Congratulations to Stewart Cinq on winning The Open golf championship.

Interesting speech and responses that he made...
'I want to thank the R&A for such a great competition' <Great applause>
'I want to thank Tom Watson' <Great applause>
'I want to thank my wife and kids' <Great applause>
'I want to thank my wife for bringing me to faith and I want to thank God for all that he has done for me' < Stony silence.>

Blameless.

In many places in the bible Christians are urged to be 'blameless'. For example - 1 Thessalonians 5:23 "May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

I have worked in some places where there is a blame-culture. If anything goes wrong, the finger pointing begins...no-one takes responsibility, someone else is to blame. Being blameless is making sure you don't get blamed when it all goes wrong. The result is an atmosphere of fear, mistrust and dishonesty.

Contrast that with a story I heard to do with the NASA Mission Control Centre for the Apollo 11 moon landings. Unfortunately I can't remember the names or exact words but the gist of it makes a good point.

The Mission Control room was full of highly intelligent, young individuals who had a tremendous responsibility to the men on the mission. There was no experience in the room - they were all pioneers. Each had thousands of tasks to do : - monitoring systems, watching over the health of the astronauts, measuring oxygen levels, etc etc. The mission was high risk, high profile, high cost. Just before the mission blasted off, the Flight Controller (who I believe was Gene Krantz) turned off their communication links to the outside and addressed these comments solely to those in that Mission Room:

"You all know what to do. I have every faith in all of that you that you will do your best and get it right. But know this – if there is a mistake and a tragedy occurs I will take full responsibility. It will be down to me!"

In these few words he created a team who were motivated, trusting, honest and secure in the job at hand.

"May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

An answer to prayer - I am now famous!

For those who care, and I know precious few of you do, I moaned in a recent blog how few people follow anything I do on the good old interweb - this blog, Twitter or Facebook (OK so I don't have a Facebook account but if there were true friends out there they would set me up an account - right?) However, on Friday, July 10th all of that changed when I went international.

Being on Twitter (follow me here) and a follower of the Five Live Simon Mayo/Mark Kermode film review podcasts, I heard that Willem Dafoe was being interviewed on the show about his new film 'Anti-Christ'. I sent a tweet that they should put to him that, having been Christ in 'The Last Temptation...' and now being in 'Anti-Christ' that he should make his mind up! What followed next is sure to make history...just click on the video below.



Ok - so I may not have been mentioned personally but then God doesn't always answer prayers the way would would like Him to.

PS - I can't recommend the new film. Sounds very gruesome.

PPS - You can now catch my video broadcast here. Occurs around 1minute in!

What makes a good church?

Over the past few weeks I have been thinking about what makes a church 'good'!

Clearly church-goers define what they consider to be a 'good' church as to what they enjoy and what they believe takes them closer to God. Such things will include:

• Preach the Word of God...
• Free and easy worship...
• Formal liturgy
• Styles of songs
• Sense of togetherness
• Etc

I wonder of there is 'correct' way to do church, ie. is there a universal definition of what church should be? I think there is also a great danger that we see evangelism as being the marketing of the kind of church that we like, rather than anything else. Perhaps the problem is deeper and to do with our definition of what it means to be a Christian. I have a feeling that we have created a definition of Christianity which is marked more by how we follow Jesus rather than how closely we follow him.

The picture is the Church of Hallgrimur, Reykjavik, Iceland.

Well done Bob!

Spent today at York Minster for Robbie's Commemoration Day and Prizegiving Ceremony. He was awarded a prize for 5th form Music composition and the school English writing competition.

It was great to see him wearing the suit which he needs to wear in the 6th form instead of his school uniform. Another rite of passage passes and you realise that for your child adulthood isn't just looming but has well and truly arrived. And with it comes the pride of seeing a young man emerge and a sadness that you are needed less and less. But the success of parenthood is in realising that you are not needed, which has its rewards in itself.

I'm not sure where stories of painful teenagers comes from because I didn't start it! Robbie is no problem at all and we share a lot together.

Proud as punch.

And heaven knows...

I have recently realised that no-one reads this blog; that no-one follows me on Twitter and I have no friends on Facebook.

Nazis - A warning from history

It's interesting what you pickup on daytime TV. I caught a little of a program called "Nazis - a warning from history" a BAFTA award winning series by Laurence Rees which is being shown on the Yesterday channel.

