Playing Catchup

Isn't the world a very small place? Last Friday night I made my way over to Dundonald Presbyterian Church for a special service. Our friends there were welcoming their new minister at the service of Installation. William McCully was moving from his previous churches in Letterkenny, County Donegal to become the new minister in Dundonald. I think I've only ever been in Letterkenny once, so didn't think I would know him at all.

What a surprise, then, to find that he was originally from Drumgooland, not a million miles from Dromore - but a greater surprise was in store. It turns out that his brother-in-law was one of my friends from school! And there, in the middle of Dundonald, I saw Gordon Bingham for the first time in probably five years or so!



This year we're thirteen years away from Dromore High School (Gordon is 3rd in from right on 2nd row from back), and spent some time remembering our days at the school, as well as having plenty to catch up on, and to meet his wife Helen! Gordon is now working for the Faith Mission in Cumbria, a brother gospel worker just across the water, so we were able to encourage one another in the work for the Lord as well.

The world truly is a small place, and the Lord can work in marvelous ways through his glorious providence. Through bringing his brother-in-law to minister alongside us here in Dundonald, I'm back in touch with Gordon, and hopefully will keep in better touch, particularly with the local link.

Back to School

This morning it was back to school, as I was in Dundonald Primary taking their Key Stage 2 assembly. I brought a load of household items, of various shapes, sizes and weights, and challenged a pupil to hold them all in his arms. Brilliantly, he managed
to hold them all - even though he disappeared behind the pile of books, clothes hangers, boxes, shower pipe and head, toilet rolls, brush, an inflatable globe, and other items!

What was the point of that? Well, it helped us to see that while we may struggle to hold a few things, Hebrews tells us that Jesus sustains the universe by his powerful word. Colossians also reminds us that in him all things hold together. Jesus is powerful, and keeps the world going - every breath we take is given by him.

Or as the old chorus goes: 'He's got the whole world in his hands.'

Wallace Busted by BRA

This year is not to be The Wallace High School's year for the Schools Cup, despite a brave show in today's semi final against Belfast Royal Academy. The game ended 16-12 in BRA's favour, with an exciting finish as they ran out worthy winners.

Playing into the sun in the first half at Ravenhill, Wallace gained a surprisingly large lead, with two tries and one conversion. Despite BRA looking the stronger side, they only managed one penalty to end up at halftime with Wallace leading by 12-3.

Those twelve points were all Wallace would score as the second half appeared to be mostly encamped in the Wallace half, their defence under siege for most of the time, and the BRA pressure paid off. BRA's strength was on show, whereas the Wallace players seemed to struggle with cramp later in the game. Another two penalties meant that it was 12-9 in the last five minutes, but BRA always
looked like scoring. The pressure paid off with a converted try with two minutes left on the clock. Wallace failed to regroup and push for the needed try in those last two minutes, and BRA gained their ticket to the final on St Patrick's Day with a solid performance. Their supporters, who had been silent all day finally came to life right at the end, but still they were fairly quiet.

All in all a good game of rugby, a fair performance by Wallace, but BRA deserved to win. All the best to them in the final against either Methody or Ballymena Academy.

Esperance

That word is the school motto of my old school. It was emblazoned on our blazers, just one word: hope.

Hope is high today. It's the Semi-Final of the Schools' Cup at Ravenhill later this afternoon. Wallace take on Belfast Royal Academy (BRA). Let's hope the lads from Lisburn can make it through to the St Patrick's Day final. Could this be our year?

Esperance!

Hogwarts Rules Out Move To NI

Plans to move Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to Northern Ireland have foundered after it emerged that the Education Minister, Catriona Ruane would be banning an ancient school tradition under current education policy. Harry Potter's old school had been interested in crossing the Irish Sea to the province where traditions are so highly valued.

