tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44017001898473336542012-02-02T11:08:24.671Zthe bemused ramblings of a wandering, wondering womanNikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.comBlogger2511100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-22749886601539330412012-01-30T15:10:00.001Z2012-01-30T15:16:02.694Z

Being a postgrad is an odd thing: it is, at times, very hard to measure your progress.  It is also a very bizarre mind-game.  There are occasional 'deer-in-headlights' moments where you can feel utterly overwhelmed by all the information that you are having to gather, take in, and analyse, and organise. There are those other 'thesis-to-slash-your-wrists-by' times when the work is either just

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-68132988997715813602012-01-27T00:51:00.000Z2012-01-27T00:51:01.668Z

Some musings on this Sunday's gospel passage: Mark 1: 21-28 21They went to Capernaum;  and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-55053452063167493752012-01-22T00:50:00.000Z2012-01-22T00:50:53.590Z

On Friday, a bill proposed by Conservative MP Nadine Dorrie, aka 'mad Nad', was withdrawn from discussion in Parliament.  The bill called for extra sex ed. classes for girls aged between 13-16, which were to focus on the 'benefits of abstinence'.  This based on the premise that it is good for girls to 'just say no.' Not boys, mind, just girls.  Once again a case of the old, old Victorian gender

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-59875004259004766042012-01-16T13:54:00.002Z2012-01-16T14:14:30.658Z

Mark 1: 14-20 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-82369759650799353182012-01-13T18:31:00.000Z2012-01-13T18:31:11.833Z

... smoking? nah, prolly not. Saving cute fluffy defenceless little mammals from asteroid storms? Possibly.... But prolly also ... not. The real reason? I think it might have something to do with married gay dinosaurs choosing to do their grocery shopping at Tesco... Or something like that. Maybe I'm just a little confused by the latest bizarreness emanating from

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-80380603430507206252012-01-08T18:32:00.000Z2012-01-08T18:32:44.561Z

At one time, amongst a particular strand of Christianity, the WWJD? [what would Jesus do?] fad kicked off: Christian bookstores/ resource centres/ bookstalls/ etc. were inundated by sales reps marketing the WWJD? slogan in all manner of gift format. WWJD? bracelets WWJD? t-shirts WWJD? coffee mugs and even, allegedly, WWJD? boxer shorts... which provided me with the rather unhelpful distraction

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-43876210480194582732012-01-06T00:55:00.001Z2012-01-06T12:47:07.648Z

The Baptism of Christ - Piero della Francesca Mark 1:4-11 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-2142121440635837002012-01-02T23:51:00.001Z2012-01-02T23:52:34.237Z

I've been thinking about the word 'church' for quite some time now. What is it? How do we define it? And how does the way in which we define it impact the way we are, who we are, what we do, where we do it, why we do it? Do we too often recite the old familiar mantra: 'the church is not a building, it is the people who are church' but get too easily weighed down by the demands of bricks and

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-57450233133547623442011-12-23T13:24:00.002Z2011-12-23T18:41:35.681Z

NC Communion table: panel inserts by the wondrous Theo All has been a little quiet on the blogging front recently: have been up to my oxters in domestic abuse, slander, and blood feud... of the 15-16th century kind.  In the meantime, Advent, that waiting time, has fairly sped on and suddenly Christmas is just around the corner.   On Friday last, we had our annual lessons and carols service at

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-6890737900091266992011-12-07T20:51:00.002Z2011-12-08T00:18:06.032Z

An archivist friend of mine passed this one along, and timely and seasonal it is too. So, here for your delight and delectation, an Early Modern recipe for mince pies from 1624, found in a file of Charles I. Amongst the ingredients, I quite liked 'reasons of the sunn' - raisins. History, the gift that just keeps on giving... Let me know how you get on with the recipe, and feel free to share the

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-30939947369685006212011-11-28T18:20:00.000Z2011-11-28T18:20:50.751Z

          Isaiah 64: 1-9 ...  O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence— as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-20075265630723288112011-11-18T23:58:00.000Z2011-11-18T23:58:14.922Z

Chapel, World Council of Churches, Switzerland In 2010, a small group of New College ministry students and a couple of our Prof's went on an educational trip to Geneva.  We were there for just under a week, it was fab., and I blogged a wee bit about it here.  One of the days saw us spend time at the World Council of Churches [WCC] and then head off after lunch to the Ecumenical Institute at

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-7680440102204464452011-11-15T14:25:00.001Z2011-11-15T14:30:25.305Z

  I haven't written for a while, she said, stating the blindingly obvious. Immersed in sin and penance, me.  Well, pre-Reformation sin and penance in Scotland, at any rate.  I had thought that this particular thesis section, c. 16-18 000 words, was going to be a little more straightforward: the research was fab. but the writing has been like getting blood out of a stone, however, it is getting

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-38714138792061270822011-11-02T20:27:00.003Z2011-11-02T20:36:59.438Z

