Following on to a previous comment...
Quakers
The Quaker movement in Scotland can trace its roots back further than 1696. In 1650 there were Quakers in Leith, Edinburgh meeting for worship. In 1696 the biggest Quaker meeting was in Kinmuck, North West of Aberdeen near Blackburn. Meetings were held in Scotland from 1653 with George Fox paying visits to Glasgow Edinburgh Perth Fife and the Highlands in 1657. Robert Barclay(1648-1690) is one unsung original theologian who is recognised more abroad than his home country of Scotland. Born Aberdeen he became a Quaker at the age of 18 after a visit to his father in Edinburgh. With his connections in London he became governor of the colony of East Jersey in the USA, yet never went there and through his mothers side- a Stewart he had access to the future King James VIII ( James, Edward or III if you like!). It would have been interesting discussions. James, Catholic - Barclay, Quaker. Barclay was the first and only systematic exposition of Quaker theology,“ "Apology for the true Christian Divinity"”
Tuesday 16 May 2006
Saturday 13 May 2006
Are church services too busy?
Busy? You have had a hard week at work, you have had a busy schedule of evening activity. You have rushed to Church because you slept in after watching the late film- just to chill out.
And it would be so good to have a quiet time in a corporate meeting. But...
There is that "Sandwich service" where it looks like those leading are afraid to have silence in case the congregation think they have lost the place!
Contemplative-
Quakers, brethren, Baptists, Assemblies of God, Charismatic and Pentecostal Churches have over the years recognised the depth of fellowship in having a time of silence together in the "Worship time" at Church. To take time to reflect is so important especially when life seems to be busier and busier.
Just like the public reading of the Bible has a different impact on our lives, so too, could a time of silence in the public worship.
There is a time for joyous worship, and loud! And there is a time form silence.
Thanks for the variety in praise in the Christian Church.
Thursday 11 May 2006
Dornoch flowers on a summers day in May.
A thriving community of gardeners was seen in Dornoch on the Tenth of May with temperatures reaching 20.
Enterprise update
Good to hear that the Scottish Executive is going to package up the enterprise company shortfalls.
Churches that are Non- Presbyterian( and Evangelical)
An other interesting conversation at the weekend centred around the setting up and encouraging of Non-Presbyterian churches not in oppostion to the existing various Presbyterian but as an alternative expression of worship and praise in the community for those who:
- are relatively new to the area and have had the benefit of other expressions of worship
- for those in the Highlands who would prefer a contemporary church practice
- For those who are looking for an independent/or congregationalism authority in the church meeting
I am sure there is a need for a variety of expressions of Church praise in the Highlands. I am also encouraged with the recent signs of these expressions being promoted.
Adders in the Highlands
On Saturday I came across my first sighting of an adder the poisonous viper found in the Highlands more so when Spring turns to Summer.Here you see it against the size of a foot so it was probably a fairly young one. In these parts they have been spotted as long as three feet.
This one was sun bathing at Ferrycroft, Lairg and our walking partner ushered me away from accidentally standing on it.
There was excitement in the group as none of us had seen an adder before. The weather has certainly changed. For how long?
Wednesday 10 May 2006
Renovare May 2006 letter
I see the Renovare May 2006 letter by Richard Foster is available from the Renovare website. Left hand column front page. One could download the PDF if interested.
Monday 8 May 2006
Highland Theological College
It's pleasing for the Highlands to note that the Church of Scotland General Assembly will be asked to confirm the Highland Theological College as an approved academic provider alongside Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews. This will be the first for 70 plus years. The distance learning facility will be made use of moreso if this approval is given at Assembly later this month.
I am looking for a list of Non-Presbyterian Evangelical Churches in the Highlands.
Does anyone have such a list or if started, would anyone be interested in submitting their Church to such a list?
Friday 5 May 2006
Property for sale...What can the enterprise company do?
There are still many vacant properties in the Highlands, but there are less than in previous years.
Ross-shire was always a place of "self-builds" and that continues. The searching by incomers to buy up houses or crofts for the "Good life" living, second home, holiday home or to start a base for quiet living is stronger.
Is there a need for the enterprise company?
From an economic view generating the multiplier effect in a community does require a focal point or key business to hang on to services and the like. The enterprise companies have been helpful in many ways in assisting this growth. Despite the varying opinions of their worth and the re-evaluating of the Scottish Enterprise network, (all organisations need a review) there is still a need for localised channelling of resources to generate work income and wealth. How best this is carried out will be the ongoing debate.
