tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81871340581457104252024-02-07T00:26:56.120-08:00The Rare Theological Reflections of a Pragmatic Activist (or Active Pragmatic?)RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-61283629528611790882022-03-09T05:24:00.002-08:002022-04-09T08:28:24.987-07:00A Church and its Buildings<p><u>Context:</u> A village, with one PCC and two listed
church buildings, half a Vicar and not enough money</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>How come?</u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Over 150 years ago, the parishes of Brightwell and Sotwell
were merged into one ecclesiastical parish, leading the way for a civil merger
in the 1950s. The parish had its own Rector until the turn of this
century and then was absorbed into the Wallingford Team, of which I am the
latest Team Vicar, serving not only Brightwell-cum-Sotwell but Crowmarsh
Gifford too. The parish has managed to continue paying its parish share
(ministry costs) throughout the pandemic whilst also carrying out some major
building works to replace stolen lead (with terne-coated steel) and a new
French drain system to cure the damp problem in one of the buildings (<a href="http://www.wallingfordcofe.org.uk/st-agathas/" target="_blank">St Agatha’s</a>);
this has used up a significant proportion of our financial reserves (which were
mainly from legacies). The other building (<a href="http://www.wallingfordcofe.org.uk/st-james/" target="_blank">St James’</a>) is in desperate
need of a new roof as the battens holding the tiles are very old – a huge job
involving lots of scaffolding. Approximately £500,000 of further work is
needed to maintain both buildings which are both 2* listed and surrounded by
open churchyards.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Where to Worship?</u></p><p class="MsoNormal">The smaller church (St James’) currently hosts a fortnightly
8am said communion, with a small and predominately older congregation who like
the early service and/or the atmosphere of this smaller building. This
service would unlikely justify external clergy coming in during an interregnum
or if clergy cover is further diluted, i.e. one vicar shared between three
parishes (including Wallingford). This service could be held at the
larger church, perhaps with alternating service times.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The larger church (St Agatha’s) has the benefit of more car
parking (although often not enough); a splendid organ and bells; a parish room
used to host coffee mornings and meetings; and last but not least,
toilets. Currently, a weekly service is held at 9.30am to allow the Vicar
to go onto an 11am service in Crowmarsh Gifford.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Villagers have a definite attachment to both sites,
sometimes with a preference due to proximity or the churchyards where loved
ones may are buried. It is unthinkable that either building should not be
preserved as a place of worship, available for funerals and weddings.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Are both buildings sustainable?</u></p><p class="MsoNormal">It depends! The PCC is a voluntary body of church
members who have responsibility for the mission of the church in the village
including the upkeep of the buildings. Occasionally, a significant legacy
of £50k or more may be received from a church member or sympathetic
villager. Obviously, we cannot budget for these. We are aware that
non-worshipping villagers may wish to make a contribution, often towards a
particular appeal such as the Tower Fund which enabled the bells to be rehung
in 2016. A “Friends of” scheme is being proposed and hopefully we could
encourage, say, 100 villagers to give £5/month to raise £6,000 a year
with the hope that more could be raised. Ultimately, we would still
require major fund-raising initiatives, donations or legacies to change the
situation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>The Future?</u></p><p class="MsoNormal">If we carry on as we are, the PCC will continue to struggle
with the upkeep of both buildings, leading to further deterioration, occasional
leaks and temporary repairs. The Vicar could see out his time until
retirement, saving himself a lot of stress and leaving the problem to any
successors, the churchwardens and PCC!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">St James’ could be rebadged as a “<a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/diocesan-resources/strategic-planning-church-buildings/festival-churches" target="_blank">Festival Church</a>” – i.e. a
church open at and for Festivals only, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost - although
it is not clear how this would help with funding the ongoing maintenance.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Another option would be for the PCC to relinquish control of
this building, such that the Church Commissioners take back ownership and
delegate maintenance responsibilities to another body such as the Churches
Conservation Trust (CCT), as is already the case for <a href="https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/church-listing/st-mary-newnham-murren.html" target="_blank">the nearby church in Newnham Murren</a>. For this to happen, the building would need to
be declared as “redundant”, which is a very emotive word. The PCC would
not be able to determine the future use of a redundant building. However,
as a listed building, it would not be demolished and the sensitivities of the
open churchyard with ongoing burials make it extremely unlikely that it would
be converted to any kind of domestic dwelling. However, the CCT might
decide that it could be used for “<a href="https://champing.co.uk/what-is-champing/" target="_blank">champing</a>” (like AirBnB in a church building)
to help with funding the ongoing maintenance.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This has stated the challenge. Any comments or
suggestions would be welcome, not least from others who have faced such
dilemmas, or parishioners of Brightwell-cum-Sotwell (and not just those who
come to St Agatha’s or St James’).<o:p></o:p></p>RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-74449384350646607412020-03-04T15:01:00.001-08:002020-03-07T12:09:08.174-08:00Practical Green Motoring<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ev-database.uk/img/auto/Renault_Zoe_2020/Renault_Zoe_2020-01@2x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://ev-database.uk/img/auto/Renault_Zoe_2020/Renault_Zoe_2020-01@2x.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renault Zoe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Having often preached the message of environmental awareness
in my sermons, I had seriously considered buying an Electric Vehicle (EV) as my
next car, following <a href="https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/17848712.bishop-dorchester-colin-fletcher-first-drive-electric-car/">the
example of Bishop Colin</a>. However,
the cost of a new EV is still prohibitively expensive, even for a small car
like the <a href="https://www.renault.co.uk/electric-vehicles/zoe/versions-and-prices.html">Renault
Zoe</a> which after the £3,500 government’s <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/reformed-plug-in-car-grant-extended-into-next-decade">“Plug
In Car Grant”</a> would cost roughly the same as my annual stipend (before
tax!). There is also the practical
reality that I only expect to recharge overnight at home and need a boot space
for my dog. I also love driving and the
engineering-side, and would really want something with the street cred of a
<a href="https://www.tesla.com/en_gb/model3" target="_blank">Tesla Model 3</a>, which would be more like 2 years of a Vicar’s salary… hmmm, time
to get real!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ev-database.uk/img/auto/Tesla_Model_3/Tesla_Model_3-01@2x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://ev-database.uk/img/auto/Tesla_Model_3/Tesla_Model_3-01@2x.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tesla Model 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My usual mileage is relatively low, perhaps with a couple of
trips per day across Wallingford between the two parishes or within the deanery
– more than 20 miles would be the exception.
