
I wonder why it is that a lot of my fiction reading has some link to faith or religion in some sense? For example, one of my favourite (fiction) books is 'Death in Holy Orders' by PD James - set in an Anglican Theological College in England, with a whole lot of murders... A few years back, I read some of the Barsetshire Chronicles by Anthony Trollope, which revolve around the church politics in a town and diocese. And then there's always some background of morality or faith to the books by John Grisham.
I don't read that much fiction, but I started a new book last night - 'The Sinner' by Tess Gerritsen. So far we have been in a convent where one nun has been killed and another seriously injured...
I wonder why it is that a lot of my fiction reading has some link to faith or religion in some sense? For example, one of my favourite (fiction) books is 'Death in Holy Orders' by PD James - set in an Anglican Theological College in England, with a whole lot of murders... A few years back, I read some of the Barsetshire Chronicles by Anthony Trollope, which revolve around the church politics in a town and diocese. And then there's always some background of morality or faith to the books by John Grisham.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
What type of theologian are you?
I found this wee quiz from another blog, and have taken the test - it appears that I score highly in both Anselm and Luther, although my closest affinity is with Luther! The link is at the bottom... have a go yourself!
 | You scored as Martin Luther. The daddy of the Reformation. You are opposed to any Catholic ideas of works-salvation and see the scriptures as being primarily authoritative.
Which theologian are you? created with QuizFarm.com |
Calvinism
I started reading a small book on the five points of Calvinism the other day. It's quite a good book, and more will follow, when I think about it more. I was a Calvinist before, (yes, even before David McCarthy tried to convert me to it), but now I'm seeing it all better fit together.
One thing that struck me on reading it was the quote on the Church of England (which would probably suit the Church of Ireland too): 'a Romanist ritual, Calvinist articles and Arminian clergy'.
So what is Calvinism? It is a doctrine that certainly didn't start with Calvin - Augustine was a proponent of this system of thinking. It looks at soterology (the doctrine of salvation), and attributes all the glory and initiative of salvation to God Almighty. It does this by setting out the five points:
Total depravity of man
Unconditional election
Limited Atonement
Irresistable grace
Perseverance of the saints
They are also known as the TULIP principles (due to the first letters) - and I will go into a bit more detail on them when I have finished the book. I am fully expecting a bit of a challenge on them from George - bring it on!
One thing that struck me on reading it was the quote on the Church of England (which would probably suit the Church of Ireland too): 'a Romanist ritual, Calvinist articles and Arminian clergy'.
So what is Calvinism? It is a doctrine that certainly didn't start with Calvin - Augustine was a proponent of this system of thinking. It looks at soterology (the doctrine of salvation), and attributes all the glory and initiative of salvation to God Almighty. It does this by setting out the five points:
Total depravity of man
Unconditional election
Limited Atonement
Irresistable grace
Perseverance of the saints
They are also known as the TULIP principles (due to the first letters) - and I will go into a bit more detail on them when I have finished the book. I am fully expecting a bit of a challenge on them from George - bring it on!
Monday, August 15, 2005
New Hair
Ok... here's the story.. I've recently got my hair cut a bit different, and instead of being fluffly and all over the place, it's now short and spiky... what do you think? I know I'm setting myself up for some rude comments, probably... but the 'delete' button might come in handy!
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