And back to thinking of my stay at St Deniol's / Gladstone's Library. Wonderful. Wonderful... and yes, rather wonderful. Fab. accommodation, fab and friendly staff, fab food - tho' alas, no small chocolate bars to buy and surreptitiously snack on in the dark reaches of the night, as opposed to the dark reaches of the library, because, as you know:  eating in libraries is wrong, dear ones.  *

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-63534640655775180852011-10-31T16:28:00.003Z2011-10-31T18:28:28.389Z

The phone has just rung: was I interested in the completely free double-glazing of all my windows being offered?Ah... an offer to good to refuse. And so, naturally, I politely refused and wished the chap on the other end of the line a nice day. 'There's no such thing as a free lunch...', nor, I feel, free windows. However the brief conversational interlude seems apt to think a little on the

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-85555210669954737712011-10-22T12:10:00.000+01:002011-10-22T12:10:51.257+01:00

St Deniol's Library In the words of the old Belinda Carlisle song: 'ooooh heaven is a place on earth'. Or in this case, academic nerdy geek heaven, at least.  I write this on a Virgin train heading to 'Paradise'... St Deniol's Library in Hawarden, just inside the Welsh border and a mere 6 miles away from the loveliness that is Chester. St Deniol's, or to give it its new name as of 2010 '

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-46631734767688734942011-10-18T00:24:00.001+01:002011-10-18T00:35:36.392+01:00

I do enjoy the vagaries of academia sometimes: today's random snippet: Conversation with academic supervisor: She, searching for gaps in the thesis plan: 'hmmm, where's the hole in the polo?' ...to which I responded: 'Ah, I grew up calling them "lifesavers!" Later, as I was sending my supervision memo off, I recalled lifesavers, so idly google-imaged.  Behold: butterscotch lifesavers.  The

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-54989538879172796242011-10-15T17:08:00.000+01:002011-10-15T17:08:42.263+01:00

I appear to have lost all the pics uploaded over the life of this blog.  I do not understand.  There's a mystery dying to be solved. I have a chapter to write of the thesis before I completely disembowelled... Heeeelp meeeeee..... please???

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-38493935040548208612011-10-08T20:49:00.001+01:002011-10-08T21:03:26.467+01:00

Gazillions of years ago, as a fresh-faced wee Christian, I went off for a couple of years to what was then known as the Bible College of Queensland.  Being from a more middle-of-the-road style denomination, the Uniting Church in Australia, I confess there was certainly some culture shock upon entering a more...conservative environment. Initially, a strange new language comprised of odd

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-84439182248289499582011-09-28T21:46:00.000+01:002011-09-28T21:46:53.401+01:00

The picture at left caught my eye today and set me off on a train of thought with regard to matters of interpretation.... One of the ever-present 'features' of the Voldemort discussion surrounds interpretation of scripture.  Some cry: 'plain meaning of the text'. Others cry: 'it's more nuanced'. Yet others just sigh in despair and shake their heads wondering what all the fuss is about. All in

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-89111066985915438632011-09-24T02:01:00.004+01:002011-09-24T02:02:12.896+01:00

A bit of a rambling post today... Came across this pie chart earlier today: the section on polar ice caps melting made me grin, given all the ongoing chat about global warming.  Maybe they are connec...no, maybe not. Was at a discussion last night with the gloriously broad title 'God and Sex' [which God, what kind of sex?!] and again thought that if ever I were to write a book on sexual

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-28547712074476164032011-09-19T16:23:00.000+01:002011-09-19T16:23:19.839+01:00

It has been one of those weeks... which would best be described as a little like herding cats.  Which reminded me of this great advert below:

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-53300740926454582812011-09-12T01:43:00.000+01:002011-09-12T01:43:44.423+01:00

 It seems somewhat apposite that the gospel reading for this Sunday, 11th September, comes from Matthew 18: 21-35 - the parable of the unforgiving servant. The story features a king and two slaves. In the opening sequence, the king calls his servants to account for outstanding debts.  The first of the slaves is brought before the king: his debt is vast - ridiculously vast.  The king decides

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-58217980563949145482011-08-12T21:46:00.000+01:002011-08-12T21:46:21.755+01:00

Popping my head up from underneath the books and manuscripts [and perfectly preserved arm of St Giles complete with diamond pinky ring] to flag up a fabby resource put together by an excellent bunch of folk.  It's called Spill the Beans.   I've had a trial of some earlier material and it was really great to be able to add it to my resources 'treasure-chest' of helpful material that I'd be happy

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-88226814138388067822011-08-01T22:12:00.001+01:002011-08-01T22:13:36.214+01:00

Was sent the following by the wondrous 'Spot' earlier this evening.  I think I should share the joy....  Do feel free to add to the list :D ...

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-35116214155908972902011-07-30T20:14:00.001+01:002011-10-18T00:33:56.608+01:00

Wode part-books Picture from the Cantus part book, Wode Psalter. A possible self-portrait of Thomas Wode? Just some of the detail that can be found in the upcoming exhibition 'Singing the Reformation'.