But I would also want the car to deal with the occasional long trip
around the diocese for courses, or to visit friends and family and the
occasional short break. Therefore, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) was the only real option and it would need to be 2<sup>nd</sup> hand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I’m not a taxi-driver or a Hollywood eco-evangelist, a
Prius was quickly-ruled out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lexus
CT 200h was a cooler version, but the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuously_variable_transmission">Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT)</a> doesn’t make for a very satisfying driving
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The VW Golf GTE is far more
attractive as a driver’s car, but doesn’t come in an estate version so Ralph (our
often-muddy dog) would end up in the back seats which would soon ruin the chequered-pattern
cloth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there was a close cousin
of the Golf GTE in the form of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron which was halfway
between a hatchback and an estate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (</span>It also
reminded me of my old Alfa 159 Sportwagon TI, my last car I had in my former
career).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/gla_2_1_large/public/ulez_sign_2x1.jpg?itok=soWyWzCL" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/gla_2_1_large/public/ulez_sign_2x1.jpg?itok=soWyWzCL" width="320" /></a>The concern was then battery deterioration as the A3 e-tron
would only do 29 miles on a new battery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Would it be realistic to get 20 miles out of a well-used model in the
winter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having followed the market for
the past few weeks, my price range would restrict me to a high-mileage and/or
older example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of these seemed to
be former lease/company cars which were originally purchased for their <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone">Ultra-Low
Emission Zone</a> and other tax benefits. Chances are that they would have been thrashed up and down the country’s
motorways rather than being eased along by an eco-warrior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Batteries are best preserved by regular
recharging, but there was no way of knowing whether the previous owner would
have bothered to plug it in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of the
dealers would charge up the car and allow an extended test drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only clue was that quite a few of the
cars didn’t even come with the charging cable, so these were ruled out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever I bought would be a bit of a risk…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Therefore, with a fixed risk I decided to reduce the stakes
and went for the cheapest which came in below £13k for a 65-plate example with
near average mileage of 1,000 per month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was definitely near the bottom of the market, with kerbed alloys and
a minor dent, but we came to an arrangement with the dealer which satisfied me
that the battery would do what I needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was reassured when an overnight charge suggested it would be good for
23 all-electric miles and the actual distance it achieved wasn’t too far off
this, despite the cold temperatures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>The maths:<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Audi A3 e-tron comes with an 8.8kWh battery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On my <a href="http://www.bulb.me/kevinb4295">green
tariff with bulb</a>, I’ve been paying 13.56p/kWh which is going up to 14.18p
in April.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> [Correction: now going down to 12.7p as I'm changing to another Green supplier - "<a href="http://www.outfoxthemarket.co.uk/" target="_blank">OutFox the Market</a>"] </span>Given that the battery deteriorates,
it probably now holds 7kWh (i.e. to give the predicted 23 miles now vs 29 when
new).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, a full charge costs less
than £1 from which I hope to get 20 miles in most seasons, or roughly 5p per
mile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even on a longer journey of 60
miles in hybrid mode, with my original £1 full charge topped up during braking
and downhills, I managed over 100mpg from the petrol used.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://parkers-images.bauersecure.com/pagefiles/159863/750x500/audi_a3_sportback_etron_080115(45).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="665" height="213" src="https://parkers-images.bauersecure.com/pagefiles/159863/750x500/audi_a3_sportback_etron_080115(45).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One other side effect is that having an Energy Efficiency
meter instead of a Rev Counter really encourages frugal driving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wife is already bored of hearing my latest statistics!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The point of all this is that it is words are not enough and that we all need to be "transitioning" to a less carbon-dependent lifestyle. EVs and the charging infrastructure may not yet offer a feasible solution for most people, but there are other options out there that might just suit you whilst being completely practical right now.</div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-187751498411765682019-08-23T13:34:00.001-07:002019-08-23T13:40:26.495-07:00The Vicar as Community Representative<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It is with great sadness that
we heard that PC Andrew Harper was a resident of Crowmarsh. We continue
to hold him, his wife Lissie, their families, friends and colleagues in our
prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">During our pre-ordination
training, we explored the various representative roles of a vicar between God,
the church and the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
particularly remembered the example of how <a href="https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/6924906.coping-with-the-pain-of-a-village-in-mourning-soham-vicar-speaks-out/" target="_blank">the Vicar of Soham</a> became the focal point
for national media after the child murders there back in 2002, speaking on
behalf of that small town during their terrible times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a role that I dreaded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As well as fears about what words I would
say, there was also the concern about which “sound bites” would make the edit –
like those who use proof-verses without the context of the surrounding
scripture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Around the time that I was
looking for my first incumbency role, there was a vacancy in Hungerford which I
studied in detail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scars from their
tragedy some thirty years previously were still evident and made me think about
how the next Rector would have to deal with these long-term effects as a
newcomer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it happened, I was offered the
post of Team Vicar within the Wallingford Team and so I avoided that issue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Friday 16<sup>th</sup> August
began as a normal day: Morning Prayer at Crowmarsh, and then taking a Care Home
Communion and meeting visiting bellringers at Brightwell-cum-Sotwell. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around midday, I noticed a Facebook message
from our daughter who shared the shocking news of the death of a Police Officer
from Abingdon, which is where we used to live and where my wife still works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched the lunchtime news – an absolutely
horrible situation for the police.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I first learned about that this
news story was actually much closer to our current home in Crowmarsh when an
ITV news reporter phoned me to say that they were down at St Mary Magdalene’s
and would like an interview with the Vicar – “ah, that would be me then”.
Initially, I referred them to the Diocese and Police Chaplains as I had had no
previous contact with the family and knew nothing other than what I had seen on
the news. However, after speaking to our Diocesan Press Officer, I was
encouraged to represent the parish in expressing our natural reactions and feelings,
and to share our prayers for the bereaved family and for our police force as
they deal with the tragedy of losing a colleague.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Having been informed that a
reporter from “The Sun” had been hanging around outside the Harper’s house, I
also suggested that the family’s privacy be respected – this was just common
sense, not that I was representing the family in any way. On being asked
what we do be doing, I said that the church is open every day for people to stop,
reflect and pray, and that many people leave prayer requests in the book and so
footage was taken of me writing my own prayer which was broadcast that evening
and night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ITV News said that we had opened
a “Book of Condolences”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dropped my
own condolence card into the house which was identified as the Harper’s home,
but I’d expect that PC Harper’s wife is being kept in a safe house somewhere away
from the media.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">On Saturday, Sky News were in
touch to request that they report our Sunday Service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not knowing what the story was, I sought clarification
from the Diocese/Police Chaplains so that I could give reassurance about the who
was looking after the family, given that I had no contact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The TVP Family Liaison Team were doing their
job, and I assume it was being done well, given that they had been
well-protected from the media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Police Chaplains were also adamant that no “Books of Condolence” would be
opened until the family had consented.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We requested that Sky News
did not attend until after our worship had finished and then I would meet them
after I had arrived back from taking the services in Wallingford, where I received
the message that BBC News would be there too, having requested an interview about
a “memorial service”, which again surprised me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">On walking to Crowmarsh
church, the BBC reporter approached me to talk about what they would like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained that it was our normal Sunday service,
but would include prayers for the family and police which is what we naturally
do in church, to hold all affected before God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also, as per the Police Chaplains instruction, the Prayer Book was not
to be called a “Book of Condolence”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
said he would check whether they still wanted an interview.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I went in for the end of the
Crowmarsh service and was particularly moved that two of our Community Support
Officers had joined us for this service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Understandably, they weren’t keen on appearing on camera when they have
a TVP Press Office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spoke to as many
of our regulars as possible to get a sense of the mood, which was definitely
more sombre than usual, symbolised by our St George’s flag being flown at
half-mast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">In quick succession, I was
interviewed by Sky News and then the BBC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As with ITV, I insisted that I did not know the family personally, and
so I apologise to anyone who was given this impression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My main message was that every Sunday service
celebrates the Christian hope of resurrection and at churches up and down the country PC Harper,
his family, friends and colleagues would be held before God in prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sky News gave this aspect much better
coverage than the BBC, who only picked up on my final statement it is “harder
to be joyful”, given the circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite
my insistence that the Prayer Book was not a “Book of Condolence”, they still
called it that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It appears that the word
“prayer” has been deleted from their vocabulary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“Condolences” are a natural
reaction of everyone of all faiths and none and express the sadness of a
