Author: slg1

learning enthusiast, Christian, researcher and sheep breeder
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quick reality check

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Since the last post, when I encouraged Polly Pilgrim to blog more often, have I? No. Mainly I think because I want these posts to be helpful and considered, and making time for that alongside the job, the business, the sheep and the Church seems to be a challenge. So here’s a quick round-up of what is really happening to this new Reader: reading the Bible in Church probably goes without saying, but making sure it is a biblical and sincere reading takes time; then  leading services takes much more and is a genuine blessing – finally becoming just a … Continue reading quick reality check

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Time to get blogging more often

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After a discussion at church this Sunday, I am getting some clear nudges that I should be blogging more often. So far this blog has reflected a jagged approach to collecting thoughts, prayers and resources along the way towards becoming a licensed Reader. Now I am one.  So I guess I should start taking this even more seriously and trying to get my reflections (which happen all the time) online. This is in line with the talk we gave (my fellow Reader and I) this Sunday on New Year decisions and resolutions. It was heartfelt. Here am I groggy still … Continue reading Time to get blogging more often

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sunshine in Chichester

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What an opportunity – to devote a whole weekend to faith. With people around you who are faith-full. In the Cathedral precincts. To be able to focus and reflect deeply on the spiritual and practical challenges of licensing as a Reader. To get scared about it in good company. To share the joy of it. The public Bishop’s gardens behind George Bell House are full of sunshine reflecting our mood. Today there is input but there is mostly time for quiet. Interlaced with a cathedral service and concluding with Monteverdi’s Vespers in that sacred overwhelming space. Yesterday we were all … Continue reading sunshine in Chichester

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Preparing for the Eucharist service

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This morning’s preparations for Holy Communion – I have to record it because so often I forget. Chalice, then Purificator, Paten with large wafer, then Pall, then Chalice veil, Burse with Corporal inside placed on top, with lidded Ciborium placed empty behind all this. Unlike in these directions: the cross is faced towards the priest, ie not facing the congregation. And don’t forget the candles, lighting the south or organ side first, then the north or priest’s side and extinguishing them in reverse order. And the collection plate and bag. And the cruet – water at the front but wine … Continue reading Preparing for the Eucharist service

reflecting on faith, working together with other churchesLeave a comment

Ecumenism and inter-faith

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Wow, two huge topics and only a few remarks here. In a discussion on the difference between these two headings this week, the conclusion was drawn that studying ecumenism tended to refer to Christian churches attempting to work together and resolve doctrinal difficulties as well as divergence of traditions in liturgy, worship, rituals, and that inter-faith dialogue is the term used more commonly for a variety of faiths looking at similar things, including but not exclusively Christian. One Church. How to get there? So many have tried. Scripture points us towards a oneness, God’s love for all. Meanwhile, we have … Continue reading Ecumenism and inter-faith

Reflecting on scriptureLeave a comment

Matthew 27: 9-10

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Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.” Math.27. 9-10. RSV No-one writes without a purpose. And Matthew is no exception here. Of all the Gospel writers, he makes the most effort to link the life of Jesus with the scriptures known to contemporary Jewish Christians. In these two verses we find a link to the words … Continue reading Matthew 27: 9-10

music in church, reflecting on faithLeave a comment

It is a thing most wonderful

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The author of this hymn is Bishop William Walsham How. Bishop How was known as the “omnibus bishop”, a reference to his preferred method of travel around his diocese in the East End of London where he worked among the miserable social conditions of the nineteenth century slums. He is also a well-loved hymnist. This particular hymn comes from his Children’s Hymns of 1872.  It was later included in the English Hymnal under the “At Catechism” section, but clearly there is something about how the hymn offers theological meaning through childish words, which has earned it a place in the … Continue reading It is a thing most wonderful

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cathedral music

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A number of comments and experiences are connecting for me with Cathedral music. Transforming and spiritual, the mood and atmosphere set in Cathedral buildings can be overwhelming. A recent concert in Chichester with poetry and artwork along with Messaien’s music was such a transporting event. Simply attending the Cathedral services with traditional or modern settings of harmony and the immense reverberation of the organ in a huge space – an experience you would wish to be often repeated. But what happens when we try to transport Cathedral music into smaller churches? So much controversy about inaccessibility, exclusivity. The age-old argument … Continue reading cathedral music

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Spiritual people

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I am surrounded by them. They have conviction, strength. I met a man recently who had helped me years ago in my academic career – been quite pivotal in fact. If anyone is filled with the Holy Spirit, it is this man. He is full of energy at a time when many of his age are confined to home and reducing their horizons. He speaks with a clarity of thought which comes from knowing what God wants of him. Knowing that he will be shown. His contributions to other people’s lives and wellbeing make my tiny efforts puny and insignificant. … Continue reading Spiritual people