The Birthkeeper of Bethlehem by Bridget Supple was recommended to me a friend who was once a Baptist Minister and is now a Midwife (some readers may deduce/guess who that is) and I absolutely loved it!

For sure, I could take issue with the anachronism of twenty-first century concepts projected back into a first century context.  I could cringe that the little Lord Jesus made no crying.  I could  get all antsy any how the author tackles the elision of of the Matthean and Lukan narratives.

Or, I could savour the rich story telling and the careful research into traditional childbirth, reclamation of women's voices and celebration of women's bodies.

I chose the latter, and it drew me into the familiar story in a different and interesting way, shining new light on both the gospel stories and the mystery of childbirth.

Well worth a read this Advent season, at least imo.     

Today I was teaching classes, on pastoral care and reflective practice, on Zoom , which meant I couldn't be at church, where wreath-making formed the centrepiece of the service.  The person leading the service left this beautiful one on my doorstep... pastoral care as inclusive gift-giving.

During the morning session, one of the participants asked if a specific - and important - topic would be covered in the class (which was material written by someone else).  When I checked, it wasn't so I spent my lunch break quickly finding good resources and preparing to facilitate some exploration around that topic.  At the end of the class someone commented that this was pastoral care...  and they were correct... the gift of time, knowledge (or at least where to find it!) and flexibility.

I always learn when I teach/train/facilitate and today was no exception.

Today I am teaching online for most of the day, which includes leading prayers (with Communion) for Advent 1.

Setting up my office this morning brought back memories of 2020 when, every Sunday, I would hang fabric to disguise my bookcases, stack books to form a 'table' and spend disproportionate amounts of time tweaking the set-up.

So it is today.

I am glad to be part of a tradition that had /has no theological hangups over Zoom Communion.

I am glad that out of lock-down came new opportunities for communication, fellowship and teaching/learning.

Advent 1 holds many bittersweet associations, and stirs within me a melancholy that I think is healthy and helpful,

Whatever Advent 1 means for you, may the candle flame of hope lighten your journey.

Next Sunday sees the start of the crazy season of Advent.. and crazy it surely will be...

ADVENT 1 (30)
I am teaching all day on Zoom

Church will all-age and very messy, be centred on wreath-making; the leader has promised to make me a wreath :)

ADVENT 2 (7)
We have an infant blessing, toy service (collecting gifts for Salvation Army appeal) and Communion

ADVENT 3 (14)
In the morning we have a 'pop-up' nativity

In the evening we have our first ever Community Carol Festival with stroke survivors' choir, community centre choir, church choir, and Brownies.

THURSDAY 18
We are hosting a Radio Stoke Coffee Morning

ADVENT 4 (21)
Morning we have traditional lessons & carols using Christian Aid material

Evening we Carols by Candlelight (or Candles by Carol light!!)

CHRISTMAS EVE
Our now traditional (it's the third year!) Christingle

CHRISTMAS DAY
Celebration Service

Small wonder I don't have the energy for evening reflections this year. It will feel a little odd not logging onto Zoom at 9p.m. every night, but after five years, I think it is time for a rest. I will enjoy what we do have - and hope that others will enjoy it too.

(Photo was from Advent 4 2020, 'Zurch')

This week has been, and continues to be, very full, with early starts and late finishes.  It has also been a week when winter began fully take its grip, although, unlike last year, as yet no snow in these parts.  Since completing my Race for Refugees in September, I have continued walking the three miles or so each from central Manchester to the vicar school, meaning that two or three days a week I am guaranteed to get nine or ten miles of walking (this week fitted around nine or ten hours of working!).  At the moment, it is just about light when I reach college, and yesterday was a lovely (if shepherd/sailor worrying) sky.

Making or taking time to pause, to admire something of the natural world is a good thing, a chance to re-centre and find a bit of equilibrium amidst the hurl-burly of academic, pastoral, professional and trustee responsibilities.