community grieving one of their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
as Christians we have so much more to offer, because we worship a God who has
chosen to share our pain and death and is right there in the midst of it with
us, and who can restore us to peace and new life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why we pray.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We will continue to hold all those
affected in prayer in the days, weeks and months to come, that justice will be
done and that the bereavement process can be worked through away from the media
spotlight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Looking back, if some of the
intense media attention was deflected, then some good came out of it, but it is
the worst-possible duty expected of a vicar and certainly not one that I ever
hope to repeat.</span></div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-61040566359283632912018-08-20T07:03:00.000-07:002018-08-20T07:17:27.066-07:00Thames Pilgrimage Paddle: a brief summary<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
So, we made it: from the official source near Kemble as far as the tidal stretch past Richmond Lock: 150 miles in 7 days.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ljnL1xHWbKI6x222kajQCdt-8a_sQfNEaUv1g9S5-tUIzhNwgrTJ2kyir-WSYS4UyEjEL_QZuhpjqdXsvm-M2ChkCcowlxSOk8eFcqfOQTtxpnr3aMX8mvc8_HqXTEVL-wJwk7Vs0vPa/s1600/Thames+Paddle+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ljnL1xHWbKI6x222kajQCdt-8a_sQfNEaUv1g9S5-tUIzhNwgrTJ2kyir-WSYS4UyEjEL_QZuhpjqdXsvm-M2ChkCcowlxSOk8eFcqfOQTtxpnr3aMX8mvc8_HqXTEVL-wJwk7Vs0vPa/s400/Thames+Paddle+037.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the off (10am Monday 13th August) and a 12 mile run along the Thames Path to Cricklade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGl6ntJJ0jl8U2k3pCr73zKqSOLQIJF85UoUaYedzR-uG3c1j_6W9YxZLu7AF4qg00xOycYb5QfWIaPfpd1ot3wzVWug52OGik9nxocncVv3GQalH5BMioGQ-OKECOkB_0mWtkb2E1vo0U/s1600/Thames+Paddle+105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGl6ntJJ0jl8U2k3pCr73zKqSOLQIJF85UoUaYedzR-uG3c1j_6W9YxZLu7AF4qg00xOycYb5QfWIaPfpd1ot3wzVWug52OGik9nxocncVv3GQalH5BMioGQ-OKECOkB_0mWtkb2E1vo0U/s400/Thames+Paddle+105.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and after a pub lunch, it is goodbye to the Upper Thames support crew (Lesley-Anne) and into the Thames</td></tr>
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At times, I wondered why I was doing this: the achy shoulders, neck and arms; the monotony of paddling; and the chill of Thursday morning in the constant rain when my hands were so cold that the river water felt like a jacuzzi! But, the vast majority of time, there was nowhere else I'd rather have been - it was a great experience which I'll never forget.<br />
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The Thames has always been part of my life, a fact that only became apparent during my curacy in Beaconsfield - no river! I missed it. Hence, I am very happy to be in the Vicarage at Crowmarsh only 1/4 mile from the Thames. This location brought about a new part of my life as it is perfect for dogs, so Ralph joined our family last springtime. He is <u>my</u> dog and a natural companion for this mini-adventure: he is the reason why I've heard the words "cute" and "sweet" more than ever before, when he stands on the bow sniffing the air like figurehead, or just curled up at my feet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXT_JHmhZOJFuwj-cKl0KHL5hNTHsn3Zd6DGvv6nAR0hRexCiuo0iCspNbjiE1OyYTZPHRK79V8jXZ9JICYVK9RvCC1y99Tv3ZqHHyZUtRZiaizVqOrtva2i-Cmx8V9-U-9c58HyUIFfV/s1600/IMG_2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXT_JHmhZOJFuwj-cKl0KHL5hNTHsn3Zd6DGvv6nAR0hRexCiuo0iCspNbjiE1OyYTZPHRK79V8jXZ9JICYVK9RvCC1y99Tv3ZqHHyZUtRZiaizVqOrtva2i-Cmx8V9-U-9c58HyUIFfV/s400/IMG_2610.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Below Richmond Lock, 7pm Sunday 19th August</td></tr>
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So, what did I learn and how will it change me?<br />
<br />
1a) Life at 3 mph is possible and has its benefits. This was particularly noticeable when going under the M4, M25 or M3 with the traffic rushing by (or queuing!) overhead. Why do we choose the stressful way and can we challenge the worldview that "Time is money" - something that I certainly lived with as an IT Contractor, but need not apply as a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stipend" target="_blank">stipendiary</a> priest.<br />
1b) It is not the most direct route: like a labyrinth, a single convoluted path, the meanders of the river allow you to revisit and appreciate the same landmark from different angles. You can go round a huge oxbow bend, only to realise that 20 minutes of paddling brings you almost back to where you started... sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.<br />
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2) A renewed appreciation of the natural world:<br />
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<ul>
<li>the ripples on the water indicating where to pick up or avoid the wind;</li>
<li>the changing weather, which way the wind was blowing and what was coming next;</li>
<li>the fish: those darting around in clear water, the skippers along the surface and the big ones that splash suddenly near the canoe, making us both jump!</li>
<li>the birds: kingfishers, herons, grebe, geese, ducks and swans - how close each type will allow you to come before flying off (or diving for grebes) and the various etiquette of approach and negotiating passage past them, e.g. swans are very territorial on the upper Thames and will normally swim away until the border with their neighbour, at which point we choose opposites sides of the narrow channel and pass... whereas on the lower Thames, even with Ralph on-board, they just saw us another opportunity for begging free food. I took many photos of herons which I can now spot from 300 yards, including the video below where I managed to get unusually close...</li>
<li>the brown leaves on horse chestnut trees showing that summer is giving way to autumn.</li>
</ul>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PrkICosojSM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PrkICosojSM?feature=player_embedded" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="320"></iframe><br />
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3) The silence and stillness. Being alone under a big sky surrounded by the natural, unspoilt beauty of the Thames Valley on our doorstep is certainly a gift from God.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYQODB3ohiXF1adBwKzXhEHjH9E5W20B-gCFPxOnArJDJvLlI9rRxHynPH1fH3EDUMRFgSnvXJeSUPUPiyozU4KVMv8z-4xqaAHszodHikCJbgHDjLuqjjMj8RVWmpsN8vWa6JruVh7zZ/s1600/Thames+Paddle+153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYQODB3ohiXF1adBwKzXhEHjH9E5W20B-gCFPxOnArJDJvLlI9rRxHynPH1fH3EDUMRFgSnvXJeSUPUPiyozU4KVMv8z-4xqaAHszodHikCJbgHDjLuqjjMj8RVWmpsN8vWa6JruVh7zZ/s640/Thames+Paddle+153.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from St John's Lock at end Day 1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgwbs9q5tKru8JMu-D5tBkyMj_mx8ZgqhE2pfXmyOo513MB4xy2dTDe0WUUm0824nLZ6vBxIADMR3YFhldF8OosGsoN7Obx8W-QrFpf8d2WrSVezNn1SMmtDXRbU29OrgEeVb1f1inlkX/s1600/Thames+Paddle+170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgwbs9q5tKru8JMu-D5tBkyMj_mx8ZgqhE2pfXmyOo513MB4xy2dTDe0WUUm0824nLZ6vBxIADMR3YFhldF8OosGsoN7Obx8W-QrFpf8d2WrSVezNn1SMmtDXRbU29OrgEeVb1f1inlkX/s640/Thames+Paddle+170.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening of Day 2 /(near Northmoor?)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5_mnJuQ6SmNEvsg_tGmcUxkTF20aGv0RzYXO9P9EhXR-KttsfmEI_5BYt7T-633HNBjCYpvTM7jHkcWR-SjIQ4ZOq6VtMtxiczLeumMng5qWK6ZAnZyQoQsI_kwUP6S_9_gKkJeHU6zg/s1600/IMG_2472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5_mnJuQ6SmNEvsg_tGmcUxkTF20aGv0RzYXO9P9EhXR-KttsfmEI_5BYt7T-633HNBjCYpvTM7jHkcWR-SjIQ4ZOq6VtMtxiczLeumMng5qWK6ZAnZyQoQsI_kwUP6S_9_gKkJeHU6zg/s640/IMG_2472.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening Day 5 (still an hour from Hurley)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLa9alPwjXl2Lu4tdYjj2U_G7HWeW2E_G23lkCFqSSHBJMN3q8AOnb9NmNRmjSTM-kaLiCjmb4fdp-ontK22YjNgBZDbdoRE1nBWKt1Q-hsCom_J89EjuLs_wuVzcpy0ZsAscPjHJtrCy/s1600/IMG_2607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLa9alPwjXl2Lu4tdYjj2U_G7HWeW2E_G23lkCFqSSHBJMN3q8AOnb9NmNRmjSTM-kaLiCjmb4fdp-ontK22YjNgBZDbdoRE1nBWKt1Q-hsCom_J89EjuLs_wuVzcpy0ZsAscPjHJtrCy/s640/IMG_2607.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening Day 7: Looking up towards Kew Gardens with Syon Park on the left - relative peace and tranquility in London, but will have to paddle this bit another time...</td></tr>
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4) After the isolation, an increased appreciation for relationships and humanity: the hospitality of Alexandra G. at St Helen's in Abingdon or Chris G. at Hurley Church, dinner and a night back at home with my parents in Old Windsor, or being greeted by some of our best friends (and godsons) bringing beer to the lock and even just hearing their dad's familiar voice giving the commentary on the French Brothers boats around Windsor. Even the bells of the Curfew Tower, where I used to ring regularly, seemed to welcome me back - well, 4 being rung down at least!</div>
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But most of all, what it is to be home again and to get a loving hug even though I smell of Thames mud at low tide (but not as much as Ralph!).</div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-5300147002196198482018-08-18T00:49:00.001-07:002018-08-18T00:49:35.303-07:00Thames Paddle UpdatesApologies to those waiting for updates on my Thames Pilgrimage Paddle. Updating the blog from my phone has proven challenging without WiFi or a good phone signal, but I will be posting my Travelog here once I’ve had time to process it all. In the meantime, progress updates can be found on my Twitter feed (no sign-up required): @revkevbeer <a href="https://twitter.com/revkevbeer?lang=en">https://twitter.com/revkevbeer?lang=en</a>.<br />
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I can say that the schedule was rather ambitious and would have been fine for a proper canoe, instead of a rubber dingy with pointy ends!RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-31379847492771489242018-08-12T07:50:00.002-07:002018-08-12T23:53:30.965-07:00A Missing Pensioner and Social Media<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sorry this post is a long text, not designed for entertainment. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep soundly again having got it out of my system...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On Thursday morning, we first heard that Jim had not returned from one of his walks the previous evening/night. As his memory had been deteriorating, this was not the first occurrence of him getting lost and being returned by various people who knew his situation. The general expectation was that we would soon find him wandering around somewhere. The police put out an appeal via their Facebook page and this was shared in various community pages and news spread quickly among those on social media. Naturally, people began sharing information on these sites, including how they knew him, where they would usually see him as well as the usual well-wishers.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soon, people began searching for him where they thought he might be and saying where they had looked. Others began asking where they could helpfully search and various conversations were had in many threads across different local groups. However, there seemed little co-ordination and <a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard-referer="ARTxiNUkgd85q1SzTKr4bJAD0wmbhB44winc4_hSJF0-9d1fd1vjxKtH8L6IdU_-1hw" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=158954300815506&extragetparams=%7B%22hc_ref%22%3A%22ARTxiNUkgd85q1SzTKr4bJAD0wmbhB44winc4_hSJF0-9d1fd1vjxKtH8L6IdU_-1hw%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22nf%22%2C%22hc_location%22%3A%22group%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/oxsar.uk/?hc_ref=ARTxiNUkgd85q1SzTKr4bJAD0wmbhB44winc4_hSJF0-9d1fd1vjxKtH8L6IdU_-1hw&fref=nf&hc_location=group" style="cursor: pointer; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 600;">Oxfordshire Lowland Search and Rescue</a> (OXSAR) were approached to take a lead, including by me in this thread: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/oxsar.uk/posts/2053845467993037">www.facebook.com/oxsar.uk/posts/2053845467993037</a> (from Thursday p.m.) the conclusion: they the were unable to coordinate a public search as well as their own and "unlikely" to share which areas had been checked by the police, on the basis that "areas can never be checked too many times" - this is certainly true whilst Jim may still have been mobile, but as time passed this seemed increasingly unlikely. A subsequent conversation revealed that the main reason for not wanting to coordinate members of the public was due to "Health & Safety" reasons, i.e. what if a member of the public was injured on a search that they had initiated? A rather sad reflection on the state of our society that this could outweigh the potential benefits of coordinating many willing volunteers.