On arrival at Hogwarts, first year pupils are sorted into four houses, named after the founders of the school: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. The sorting, or selection, is performed by the Sorting Hat, who has performed the ceremony since the school's inception. Yet in a controversial move, Ruane has revealed she will ban the Sorting Hat on the grounds that it is unfair to select children at such a young age, and particularly on academic ability.

It is understood that Ravenclaw is the particular target of the ban on academic selection, as its House values include intelligence, creativity, learning and wit. Consider these lines from the various Sorting Hat songs in recent years:

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;

For Ravenclaw, the cleverest
would always be the best;

Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach those whose
Intelligence is surest" ...
And only those of sharpest mind
Were taught by Ravenclaw

This decree is a big blast to the proposed relocation of Hogwarts to Northern Ireland, and the previous plans will now disappear in a puff of smoke.

No one from either Hogwarts or the Minister's office was available for comment on this report.

It's Your Move!

I'm not thinking about board games, but rather the excellent new schools resource produced by Scripture Union. The move from Primary School to secondary schools, whether they be High Schools or Grammar Schools, can be a stressful and worrying time for P7 pupils. Scripture Union's material can help the children get ready for what's coming next, as well as helping them to get to know the Lord Jesus for the rest of their life.

The material is designed for SU leaders or members of the local churches to deliver over three sessions of 45 minutes each. This morning was our last session, having visited Dundonald Primary School over the last three weeks, as part of a team from Dundonald Presbyterian and St Elizabeth's. The sessions are interactive and fun, with lots of games which are linked in to the main themes of each class- Creation, Choices and Changes. In brief, because God has made the world, and humans in his image, we are each special. God gives us choices, the most important of which is whether we will follow Jesus. And while changes happen in our life, we can be sure that God goes not change, and that he is with us always.

Sometimes the material needs to be tweaked slightly, to suit the particular situations in classes due to time pressures or the bible inputs, but as a resource, It's Your Move is highly recommended. As well as the leader's book, each pupil receives their own activity book to read and keep, reminding them of the teaching and providing practical tips for their new school experience.

School Assembly

This morning was a first for me. Slightly scary, but good fun. I stepped back into the world of P4 - P7, and spoke at a local Primary School Assembly. To see several hundred kids who all want to answer the question, and are listening was good - and a great opportunity to build links with the local community at the same time.

The talk wasn't written down, but here's a rough version of it - a New Year Assembly:

I've brought along a calendar - what do we use that for? It's to show us the days and months of the year. Today is the first assembly of the new year, of 2009. Did you remember to write 2009 at the top of the page, or were you still writing 2008?

At the start of a new year, some people do special things. Can you tell me what they are? New Year's Resolutions - promises that people make to change things. Did you make any new year resolutions? (Answers ranged from not doing homework, to eating more chocolate!). I've brought along some things that might help us think about resolutions.

First, a pair of trainers - possibly smelly. You might need these if your resolution is to get fit, go running or lose weight. Sometimes people decide to do something new. Other people might give something up. I've a huge bar of Galaxy Chocolate here - maybe some people are giving up chocolate or sweets? (Judging by the sounds, none of the kids were anyway!)

But why do people make new year resolutions? It's to change something, or make them a better person. Do you know, the Bible tells us about how we can change as well. In 2 Corinthians, it says that 'If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.' (2 Cor 5:17). What that means is that if we are friends with Jesus, then he makes everything new. He changes us, so that all the wrong things we have done are forgiven and forgotten. We see the world in a new way, and treat other people differently.

Jesus once told a story about the Prodigal Son. You might know it. A man had two sons, and the younger decided he wanted his share of the money. So he set off and went far away, and had a great time. He had lots of friends and partied away. But then his money ran out, and he had no money and no friends. He had to feed pigs and was so hungry he even wanted to eat what the pigs were eating.

Then he came to his senses, and realised he was being silly. So he went off home, and before he could even say sorry to his dad, his dad had brought clothes for him, and put a ring on his finger. This was to show that he was accepted back into the family. They had a big party, and the son had a new start. The past was forgotten, and he could start again. (paraphrase of Luke 15)

You know, that's the same with God. When we become friends with Jesus, then we are welcomed in, and given a new start. Just like when you came in on the first day, and turned over onto a fresh new page - you can start over. Jesus can give us a new start, a new creation, when we trust in Him.

