assignment assignment

Phew a good mark. I really enjoyed this assignment and researching spirituality and the ageing process and specifically the role of the chaplain. I have learned alot with this module....

Panto and painting

Learning lines and songs for the panto- it is great fun and has been written well... Steve in bloomers however will be great to see. What is wonderful is how everyone is coming together.. it is great. Steve and I as sisters - this will be pretty good fun.
So onto painting - a few weeks ago I made the mistake of pulling at a piece of paint on my garage door and it peeled a whole strip off... that will teach me..so now every time I walk past the garage door i pick a bit more off. Of course the decision now what colour shall I paint it.

First Easter ......

First Easter as a minister has been moving, challenging and thought provoking. Comments received from church friends have been very encouraging - though we did have a slightly longer service than usual yesterday - I'll need to learn from that.

The Saturday night "Easter Journey" with Heptagon was for me quite a moving time. I love singing with the group so to have them at Latchford was a delight. The turn out was also amazing - the hall was full and we estimate around 120-130 people - phenomenal. I hope and pray that this will be the first of many of these events in which the whole circuit and friends from elsewhere can come together.

There were moments of quite reflection again as I reflected, with others, on the power of the cross and of God's extravagant love. As Wesley so put it ... "Amazing Love, how can it be that though my God wouldst die for me"

Easter Sunday Meditation - He is Risen

From today’s Gospel reading...

…go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

from John 20

To reflect on...


Rejoice! Rejoice! Jesus is alive! We have a Saviour who has conquered sin, death and separation. Our Jesus is alive to draw us to God.

Let’s pray...

I praise you with all of my being, my wonderful, redeeming, loving Lord. You have my whole heart – I adore you. May your light and your goodness flow out into this world to redeem, heal and release. Amen.

As the watchman waits...

Waiting is not easy. When you are in the middle you want resolution - all to be well - even to go back to how things used to be. This I believe is a natural response to our experiences on this journey. As the watchman waited for the dawn of a new day - as those who wait for the sunrise when the demands of the world lay heavy on their souls so we await the morn.

Easter Saturday - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.

from Matthew 27

To reflect on...

I wait opposite the tomb – feeling empty and desolate. Where have you gone, my beloved Jesus?

Let’s pray...

In your death, my Lord, you reached out to all your creation. You reached into the darkest parts of our lives and of our world. Truly, you fully identified with us. You are my God. Amen.

Good Friday - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...
So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’

from John 19

To reflect on...

I imagine myself at The Place of the Skull – watching the events unfold before my eyes. I allow myself to feel the overwhelming emotions of seeing your sacrifice

Let’s pray...

How can I thank you? How can I ever repay you? You did all this for me, Lord. I am forgiven. But at such a cost.
How can I ever thank you? Amen

What a moving service

There were 29 of us in the church hall, met together round tables. The atmosphere was quiet yet we spoke to each other sharing our days. As the disciples would have done. We remembered Judas and the money clattering to the floor provided a stark reminder of the betrayal. Our hands were washed and we ate together. We then heard the story once again of Christ's arrest and after each reading a candle was extinguished until we were plunged into darkness..... we move to Friday.

Maundy Thursday - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.

from John 13

To reflect on...

I am called to serve. To serve God and to serve others. Am I willing to put on an apron, roll up my sleeves, and show my love for my brothers and sisters by working for them?


Let’s pray...

Lord, you have washed me. Give me a servant heart, that I might go out into my world and show your love and service.

Wednesday 19 March - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, ‘Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking.

from John 13

To reflect on...

It is hard for us to understand what might have been going on in the mind and heart of Judas Iscariot that week. But he was not the only disciple to betray Jesus – Peter disowned him and his other followers fled – afraid of the consequences of being recognised. Do I betray my Lord in the way I behave?

Let’s pray...

You are the powerful God of the universe but you placed yourself into the hands of others to fulfil your task. My heart is filled with wonder and amazement that you would do this for me. Thank you, my God. Amen.

Tuesday 18 March - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

Now is the judgement of this world; now the ruler of this world will be
driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all
people to myself.’ He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.


from John 12

To reflect on...

All people. Nobody is exempt from God’s offer of forgiveness and friendship. May I take seriously the command to take the message of God’s forgiveness into my world.

Let’s pray...

Thank you, embracing God, that your desire is to draw all people
to yourself. I come to you now – just as I am – a sinner, saved by
your grace. I come into your loving embrace. Amen.

Monday 17 March - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

from John 12

To reflect on...

What an exuberant expression of love and devotion this was. If Jesus entered my house now, would my love and devotion show so clearly?

Let’s pray...

God of love, teach us to love as you have loved us. Spirit of love, fill us with your power and openness to love. Jesus, envelop us in your redeeming love. Amen

Holy Week

I am constantly surprsied by how each year something new of the passion stands out. We live the journey, walk the road and each year my breath is taken away..... this year I seem to be focusing on unresolved issues and the feelings around Easter Saturday. It is hard to put myself in the feet of the disciples for I know Resurrection Sunday is coming yet sometimes in life and for somepeople that seems along way off ... not all things can be resolved so quickly ... trust in God.