When Hitler invaded Poland he created three regions and appointed rulers from his regime to run them as they saw fit. The most notorious was SS Obergruppenfuhrer Arthur Greiser who was appointed to administer Warthegau and did so by systematically enslaving or exterminating those who were non-German including Jews and native Poles. This approach was a decision entirely made by Greiser as other leaders of the annexed states simply re-classified residents as Germans. Griesers tactics shocked some in the Nazi military who had felt that they were in Poland to liberate Germans who had been excluded from their native land following World War I. They complained to Hitler who dismissed their concerns as a sign of weakness with the words "if you want to win a war you cannot fight like the Salvation Army"!

While doing a bit of searching on the internet I discovered more. During the pre-war appeasement attempts by the UK Government, the UK embassador, Sir Eric Phipps raised concerns about the nature of SS (Elite Guard) and SA (Storm Troopers) in 1939. Hitler assured him that they were like these troops were like the Salvation Army! (Story is here).

It would be too trivial to say "make your mind up" but I think Salvationists are not immune to have a confused approach to armed conflict. How do we square our attitudes to our own military with the words of Catherine Baird?

"We shall not lose the fight of faith,
For Jesus is our Lord,
We lay all carnal weapons down
To take his shining sword."

Can you see what it is yet?

I had a great day a recently visiting an exhibition of the work of Stanley Spencer at York Art Gallery with my friend, the Artist. Spencer was a British artist of the 20th century who often portrayed aspects of his Christian faith in the context the village of Cookham in Berkshire where he lived.

The exhibition was a great collection showing a range of his work including these self portraits, giving visitors a real insight into the man himself. I particularly liked his honesty, brutally shown at times, and the natural way in which he saw the spiritual as part of every day life.

The Artist taught me a lot. He pointed out aspects of composition, structure and development of the artists skill which I would never have seen. I was really intrigued as he pointed out the scrapes of paint on the canvas as Spencer struggled with bits of some paintings, which told of inner struggles and of "making it work". I was able to add some background to the biblical stories and theology of Spencer's paintings but found myself fascinated by how he committed it to canvas in a way in which the viewer is intrigued and made to think.

But the picture which really captivated both of us was this one, entitled Mending Cowls in Cookham. The thing is, Spencer desribed this picture as his most spritual painting. But why? Unlike other pictures, there is no bible story, depiction of Christ, religious motifs or anything which is immediately obviously Christian!

So what makes it spiritual? Can you see what it is yet?


Thanks to Big H for a great day.

Happy 16th Birthday Bob!

Good Friday is perhaps not the best day to have a birthday, a 16th at that, but it happened to Robbie our son yesterday. Just want to say what a great boy he is - the best any parents could have. We love you Bob. Now get on with your revision.

God Friday

It amazes me time and again that God ministers to people despite our efforts to get in the way.

Our Good Friday meditation was a series of prayers based on the words of Jesus from the cross, the final one being "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" . The prayer was read by Anne, who struggled with these words:

Lord Jesus, we let you go.

You cannot cling to life for ever, nor can we cling to a dying frame, nor do we grudge you that peace which passes understanding which you have promised us.

So go to heaven, where you will welcome those who die in your faith, whose death, with your death, we remember. Tell them that we love them, that we miss them, that they are not forgotten.

She stood in front of us all, her tears stopping the words flowing. But she battled through and completed her part. After she told me that her mother had died on one Good Friday a few years ago. They had not had an easy relationship and this had been the first time she had shed tears for her mother. Now that you know that, read the quote above again.

Our God is an amazing God. I only wish I could get out of the way more often.

The Story of an Artist, a Scientist and a Clergyman

An Artist, a Scientist and a Clergyman began bumping into each other regularly, although these meetings were never arranged.

The Clergyman met the Artist first and they became friends, talking about politics, war, religion, society and, particularly, art. The Clergyman then met a Scientist and they talked about religion faith and, particularly, science.

The Artist and the Clergyman shared their own expertise with each other, shedding light on the others' passions. The Artist explaining about the great artists and their styles, the Clergyman explaining the scenes of religious paintings.

At thier first encounter the Scientist challenged the Clergyman about beliefs in God in the face of suffering. The Clergyman admitted to also being challenged by such thoughts but said that faith is not always about knowing everything. This surprised the Scientist whose profession was to know everything about everything but who noticed that there were some things which could not be fully explained. The Scientist and the Clergyman talked more and discovered a shared interest in the origins of the Universe. The Scientist was surprised to hear that the faith of Clergyman did not depend on Six days of Creation. Eventually the Scientist and the Clergyman talked about a Big Bloke in the Sky.

