This morning we thought about 'gentle wisdom' as per James 3/4, and I noted that it is not the existence of structures and systems which is critiqued by the above/below comparison  but instead the values that drive or underlie those systems.  I'm quite impressed that I managed to quote the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Walter Wink and Julian of Norwich all in the same sermon... and that's three more quotes than I'd normally use!

This evening we were looking at some 'creation time' themes recognising the orderliness of creation and the challenges and tensions of good stewardship alongside the power we have in the wealthy north west of the globe.  Questions about food miles and renewable energy, about fairtrade and local sourcing are really important, and really complex.

So, two services and two clearly inter-related themes... that God is a God of order, and that we need real 'wisdom from above' to live well in the complex world of which we are part.  Perhaps a less blatant connection than some Sundays of late, but it's still there.

A quiet week in prospect, as I have next Sunday 'off' so I am looking forward to doing some reading and reflecting (plus the inevitable interruptions which are the real ministry).