One Week to go - why did I give so much up

No words really - the image says it all......

Sunday 16 March - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they
brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and
he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road,
and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
‘Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!’

from Matthew 11

To reflect on...

I imagine myself walking beside the donkey as Jesus enters Jerusalem. What emotion does that stir up in me? What can that teach me about myself and my faith?

Let’s pray...

My Jesus, you were content to ride on a donkey as you were
acknowledged by the crowd. Teach me humility, that I might seek
only your glory. Amen.

Saturday 15 March - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to
them, ‘You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is
better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed.’ He did not say this on his own, but being high
priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation,
and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the dispersed
children of God. So from that day on they planned to put him to death.

from John 11

To reflect on...

Caiaphas probably did not realise that he was making a profound prophecy about the nature of Jesus’ death. He was simply thinking in terms of expediency and worldly power. But we know that his statement was a description, however unintentional, of profound truth.


Let’s pray...

Loving Saviour, you laid down your life for me. I worship you. Amen.

I am now offically fed up

You see not unofficial - but officially fed up - why official - 'cos I told God so. My back is improving - just not at a speed I would like. perhaps there is the lesson. There is much I would like to do and I look around the house thinking that so much could have been accomplished in these last few days. I couldn't even pick up the things that fell over in the wind.. it is so frustrating.....I am meant to be on retreat tomorrow with my fellow probationers.. will I make it ...that is the big question...

Friday 14 March - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptising earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, ‘John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there.


from John 10

To reflect on...

John pointed the way to Jesus and was content that Jesus should come into his own. ‘Jesus must become more and I must become less.’

Let’s pray...

Holy Spirit, fill me and open my heart, that with John I might pray, ‘Jesus must become more in my life and I must become less.’ Amen.

Thursday 13 March - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

Then the Jews said to him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?’* Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.’ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

from John 8

To reflect on...

In Exodus chapter 3, God, in conversation with Moses, uses the term ‘I am’ to describe the God-self. Here Jesus takes the same phrase and applies it to himself. To many Jews this was blasphemy. C. S. Lewis in ‘Mere Christianity’ says that Jesus’ astonishing claims mean that he was either Lord or liar or lunatic. Who is Jesus to me?

Let’s pray...

My God, how great you are. How wonderful your work in becoming incarnate as a man and living among us. My heart is full of love for you and amazement at your grace. Amen.

Wednesday 12 March 2008 - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

What do you mean by saying, “You will be made free”?’
Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
from John 8

To reflect on...

What does Jesus mean by saying, “You will be made free?”
What does Jesus free me from? What can he free me from, if I will allow him?

Let’s pray...

My Jesus, you came to set the captives free. I rejoice that you have made me free to be counted as one of the children of God’s own family. Open my eyes to the areas where I still need your healing and releasing touch. Amen.

Tuesday 11 March - Back to basics

Well my back has gone .. where it has gone too I'll never know. There I was innocently bending down yesterday and hey presto my back reminded me of its significance. It is so sore..... but at least I can catch up with paper work and service planning as that doesn't involve too much physical activity. It is a good job I gave up pot holing and bungee jumping for lent..

Tuesday 11 March - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize
that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as
the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has
not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.’ As he was
saying these things, many believed in him.

from John 8

To reflect on...

When Jesus spoke these words many of his hearers would not have understood he was referring to his death. But Jesus was preparing himself for his final work.

Let’s pray...

Lord, you knew that your path was leading to direct conflict with
the authorities. Thank you for doing this for me – for standing for
me – for dying for me. Amen.

Monday 10 March - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught
in adultery... ‘Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such
women. Now what do you say?’ They said this to test him, so that
they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down
and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on
questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let anyone
among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’

from John 8

To reflect on...

Jesus did not come into the world to condemn us, but to bring to us
God’s forgiveness. In the same way we are not to condemn but to forgive.

Let’s pray...

When I am quick to criticise or condemn, forgive me, my God; and
teach me to understand and accept your forgiving heart that my
own cold heart might be transformed. Amen.

Sunday 9 March 5th Sunday on Lent - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’
from John 11

To reflect on...

We have assurance that there is a life for us after our physical death.
Do I believe this?

Let’s pray...

Lord of life, your plan for your creation was that we should all be brought close to you. I praise you for the hope I have in you. Amen.

Saturday 8 March - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

‘When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, ‘This is really the prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Messiah.’ But some asked, ‘Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?’
from John 7

To reflect on...

It was hard for those early followers to see and interpret the scriptures in the light of Jesus’ life. We are truly blessed to have centuries of church teaching and understanding to rest upon.

Let’s pray...

God of space and time, you entered our world in a specific historical moment. Give us understanding of your ways, and of your message to us through the scriptures. Amen.

Friday 7 March - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, ‘You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.’ Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come.

from John 7

To reflect on...

Jesus knew that in declaring the truth he was sealing his own fate. But he never hesitated to do God’s will.

Let’s pray...