The Last Eleven Plus

Today P7 pupils in Northern Ireland sat what could be the last Transfer Test ever. The Eleven Plus will be no more after this year. However, there's no clear guidelines on what will be in place next year.

I can vaguely remember doing the 11+ way back then - my only abiding memory is sitting at home in my bedroom doing one of the practice papers. Having done the test, I then went to Dromore High School, not because I didn't get into a grammar school with my grades, but because it was my first preference.

If there was such a thing as pressure back then, it must have passed me by - I must have been laid back even then. However, nowadays there is a lot of pressure on the children doing the Transfer Tests. Pressure at such an early age to perform well and succeed.

But what does success mean? Could there be damage for children branded by the system as a failure? Quite possibly. But surely the pressure and stress on the children from the unknowing of next year's arrangements is even worse. For the wellbeing of our children, the Assembly must sort this out, and that right early!

Do Not Worry! A sermon from Dromore High School Harvest Thanksgiving on Monday 22 October 2007. Matthew 6:25-34

I wonder if you have any worries today? Anything you’re concerned about? I won’t ask you to put your hand up if you are worried about anything, because I’m sure it’s quite a few of us.

I don’t want to make you worry, but some of the things you might be worrying about could be: spots, boys or girls, your looks, your parents, your exams, whether your friends like you, your health…

Even Mr Wilkinson will be worried about a few things. Maybe not about his hairstyle these days, but he will be concerned about some things!

In the Bible reading we heard earlier, we hear what Jesus says about worry. Here’s what he said – ‘do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is life not more important than food, and the body than clothes?’ (6:25)

As we’ll see, Jesus says that you don’t have to worry about things that come up in our life. The reason not to worry is because of God, our Father. We don’t have to worry because God values us, and because God already knows what we need!

So let’s look at what Jesus says about how valuable we are. ‘Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?’ (6:26)

Jesus is saying that God cares more about us than he does about the birds of the air, and because he cares, he will provide us with what we need. Did you ever see a bird sowing seed and growing its own food? Did you ever see a bird worrying about the price of things in Tesco?

So if God provides for the birds of the air without them doing anything to help themselves, then how much more will God care for us, and provide for our needs?

In Psalm 50, God reminds us that he owns the cattle on a thousand hills; (Psalm 50:10) and to expand that vision, Psalm 24 tells us that ‘the earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.’ (Psalm 24:1). Can you see that God rules over all, and that because God rules over all, then he can provide for your needs?

Jesus then goes on to talk about worrying about clothes. Who doesn’t worry about clothes? I’ll let you into a secret – this morning when I was getting ready I worried about my clothes – what would I wear today? Should I go for jeans, or for the suit? But as we’ll see, Jesus says that we don’t have to worry about our clothes.

‘And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?’ (Matt 6:28-30)

Do you know something? I really love harvest time, as the leaves change colour and start to drop off the trees. Down in Dublin last week I was like a big child kicking the leaves and hearing them crunch. Or just pause and look around you today. Look at the variety of colours and textures and even flavours (but don’t eat the apples!). In all these things, we see how much God provides for his creation.

In Genesis, we read of the beginnings of the world, and after every time that God creates something, it says this – ‘And God saw that it was good’ (Gen 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25), and then at the end of the creation, it says that ‘God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.’ (Gen 1:31)

Without worrying, without stressing, the flowers are clothed with amazing colours. They don’t have to do anything about it, they just have to be.

Who would you say is the most fashionable person in the world? If you had to pick someone who was the best dressed, who would it be? Maybe Victoria Beckham, or one of the supermodels? The example Jesus uses was King Solomon. Solomon had been king of Israel about 1000 years before, and had lived in luxury. We read in 2 Chronicles 9 that ‘King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.’ And elsewhere in 2 Chronicles that he made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem, and owned fourteen hundred chariots.

