I already mentioned I'm doing a short series based around some of the parables of Jesus.  I love revisiting these tales and trying to read them differently from the last time and the time before that - even if as I read them the same images pop into my head as did, erm, around forty years ago.  And this is part of the challenge, I think, to find new insights and ideas without destroying the fragile and beautiful vestiges of youth.

This week I have been re-reading parts of Stephen Wright's Tales Jesus Told and enjoying the fresh approach he takes to reading some of the narrative parables.  Suffice to say that this week's service will draw on some of what he explores.

I have also been reminded of a short series I did a couple of years back, not long before I left Dibley for Glasgow, also on some of the parables, in which I asked people to imagine themselves into the story and to hear it from the perspective of various characters... for example, from the viewpoint of the priest or the thieves in the Good Samaritan story (I never quite went as far as the viewpoint of the donkey or, as one set of Bible notes I once had did, the road!).

This Sunday we are using Luke's banquet parable which most commentators seem to see as a different story from Matthew's.  Again, a couple of years back at a ministers' conference we were invited to work in small groups to enter a Bible story as the characters within it.  The group I was part of landed the Matthew banquet story and I became the person who was ejected for not wearing the wedding clothes ... it was a powerful way of experiencing the tale and I recall my character saying 'if I could have a second chance I'd wear the clothes...'  It made me think a lot about inclusion, exclusion, grace, forgiveness, second chances and culture, none of which is the usual explanation of the story but each of which is valuable.

And that's the point, isn't it?  The parables aren't neat Victorian style moral tales with one obvious meaning, nor are they folk tales with a happy ever after outcome, they are puzzling and mysterious tales designed to make the hearer/reader think.  I hope we are able to do a little bit of that this summer, starting this week as we hear stories Jesus told about parties.

Please pray for Annie as she walks a dark and scary road.

Thank you.

This coming autumn I am planning on leading a short series (four weeks) on aspects of human relationships, with each week having its provisional title posed as a question e.g. "A Christian marriage?"  In four weeks I cannot possbily do justice to any of the topics I've chosen and of course there are 'places' Baptist ministers aren't permitted to go from the pulpit, though I hope to insert a few hints and glimspes to prompt people to do some thinking for themselves.

A quick Amazon search indicates any number of writings I might pick up, ranging from the 'Banner of Truth' via the 'Kingsway paperback' to the 'Theological Treatise.'  What I am looking for is not the 'this is the answer' stuff, but some decent theological writing and wondering what others might have read on:

'Christian' marriage

'Christian' family

'Christian' work ethic

'Christian' responses to complex human situations e.g. multi-parent families, long term unemployment, family breakdown etc.

Anyone who points at the 'sixty minute' anything or 'power of the praying x' will be thumped (in love of course).  I am happy to read across the theological spectrum so that I can then help others to think in a more sophisticated way about their own attitudes and lifestyles.

The experiences of the last year have changed me from feeling diffident about tackling such topics in worship to realising that it's the only way some people will ever engage with them.  Omission of some topics from the list may say more about a mix of cowardice, pastoral sensitivity and the disicipline of the BUs than suggesting what I might think (waiiting eagerly for the BUGB publications here!).

If you are a Gatherer and don't want a spoiler for Sunday, look away now...

Otherwise, if you are a Sunday School leader, children's worker, Brown Owl, GB officer or other such thing you may be vaguely interested in what follows.

This Sunday our theme is "Stories Jesus Told About Parties" and it is all age, slightly mad and very interactive.  During the "grownup's talk" (I like a bit of subversion don't you?!) the children will be invited to make themselves party hats.  Most of our children are quite tiny and they won't have very long, so I was really pleased to find the idea I am using...

Take one paper plate about 9"-10" (23 - 25 cm) in diameter and turn it upside down.

Draw a line diameterically across the middle part (leaving the 'fluted' edge plain).  Turn the plate through a quarter turn (90 degrees) and draw another diameterical line (you have four equal sectors).  Now draw lines bisecting the others so that you have eight sectors.

Carefully cut along these lines so that you have eight triangular 'points.'

Decorate the 'points' of the crown with stickers, felt tips, glitter or whatever is in your craft box.

Carefully bend up the points and, hey presto, a party crown for a small person.

If the crown is too small you can carefully extend the the points into the 'brim'

Have fun... we will!

BPW 211 is, it seems the only place this little song is found:

We love the Jesus stories,

Of what was lost and found

And how he teaches us to see

God's Kingdom all around.

He tells of hidden treasure

Of sheep and goats and seeds

Of birds that nest in leafy trees

Of corn and wheat and weeds.

We learn of guests and banquets

Of talents and of debts

Of houses built on sand and rock

And pearls and fishing nets.

He teaches love for others

That God forgives our sins,

That what we do for those in need

We do it all for him.

David Maldwyn Owen

Over the summer at the Gathering Place we are hearing again some of the stories Jesus told and enjoying (I hope!) a slower pace, a lighter touch, as we worship all together with shorter talky slots and more interaction.

This week we begin with 'stories Jesus told about parties' - a theme I thought apposite as it is also Communion week.  Plus a great excuse to sing this beautiful song from the days when Sounds of Living Water was new and exciting:

Oh welcome all you noble saints of old,

As now before your very eyes unfold,

The wonders all so long ago foretold

God with us at table is sat down

God with us at table is sat down

Elders, martyrs, all are falling down,

Prophets, patriarchs are gath’ring round,

What angels longed to see now we have found:

God with us at table is sat down

God with us at table is sat down

Who is this who spreads the vict’ry feast?

Who is this who makes our warring cease?

Jesus, risen Saviour, Prince of Peace

God with us at table is sat down

God with us at table is sat down

Beggars, lame and harlots also here;

Repentant publicans are drawing near,

Wayward sons come home without a fear,

God with us at table is sat down

God with us at table is sat down

Worship in the presence of the Lord

With joyful songs and hearts in one accord

And let our host at table be adored.

God with us at table is sat down

God with us at table is sat down.

When at last this earth shall pass away,

When Jesus and his bride are one to stay,

The feast of love is just begun that day:

God with us at table is sat down

God with us at table is sat down

Robert Stamps © Robert Stamps (SLW 67)