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-39146465630723827202011-07-24T00:56:00.002+01:002011-07-25T12:08:51.599+01:00

If the Reformation in Scotland had been a movie, the music from the Wode Psalter part-books would most probably be the film score.  Begun in 1562, at the request  of Lord James Stewart, and  compiled by former monk-turned-reader, Thomas Wode, the creation of the Psalter was a musical labour of love that lasted until Wode's death in 1592.  There are 8 copies of these all told: 5 held at

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-77488668539669577902011-07-16T19:39:00.000+01:002011-07-16T19:39:23.653+01:00

This toon is so true, it's painful... and why I'm glad I'm not aiming for a career in academia!!

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-15015911036880127642011-07-13T17:05:00.001+01:002011-07-13T17:43:59.039+01:00

Thesis mojo back - hurrah! Currently buried in the murky depths of pre-Reformation ecclesiastical court structures, officials, and cases. Nice diversion with the works of Sir David Lyndsay - looking at popular perceptions of clerics/ professional religious types.  In his work, The Thrie Estaitis, Lyndsay makes a wry observation on marriage and clerical celibacy, in which the first use of the 'F

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-39808499400049738322011-07-03T20:31:00.000+01:002011-07-03T20:31:31.227+01:00

Suppose you're travelling to work and you see a stop sign. What do you do? That depends on how you exegete the stop sign. 1. A postmodernist deconstructs the sign with his bumper, ending forever the tyranny of the north-south traffic over the east-west traffic. 2. Similarly, a Marxist sees a stop sign as an instrument of class conflict. He concludes that the bourgeoisie use the north-south

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-51477586507613898862011-06-26T23:46:00.001+01:002011-06-26T23:49:17.297+01:00

Found this 'Aussieised' hymn, below, a wee while back, and had totally forgotten about it. Its simple beauty demonstrates the impact that carefully chosen words can have when working in cross-cultural contexts: What a mate we have in Jesus!             Streuth! We really bloody do. All the blokes think he's fantastic, And the Sheilas think so too. All his teaching is fair dinkum, In the

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-41280909634437756842011-06-24T16:39:00.000+01:002011-06-24T16:39:50.702+01:00

In amidst deadlines, writing reports, hanging out with the deceased Archbishop Forman of St Andrews [c.1465-1521], and lots of wind and rain more reminiscent of winter than late spring/ summer, I have been trying to encourage various plants to grow. They've certainly been up against it so far this year.  The small greenhouse was blown down and contents scattered everywhere during the mini-cyclone

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-44803001923412295122011-06-22T22:01:00.000+01:002011-06-22T22:01:23.945+01:00

It's gone viral: 'it' is the reaction to the rather unfortunate and ill-advised remarks of a Canadian police officer to a group of female students concerning personal security on campus - 'don't dress like sluts'.  His comments have provoked a series of protest walks in various cities around the world, including our own staid and demure Edinburgh. The so-called 'slut walks' are aimed at not

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-54480506354643848752011-06-17T13:31:00.002+01:002011-06-17T17:03:21.739+01:00

Matthew 14: 22-33   Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-54938032869610039412011-06-12T12:57:00.000+01:002011-06-17T13:39:14.643+01:00

Happy birthday Church! May the Spirit inspire us to understand that God's love is beyond our wildest imaginings; that we are beautifully and wondrously made; that the great love of God is revealed in the Son and every barrier has been broken. May the Spirit break down the fences we build and widen our horizons - that we become dreamers of dreams and hope-filled visionaries... that we live our

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-77022413149744175332011-06-09T23:42:00.000+01:002011-06-11T18:10:59.865+01:00

The High Creator, the Unbegotten Ancient of Days, was without origin of beginning, limitless. He is and He will be for endless ages of ages, with whom he is the only-begotten Christ,  and the Holy Spirit, co-eternal in the everlasting glory of divinity. We do not confess three gods, but say one God, saving our faith in three most glorious persons. taken from The Altus Prosator, traditionally

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-79283339247975903662011-05-27T22:39:00.000+01:002011-06-17T13:39:14.644+01:00

They came, they presented deliverances, amended them, proposed counter-motions, chatted quite a bit, drank oceans of tea, they voted, they left. And so, New College, home to both the School of Divinity and the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland [well, this latter for one week per year], filled with noise and hubbub over this last week is settling back into the quiet of academia over

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-36032188239320605932011-05-20T23:20:00.001+01:002011-06-17T13:41:48.592+01:00

When I was preaching a couple of Advents ago, on some rather apocalyptic texts, the tune that seemed to be the accompanying soundtrack was REM's 'End of the world' - great song. The mathematical equation to the left is apparently proof that tomorrow is the day - the beginning of the end - the Rapture... well, according to a chap called Harold Camping at any rate. Now, I was always pretty

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-68129717862230176552011-04-30T16:57:00.000+01:002011-06-17T13:39:14.646+01:00

I've been reading Rachel Held Evans - her blog article on 'Discussing the Bible: Seven Rules of Engagement' from which I wantonly pinched the opening cartoon.  Think she has some very sound words and it looks like the beginning of a good conversation.... Something that drives me quietly nuts is the term 'bible believing Christian'.  Or, perhaps, more to the point, the misuse of that term.

