Yesterday, we joined with churches across Scotland in singing the Advent hymn, 'When out of poverty is born' and, at the request of Chistian Aid Scotland, posting it to social media and other online platforms. The aim is to keep the very real issue of poverty in people's awareness.
We did a sound only recording, and added the above photo (yes we did have a dog!)
I've had problems uploading the audio to social media, so I've posted it here and will link this blog post (if you click on the 'podcast' button below it should play, albeit in a new window!
On Tuesday evening I was reminded of this wonderful poem, and spent my reflection/prayer time with it...
Advent Calendar
He will come like last leaf's fall. One night when the November wind has flayed the trees to the bone, and earth wakes choking on the mould, the soft shroud's folding.
He will come like frost. One morning when the shrinking earth opens on mist, to find itself arrested in the net of alien, sword-set beauty.
He will come like dark. One evening when the bursting red December sun draws up the sheet and penny-masks its eye to yield the star-snowed fields of sky.
He will come, will come, will come like crying in the night, like blood, like breaking, as the earth writhes to toss him free. He will come like child.
Isn't this fun! I saw it yesterday when I had to pop over to Paisley for a meeting.
Two pensioners were looking at it, observing how the reindeer each have their own stride. Two young adults were chatting to the security man guarding it. Smiles rose on faces as each new person passed by.
Composed of 'Lego' bricks this is a truly amazing - and fragile - creation. It's sad that it needs to be guarded, but it's wonderful that it brings joy to a somewhat depressed High St on a grey November day.
I guess there's a sermon in there somewhere.
PS I believe there's currently a penguin trail in Paisley, if anyone with small children wants an inexpensive day out!
It's been a curious couple of days, all of which as largely taken the form of 'retreat' and during which, more than anything else has come a sense that God delights in me, is pleased with me and simply wants me to be me. As I said to the retreat accompanier on Tuesday evening, I do Proddy guilt really well, am good at feeling I should work harder, better, smarter, that I should be more holy, more spiritual, more disciplined etc. etc. And in amongst it all God was saying, so it seems, 'just be you.'
The picture is a doodle on that theme, colours chosen because I like them, swirls (spirals) of reflection and integration, a dandelion clock which is a symbol a friend and I share which captures something of God's Sophia Ruach active in uncontrollable ways, red shoes because red shoes (obviously)... and other stuff that matters only to me, and means stuff only to me.
So, being me means...
Continuing to learn what it means to be a prophetic, poetic, pragmatic, preaching pastor - a challenging blend if ever there was one.
Continuing the work of using language other than male power language for God
Giving expression to the creativity God has blessed me with, in places and spaces where that is safe and helpful for me and for others
Something about non-striving, about enjoying and celebrating my spirituality for what it is
And continuing to be the minister to the Gatherers for any foreseeable future.
At the 24 hour ministers' retreat we were asked to reflect on 'how have I changed (in the last five years)' and 'what does God required of me'.
In essence, I am the same person I was five years ago but, shaped by some painful and difficult experiences, and having worked hard to explore and address those, I am far more at peace with myself (and with others).
As to what God requires of me - apart from the obvious Great Commandment and Micah Challenge - simply to be 'me', not trying to conform or comply, not worrying, whinging or whittling, but instead delighting in who I am and all that God enables me to be.
