13th December - Meditation

The angel Gabriel said to Mary, "Do not fear, Mary, you shall conceive and bear a son and give him the name Jesus. Great will be his dignity and he will be called Son of the Most High..." Luke 1

Reflection - O Jesus, I believe you were born of Mary and are God's Son. Your mysterious coming is beyond understanding. Yet like your mother, Mary, I wish that you come to me, for you promised you will. Let me serve you in any way I can and know that you are with me day by day as my life goes by.
Like Mary, your mother, though I know you only by faith, may my whole being proclaim your greatness and my spirit rejoice in your favor to me. O Wisdom, holy Word of God, Jesus Christ,holding all things in your strong yet tender hands, come and show us the way to salvation.

Prayer - O Wisdom,
Holy Word of God,
Jesus Christ
Holding all things in your strong yet tender hands,
Come and show me the way to salvation.
That this Christmas I may believe again in the wonder of your birth, the mystery of your death and delight in your love for me.
Amen

12th December - Meditation

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." Luke 1:26-33

Reflection - This is the season of giving, from presents for our loved ones to coins we give the carol singers. But too often, we give from our excess—the change that would have ended up in our pocket, or our Christmas bonus. Remember that Jesus gave, not from his excess, but from his entire being. Then give away something you love.

Prayer - Eternal God
you dwell in us all,
Like a child in the womb.
let me be attentive to your presence,
by listening for your heartbeat
and seeing things as you do.
Amen

11th December - Meditation

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. Luke 1:21-22

Reflection - The birth of John the Baptist takes place not long before the birth of Jesus. Of each baby there is a question “what will this child become?” Yet in every birth there is promise and question.

Jesus is born, as was each of us, in a woman’s pain. The story, so much wiser than we are, says – even when we feel alone, lost and in despair – God is here, with us and within us.

When we are silenced by the world and the circumstance of life allow our very being to shout forth in praise.

When we are silenced by the shock in our lives, when all we know is stripped away – humbly and simply may we offer you our very silence. No words, no thoughts just stillness and in stillness come.

Prayer - Lord, let me place my trust in you. I get so independent and think I need to fix everything myself. Let me remember not to be afraid of so much and to ask you for the healing that my heart needs so badly. Amen

10th December - Meditation

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. Luke 1:21-22

Reflection - The birth of John the Baptist takes place not long before the birth of Jesus. Of each baby there is a question “what will this child become?” Yet in every birth there is promise and question.

Jesus is born, as was each of us, in a woman’s pain. The story, so much wiser than we are, says – even when we feel alone, lost and in despair – God is here, with us and within us.

When we are silenced by the world and the circumstance of life allow our very being to shout forth in praise.

When we are silenced by the shock in our lives, when all we know is stripped away – humbly and simply may we offer you our very silence. No words, no thoughts just stillness and in stillness come.

Prayer - Lord, let me place my trust in you. I get so independent and think I need to fix everything myself. Let me remember not to be afraid of so much and to ask you for the healing that my heart needs so badly. Amen

9th December - Meditation

Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time." Luke 1:18-20

Reflection - Forgive your doubts. - Isn't it refreshing to hear Zechariah doubt God? An angel arrives with news of a longed-for son, and he answers, in essence, "Prove it." In dark moments we all have doubted whether God's promises are real. The good news for Zechariah, and for us, is that they are real, and God keeps them even if we doubt.

Prayer - O God, Zechariah looked forward with both terror and rejoicing to the birth of a son so late in life.

I pray for those who have received unexpected news. Announcements bringing joy and fear. For the uncertainty, apprehension and doubts.

We thank you through Zechariah’s doubts you revealed yourself to be God. Give us faith through our doubts to believe that you are God.

Help us stand in your presence that when the world seems apart from you we may know you along side of us. Amen

8th December - Meditation

“Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.” Luke 1: 11-15

Reflection - Can it be true – can there be hope after all the tears and years? How can it be true, how can we know for sure and be certain? Can our dreams and prayers be answered or is it just wishful thinking.
Zechariah had prayed for a life time and now before him, finally, he sees the fulfillment. He thought his life was set and he was sure it would not happen if it had not happened at the moment – everything was pointing a different way. The God intervenes – praise God.

Prayer - Praise be to you O God. God of our plans and dreams God of our desires and longings. Praise be to you O Lord God, the God of Israel,the God of the Gentile, the God of all people and all nations: you alone have done marvellous things.
In our fears and anxieties In our doubts and desperation may we know you as God, Lord, Redeemer and Comforter. Amen

7th December - Meditation

“Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.” Luke 1: 8-10

Reflection - The announcement of John's birth comes at a high moment in Zechariah's career. As one of about eighteen thousand priests, Zechariah serves in the temple twice a year, but only once in his life does he get to assist in the daily offering by going into the holy place. This honor had fallen to him by lot. He was to offer incense, a picture of intercession rising to God. He enters, as others pray, with a rope tied around him so that should he faint he may be pulled out. What a significant point of his life – this was his mountain top experience - a moment he would never forget. Life would never be the same again.