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But others were taking a lead. The Wallingford Piper (a closed group) was used to arrange an informal gathering which set off from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/netmumswallingford/permalink/1795518353817937/" target="_blank">Town Hall at 6pm on Thursday</a>. Where I had found other shares of the original missing person info in other community sites, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/122080347890925/permalink/1761941313904812/" target="_blank">e.g. Brightwell</a>, I posted a comment along the lines of "...trying to co-ordinate a search plan and probably easiest to do it here. If anyone wants to take responsibility for a specific road, public area, path, etc including any surrounding undergrowth then reply to this... then we can target whatever is left." This may have helped a little to focus minds and began to organise the data. In between my trips out to re-check all the churches and a visit to Jim's family, I followed the threads and began to think how else we could improve access to all this useful info that was being accumulated (I was formerly an IT Consultant after all!). First I created a Google Map and began plotting the paths and marking out areas which had been checked. This looked like it had great potential, but I soon started hitting limitations on how many layers could be used. Also, even though it could be shared for updates, the process for marking areas was probably beyond most of the general public, so after a while I ditched this idea and went back to Facebook.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The main requirement was to consolidate all the threads in one place. An obvious solution: create a dedicated group, as open as possible to everyone, to share information. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A quick review of the group settings was made to make it as open as possible (i.e. most options set to </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Anyone in the group"</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and the name change from the random string to something short and memorable, and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">so within 2 minutes the group </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/FindJim/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.facebook.com/groups/FindJim/</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> was launched in the early hours of Friday morning and links to it placed in all the other threads to invite all interested parties.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I still couldn't sleep whilst Jim was missing, so I then set about creating a document to summarise all the areas which had been known to have been searched to date, grouped by the Town/Village and/or type such as Churches, Schools, Riverside, etc so that as much info as possible was available when everyone set out again on the Friday morning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">One immediate issue was that I had to approve each individual request to join the group, which was what I considered to be an unnecessary distraction and encouraged others to share this responsibility. I was up again at 6am, and seeing how the group was presented on my wife's ipad, I set about giving early joiners "Approver" status so that the join requests were more widely shared - a quick fix that allowed me to spread this load. Useful posts started coming in various different threads/conversations.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The next issue was how to minimise the "white noise" of social media? I quickly updated the intro to the group to emphasise the need for facts rather than arm-chair detectives and well-wishers, so came up with <i>"</i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-style: italic;">A group to consolidate information of areas searched in our effo</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline;"><i>rts to find Jim. Please let's focus on the search here rather than creating unnecessary noise and speculation. Nothing is ruled out and areas can be usefully rechecked...".</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Next up was Morning Prayer, a much needed oasis of calm in the storm, praying for a good outcome for Jim and his family. Then back to the master document, add new areas as they were declared "no sign of Jim". I released an updated version at 11am as many new areas had been added, and tried to answer the "Has anyone been around / checked nnnnn yet?" As I had hoped, the group didn't need me.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">After lunch, having heard through FB that OXSAR were co-ordinating their operations from Wallingford School, we popped by so that I could introduce myself and suggest that they make use of the FB group. I hung around watching all the activity, admiring their maps and IT setup and generally waiting around to see if anyone would speak to me as the FB group had around 500 people, with many actively contributing or standing by. My hope was that they would take it over and share some of their useful info, but that didn't appear to be within their operating procedures. Therefore, we carried on getting it all 2nd hand... "helicopter now hovering over nnnn", just seen the OXSAR team in nnnn", etc. At times it seemed like they operate within an impenetrable bubble of professionalism. After a phone call, I was told that our former Mayor and well-known local councillor Lynda A. would be heading up the co-ordination, but would be using a different medium. I immediately PM'd Lynda, giving her Admin rights of the FB group with a plea to use what was already working rather than start again from scratch, (which it turns out she had no intention of doing).</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I was in the process of refreshing the master list for a Friday mid-afternoon update, but received a call from J</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">im's family with the sad news that his body had been found and that the announcement was imminent. Obviously, there was no need to pre-announce the news on Facebook. So, the day job took over once again as I went off to a wedding rehearsal.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, what lessons can be learned from all this?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Firstly,</b> the FB group could have been more useful with a few initial posts so that information could be shared in dedicated threads, such as:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1) <b>Search Updates</b> (e.g. we've just walked the dog around the 2 bridges walk - no luck)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2) <b>New suggestions</b>:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a) has anyone checked the schools yet, given that they may be empty during the summer holidays?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">b) we'll be cycling the country lanes around.... setting off at 4pm from the pub if anyone wants to join us.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3) <b>Known haunts & Recent sightings</b>: (e.g. we would often see Jim walking late at night along the Wantage Road towards Brightwell and Slade End...)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4) <b>Publicity & Awareness</b>, e.g.:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a) We've produced a Missing Person Poster which you can download here or collect printed copies from...;</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">b) We've just alerted the... [insert local land owner / business / institution, e.g. Earth Trust / Post Office / Biffa / Donkey Sanctuary...] and they are taking responsibility for [notifying all staff / searching their land / etc]</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Secondly</b>, this could have been done within 5 minutes and could have been launched at the same time as the initial Press Release. This would have saved 24 hours of having much useful information scattered widely over Social Media, including closed groups.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thirdly</b>, who should do this? My hope would be that the OXSAR or their regional equivalent would take all this on-board and take responsibility for it [Addendum: OR the Thames Valley Police if there is a delay between the Missing Person announcement and calling in OXSAR]. Surely one self-taught geek (like me) could be spared from the team who were doing street to street door knocking, allowing them to communicate with 500 people rather than one random household at at time? </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They could do this without suggesting anyone goes anywhere, but just to keep a listening ear and to acknowledge receipt of useful local knowledge.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All all it takes is a few clicks to unleash the power of social media...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">P.S. This is not intended as negative criticism of all those who gave their time and efforts to find Jim, not least the professionals and trained volunteers who I again publicly thank here. Indeed, I believe there are many individuals locally that would like to <a href="http://oxsar.org.uk/how-to-join-us/" target="_blank">Join OXSAR</a> through this experience. Having been heavily involved on the social media side, I submit this as my personal experience in the hope that if improvements can be made, then perhaps more lives can be saved in the future, which is surely the most important motivation of us all, whether general public or professionally-trained.</span>RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-9323009293478113042018-08-08T15:49:00.001-07:002018-08-08T15:50:46.073-07:00A New Leaf<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A challenging day trying to help a depressed, confused and potentially-suicidal homeless man, eventually referring him to the police and hopefully ongoing help from <a href="https://newleafproject.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b>New Leaf</b></a>. I didn't exactly break the confessional seal but am grateful that he accepted that we were all there to help him and he went off with them peaceably (not what they were expecting). A powerful reminder of the power of the Gospel in giving hope where none remains. New life is always an option - also available before death...</span>RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-1983560767972293682018-07-29T12:52:00.000-07:002018-07-29T12:52:20.337-07:00Thames Paddle ScheduleFor those who may be interested, here is the provisional schedule:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Monday 13<sup>th</sup>
August (38.5km / 24 miles - 0 locks)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arrive at Source around mid-morning and run to Cricklade High Bridge (12.25 miles) for Lunch then paddle to Lechlade (11.7 miles) for overnight camping stop.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tuesday 14<sup>th</sup>
Aug (34.9km / 21.7 miles – 7 locks)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lechlade to somewhere around Pinkhill (camping)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wednesday 15<sup>th</sup>
Aug (26.1 km / 16.2 miles – 8 locks)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pinkhill to Abingdon (St Helen’s)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thursday 16<sup>th</sup>
Aug (31.5 km / 19.6 miles – 6 locks)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Abingdon to Wallingford (late lunch?) and on to Goring+, overnight / re-supply dog food etc at home<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Friday 17<sup>th</sup>
Aug (41.5 km / 25.8 miles - 7 locks)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Goring to Hurley (Church)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Saturday 18<sup>th</sup>
Aug (32.7km / 20.3 miles – 9 locks)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hurley to Runnymede (overnight at Old Windsor)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sunday 19<sup>th</sup>
Aug (31.6km / 19.6 miles – 7 locks)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Runnymede to Teddington <b>[or 36.8km / 22.9 miles – 8 locks to Richmond]</b></div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-79759290276423780312018-07-21T02:47:00.000-07:002018-07-29T05:50:08.408-07:00My Thames Pilgrimage Paddle - 13th August until...?<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Clergy are encouraged
to have an annual retreat to recharge our spiritual batteries. As an active person, instead of retiring to a
quiet monastery for contemplation, I prefer to find God in the natural world –
therefore, I will be taking a week out to follow the Thames from its source to
where the river becomes tidal at Teddington Lock, a total distance of around
150 miles. This will involve running 12+
miles from the source to Cricklade and then paddling my inflatable canoe with
stops along the way, sleeping mainly in a tent.