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-45906594262447716152011-04-23T10:56:00.004+01:002011-06-17T13:39:14.647+01:00

I suspect that this post is one to file under 'statin' the bleedin' obvious' category however, stemming from a conversation with current supervisor, it has bubbled up as one of those things to go 'ah, yes, hmm, think about at some point' for me - perceptions 'n suchlike, and so, I'll blog it anyway... 'Migrant workers': it's been the phrase that is usually followed in the tabloid headline by

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-69167736867295727282011-04-16T18:50:00.000+01:002011-06-11T18:34:05.327+01:00

Sermon for Palm Sunday, in the Auditoire Calvin, Geneva... texts: Matt. 21:1-11; Philip 2: 5-11 Let us pray: May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight, o Lord our strength and our redeemer. Amen. The whole city was in turmoil, asking ‘who is this?’ Some said ‘Jesus’, Others said ‘the carpenter’s son’ – or, ‘the Nazarene’, One joked and said:

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-22347364755769418882011-03-31T09:46:00.000+01:002011-06-11T18:37:32.066+01:00

Gosh - a whole month living and working in Geneva - with the CofS congregation meeting in what used to be Knox and Goodman's church when they were in exile.  Marvellous. I love Ministries Council for going outside of the box and letting me do this - hurrah!   A super opportunity. Arrived yesterday and wondering what the crucial thing is I have forgotten.  I expect I shall find out presently. 

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-52300203764458236012011-03-27T18:18:00.002+01:002011-06-11T18:34:05.331+01:00

The gospel reading for today is taken from John 4: 5-42. It's the story of the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, at a well, in the heat of the midday sun. There's an implication in many commentaries on the passage, and indeed, from the poem above taken from youtube, that the woman was 'dodgy'. That she had a slightly dubious morality. Five husbands? Currently living with a man who

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-5804095901315993942011-03-25T18:02:00.000Z2011-06-17T13:39:14.649+01:00

It seemed like a crazy, over-complicated idea. It also seemed like fun. Fun won and so the scene was set: long, suitably lenten purple cloth [with flowers from the previous week decorating the first section] a small tent, on cloth, by flowers, prior to worship, everyone handed a coloured plastic ball with the order of service several dubious signs with 'ooooh', 'aaaah', 'baaaa', 'phew', and '

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-31769224611870764152011-03-20T01:44:00.000Z2011-06-11T18:28:37.508+01:00

Too woolly by half... c'est la vie!! Texts: Gen. 12: 1-9;  John 3: 1-17 Let us pray:May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O God our strength and our redeemer.  Amen. Two journeys:One made in the light of day;The other made in the silence of the night.One made through the barren wastes and oases, with family and friends – companions on the

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-62754775774923434972011-03-17T19:55:00.000Z2011-06-11T17:50:51.724+01:00

I've always been a bit of an Amy Grant fan - great voice, some excellent songs. But...I guess everyone can have an off day... tho' to be kind, Amy was about about 15 at the time. A funky li'l country and western ye-haar kind of tune and ... remember kids, you don't want to be a raisin... Lyrics: I am a small and lonely grape, Clutching to the vine, Waiting for the day when i'll become my

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-5185479319627978012011-03-10T23:40:00.000Z2011-06-17T13:39:14.650+01:00

Meant to post this on the 8th - International Women's Day - but got sidetracked by Mr Knox... which has its own particular irony given the caricature of him as a misogynist, which is not entirely true....

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-81079459493653257942011-03-01T13:41:00.001Z2011-06-11T18:34:05.334+01:00

This is a somewhat meandering rant. A friend of mine has posted, much more eloquently than I, about her rage at the use of the word 'frape' First, what is meant by the term? An example: you happen to leave your computer unlocked, with your Facebook page open... a friend walks by, notices and decides to play a joke on you and messes about with your status updates/ info.  You come back and find

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-69574717806789813102011-02-27T21:34:00.000Z2011-02-27T21:34:26.859Z

I occasionally worry about my love of the wacky, bizarre, and slightly gross - on the other hand, I do get to harness that into a PhD! The other day I came across an account from the Burntisland records from June 1604, concerning one James Young. 'James Young confessit that the last Saboth in tyme of the reading of the word he vomit in the kyrk, his stomach trublitt with sundrie drink of new and

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-59176038948435090942011-02-15T12:59:00.000Z2011-06-11T15:39:28.470+01:00

I've never been the biggest fan of winter.  In June, when the summer solstice hits, the phrase 'well, the nights are fair drawing in the noo' jumps to my lips and a little slough of despond enters my soul.  When winter does actually hit, I get the logs piled high by the fireplace, put fairy lights up to cheer... and spend post-Christmas searching desperately for the first sign of snowdrops:

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-23502857320931332212011-02-10T22:13:00.000Z2011-06-11T18:34:42.752+01:00