Prayer - Holy transforming God, we praise you for Zechariah, a dedicated and prayerful man. May we never take for granted the opportunities we have to worship you. Show me more of yourself, that I may be aware of your very presence in all things.I pray that this week ahead I may glimpse you in the people I meet and that they may glimpse you in me. Amen

6th December - Meditation

“In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.” Luke 1:5-7

Reflection - Well along in years. Ok they were old, pretty old and way too old to have children. He had spent his years praying, longing for a child but it had never happened. In their younger years, Elizabeth and Zechariah prayed everyday for the gift of children at the time of the incense offering. They visualized their prayers rising up to the ears of the Holy One as surely as the fragrant smoke wafted up to the heavens. The hopes of Zechariah and Elizabeth must have diminished as it became less and less likely that Elizabeth would bear a child.
Zechariah and Elizabeth demonstrated a bold belief in a God who is never absent, a God who is never unfaithful, and a God who promises safety and liberation and freedom.

Prayer - Provider God. When all points a different way help us to hold onto you. When I feel weary and tired of praying help me to remember Zechariah and Elizabeth. Help me never to lose hope. Amen

5th December - Meditation

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16

Reflection - The reason for the incarnation (becoming flesh) is spelled out in verses John 3:16. This is the God who, because of love for the world, 'gave', not simply sent, Jesus to 'save' the world, not to judge or condemn it.

Into the world of chaos, the world of sin and pain, into our hurt and our mess. Into our joys and sorrows God came and still he comes.

John 3:16 is one of the most widely quoted verses from the bible. It has been called the "Bible in a nutshell" because it is considered a summary of some of the most central doctrines of Christianity.

Prayer - For the times when I have failed to follow the light - Lord I am sorry.

For the times when I have judged others - Lord I am sorry.

For the times when I have seen myself as being more important - Lord I am sorry.

For the times when I have told jokes at others' expense - Lord I am sorry.

For the times I have let my fears take over - Lord I am sorry.

Amen

4th December - Meditation

John's disciples said to Jesus, "Are you 'He who is to come' or do we look for another?" In reply, Jesus said: "Tell John what you hear and see: the blind recover their sight, cripples walk, lepers are cured, and the poor have good news preached to them..." Luke 3:10

Reflection - O Jesus, I rejoice at the signs that say you are near. Your power is everywhere if I could see it.
Yet my eyes often see only darkness and what has yet to be done. I believe in you, yet when I look around evil seems so strong and goodness so weak. If you have come, why is there still so much suffering and why do the poor still despair? Where are your miracles today?
Your grace, O Lord, is more fruitful in my world than I imagine. I know your power is everywhere around me, if I could only see it. Show me today where the blind see and cripples walk. Make my vision sharper than it is.

Prayer - O God,
Two thousand years ago your people waited for a new king.
Today I remember the waiting.
Today I wait for you, my king.
May I know that you are with me as I wait.

Open my eyes and life in eager anticipation
Amen.

3rd December - Meditation

“A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken." Isaiah 40: 3- 5

Reflection

Listen closely. John the Baptist, who heralded Jesus' coming but was ignored and ultimately killed, takes centre stage this week. If we saw him on a downtown street today, dressed in rags and preaching with a burning intensity, would we think he was crazy? Would we cross over the road, avoid him, criticize him and make fun of him. Or would we listen closely enough to recognize the truth he speaks?
God uses a variety of people, circumstances and situations to reveal his nature and will. May we see God in the unexpected and may we never limit God. Our transforming God is one who will exceed our expectations if we allow him to.

Prayer

Prophets called your people to make a road through the desert, a road for a king. I want to travel with you towards Bethlehem. Help me to clear the way so that my life journey will lead me closer to you.
Help me dear God to see you in a variety of places and may I never limit you.
Amen.

2nd December - First Sunday in Advent

Waiting and Longing
Meditations and Prayers for Advent


Jesus said to his disciples: 'Be constantly on the watch! Stay awake!...You do not know when the Master of the house is coming.'" Mark 13:33




Reflection - O Jesus, your voice sounds through the house of my world: Be on your guard! Stay awake!
Yet I hardly hear you. My life busy with so much, I go about the things I do like a servant trapped in household routine, hardly giving a thought to what my life is about. My spirit within has grown tired and you, my God, seem far away. How can I hear your voice today?
Speak to my heart during this season of grace, as you spoke to your prophets and saints. Remind me again of the journey you call me to make and the work you would have me do. I am your servant, O Lord. Speak to me in this holy season and turn my eyes to watch for your coming.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I long for your coming.
O come, O come Immanuel.
Jesus came into our world at Bethlehem
bringing God's vision of peace and righteousness on earth.
O come, O come Immanuel.
Jesus is coming again into our world
bringing the realization of peace and righteousness on earth.
Come, Lord Jesus
Amen

Advent Reflections

Having decided to write a reflection booklet for Latchford, this is now to be used for the Central Partnership of Bold Street and Latchford. I'll post the contents here - mainly for future use - but I have enjoyed wrting this booklet, a great deal. I've found it to be quite moving to reflect on Luke's account of the birth of Jesus -it is amazing what new things we consider.