One day the Scientist had mentioned to the Clergyman that he had heard of an abbot who suggested to his novices that they have three books on the go at once: one a spiritual book, one a book on a hobby and the other a novel. The Clergyman agreed that this would be a great idea and accepted the Scientists offer of a book called "Physics of the Impossible" by physicist Michio Kaku. The Clergyman offered "The Secret Message of Jesus" by Brian McLaren. A matter of weeks later the Scientist and Clergyman bumped into each other and both declared they were enjoying the books that they had swapped. "Who knows", said the Scientist as they left each other "I may become born again!". The Clergyman laughed out loud.

Some weeks later another book swap occurred while the Clergyman happened to be talking to the Artist. The Clergyman gave the Scientist a novel, "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini, which was reciprocated by a copy of a book showing how Art has influenced Science and vice versa, Cosmic Imagery by John Barrow. The Artist was naturally very interested in the latter and, for the first time, the three had an open conversation about spirituality. The Clergyman also gave the Artist the book on Jesus.

The following week the Scientist gave the Artist a book about Christian meditation with the Clergyman nowhere in sight!

Where will this story end? Who is pulling all these things together?
No idea how this story will end, but isn't it interesting how far a converation will take you.

A read a quote that 14% of atheists believe in God. And we think we're confused!

Humbling

Last night I had a chance to speak at the Churches Together in Selby Lent meetings under the topic Kingdom and Culture. In summary, I talked about the fact that being Christian had been disconnected with being Christ-like. I tried to define the problem with reference to what is generally seen to be "standing up for" Christianity, such as boycotting films like Harry Potter, Life of Brian and the Last Temptation of Christ (for which you might check this story out). My point was that we should be the ones turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, forgiving 70 times 7, etc.

In all honesty I had been worried about this talk as I had perceived the prevalent view among the audience to be "We need to make our country Christian once again...". I had noted one particular person who expressed this view by waving his bible in the air and saying "we must come back to follow this!".

I ended the evening with the act of worship which I have posted earlier today on Philippians 2, Christ had the full power of God but humbled himself as a slave. Despite my reservations, the talk was well received and this same man came to me and could not stop crying. "Thank you so much for what you have said. I have waited years to hear this, to be taken back to the Word. You made me realise just how judgemental I had become when Jesus had become so humble".

I was humbled too, that this man would recognise such an aspect in his character and be willing to put it right. I was chastened too, that I had misjudged so many - perhaps we underestimate the sheep still look for shepherding.

The Kingdom of God wins again.

Shalom Dog Millionaire

It is well with my soul.

Over the past few Sundays we have had some good times but never quite in the way that we planned them. God takes what we have done and puts his own spin on things.Take yesterday.

Paula preached on taking up crosses and following ,using candles to be blown out to say No to temptations and candles to be lit to say Yes to the things of God, ending with that grand old hymn 'It is well with my soul'. Afterwards, one of our saints was visibly upset, not just moved. She told me a little about some of the tragic episodes in her life and confessed that all was not well with her soul. She spoke in tears as words would not come and I asked if she knew the story of the old song which she did not.

Horatio Spofforth was an American whose only son had died tragically young and whose business had been wiped out by a fire. He sent his wife and four daughters to Europe planning to follow them later when business commitments had been settled. However, their ship collided with another and all of his daughters drowned. His wife survived,sending him a telegram which simply saying 'Saved alone'. Spofforth travelled to meet his wife in Europe and wrote these words as he sailed past the place where his daughters died.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Clearly Spofforth was not talking about joy and happiness, nor absence of grief, but about a deep surrender which carried him through and somehow spoke to him of hope.

My Saint heard this story, listening intently and sat quietly. Then she lit her candle and placed it at the cross, surrendered and broken, as she had been so many times in her life, perhaps without understanding or joy, perhaps as a child receives. A few words were said, a little prayer. (I never feel remotely adequate in these precious moments). But all is well with her soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Hill of Crosses

I had never heard of the Hill of Crosses which is to be found in Lithuania, until seeing it on TV recently. It's origins are vague, perhaps pagan, but the most recent turn in its history came in the middle of the 20th century when the country was under Soviet governance. The site had been a place of Catholic pilgrimage and so the Soviets bulldozed it all in order to convert the locals to atheism. The locals decided to mark the place with crosses as a protest of faith and of national identity. For years it was a battleground without weapons, being cleared and claimed in equal measure. Lithuania is now independent but the hill continues to draw pilgrims who continue to place crosses.

Please check out more extraordinary pictures here and a fuller description is on Wikipedia here. If you are quick you can catch the TV programme, Episode 8 of Around the world in 80 faiths, on BBC iPlayer here.