A student pal at uni. had brought in his copy of the Church Times - with front cover a full page shot of the ubiquitous Cheryl Cole.  This, apparently not an attempt to boost flagging circulation, but rather to flag up an article about our modern cult of celebrity - or [pop] idol worship.  The article was a snappy one by Pete Ward and had a rather neat hookline that ran along the lines of: "

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-13431475531406654332011-02-07T12:38:00.001Z2011-06-11T18:37:32.070+01:00

Picture at left currently making me laugh - probably very inappropriately. However, I am most fortunate to have had very affable students in my tutorial group both this semester and last.  They will not be going in the 'pot'!  Delighted that my lot all passed last semester, and willing them to do well this time around. In between tutoring, palaeography, and blood feud I am kept very busy,

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-48488650235390510892011-01-27T13:42:00.002Z2011-06-11T18:37:32.074+01:00

Recently, as part of ministry training, I had to read Journeying Out: a new approach to Christian mission by Ann Morisy and write some thoughts on it.  Certainly the book has provided much food for thought, although it was not the most enjoyable of experiences, and indeed it was a rather frustrating read overall.  Here's a snippet of my journey with Journeying Out.... ----------------------------

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-40098694798951311342011-01-23T21:44:00.000Z2011-06-11T18:02:51.633+01:00

Stool of repentance, St Andrews. busy... busy... busy: up to my oxters in bloodfeud and fornication. Well, immersed in transcribing records from Burntisland Kirk Session records late 16th-early-17th c.  Finally the palaeography is beginning to pay off. The laird of Orrok's son was a bit of a naughty boy, and Orrok senior wasn't that much better.... Normal blogging service will resume soon.

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-33605281170088479332011-01-03T21:45:00.001Z2011-06-11T17:33:09.335+01:00

[well it has been a wee while since the last installment of Brother Knox's wise words.  What better way to kick off a new year?] Brethren and sistren, as we dip our toes into the promise and potential of this New Year, some words of caution.  Today let us reflect upon that most abhominable of sins, pride. Harken now to the tale of one Mr H. Dumpty. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.Humpty Dumpty had

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-20335797409439739222010-12-26T22:09:00.001Z2011-06-11T17:50:51.731+01:00

Rembrandt's 'the stoning of St Stephen', 1625 The way in which Christmas has fallen this year means that straight after the festivities and joyful celebrations of yesterday, we move immediately into the much less jolly suggested lectionary readings for today.  One track takes us to the stoning of Stephen - first Christian martyr. The alternative track moves us from the celebration of the baby

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-35628425112115205932010-12-18T16:24:00.000Z2011-06-11T18:34:05.338+01:00

This vid. has been doing the rounds on Facebook.  V. cute.  I think my favourite bit was the travel planning option 'avoid Romans'.  Enjoy!!

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-14901141192583841952010-12-17T17:12:00.001Z2011-06-17T13:39:14.652+01:00

I do love my research sometimes, especially when I come across such gems as the following entry from Kirkwall U.P. Church, 1894, re. elders and church welcome: 'they are not there for the mere purpose of standing at the plate, but for the purpose of giving a kindly welcome to the worshippers as they pass - were it but a pleasant smile or nod of recognition.  A shake of the hand would not be out

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-78184736663061896812010-12-12T20:15:00.000Z2011-06-11T17:50:51.734+01:00

Feasting on the Word - preaching the revised common lectionary [Yr A, vol. 1]; edited by Don Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor, Westminster John Knox Press, 2010. £26.99 This is yet another excellent edition in what is an absloutely superb series.  The overall series aims to cover the three years of the Revised Common Lectionary, splitting each year into several books. With an eye on the

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-2210971926040528792010-12-07T12:12:00.002Z2010-12-07T18:49:47.332Z

It's a little rough... but here goes: 'Great Expectations' Isaiah 35: 1-10; Matt 11: 2-19 If Charles Dickens hadn't pinched it first, I think I'd have titled this sermon 'Great Expectations'... Great Expectations - the hope that something quite extraordinary is going to happen. That sums up Advent. It's the waiting time. The time when we identify with Mary all those years ago in her time of

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-78380123199306004902010-12-06T22:38:00.000Z2011-06-11T18:34:05.341+01:00

The recent launch of the Not Ashamed campaign backed by Lord Carey leaves me a tad baffled.  I'm baffled by the use of such words as 'victimised' and 'persecuted'.  I'm further disturbed by the faint sounds of Christian jingoistic sentiments in the background that seem to run along the old, tired theme of 'our nation was great and we can be again.'  Times have surely changed since God and Empire

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-4218097485804323542010-12-05T17:52:00.000Z2011-06-11T18:02:51.636+01:00

Matthew 3: 1-6 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’* This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:“Prepare the way of the Lord,    make his paths straight.” ’ Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-91886882907167450262010-12-04T12:31:00.000Z2011-06-11T17:50:51.740+01:00

I know it's the season of light... I'd just hate to pay the electric bill on this!! You'll need your sound on to fully appreciate the display...  :)

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-30665539192506764902010-12-03T10:53:00.004Z2011-06-17T13:41:48.593+01:00