Two Retreats

Two retreats

According to an on-line dictionary the word retreat can mean one of the following:

1.the forced or strategic withdrawal of an army or an armed force before an enemy, or the withdrawing of a naval force from action.
2. the act of withdrawing, as into safety or privacy; retirement; seclusion.
3. a place of refuge, seclusion, or privacy: The library was his retreat.

Let me be upfront - it is not the first one. Whilst we are called to love our enemies this for me is a proactive action rather than withdrawing.

Retreat One

Derbyshire with the probationer group led ably by the Under 5 group. It started questionaingly when I drove up a steep, narrow drive and found at the top that I could not turn round or reverse down. The only option was to knock on the door of the house belonging to the drive and ask for help. Then came the lesson of trust - the owner of the house kindly offered to reverse my car for me down the hill. I accepted without hesitation and she reversed with skill, knowing the drive very well. I was encouraged, relieved and appeciative of this dear lady.

The highlight for me was a session led by Sally on the ministers shaped box. Through this session Sally encouraged us to consider our roles, jobs and expectations - we were then encouraged to write down issues and place things in the box. Then we trampled it down - very powerful and an encouragement to reflect on our ministerial formation.

Retreat Two

You know I am working in a most wonderful ministerial team. Each member is skilled in a variety of ways and I am so very excited to be part of a team which is so pioneering and forward facing. We spent some of the time viewing sessions from "The Willow Creek Leadership Summit." Reflecting on an interview between Bill Hybels (Senior Pastor from Willow Creek) and Richard Curtis (Writer and Producer of such films as Notting Hill, Love Actually) we considered worldly issues and transformation. Additionally, we though of motivation and how to motivate others.

These moments of time out - of quiet reflection - is critical to our development - as human beings, as Christians and as church leaders.

So what have I learned:

Share, care and pray together.
Take time out to be still.
God is transforming people and situations in dramatic and glorious ways.

Also,

Loraine Mellor fan club exsists.
Loraine Mellor excels at miming carrots
Loraine has been bitten - the dangers of pastoral visiting

November Reflection

Second month in and there have been great moments of wonder, awe and a great sense of feeling God's presence. There have been many moments when I have found myself on my knee's - which actually is not a bad place to be in prayer.

So what has happened this month? In no particular order...


Circuit Resource Centre - with a great sense of vision and purpose a new centre has opened on the first floor of Bold Street to accommodate the circuit office. In addition to an office for the fab Emma there is also a training suite, small meeting room (the black and red room)and a resource room accommodating DVDs, magazines and resources. Additionally, there are two loos and a district room. This is a wonderful space and those working to create the space have been an inspiration -well done to all involved.

Latchford - Gardening and KC Kidz have been the highlights. Why? because each speak of people working together and caring together. Wonderful. The gardening team involved 12 of us pushing, pulling, digging, cutting, cooking, washing up, eating and drinking and we achieved alot. It was a great day and another example of great people having a great time. KC Kidz is the older age range of Kids Connect - it began two weeks ago and I am having a great time - I hope the youngsters are too.

Bold Street - What is blue and lies on the floor of the sanctuary? Well obviously it is Jackie in her suit lying down so the gathered group could assess whether it is the right blue for their new carpet. Not sure of the outcome but it took a while to get up. The vision of the people to renovate the coffee shop, sanctuary and foyer is great - this will certainly help the mission to be effective. Well done Bold Street.

Ryfield - Wow! 55 people attended the Remembrance Day Service and many have commented that they will come again. The relationships being created there are phenomenal and moving. Drawing alongside has enabled a new prayer book to be placed in the library, an invitation on the weekly activities sheet for prayer requests and the offer of us holding film evenings - this is so great. Oh and this week is the Christmas Fayre - come on mince pies!!

So it has been a busy month and in the midst of it all has been the orientation project and work for college.

Oh and one final word BOLLARDS - yes I have a bollard in my space now at Bold Street, to in theory, enable the space to be reserved - that is with the exception last night when one white van man parked between the bollards and I coudln't get it - oh Bollards!

Looking ahead - retreats, mince pies, christingle service, mince pies, carol service, mince pies or perhaps I should rename them mine pies.