It struck me again, just how reductionist Atheism, indeed all forms of totalitarianism, can be. And how resilient the human spirit can be. For some, this is the evolutionary drive of survival. For me, it is the human spirit at work - the soul fighting for room to exist. To me, faith is bringing my soul into line with the Creator of the soul. Sometimes I get carried along with His flow; sometimes it buffets me against a few rocks; sometimes I decide to flow against it; sometimes I chill out and float in the deep. Sometimes it is at being at One with God, sometimes it is we are at sixes and sevens.

Ultimately, I find it the most satisfying thing in life.

A reminder of Darkest England

I had a nice reminder as to why I do what I do when we had a family day out in Leeds and went to the Leeds Art Gallery. There is an exhibition entitled Rank: Picturing The Social Order 1615-2009. It shows how art has been used to describe society down the ages. Prominent amongst the exhibits is a floor-to-ceiling version of the frontispiece to General William Booths classic book Darkest England and the Way Out. Taking Dr Livingstone's tagline describing Africa as the Dark Continent, it made a case that Victorian Britain was just as dark and needed rescuing. His Social Campaign depicted the problems of the country as drowning in a sea of depravations, amongst which were vice, drunkeness, despair, Jack and Ripper and Idiotcy!

Booths plan was Salvation - the rescue of all of those in that dark sea. But Salvation was not restricted to getting them out of the drink - they were to be patched up, given education and then opportunities given here or in the colonies and other places. I was reminded that Salvation is not just a spritual one and doesn't stop at a soup kitchen. We, as a society, need to go further and bring people back in from the dark. Like the Kingdom of God, Booth saw some of it happen in his time and but not all of it. I am glad, and today somewhat proud, to be albeit a small part of this great plan in my own way and place.

There is also another mention of the Army at the exhibition in a French satirical cartoon having a go at the British showing our hierarchical society with a procession headed by Army lasses in their bonnets! Can't interpret that one.

The exhibition is on until the end of April.

Lessons from the Tuesday Kitchen - Lesson 5

You have to have a laugh.

Here is a conversation which took place this week:

Mark : I can't believe it. Our case worker has refused to come round any more. What use is that?
Lindy: Yeah - it's made life really difficult. They should be helping us.
Me: So why has she done that.
Mark: It's only because I've got a gun. Well, it's only a .22 - it'll hurt you but it won't kill.
Nick:Hey Rob. Did I shoot you with a .22?
Rob: (Pauses while he thinks!) Yeah! (Carries on eating)

Nick was in a much better state this week. He came to us last week in the depths of the snow and cold spell, sleeping rough without a sleeping bag or covering having come out of prison with nothing. He was in a bad way. Very cold, very hungry and very down. We kitted him out with some stuff including an Army surplus sleeping bag which did the trick. So it was good to see that he survived the week and is taking a step back towards getting sorted and a bit more of a smile on his face.

I, for one, am glad that Mad Men has returned for series two. The series is set in a top advertising agency in the heady 60's. The show is beautifully shot, creating a real feel for what it was like to live at the time, the script is sharp, the performances snap and fizz, and the episodes have a good mix of self-contained stories and ongoing development of themes and characters.

All of the characters have things to hide, which get revealed over time, while the excesses of the corporate world are gradually exposed. Much has been said about the way in which the portrayal of rampant sexism, racism, homophobic hard drinking, hard smoking, workaholic lifestyles.

It says a lot about shallowness in the world of opportunity and plenty. And yet, there are those who fight for good and reach for the best.

If you want to catch it, the schedule can be found here.

Lessons from The Tuesday Kitchen - Lesson 4

I know nothing about life.

We had seen Matt and Lucy before Christmas but they came into our church soup kitchen today in a poor way. Before long Matt was sobbing his heart out and Lucy joined in. He has serious mental health problems and they are both addicts, not only to heroin but also to the medication that is supposed to help them. They are tens of thousands in debt, have a flat which leaks water, a faulty electicity meter which over charges and they have been told that they will be evicted if they cannot find £1000 for a deposit. Every agency they turn to for help looks at them as if they are scum. They told us worse things but those are not for me to share. They have nothing going for them.

As so often with those who come to our soup kitchen we felt as if we could do very little. A hot meal and drink, some food to take away, making time for a chat. They left with small smiles on their faces, we were left with tears on ours. Their parting words - "Thank you. You have been so nice".

What do I know about their world? What can I understand? Who am I to offer anything? What true sacrifice have I ever made?

Throughout the bible, God deliberately calls his people to look after the poor. I am convinced that it not primarly because of the state poverty brings, but it is because we need to learn from them what it is to be human. As long as the church remains aloof from those it should be serving, then it will not be the force for good that God intended it to be.