Gosh, haven't played this game for a wee while.  Over at RevGals the theme has turned to surviving the December busy time... Kathrynzj asks: Whether a RevGal or a Pal most of us in this cyber community have enhanced responsibilities during this time of year. We also have traditions - religious and secular - that mark the season for us in a more personal way. For this Friday Five please let

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-76910525275054698532010-12-02T13:08:00.000Z2011-06-11T17:51:21.237+01:00

The more it snows (Tiddly Pom) The more it goes (Tiddly Pom) The more it goes (Tiddly Pom) On snowing. And nobody knows (Tiddly Pom) How gold my toes (Tiddly Pom) How cold my toes (Tiddly Pom) Are growing.                                                    A. A. Milne The most amazing dumping of snow in 40 years, according to that vital arm of journalism The

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-3446180580887668942010-11-28T19:39:00.001Z2011-06-11T17:50:51.743+01:00

1st Sunday of Advent... Today is the start of the Church year; the beginning of the season of Advent. In the darkness we light a candle... small, fragile, flickering sign of hope. Light amidst the shadows in the doorway of our hearts - hearts that watch, and wait and yearn. O come, o come, Emmanuel...

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-43729305037890809282010-11-24T21:54:00.000Z2011-06-11T18:34:05.349+01:00

A wee while ago, over at journalling, Liz was reflecting on the hustle and bustle and lack of space that can often be found within worship as it is hurries along to the finish line.  She noted that she was 'sure God roars with laughter at the notion that worship can be packaged and condensed.'  And further, asked the question 'what elements are to be sacrificed in order to create space - the

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-54739310478217537392010-11-16T12:00:00.000Z2011-06-17T13:39:14.653+01:00

and fresh out of inspiration?  Or sifting through a 'spirituality/ theology of the child'? Mary Hawes - a CofE pal of mine - has just flagged up a most excellent resource in the shape of a blog, appropriately entitled 'Worshipping With Children: including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary' Do yourselves a favour and check it out.

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-41221402214535586902010-11-13T11:15:00.000Z2011-06-11T18:34:42.756+01:00

This should be absloutely cracking!  Here's the blurb:  Ever wanted to see four New College lecturers go head to head in a debate on the Virgin Birth?! Well it's happening! Theology Network in association with the Edinburgh Centre for the Study of Christian Origins present a special Christmas debate not to be missed... ... On Monday 29th November at 4pm in the Martin Hall, Dr. Helen Bond (

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-48975075405795026022010-11-11T17:38:00.000Z2011-06-17T13:41:48.594+01:00

  Dulce et Decorum est  Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge, Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs, And towards our distant rest began to trudge. Men marched asleep.  Many had lost their boots, But limped on, blood-shod.  All went lame, all blind; Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots Of gas-shells

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-29621311636516443032010-11-08T16:10:00.002Z2011-06-11T18:37:32.077+01:00

When I was sifting through the whole 'minister, me?' question [hat tip to Mrs Gerbil *grin*] I was offered up a whole range of books as suggested reading fodder.  And oh, my goodness, did you know that there are multitudinous numbers of books on the subject of vocational calling?  I'm not sure whether this is alarming, affirming, or quite what it says about attitudes within various Christian

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-1646515459510680002010-10-31T10:45:00.000Z2011-06-11T17:50:51.752+01:00

Happy Reformation Day...  Or perhaps instead of a polka, why not something a little more 'street'...

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-10728411778264362902010-10-30T20:33:00.000+01:002011-06-17T13:39:14.655+01:00

Meanwhile, over on yet another 'F' word - Facebook - a friend decided to do the '25-30 things about yourself' tagging thing. I played: and proved number #1 on my own list.... 1/ I will do anything to distract myself from my thesis: that I'm responding to this is proof. 2/ Although I am a fan of chocolate, and have been known to frequent my local chippie, the idea of a deep-fried Mars Bar

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-20316922761426889012010-10-29T18:44:00.001+01:002011-06-17T13:39:14.656+01:00

Earlier in the year I was thinking about the 'F' word - the new, big, bad swear word that is apparently unacceptable in polite society... yup, 'feminist'. I recall being rather frustrated with the expression I often hear - 'I'm not a feminist, but...' I'd quoted from a postcard I keep on my desk which lists reasons for why one might be a feminist.  It's a good, strong, powerful statement. I

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-89704739001062984502010-10-24T12:25:00.001+01:002011-06-17T13:41:48.596+01:00

Public displays of mockery leave zombies' dignity in shambles Well, it seems a small comment on facebook concerning zombies has ended up with a rather loooong thread. I was challenged, quite rightly to come up with an inclusive and affirming version by a fellow ministry trainee last night [Saturday], to keep in line with our hymnbook CH4.  DMc observed: 'I think you should be making more

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-62411884515100237932010-10-23T22:16:00.001+01:002011-06-17T13:41:48.597+01:00

