Sermon preached at the Maundy Thursday Chrism Eucharist Salisbury Cathedral, 21 April 2011 At this Eucharist, where thanksgiving is central, I would like to begin with thanks. Thanks for your prayers for me and the senior staff during this vacancy. It has been an extraordinary learning experience. Thanks to God for guiding all involved in … Continue Reading
Shahbaz Bhatti: Christian, martyr, friend… by Tim Dean It is a strange experience hearing breaking news on the Today programme that a friend has been assassinated. It was completely unsurprising, yet totally shocking. He knew it would happen as certainly as night follows day – yet it did not deter him from his Christian calling … Continue Reading
Fulcrum Statement On the Use of Religious Buildings for Registration of Civil Partnerships Fulcrum notes with appreciation undertakings given by the Church of England and the Catholic Church that they will not allow their churches to be used for ceremonies registering or celebrating same-sex unions. It means that a clear demarcation exists between these churches … Continue Reading
Suburban Snow Sunday by James Mercer “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”. Matthew 18:20 The 8.00am BCP Communion service on Sunday mornings is a ‘Marmite service’, some love it, some don’t. Those that love it do so for a variety of reasons; familiarity; … Continue Reading
Coming from the East or ‘the Politics of Epiphany’ by Jody Stowell Magi from theeast came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ Another year has begun. I wonder how you got here? Where did you come from? What has … Continue Reading
A sermon preached at Christ Church, New Malden at Christmas 2010 Well just a few days now to go before Christmas Day and its starting to get really busy – all that food to get, all those decorations to put up and all those last minute presents to buy. And when we combine these tasks … Continue Reading
A Fulcrum Book Review by James Mercer ‘Alone in Berlin’ by Hans Fallada Alone in Berlin is the intriguing, dark, tense and yet surprisingly redemptive story of an ordinary Berlin couple’s small act of resistance to the all-pervading Nazi regime during the Second World War. It draws its inspiration from real life events. On learning that … Continue Reading
Social Action at the Crossroads by Jon Kuhrt ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’ Jeremiah 6:16 The landscape is changing… Twenty years ago I used to go to Christian events like Spring Harvest … Continue Reading
Whoever prays for the Holy Spirit to come to us, into our hearts, into our community and to our earth does not want to flee to heaven or be removed to the great beyond. They have hope for their hearts, for their community and this earth. We do not pray ‘Let your kingdom come…’ we pray … Continue Reading
Hodder and Stoughton ISBN 978-0-340-99548-8 £11.99 I always look forward to Brian McLaren’s writing and to his speaking. He is eloquent and accessible; challenging and a man of great humility. I find him to be one of those fascinating people with the ability to articulate my own thoughts and questions before I even know I … Continue Reading