Yet, Jesus says that the lilies of the field are better dressed than Solomon, who must have spent thousands on his clothes. So if God makes sure the lilies are looking well, then how much more will he look after us and provide clothes for us?

So far we’ve heard what Jesus tells us not to do. He has told us not to worry, because God cares for us, and because God knows what we need. But at the end of the passage we read, Jesus turns it around, and tells us to do something else in its place.

What happens when you worry about something? If you’re anything like me, then you’ll think about something over and over again. You’ll try to solve the problem, and look at it lots of different ways. Your mind will be like a washing machine, turning it around and around. You might not even be able to sleep if you keep thinking about your worries.

When we worry, we make our problems bigger. It makes us think that we have to solve it all ourselves. [But you don’t have to solve it yourself. Talk to a friend, or someone else who can help you.]

Instead, Jesus calls us to trust in God. We don’t have to worry about things like boys or spots or clothes, if we have faith that God knows what we need, that he loves us and that he will provide for us. So what to do instead of worrying?

Jesus says that it’s a matter of getting our priorities right. Here’s what he says. ‘So do not worry, saying “What shall we eat?” or “what shall we drink?” or “what shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’ (6:31-33)

We don’t have to worry about food or clothes or anything else. Instead, we’re called to trust our Father – God knows what we need. Because he knows what we need, he can provide it for us. But what does it mean to seek first his kingdom?

Earlier we read from Psalm 24 that the earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it. God created the world, and is the king. The choice for us, then, is whether we will recognise him as king – as our king, or live in rebellion against him.

Will you live for God, living the way he wants you to? The promise is there in Jesus’ words that when we live for God, then God provides for us – ‘all these things will be given to you as well.’

As we’ve seen today, Jesus calls us not to worry, because God knows what we need, and will provide for us. Later on in the Bible, Paul writes in Philippians these words: ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.’ (Phil 4:6-7).

Jesus says – do not worry… but seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Back to School

Now that I'm back in Dublin, I've had a chance to reflect on my day - the day when I went back to my old school. Well, ok, not the school itself, but the school gathered in the cathedral for its harvest thanksgiving service. It is ten years since I left Dromore High School with a few GCSE's, and I was asked to speak at the harvest service today - this being their 50th anniversary year.

I wasn't sure how it would go, but looking back, I have to say I really enjoyed it! Despite there being a good turnover of teachers in the ten years of my absence, there were still quite a few that I remembered, and that remembered me! Teachers like Miss Uprichard, Miss Trimble, Mr Wright, Mr Todd and Mr Todd (science and computers both), Mr Cousins, Mr Hendron, Mrs Houston, Mrs McCalmont, Mrs Brown, Mrs Cooper, Mrs McKnight, Mr Currie, Mrs Storey and a few others as well! It was nice seeing them again, and catching up with them.

It was also great seeing Mr Wilkinson, the headmaster, or as he'll soon be known, 'uncle John'. This was the first time he'd heard me speak, so fair play to him for giving me the opportunity!

I've been trying to remember back to when I was at the school, to the annual services in the cathedral at Harvest and Christmas, and can only recall three of them - and always the carol services! The first, in my first year when I sang a solo, and got some of the 5th years into detention when they laughed at me (with the vice-principal sitting behind them!); in fourth year when I led the carol service; and fifth year when me, Gordon Bingham and (who was the other person? - I don't think it was Christopher Somerville) sang a trio. So I couldn't even remember how the harvest services had gone in the past.

Slightly scary, having over 500 people listening, all watching, but really good at the same time - a great opportunity to speak the word of God into their lives. I'll get the sermon text up tomorrow when I have some time.