So, there you are, faced with a teeming horde of brain-dead zombies in a manic and terrifying zombie apocalypse.   Wotcha gonna do? Indeed, WWJKD? [what would John Knox do] Well, first, eat cake... courtesy of the excellent 'Apocalypse Bakery' And second, write a hymn for the faithful to sing whilst fighting. [Me? Thesis avoiding?  What gave you that impression??!] [to the tune of 'Courage

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-42554170042132884512010-10-21T17:07:00.000+01:002011-06-17T13:41:48.599+01:00

I've always loved Jenny Joseph's poem 'Warning: when I am an old woman I shall wear purple'. Yesterday I, too, wore purple. And while I do sometimes feel positively elderly amongst the folk here at Uni., the wearing of purple was less about my old age, but more as a gesture of solidarity.The recent spate of suicides by gay teenagers in the U.S., who were bullied for the crime of just being them,

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-46151542396138389402010-10-16T17:48:00.002+01:002011-06-17T13:39:14.659+01:00

*sticks head above parapet* I'm sure he is gracious. I'm sure he is a lovely man and pastor. I'm just not sure he should be on the list of nominations for Moderator of the Church of Scotland. Why my disquiet over Rev. C. Peter White as a Mod. nom.? As a woman training for ministry of word and sacrament within the CofS, a denomination which over 40 years ago through its system of governance

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-51415966328286520052010-10-15T23:18:00.000+01:002011-06-11T17:44:52.612+01:00

...which is a very good reason to rouse myself from this stupor of dullness I seem to have been in for the last fortnight.  Too sleepy and too busy to blog, oh dear. However... it's Blog Action Day and this year's theme is on water... Why water? Check out the video below. Blog Action Day 2010: Water from Blog Action Day on Vimeo. Am reminded again of the situation in the Niger Delta, where the

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-78017678474003169192010-09-29T20:03:00.001+01:002011-06-17T13:39:14.660+01:00

The other week I was having dinner with friends.  They'd been to a church that shall be nameless which had, in its order of service, an affirmation of faith.  As we ate and blethered we recalled times when we'd been confronted with statements of faith - foisted upon us on a sheet within worship - with the expectation that we would, having never seen it before and thus, not had time to consider it

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-11133921985018776442010-09-27T00:11:00.000+01:002011-06-11T18:37:32.086+01:00

I've always loved an open horizon - even more when it is the sea, a river, or lake.  There's something about swathes of water that soothes my soul, helps me relax, gives me a better perspective on life, the universe and everything.  This pic. is what lies at the end of my street - maybe 50metres away.  Every morning when I leave for university I shut my front door and look at this, before

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-16327372524302989862010-09-19T18:47:00.000+01:002011-06-17T13:39:14.662+01:00

Today be International Talk Like a Pirate Day mateys. So sit ye doon and lookie: here be pirate joke treasurrrre... oh, and quite a cheery wee cupcake to celebrate with as well ... *ahem*... arrrrrr!!! What is a pirate's favorite prayer? The ARRRRrrr Father!!  Where does a pirate go to sign up for his college courses in scallywaggery? The

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-25358144130802375092010-09-18T18:20:00.000+01:002011-06-11T18:02:51.647+01:00

Having submitted my 'stuff' for the Board last week, I set to the task of quizzing myself, memorising footnotes, cosying up to Mr Knox to ask his advice... all the while coming down with what has been the filthiest, nastiest cold I've had the misfortune of experiencing.  Ack. And so Friday loomed and I arrived at New College. Free buffet lunch, as a 'welcome' to the start of play of the academic

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-37310419480555613562010-09-13T08:52:00.000+01:002011-06-11T18:02:51.650+01:00

Yes, it's been a little bit quiet here in pilgrim-whirled... have been editing like mad in a race to a Monday 9am deadline.  Finished chapter and proposal tidying last night at 11pm and submitted them.  And now, best read and reflect on what I've written so I can sound vaguely coherent for the Board on Friday.  So, what is my thesis about??? Answers on a postcard please.  In the meantime...

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-83095939250516679182010-09-05T15:42:00.001+01:002011-06-11T18:34:42.769+01:00

Way back at the end of August last year, I had decided I'd try to be a little more intentional about practising gratitude and I was doing relatively well until life quietly did its thing and took over.  Which isn't to say I have not been living in a state of ingratitude since Jan. 2010, when the 'alphabet of gratitude' stopped at the letter 'S' and sort of sat in a layby until now [she said,

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-36031047298566646482010-09-03T20:49:00.003+01:002011-06-17T13:41:48.601+01:00

is still a robe.  The subject of clerical 'fashion' was one of the many tailends of conversations I wandered into over the course of the recent candidates' conference in St Andrews [apparently, according to Dad, you can play golf there, too, although not necessarily in clerical garb].  As it has cropped up occasionally in my thoughts as well as in other conversations, I thought it was time to

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-90653281087816941742010-08-29T20:47:00.002+01:002011-06-11T18:37:32.095+01:00

Repentance seat, Holy Trinity Church, St Andrews Candidates' Conference, St Andrews... last of 5. Having arrived here at morning tea time on Friday to meet the new folks, I was able to wander aboot the toon on Saturday morning while they were in a safeguarding session. This was a wee wander with a purpose: wanted to revisit Holy Trinity Kirk in St Andrews to take a few more pic's.  Quality a