Church enterprise company?
In a Church context how do we best channel our resources when there are so many Churches with a dozen or so worshipping together on Sundays, in different buildings in the same towns?
For so many I wonder if they know why they are part of a certain denomination, do they know why their Church believes what they do or why they take a certain stand on particular practice.
If we had a fresh plot to build a house how would we set out the plan, what might we want within the boundaries and in the house itself? Utility room, decking, en-suites, breakfast bar?
Likewise for a Church to work be it an old one or a new one what key things are required?
I am thankful that the discussions I have had lately indicate that many are reviewing through necessity- their plans or more accurately their operations! This can only be a good sign.
With no vision the people perish.
It would be difficult just to pull resources. This method encourages doubts, concerns and mistrust.
If a clear presentation of a worthwhile work is promoted the people might grasp the vision and say let's support this work.
If I ask for £100,000 for a work I will do in the future would you support it? No.
If I explain a need to you which can be met in part and needs £100,000 you would be more likely to say I will support this work.
What then is the vision for the Church in the village, the town, in Inverness, nay in the Highlands????
Tell me of your Churches' vision!
or if you have not got one!
(By vision I don't mean a paper that was written two years ago and no one works towards. I mean everyone knows what the Church is trying to do and to this end most people are working towards that aim).
Ross-shire was always a place of "self-builds" and that continues. The searching by incomers to buy up houses or crofts for the "Good life" living, second home, holiday home or to start a base for quiet living is stronger.
Is there a need for the enterprise company?
From an economic view generating the multiplier effect in a community does require a focal point or key business to hang on to services and the like. The enterprise companies have been helpful in many ways in assisting this growth. Despite the varying opinions of their worth and the re-evaluating of the Scottish Enterprise network, (all organisations need a review) there is still a need for localised channelling of resources to generate work income and wealth. How best this is carried out will be the ongoing debate.
Church enterprise company?
In a Church context how do we best channel our resources when there are so many Churches with a dozen or so worshipping together on Sundays, in different buildings in the same towns?
For so many I wonder if they know why they are part of a certain denomination, do they know why their Church believes what they do or why they take a certain stand on particular practice.
If we had a fresh plot to build a house how would we set out the plan, what might we want within the boundaries and in the house itself? Utility room, decking, en-suites, breakfast bar?
Likewise for a Church to work be it an old one or a new one what key things are required?
I am thankful that the discussions I have had lately indicate that many are reviewing through necessity- their plans or more accurately their operations! This can only be a good sign.
With no vision the people perish.
It would be difficult just to pull resources. This method encourages doubts, concerns and mistrust.
If a clear presentation of a worthwhile work is promoted the people might grasp the vision and say let's support this work.
If I ask for £100,000 for a work I will do in the future would you support it? No.
If I explain a need to you which can be met in part and needs £100,000 you would be more likely to say I will support this work.
What then is the vision for the Church in the village, the town, in Inverness, nay in the Highlands????
Tell me of your Churches' vision!
or if you have not got one!
(By vision I don't mean a paper that was written two years ago and no one works towards. I mean everyone knows what the Church is trying to do and to this end most people are working towards that aim).
Thursday 4 May 2006
Labyrinth.......Take your shoes off.!
Prayer Labyrinth-Denver
I had never undertook a prayer labyrinth before.
It originates from Chartres Cathedral, North France coming from the Middle Ages. It consists as you would think of a maze of paths - ours was printed on heavy duty clothes, the originals were of stone, there is one in Ely Cathedral at the front door. After leaving all my belongings I had to take my shoes off!
Winding in towards God and rewinding out/forgiveness, the walk weaved in and out sometimes alone, sometimes passing others. Sometimes stopping to pray and reflect. A time to "Shut out the world". It was a reflective time providing peace.
For a blog on prayer view
visionbyprayer.blogspot.com
I am reminded of the news last year that those who pray have in general terms a longer lifespan.
Two observations from last year.
How do we engage the community?
My two observations of the last 12 months.
Bible Society - (England and Wales)
Sees a need to transform the culture as a way into people and the masses.
Ps.137 v 4 - How do we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
Centres of influence - Arts, Media, Politics and Education to be challenged.
What would a society that takes the Bible seriously look like?
Imagination is a decisive influence on how people see reality.
What do you think people in this area see as real?