The journey is downhill, so the only complication will be that I will be
accompanied by my Springer Spaniel, Ralph, who will no doubt be in and out of
the canoe as the mood suits him!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Cfod78KAkZPVgl98DB55CRdIuav_9YQ8pLChsiErpX0MasNov_nYDYNOBMPamHonVzPIV8UkIIBowsfwI7e7_2RPU78mdq_SeV4AGoQjnc91BQfCxb_62b1lrF8lWQUdPgZKcVd8XP5s/s1600/Canoe+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Cfod78KAkZPVgl98DB55CRdIuav_9YQ8pLChsiErpX0MasNov_nYDYNOBMPamHonVzPIV8UkIIBowsfwI7e7_2RPU78mdq_SeV4AGoQjnc91BQfCxb_62b1lrF8lWQUdPgZKcVd8XP5s/s640/Canoe+025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A practice run approaching Shillingford Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you
would like to sponsor me (or Ralph!) in aid of either Brightwell or Crowmarsh churches, please fill in the
form at the welcome desk in church, or email me for a form. (Unfortunately, online sponsorship providers don't recognise small churches as they are statutory charities and therefore don't have a charity number to validate). Sponsorship forms can be downloaded here for <a href="http://www.wallingfordcofe.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/CG-Sponsorship_and_Gift_Aid_declaration_form.pdf" target="_blank">Crowmarsh</a> and <a href="http://www.wallingfordcofe.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BcS-Sponsorship_and_Gift_Aid_declaration_form.pdf" target="_blank">Brightwell</a>.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWHss8QfPo2D-osuCBFz-ExusoHcrTGOtH6dat-Ah45yz0FhhV-ilPjH9-xFeUuk2V3lbvrFfm0ZQuhDaSRnq7WUYGCX54aEtHzlYj7xsbZQYz0vK67Cl5P42we8OX1D82ZGBmxILCBqT/s1600/Canoe+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWHss8QfPo2D-osuCBFz-ExusoHcrTGOtH6dat-Ah45yz0FhhV-ilPjH9-xFeUuk2V3lbvrFfm0ZQuhDaSRnq7WUYGCX54aEtHzlYj7xsbZQYz0vK67Cl5P42we8OX1D82ZGBmxILCBqT/s400/Canoe+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring the Thame towards Dorchester</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DR_nr436cb3OTflyNr5SoOIViWfHj-IKWZb6Ka8FovsKto5SOkCrYNsL-rwQ37Q4in69yks9iHdgv_VybGMcpEKvRHVu1GYFBecM9tp_1o6nZ3CiaM6ak6sPMA0wmAm8UK4vpzBiBppG/s1600/Wye+%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DR_nr436cb3OTflyNr5SoOIViWfHj-IKWZb6Ka8FovsKto5SOkCrYNsL-rwQ37Q4in69yks9iHdgv_VybGMcpEKvRHVu1GYFBecM9tp_1o6nZ3CiaM6ak6sPMA0wmAm8UK4vpzBiBppG/s320/Wye+%252818%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Update: We recently had a second day's test run paddling 13 miles down a beautiful stretch of the River Wye through Symonds Yat to Monmouth. This is perfect for canoes with a bit more excitement than the Thames in the form of some mini-rapids - all good fun, although my wife didn't quite share my enthusiasm for spending hour after hour in the canoe.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1t-CU4TYqq6oHk1er3FayU5gGDuQRakMwjx7gTvcPg4cjHX8fqnVFWIeoAQlylY-KZKzw8FmUkTzwJL3SchmR7EKTisxrLTQ7uZaF7eeORRiYhBd5D23_mJW8PY77CURUdBKrrfIHhA3q/s1600/Wye+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1t-CU4TYqq6oHk1er3FayU5gGDuQRakMwjx7gTvcPg4cjHX8fqnVFWIeoAQlylY-KZKzw8FmUkTzwJL3SchmR7EKTisxrLTQ7uZaF7eeORRiYhBd5D23_mJW8PY77CURUdBKrrfIHhA3q/s320/Wye+%25285%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-68264657266670179802016-11-08T04:18:00.000-08:002016-11-08T09:57:58.685-08:00...an update for my prayer partners:<div class="MsoNormal">
I had my meeting with the
consultant yesterday. The cancer was not
just one type but had varied strains within the 30mm lump, mainly <a href="http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/testicular-cancer/types" target="_blank">non-seminomas,including teratomas, embryonal carcinomas, yolk sac tumours, as well as seminoma</a> - if this was bingo, this is almost a full-house! Unfortunately, it doesn't make me such a useful research guinea pig as
it makes tying any particular type down to a specific set of genes more difficult.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…but for me the outlook is looking good - it is even more of a relief
to know that it has been removed as there are some pretty scary names in that little lot! So, I'm now under surveillance for a while
longer as one of the <a href="http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/testicular-cancer/getting-diagnosed/tests-diagnose/blood-tests" target="_blank">tumour marker proteins in the blood</a> (the AFP) takes a while
longer to get back to normal, having a longer "half-life" than the others (it was
48 at the time of the operation, falling to 23 after a week and then 11 last
Friday, so all heading in the right direction to <1 as we would hope; the other one which was raised (HCG) fell from 36 to <1 within the 1st week. The CT scan was clear, although
they will be monitoring some (only very) slightly enlarged pulmonary lymph nodules in my chest (which is probably just normal), with another CT scan before I can be given the all clear. However, the conclusion is that is there is
no evidence of the cancer spreading, i.e. it was only Stage 1, which is wonderful
news! Next update will be just before Christmas, so hoping that it will be a very happy one...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks for all the prayers, cards and well-wishes. I feel the love and it helps a lot - God bless you!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love, Kevin</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-11349033529938980002016-10-24T14:44:00.000-07:002016-10-25T02:03:34.994-07:00Cancer - one of the 50%?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you Channel 4 for the excellent fundraising and
edutainment programming <a href="http://www.standuptocancer.org.uk/" target="_blank">“Stand Up To Cancer”</a> on Friday evening:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.standuptocancer.org.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://d5jvy5909f2q6.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/homepagebanner_v2.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This was perfect timing for me as I had spent
the day at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford having a “radical orchidectomy”, or
in lay man’s terms, having a troublesome ball removed. This blog entry is in the spirit of
overcoming any taboos in men's health – indeed, I have already been surprised
by how many other similar stories there are around me. However, you might want to stop reading here
if “talking bollocks” is not your thing…</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As you can imagine, this all took a little while to come to
terms with…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I first noticed something felt a bit different “down there” back
in August whilst having a shower – not a noticeable growth, the classic “pea-sized”
lump that you’re supposed to look for, but just a different texture - a certain
hardness in the structure of one testicle compared to the other. Also, once or twice when crossing my legs, I
noticed a painful twinge. Now this particular
ball had a history, having received a direct hit from an egg (or a golfball? –
it was dark at the time and I didn’t see it coming!); anyway, the object was
thrown from a moving car in Abingdon some 8 years ago, accompanied by some homophobic insults, as I was walking home from the pub with another man
after a bellringing practice night ...somewhat ironic that we were both husbands going home to our wives, but the
youths in question obviously felt the need to prove their own status as proud
heteros. I still have no idea whether
this old injury has been a factor, but I suspect that the ball in question had
probably shrunk in size since then.
