Written by Lucy Wright At the moment peace seems a word that is far away from a lot of people. Stressed, anxious, afraid, and tired are words that come up in a fairly regular basis if not in everyday in conversation. People don't feel peace and calm because of an inner pain and struggle. Yet … Continue reading Peace
Justice
A Wounded Peace-Bringer
Written by Glen Graham The coming of the Prince of peace is one of the major themes of the Advent, Christmas season. But what kind of peace did he bring? His early life was far from peace-filled as his mere presence enflamed the envy of the powerful elite. Yet that same presence transformed the lives … Continue reading A Wounded Peace-Bringer
Advent 2020
Advent is a season of waiting. A season of preparation. A season to be inspired. 24 diverse voices have been invited to share some thoughts on one of four themes (Hope, Peace, Joy and Love) each day during the season of Advent. Each contributor has been given just one theme and no further parameters - … Continue reading Advent 2020
My Sheep Hear My Voice
As a family we do enjoy a visit to a farm. My daughter’s favourite animals are the pigs and, at our local farm, the owls. I’m a fan of pygmy goats, they are bouncy and fun with a lower risk of harm than full sized goats. It’s always particularly enjoyable to visit a farm in … Continue reading My Sheep Hear My Voice
Our Obligations to Our Neighbours
Four Way Faith Part Four - Out: Our Obligations to Our Neighbours. When someone cries out “I can’t breathe” we are called to listen, to learn and to be the ones who play our part in bringing freedom and life where there is suffocation and death. This applies across race, gender, age, sex, disability, martial or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity. We must stand alongside those whose voice gets shut out and until justice rolls down like water and righteousness life an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24) we must not stay silent because there can be no peace where there is no justice.
God’s Gift of Neighbours
Four Way Faith Part Three - Out: God's Gift of Neighbours. We must follow Jesus’ example with Zacchaeus to accept the hospitality of those who different from ourselves, who others look down upon and speak ill of, even those who cause harm to others. Through accepting the gift of others we break down barriers and our lives, others lives and the kingdom of God benefit. When new people move into the houses, streets and towns around us (even our churches) it can be tempting to complain about change, to reflect on the way things used to be, or the people we used to see. Our challenge as Christian’s is to have the view of seeing the outsiders, the others, our neighbours as gifts, welcoming and accepting the gift they are and the gifts they bring.
Our Obligations to Creation
As Christ is revealed in us and so we revealed as the children of God for whom creation awaits with eager longing. As Christians, as followers and believers in Jesus and his Way, filled with God’s Spirit and seeking to glorify the Father we must have a mindset such as that described by Stan Rushworth, thinking about “obligations to serve past, present, and future generations, and the planet herself.” In serving the planet we serve ourselves, our neighbours and our God for all are interconnected.
God’s Gift of Creation
We are gifted with the natural world to enjoy the way it makes us feel and gives us life, to enjoy the fruits and harvest it provides, to receive healing for ourselves, our souls, our bodies, and our minds. Time amongst nature aids renewal for relationships and depth of connection with God, ourselves, our neighbours and our shared world.
Four Way Faith
Have you ever read a much-loved book or watched a favourite film umpteen times, so much so that you know the quotes and look forward to particular moments but then one day you notice something that you have never seen before? One of the most random examples I experienced was watching the film Willy Wonka … Continue reading Four Way Faith
What is the Face of the UK Church to Adults with Disabilities? (A Critical Investigation)
A dissertation submitted to The University of Manchester for the degree of Master of Arts in Mission (Unpublished) in the Faculty of Humanities (Cliff College: 2020) Abstract In 2004 it became a legal requirement for reasonable adjustments to be made to public buildings, including places of worship, to make them accessible. Access is just the … Continue reading What is the Face of the UK Church to Adults with Disabilities? (A Critical Investigation)
The Broken Church 