Sometimes my nerve gives way when I am faced with a situation where I can be your ambassador. Forgive me, my Saviour, and strengthen me to grow more like you. Amen.

Thursday 6 March - Meditation

From today's gospel reading....But I have a testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf

from John 5

To reflect on...
A quote from Josephus, from his first-century writings, "Antiquities Of The Jews," Book 18, Chapter 2, section 3.
"Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ.

Let’s pray...

Lord Jesus Christ – Yeshua – you reveal the heart of the Father to us and give us your Spirit to comfort and enable us. I thank you. Amen.

Wednesday 5 March - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is still working, and I also am working.’ For this reason the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because he was not only breaking the sabbath, but was also calling God his own Father, thereby making himself equal to God.
from John 5

To reflect on...
Jesus had no doubts about who he was or the work he was called to do. I take a moment to imagine sitting nearby as Jesus says these words – what is the effect on me?

Let’s pray...

Holy God, - Father, Son and Spirit – you are the powerful creator of our world and our gracious redeemer. I bow before your greatness, your holiness and your immense love. Amen.

Coffee or Tea...

Coffee or Tea.... I have no idea how many I have drunk today. More than I should have done - all because I attended a cafe culture training day - it would have been SO wrong not to drink the coffee... at last count I am on about 14 coffee's and 6 teas...
It was an inspiring day and Sally and I got quite excited about the potential for our town.. what this space ... it could be very exciting....

I am still shaking though....

Tuesday 4 March - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew* Beth-zatha,* which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralysed.* One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’
from

John 5

To reflect on...
Do I want to be made well?
Do I want to believe?
Do I want to love?

Let’s pray...

All- knowing and understanding God, you see my motives clearly, even when they are hidden form myself. Guide me, I pray, into increasing openness and self-knowledge as you work in my life. Amen.

Monday 3 March - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my little boy dies.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way. As he was going down, his slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. So he asked them the hour when he began to recover, and they said to him, ‘Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him.’ The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ So he himself believed, along with his whole household.

from John 4

To reflect on...

Blessed are those who have not seen yet believe. How blessed I am

Let’s pray...

For the times you move so clearly in my life, I thank you, my God. For the times when I struggle to see you, I thank you my God, that you are still beside me. Amen.

Monday 3 March.... Fine thanks....

How many times we are asked "How are you?" it is an automatically and frequently asked question. I've asked it and it has been asked of me. When it is asked of me I have to admit I weigh up the situation carefully and ask myself a number of questions quickly (very quickly):-

The first - do I respond with the almost obligatory response "fine thanks".
or do I respond honestly?
Does this person really want to know how I am?
Are they just being polite?
How much do I share? Do I want to share with this person?
Should I say just fine because actually that is how I feel?

All these fly through my mind and then most of the time my response is I'm ok. Why do I do it... why do we all do it. In all seriousness when I ask someone how they are I am genuinely interested, are they really fine....

What is hard though is when you know the other person is struggling - "How are you?" can seem to be the most inappropriate question. So what have I learned the last few weeks.. I've learned not to ask that question but I ask another... how has today been, how was yesterday, how was the weekend ... this seems to provide more of an opportunity for discussion shoudl the other person want to talk.

Dare I ask ..... how are you? How has your day been?

Sunday 2 March 2008 - Lent 4 Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

The man answered, ‘Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.’

from John 9

To reflect on...

The disciples were so fortunate to see and hear Jesus in the flesh. How would I have reacted to this man’s story, had I been there? I will try, with openness and honesty, to imagine this, that I might learn something more about myself, and in learning, might grow.

Let’s pray...

Holy Spirit, live in me that although I might not see Jesus walking on this earth, I will know him in my heart. Amen.

Saturday 1 March 2008 - Meditation

From today’s Gospel reading...

‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’

from Luke 18

To reflect on...

Am I sometimes tempted to look at others and compare them unfavourably with myself? Perhaps we all need to guard against our Pharisaical streak.

Let’s pray...

Lord Jesus Christ, son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen

Friday 29 February - Meditation

From today's gospel....
Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’

from Mark 12

To reflect on....
The immensity of these words staggers me. God is love. God requires love. What more is there to say?

Let's pray....
Fill me empower me, and entrance me, loving God, that I might be captivated by your Spirit and enabled to grow more deeply into love. Amen.

Thursday 28 February - Meditation

From today's gospel....
Now he was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed.

from Luke 11

To reflect on....
Historians at the time of Jesus record how he performed miracles and went through the countryside healing people of their illnesses.
The following was copied from an original letter of Publius Lentullus:
"There appeared in these our days a man, of the Jewish Nation, of great virtue, named Yeshua [Jesus], who is yet living among us, and of the Gentiles is accepted for a Prophet of truth, but His own disciples call Him the Son of God - He raiseth the dead and cureth all manner of diseases.”

Let's Pray....
Lord of healing, take my wounded life, my wounded being and wrap it around with the balm of your presence. You give to us wholeness – teach us to trust you completely so we may know the reality of that wholeness. Amen.