However, as everything seemed to be working fine I hadn’t ever felt the
need to do a scientific comparison - one is always bigger than the other isn’t
it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Anyway, next shower time it still felt a bit different so I
mentioned it to my wife (who is a health care worker) and we agreed that I would
go and see a doctor if it still felt “odd”, so after perhaps 10 days revealing nothing
conclusive either way, the appointment was made in early September. Even as I explained the problem to the young
female registrar (which was much easier than I had imagined), I wasn’t sure whether I might be wasting everyone’s time: it was
difficult to point to a visible lump and if I struggled to identify an exact area
with the benefit of feeling it ‘from the inside’ at the same time, then was she
really going to be convinced? However, she was very professional, understanding and supportive and I was referred for an ultrasound scan with the 2 week wait – which I
had to delay as we would not be back from our holiday break in Spain (...a pleasant distraction).</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFb-FteLo8juwdIYTg8-ysx1hA6KWSflXCCjiI9wgdr-TPPlVshs978hJXS0jwoZ1JvZ7tSmDaU8GD-j1MNwOCwbf2nKWC3dgAjyHYoUOw0BdeneERzBxaWaWeSMvrUUeuq_kNGolbKx7/s1600/Roses+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFb-FteLo8juwdIYTg8-ysx1hA6KWSflXCCjiI9wgdr-TPPlVshs978hJXS0jwoZ1JvZ7tSmDaU8GD-j1MNwOCwbf2nKWC3dgAjyHYoUOw0BdeneERzBxaWaWeSMvrUUeuq_kNGolbKx7/s320/Roses+011.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The ultrasound was a relief in a way because it showed
something was definitely not right, the good testicle showed as a smooth consistent
grey, whereas the other one looked like exploring a cave of stalactites and
stalagmites – a weird structure of dark caverns (liquid?) and solid walls. The man (this time) doing the scan took
various measurements and I could recognise coloured bits showing the Doppler effects
of blood flows, but he didn’t give me a running commentary. Anyway, a phone call from the GP surgery told
me that they had found a 2.8cm x 1.8cm growth (more like a grape than a pea?)
which we should assume was cancerous to be on the safe side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then another appointment 2 weeks later at the Churchill to
see the urology consultant who explained that removal was the only option. Any questions? ...unfortunately, no sensible ones: all I could
think of was whether I would have <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitler_Has_Only_Got_One_Ball" target="_blank">a sudden urge to invade Poland</a>, but he had
probably heard that one before. So,
onwards to meet my personal nurse contact who gave me loads of useful info (<a href="http://www.macmillan.org.uk/" target="_blank">MacMillan</a>,
<a href="http://www.maggiescentres.org/" target="_blank">Maggies</a>, etc), then off to give blood samples for the 3 markers (LDH, HCG, AFP) and to go
through the pre-op checks: weight, MRSA swab, blood pressure, ECG - I was
particularly pleased have a heartbeat of 49 despite the situation and to
explain that I was a runner, so that they wouldn't think that they might be losing me on the operating table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then 10 days to wait which brings us to last Friday and the
day of the op. I signed up for the
<a href="http://www.genomicsengland.co.uk/" target="_blank">100,000 genome research project</a> (apparently I may be one of only 2,200 a year and very much at the older end of the typical age group for testicular cancer) and gave my 3 blood samples which would be DNA sequenced along with the bad ball. Then I met my anaesthetist and one of the surgeons
who drew an incision line, and a big ‘R’ with arrows pointing to my right
testicle to make sure that they didn’t remove the wrong one (a good procedure
in my book!). I hadn’t really
appreciated that they would be cutting through a fair length of groin/stomach
muscle which is why I’m currently grounded for a week… and catching up with
blogs, etc whilst awaiting Friday to come around again for a CT scan and
further blood samples to be taken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Anyway, thanks for all the prayer support and encouraging
messages. As this blog is primarily
theological, I will conclude by saying that God is right in the middle of this
and on the side of all who are fighting the pure evil that is cancer – not
least those who work in the medical professions. I’m also painfully aware that those with more
serious cancers will look on anyone with testicular cancer as having won the
lottery as it has one of the best likely outcomes – they are in my prayers more
than ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“…the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble
with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Cor 1:3b-4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com1United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.188318500000001 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-1158607948855130772016-03-25T23:53:00.001-07:002016-04-07T20:45:55.685-07:00Holy Saturday and new beginnings<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t sleep tonight – so, I found myself imagining what it was
like for Jesus on Holy Saturday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was reminded of my experience of being wrapped in David
Rolfe’s replica of the Turin Shroud, lying on my back with my arms and legs
folded. This was a comfortable position
and quite restful. Then the cloth was
folded over my head and the other end taken over me down to my feet, and then
the sides folded over to cocoon me in. Incidentally, we discovered that I may be an inch taller than Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="391" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Full_length_negatives_of_the_shroud_of_Turin.jpg/800px-Full_length_negatives_of_the_shroud_of_Turin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Unknown - Own work, photographed at Saint-Sulpice, Paris, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8476113</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then the questions start – how did the 3D image of a corpse
get singed as such a thin surface layer on the cloth?
It is in 3D because the intensity of the image seems to be in proportion
to the distance from the cloth, so darkest where it was touching (usually the
images we see today are reversed so that the image is white on black to enhance
it). Whether we believe the shroud dates
to Jesus time or not, the question remains because intense bursts of radiated
energy were unknown in medieval times.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whilst my belief in the resurrection is founded on plenty of
evidence already without the need for the existence of a genuine burial cloth,
it is a fascinating question. So, what
if it is genuine? Maybe we learn
something about the nature of resurrection (i.e. it is “nature” because God creates/does
it)…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although not to be read as a scientific explanation of
creation, ‘Day 1’ only gets going in the Bible when God says, “Let there be
light”. Similarly, in the New Testament,
John's Gospel begins by referring to Jesus as the Light in the World (“In him was life,
and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5). John also writes “God is light; in him there
is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was ill earlier in the week, I also happened to switch
on the TV at 3.30am and was fascinated by Jim Al-Khalili’s programme mentioning
Georges Lemaître, the Belgian priest who first applied Einstein’s laws to come
up with the suggestion that all the universe originated from a single point and
has been expanding ever since. Even
Einstein dismissed him at first, but science has caught up with Lemaître’s
ideas and the Big Bang theory is now regarded as true as it gets from the evidence of the red shift of
distant galaxies moving fastest away at around a tenth of the speed of light
and also microwave radiation signature which is everywhere in the background
(you may need to watch the programme!).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, bear with me here, this is how my mind works and I have
to live it… what if the same background
radiation signature at the beginning of creation is the same energy that we
will experience as we share in our new life in Christ, the light? To a Christian who believes absolutely in the
scientific method to discover the wonder of creation, I can’t wait to find out…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meantime, have a look at David Rolfe’s website and
documentary on the subject of the <a href="http://www.shroudenigma.com/">ShroudEnigma</a>
– fascinating!</div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-67366403135129020272016-02-19T04:23:00.000-08:002016-02-19T04:36:36.927-08:00Bell ringing as a Sport?<div class="MsoNormal">
I gave a talk last night to our evening group on bell ringing
and the part it has played in my own faith journey, bringing me back into
church at the West end of the building before progressing up the nave as a
church member, joining the choir in the chancel and now as a priest in the
sanctuary, about as far towards the East end of the church that you can get! I repeat this journey most Sundays as a
committed bell ringer and Christian minister.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I shared how we begin our ringing on a Sunday morning with a
prayer that the bells will call people to worship and that bell ringers are
doing a great service to the church in this form of ministry, pointing out that