One final thought. This morning when I was getting dressed, I went for my navy pin-stripe suit. The only shirt to go with it was my light blue shirt. The tie that went with it was a navy tie with lighter blue stripes. Whether subconsciously or what, I ended up virtually dressed in the High School uniform... talk about regressing to school days!

Wallace still without the School's Cup

It is with great sadness that I report on the rugby game at Ravenhill this afternoon. The Schools Cup Final of 2007. Wallace out for their first win, and RBAI out for their 29th victory. It was a wild and stormy day, with some rain showers... and very cold on the terraces!

In the first half, Inst got a try in the 13th minute, and that was the scoring done. Wallace's defence holding them well. Sadly, not so much forward movement for Wallace.

In the second half, Wallace put together some good moves, but the passing failed them... and when they ran forward, they always ran into the brick wall of Inst's defence. There was simply no way through for Wallace, yet the valiantly kept trying. However, Inst piled on the pressure, getting a penalty, and towards the end converted a try to bring the 15-0 scoreline.

So, from a blustery Ravenhill, it was disappointment for Wallace High School, and victory (yet again) for the Royal Belfast Academical Institution.

Schools Cup Final!

Just a quick posting because I had forgotten to blog about it a few days ago. I'm glad to hear that my old school, The Wallace High School are through to the (rugby) Schools Cup Final again! Having seen off Portora last week, they're now gearing up for a final appearance against RBAI (more commonly known as Belfast Inst) on Monday. The final, as always, will be played at Ravenhill, the home of Ulster Rugby, and I think starts at 3pm on Monday.

Let's hope they can do it this time - from what I can remember, they made it to the final the year before I started Wallace, but they lost; and then lost again in the Semi-Final in my last year at school. They were also in the final about four years ago (I was living in Newtownstewart that year), and lost that time too.

So come on Wallace, and win!!!

Esperance.

The Christmas Cracker!

This is a version of the talk I used this morning at the Maralin Village Primary School carol service in Magheralin Parish Church. My props were the cracker, with the stuff inside, which was made last night, and larger versions of the three items.

This morning we're here to think again about the Christmas message. I've brought something special with me to help us. But you need to guess what it is. It's something we have on the table at Christmas Dinner. But you don't eat it. It is, of course, a cracker. Inside this special cracker, we have some things that will remind us of the Christmas message.

So after two kids pulled the cracker, we remove the things inside to see what they tell us about the Christmas story. Now, what do we normally find in a cracker? We have a joke, a party hat, and a toy. But this is a special one, so instead of a joke, we have a piece of paper giving us a Bible text - Matthew 1:18-25.

So the first thing we find in the cracker is a party hat. What shape is it? It's a crown. The crown reminds us of Jesus being the king. As we heard from one of our readings, the Magi came seeking the King of the Jews who had been born. Recently I was over in London, and visited the Tower of London. There, I got to see the Crown Jewels, worn by the Queen. They were all sparkly, and shiny, with the diamonds and the gold. But all that is nothing to the crown Jesus wears as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus, the baby, is born King.

The next two items will help us to think about the names of Jesus we find in the passage. So the first item is a cross. But why have we got a cross when we're thinking about the Christmas story? Jesus means 'God saves.' And Jesus saved us through dying on the cross. At Christmas we think of the baby Jesus, but he grew up to live as a man, and to die on the cross for our sins, in our place. The cross was the reason Jesus was born, so that we would be saved.

The final thing we find in our cracker is a ring. The ring is a symbol of love and commitment. Back in the summer, I bought a ring, and asked Lynsey to marry me. Thankfully, she said yes, and we got engaged. But it was the ring that showed our love and commitment. Some people think that God is far away, watching us from a distance but not really caring about us. But the Christmas message is that God has come among us - Jesus is God in human form. God loved us so much that he sent Jesus to come among us, and save us. At the end of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus promised that he is always with us - 'And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age' (Matt 28:20).

So there we are, we have found the Christmas message in the cracker. Jesus, the baby is the King. He died to save us on the cross, and is the symbol of God's love. Happy Christmas!