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-6814708671431513952010-08-17T22:11:00.000+01:002011-06-17T13:41:48.602+01:00

Looks like miracles still happen: my Board date was shifted.  Actually, it's been shifted 3 times since my last post due to combinations of clashing schedules, holiday, zombie apocalypse and even the Papal visit... okay, so I was fibbing with regard to the zombies, the rest, including the Pope, is true.  Pity. Would be rather entertaining to see zombies and Knoxy battle it out in the quad.  I

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-47819071955151486032010-08-04T20:12:00.006+01:002010-11-09T11:30:08.803Z

So, I'm guessing we don't get the extension then? Aaaargh! The deadline of doom fast approacheth and sooooo much work yet to do. Preparing for my 1st year PhD board - interrogation by a panel of 4-5 academics who will have read my sample chapter, and also my extended proposal outlining the research, methodology, why there's a thesis-shaped hole in the field of research, and chapter headings and

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-76381836142558697652010-08-01T18:55:00.000+01:002011-06-17T13:41:48.603+01:00

My lovely friend Clare is a theologian and a cook... and has decided to jump into the blogosphere. She describes her blog Apocalypse Bakery thus:'Every night, I dream vividly about one of two things. The first is cake, making beautiful delicious cakes of every flavour. The second is the apocalypse and the survival of the human race in the face of nuclear explosions, technological uprisings,

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-32888289521780747842010-07-28T12:23:00.000+01:002011-06-11T18:34:05.372+01:00

exploring different approaches to the sermon, session #1: the one-minute sermon... Tamara Lowe rapping a sermon - oddly we were not taught this in our homiletics classes.

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-35175189985344003332010-07-25T17:07:00.007+01:002011-06-11T18:34:05.376+01:00

From the lectionary for today -Colossians 2: 9-10 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority.  The song is 'Chi Rho', by Iona. The picture to the right is 'Christ Enthroned from the Book of Kells, the subject of the song. Colour of greenGreen for the vineFor the leaves and the branchesThe tree of

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-26081034871754263122010-07-21T18:06:00.004+01:002011-06-17T13:39:14.665+01:00

Dear Dad, yes, I know, if nothing I am not consistent with regard to forgetting your birthday.  The note to self I leave in my mental in-tray is tattered and worn, and the writing is quite faded now.  But... I do remember eventually. Us academic types can get a bit preoccupied down in dusty corridors filled with obscure and sometimes bizarre pieces of information. Opening a book, or working on a

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-20113300250417991402010-07-20T16:03:00.002+01:002011-06-11T18:34:42.779+01:00

Knox, accustomed to preaching against idolatry, looked down at the objects of veneration left by his devotees and quietly reconsidered his theological position... New College, now a Bollywood film set [with thanks to Crystal for the pic!]

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-86486632687062120752010-07-15T20:27:00.002+01:002011-06-17T13:39:14.666+01:00

This is a story about M and M, as well as M & M's... I'm remembering an all-age chat by my friend D in her previous charge - I was having a day off from my regular Sunday space. And the gospel reading of the day was the same as this coming Sunday's reading, namely, Luke 10: 38-42 which contains a story of Mary and Martha. In this particular story, Jesus has popped in to visit his pals and is

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-73092328700296443112010-07-14T12:26:00.000+01:002011-06-11T18:28:37.521+01:00

... at Linne Bheag.   My friend Dorothy has just put up her Autumn programme of quiet days/ evenings.  She and Peter are fab.   The prog. looks excellent.  Check their web-site out here

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-38674509723864163872010-07-10T11:08:00.000+01:002011-06-17T13:39:14.668+01:00

Given the ongoing CofE saga with Jeffrey John south of the border, as well as 'that which shall not be named' in the CofS, the following billboard perhaps puts things into a wee bit of perspective... we might want to add 'women' to that as well!

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-13226097015659318222010-07-06T16:42:00.004+01:002011-06-17T13:39:14.669+01:00

Luke 10: 30-36 “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan while traveling

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-60183434992047561082010-07-03T21:35:00.000+01:002011-06-11T18:34:05.384+01:00

Readings:Isaiah 66: 10-14Galatians 6:1-10Luke 10: 1-11, 16-20 Let us pray:May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight o Lord, our strength and our redeemer. Amen A friend of mine was telling me a story about her older sister. She’d had a hard day at work: everybody wanting her attention, all their needs terribly urgent and needing sorted

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401700189847333654.post-88904414010918474882010-06-24T21:19:00.000+01:002011-06-17T13:39:14.671+01:00

I've been thinking about the 'F' word... no, no... not that 'F' word, the other one that seems to have, over time, become almost the equivalent in offensiveness in polite society - yes, 'Feminist'....  Gosh, but it seems like only yesterday when I recall discovering that if I wrote the word 'people' or 'human' instead of 'man' I:1/ clarified whether I was talking about one bloke or the human

Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03500372331937107264noreply@blogger.com2