many ringers will not stay to join the congregation because they move on to
ring at another tower in a neighbouring town or village. Indeed, without such committed ringers, the
number of churches having their bells rung on a Sunday would be far fewer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, inevitably the question of whether bell ringing should
be recognised as a sport came up as a result of the <a href="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article4693138.ece">article in the
Times</a>. My reaction: Why not?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayjOHmaV2NJsCPwr-KCrx0H7FHIsgcn1Spsw7XAfP53QcJHZBBIxPfpReyaFPNMplZRe8q8fIKwoRbxFJZnTNqEWI59Kc36Z5j9uT-2rg9oFXfWrcRED-lqit-jcHG0pcCOMt-L5tXCd9/s1600/C17dumbbell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayjOHmaV2NJsCPwr-KCrx0H7FHIsgcn1Spsw7XAfP53QcJHZBBIxPfpReyaFPNMplZRe8q8fIKwoRbxFJZnTNqEWI59Kc36Z5j9uT-2rg9oFXfWrcRED-lqit-jcHG0pcCOMt-L5tXCd9/s320/C17dumbbell.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">17th century dumbbell at Knole House, Kent</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">(drawing on p.58 of </span><i style="font-size: medium;">History and Art of Change Ringing</i><span style="font-size: small;">,<br />Ernest Morris) from </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.jrnorris.co.uk/dumbbell.html">www.jrnorris.co.uk/dumbbell.html</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is certainly physical, still known as “the exercise” and
the place where the “dumbbell” originates, as gentlemen would go for a workout
on a tied bell so that it wouldn’t disturb the neighbours. I pity all the people who sign up for gym membership
when there is a free gym in most church towers, although you will have to be
suitably trained to use the equipment! Ringing
involves considerable commitment to take control of a bell – a skill-level requiring
several weeks of regular practice before being able to join in with the rest of
the band, and then open to a lifetime of further improvement, greater challenge
and complexity. It involves teamwork,
and also healthy competition in the form of striking competitions which also
encourage bands to aim for a higher standard, removing the clashes and gaps
that spoil the rhythm. All this goes on
to make the ringing on a Sunday morning the best that we can offer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whilst I understand that some may have objections in case
the sporting aspect were to detract from their main aim of ringing to the glory
of God, my natural instinct is always to break down any sacred/secular divide. We welcome the arts into church, so why not
sport too? I’ve been a long term
supporter of <a href="http://www.christiansinsport.org.uk/">Christians in Sport</a>
and encourage Christians to witness to their faith in this or any other
environment, whether at home, workplace or leisure space (one of the aims of <a href="http://www.oxfordcursillo.co.uk/">the Cursillo Movement</a>). Most football teams in Victorian times were started
by churches, and even the secularists would struggle to prevent “Abide with me”
or “O when the saints go marching in” from being sung at a football ground –
sport and religion do mix, as do science and religion or anything else that you
care to name. God is in all things – he created
us and everything around us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bell ringing had a large part to play in my own faith
journey. It was only after walking away
from church after ringing, and seeing the late arrivals rushing to get there,
that I questioned my own beliefs and was challenged to read the Bible. If sport can bring people into a place of
faith, I think Jesus would say “Let the sporting come unto me and do not stop
them”.<o:p></o:p></div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-75495918154856855112015-11-03T06:42:00.001-08:002015-11-03T12:17:47.785-08:00Pilgrimage for Peace: meeting the settlers and the settled upon<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7kBxz6ti3FegjIy6mWm7SVAfLwGKbtYk3g_drvga8aEg3YVJovx04HMR7Vvixc498HmTptqA87ah-oSI47qqKO5fn8KVbPd0N3lu0mFRgqZVTZM8w_tbzz0X7bJsTUErCL_yYfP_ZTne/s1600/Settlement+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7kBxz6ti3FegjIy6mWm7SVAfLwGKbtYk3g_drvga8aEg3YVJovx04HMR7Vvixc498HmTptqA87ah-oSI47qqKO5fn8KVbPd0N3lu0mFRgqZVTZM8w_tbzz0X7bJsTUErCL_yYfP_ZTne/s400/Settlement+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new settlement begins with a water tower and a few portakabins.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A
very personable Jewish guide joined us for the next few days and began, as a former journalist, with his own fascinating insights into the political
situation. Our first meeting with
Israeli settlers on the West Bank was an interesting experience. Our hosts were all of American origin: the
folksy Bruce from New York who was desperate to play his banjo and sing for us,
and a family who made us very welcome in their lovely new home. The only thing that appeared unusual about
them is that women wore headscarves and men carried guns, although in my mind
this could have had as much to do with being Americans as Jewish settlers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Despite
the shared language, there was a fairly fundamental barrier in
understanding between us, in that the settlers honestly believed that everything
that they were doing was supported by UN resolutions and they had a legitimate
right settle the land. There was also an
expression of wanting to have peace with the “Arabs”, and the well-educated and
eloquent children were even considering learning Arabic to facilitate mutual
understanding. However, the sad thing
was that they had never even met a Palestinian and had genuine fear about
crossing into a Palestinian area, which they considered as impossible because
it would be illegal. Quite how this gap
could be bridged was beyond me, when so deeply embedded in their society and
justified for their security.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOepCE2UccYptXjeKxs0lVxC_Hwl2HNFzWK85i5_MeH8TONx9txYqRA1QLFNpBu0Jy1-ECV3D5_iI1w-XLhmGFiNmLBWKPGRckC4_9QnKXxkhOKlKYuLAfvjgW0XAWQZHLoYkIwMIHihw/s1600/Nokdim+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOepCE2UccYptXjeKxs0lVxC_Hwl2HNFzWK85i5_MeH8TONx9txYqRA1QLFNpBu0Jy1-ECV3D5_iI1w-XLhmGFiNmLBWKPGRckC4_9QnKXxkhOKlKYuLAfvjgW0XAWQZHLoYkIwMIHihw/s400/Nokdim+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across to Herodian from the Nokdim-Tekoa settlement</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Bruce
told us about David Rosenfeld, the curator of the Herodian fortification who
was savagely murdered in July 1982.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">The
new settlement of Tekoa had been built/occupied in his memory.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I found </span><a href="http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20083558,00.html" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">this
article</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> to give insight to the events at the time.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Suspicion of the Arabs is justified by such
events and the reason why settlers carry arms.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">However, they also rely on Palestinians to build their homes and expect
them to be grateful for the opportunity for employment when there is so little
opportunity offered elsewhere, e.g. in the PA controlled areas (where building
isn’t allowed!).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIg-897IvcWEYZyWwYJHq721xlxSIy1-vgs-EuOAuuBkJUiAjGJrY2OglHU3lMQO1ju_qdPk7hT26PESfhJNCqGzI0wJvssSME1OnOsXTr2ikgzNSs_OY61WVE8ix8bzcGq9LK7PWH5Vsz/s1600/Hebron+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIg-897IvcWEYZyWwYJHq721xlxSIy1-vgs-EuOAuuBkJUiAjGJrY2OglHU3lMQO1ju_qdPk7hT26PESfhJNCqGzI0wJvssSME1OnOsXTr2ikgzNSs_OY61WVE8ix8bzcGq9LK7PWH5Vsz/s320/Hebron+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mosque side of the Tombs of the Patriarchs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">From
there we went Hebron for the afternoon, mainly to see the tombs of the
patriarchs, a site which is holy to all three “peoples of the book”. We all went into the Muslim side, removing
our shoes and watching the ladies don their obligatory grey hoody shawls and
saw the various tombs and Saladin’s minbar (pulpit). A few of us then went to the Jewish side, to
see the tombs from the other side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Then,
as we gathered afterwards, I wondered across to see what the business cards
were that were lying on a large block of stone, and leaned against it to try
and read one. At this point, the young
lad who was selling the “Free Palestine” rubber bracelets came over and made a
gun with his fingers, said “bang, bang” and pointed at the blood stain by my
feet and the guards at the checkpoint a few yards away. I was immediately shocked and embarrassed that
I unknowingly stepped on this blood and so moved away with the card that I was
holding, obviously proclaiming another Palestinian martyr.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LwrvWRLP1YIWOs0IQq47WR8pkA6-nIIIzI-Fq7AjOvcsr9FGYz-A9uuZuPMaY3xllPRHWTocrA4bxSuugx9U97R6aj9KxEvlySDyaI0KYPhH6REDCENaFlJsQjAAzDwMg1-klvbLsGCp/s1600/Hebron+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LwrvWRLP1YIWOs0IQq47WR8pkA6-nIIIzI-Fq7AjOvcsr9FGYz-A9uuZuPMaY3xllPRHWTocrA4bxSuugx9U97R6aj9KxEvlySDyaI0KYPhH6REDCENaFlJsQjAAzDwMg1-klvbLsGCp/s320/Hebron+13.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wire mesh to prevent injury from H2 area above</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">We
went through that checkpoint into the souk.