A. What is real when it comes to the way we live and behave?
B. What is real when it comes to ideas like God, Spirit and purpose?
What recent changes from the outskirts of culture have moved to centre stage?
A. Possibilities that all can have a voice or say!
B. Education for all people
C. Same sex marriages
D. Knowledge open to all via the internet
E ?
How can we impact the community where it is at a deep “heart and soul“ level? (We used to talk in terms of pre-evangelism?)
Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free S.John 8.32
- Booklet "Make Poverty History" is valid but what about the Bible poverty- Need to be back in focus? or so we fed them and then they died?
"Love Esther" is a rock tour of the UK. Starting in Bristol last year it is based on the story of Esther communicating the Word to the young of today.
Renovare.
In Denver, last June, at the Renovare conference of 5,000 delegates, I discovered the work of Renovare (Latin: renewal) who work across the denominations. This organisation has a lot to offer the Church.
A divine lunch - I had a great time over lunch with Rodger Fredrikson, American Pastor and William Vaswig "call me Bill" - Evangelical Lutherian Church of America. They had studied divinity in Edinburgh many years ago.
Well past retirement they were fully 100% on fire for the work of the Kingdom.
My two observations of the last 12 months.
Bible Society - (England and Wales)
Sees a need to transform the culture as a way into people and the masses.
Ps.137 v 4 - How do we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
Centres of influence - Arts, Media, Politics and Education to be challenged.
What would a society that takes the Bible seriously look like?
Imagination is a decisive influence on how people see reality.
What do you think people in this area see as real?
A. What is real when it comes to the way we live and behave?
B. What is real when it comes to ideas like God, Spirit and purpose?
What recent changes from the outskirts of culture have moved to centre stage?
A. Possibilities that all can have a voice or say!
B. Education for all people
C. Same sex marriages
D. Knowledge open to all via the internet
E ?
How can we impact the community where it is at a deep “heart and soul“ level? (We used to talk in terms of pre-evangelism?)
Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free S.John 8.32
- Booklet "Make Poverty History" is valid but what about the Bible poverty- Need to be back in focus? or so we fed them and then they died?
"Love Esther" is a rock tour of the UK. Starting in Bristol last year it is based on the story of Esther communicating the Word to the young of today.
Renovare.
In Denver, last June, at the Renovare conference of 5,000 delegates, I discovered the work of Renovare (Latin: renewal) who work across the denominations. This organisation has a lot to offer the Church.
A divine lunch - I had a great time over lunch with Rodger Fredrikson, American Pastor and William Vaswig "call me Bill" - Evangelical Lutherian Church of America. They had studied divinity in Edinburgh many years ago.
Well past retirement they were fully 100% on fire for the work of the Kingdom.
Tuesday 2 May 2006
How is my Latin?....as good as my Greek
From the Conference last year.
Read and reflect?
Use of the Bible:
Discipline of Lectio Divina
Reading becomes part of the prayer. Tuning in.
Lectio
Taking up Scripture.
Meditatio
Engaging with the passage - What do I notice?
Oratio
The deep self touched, Thank you for this passage, remembering it during the day.
Contemplatio
Rest and silence and read again.
Similar to “Free Church Worship at home”? a Psalm, a reading, a prayer.
The purpose of reading is to get closer to God- “Zoe Life" not to gain further academic knowledge. How does this fit into my life where I am?
Spiritual Formation. A new discipleship Bible reading study together.
“Tell me what that says to you for me.”
Read and reflect?
Use of the Bible:
Discipline of Lectio Divina
Reading becomes part of the prayer. Tuning in.
Lectio
Taking up Scripture.
Meditatio
Engaging with the passage - What do I notice?
Oratio
The deep self touched, Thank you for this passage, remembering it during the day.
Contemplatio
Rest and silence and read again.
Similar to “Free Church Worship at home”? a Psalm, a reading, a prayer.
The purpose of reading is to get closer to God- “Zoe Life" not to gain further academic knowledge. How does this fit into my life where I am?
Spiritual Formation. A new discipleship Bible reading study together.
“Tell me what that says to you for me.”
Monday 1 May 2006
Sunday walk
The best thoughts always come from a walk.
Yesterday while in the Sutherland hills we talked about how, especially in the smaller communities, if the Churches of the various denominations worked together what a tremendous work could be done. Yes many would have to leave their personal tastes at home but the work would surely move on!
Now if the locals agreed to work together...... would the denomination headquarters allow the future to grow and take shape as a unified organisation for Christ in the locality?
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