As we were some of their only tourist visitors that day, they were
desperate but polite in their efforts to sell us something. We observed the wire mesh above our heads and
heard how the city had been divided into areas H1 (Palestinian) & H2 (Israeli),
with the Israelis taking the higher level and being, how shall we say… “careless”
with bricks and other rubbish which might “fall” on the Palestinians below. One of the stall holders pleaded with us to
tell the outside world <a href="https://electronicintifada.net/content/hebron-settlements-make-palestinian-life-nearly-impossible/7138">what
was going on there</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">That
evening, at the hotel, I soon discovered <a href="http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Terrorist-shot-dead-after-stabbing-IDF-soldier-in-Hebron-399151?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">a
video of the incident in the Jerusalem Post website</a> in which a 16 yr old was
shot to death, after attacking a guard.
Apparently, he was one of two that day.
So, loads to think about – fear, suspicion, hate, intolerance and how
the cycle may be broken. But, what makes
me most sad about this is that, unlike the famed martyr, David Rosenfeld from 33
years ago, I can’t even find the name of the 16yr old youth whose <a href="http://biblehub.com/genesis/4-10.htm">“blood is crying to me from the
ground”</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sadly, <a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/11/03/uk-israel-palestinians-hebron-idUKKCN0SS1VX20151103" target="_blank">the situation in the region is now much worse</a> and there is so little hope in such a one-sided power struggle where the humanity of both the oppressor and the oppressed is being lost so quickly. What can we do, but pray...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">You may like to join me and others in the <a href="http://www.sabeel.org/waveofprayer.php">Sabeel
Wave of Prayer</a> for this week (5<sup>th</sup> November):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Israel's
clamp-down on Hebron, the largest Palestinian city on the West-bank, has
intensified. Despair and frustration on the Palestinian side has also
intensified, and so has violence, with near-daily deadly confrontations
erupting at Israeli army checkpoints and with Jewish settlers who are rarely
questioned or held accountable for their violence, leaving the Palestinian
community of Hebron fragile. Lord, we ask you to wrap your loving tender arms
around the city of Hebron. comfort and strengthen them during this time of
difficulty.” Amen.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-4572840365798937992015-10-30T09:29:00.003-07:002015-10-30T09:39:45.561-07:00Pilgrimage for Peace (Part 3a) - setting face towards Jerusalem:<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday saw us visit the Anglican Cathedral of St George in
Jerusalem to share in their Sunday morning Eucharist followed by coffee in their
lovely garden, and then we listened to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Halper">Jeff Halper</a> from ICAHD (the
Israeli Committee Against House Demolition).
He put the final nail in the coffin of any remaining hope for a two
state solution, given the numbers of new settlements already established in the
occupied territory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltZhIM25KALzMajJWzSE3QhJzss9niiHpaXDCW2F2Ubv_tT-BtX0J6WEhKdHX8A7C75fPXhL0zQWIBi20tvj4QGTdjXn9lEaGyC6MG9pd1WYWzz-EY8cZI70QLw4SG5vxHCNLR_vmjmE2/s1600/Yad+Vashem.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltZhIM25KALzMajJWzSE3QhJzss9niiHpaXDCW2F2Ubv_tT-BtX0J6WEhKdHX8A7C75fPXhL0zQWIBi20tvj4QGTdjXn9lEaGyC6MG9pd1WYWzz-EY8cZI70QLw4SG5vxHCNLR_vmjmE2/s320/Yad+Vashem.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Yad Vashem</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That afternoon we visited the <a href="http://www.yadvashem.org/yv/en/museum/overview.asp">Yad Vashem</a>
Holocaust Museum, which documented the rise of the Nazis and their increasing
scapegoating, dehumanisation, segregation, ghettoising, ethnic cleansing and eventual
extermination of the Jews. So much of
what I saw seemed to echo with what we were seeing in the Israeli treatment of the
Palestinians, but it seems it too big a leap of imagination for Israelis to
see themselves in anything other than the role of the victim. The further I walked around this shocking
spectacle of human misery, the more I felt the sickening irony that similar policies
were still being justified in the name of “security”. The “Never Again” message was clear, but seems
to be understood as “Never Again To Us”.
Towards the end of the experience, there was an emphasis on the pockets of
resistance that established themselves in the remote forest areas to carry the
fight back against the Nazis, and a certain amount of glorification and heroism
of their achievements that seems to shape the mindset of all the young Israelis
that visit there as part of the National Service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I came away with the impression that, at some point during the
war, Jewish people gave up on God and instead turned to alternative power of military
strength that had oppressed them. The
question in the concentration camps of “where is God in this?” is of course a
difficult one explored in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_(book)">Elie
Wiesel’s book “Night”</a> and also the film <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1173494/">“God on Trial” (2008)</a>. As Christians living in the years after <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%BCrgen_Moltmann">Jürgen Moltmann</a>’s
“The Crucified God” was published, it is easier - well, less challenging anyway
- for us to relate to Isaiah’s <a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/53.htm">‘suffering
servant’</a> image of the Messiah, and the parallels between Jesus on the cross
and the child hanging from the gallows in Auschwitz. For anyone having a belief which requires God
to be all-powerful and unchangeable ...well, they will prefer to look elsewhere. I guess it was only at theological college
that my own concept of God was expanded to allow Him to be God rather than to
fit the box that I had created for him, based upon all the “omni-“ words of
Greek philosophy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGefOV2FQQ0iDAp33CQ-ddzHVYbhvD9bUBdq2ULY3PUWQ9PrGAIR09TT-1uC7p_Kl5u-so83EaYKYULpUJKHYu9b5y9yIzjsjdIK1XkIuFp9bAsWOPUYBKbOhYF70u1HBNpOc75bc0a5SA/s1600/Visitation+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGefOV2FQQ0iDAp33CQ-ddzHVYbhvD9bUBdq2ULY3PUWQ9PrGAIR09TT-1uC7p_Kl5u-so83EaYKYULpUJKHYu9b5y9yIzjsjdIK1XkIuFp9bAsWOPUYBKbOhYF70u1HBNpOc75bc0a5SA/s200/Visitation+1.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary meets Elizabeth</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mood on the coach was subdued and reflective as we left
there and I was relieved to get out again into the hot sunshine at <a href="http://www.seetheholyland.net/ein-karem/">Ein Karem</a> for the walk up
the hill to the church commemorating the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth,
before going on to our final hotel, the <a href="http://knightspalace.com/">“Knights’
Palace”</a> in Jerusalem.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHnX6nLxN1CCOuJy1bcLSaCaw3YmTFuSY75l1_4tjjteUwkSD1OptYqoBA2JlWXYBE_XwFmu4a-3K6OBh_8kVl8dc33eqFhfNmLnTaAyyYnC3VLEIZm6XGr1uymn8daaAdBsblo_9yx0g/s1600/Jerusalem+South+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHnX6nLxN1CCOuJy1bcLSaCaw3YmTFuSY75l1_4tjjteUwkSD1OptYqoBA2JlWXYBE_XwFmu4a-3K6OBh_8kVl8dc33eqFhfNmLnTaAyyYnC3VLEIZm6XGr1uymn8daaAdBsblo_9yx0g/s400/Jerusalem+South+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the city wall</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That evening, I thought it was a waste to spend the time in the
hotel bar with so much history on the doorstep, so went for a stroll and started
exploring, armed with a basic map.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moving
from the Christian quarter, south through the Armenian quarter and onto the old
city wall to take in the night-time scene of the (Kidron?) valley below.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwxnrXE5BUlI2CjfGV37MFCPAoL_00i7QfQss7JKXB72IqAVUug55ksuYvZ2umoM_0azeLYclQqvSJ7lsZp5e4kLi0mV3jVNYYEKPuJ2YSLFSVf4g4aC_8R8-pKj5JJ0N5t2h_-MbetQ0/s1600/Western+Wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwxnrXE5BUlI2CjfGV37MFCPAoL_00i7QfQss7JKXB72IqAVUug55ksuYvZ2umoM_0azeLYclQqvSJ7lsZp5e4kLi0mV3jVNYYEKPuJ2YSLFSVf4g4aC_8R8-pKj5JJ0N5t2h_-MbetQ0/s400/Western+Wall.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Western Wall with the Dome of the Rock</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so on into the Jewish quarter and my
first glimpse of the “Wailing Wall” with the Dome of the Rock on the Temple
Mount.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, it all seemed quite safe,
so I continued walking through checkpoints, nodding at guards who seemed a bit
bemused but didn’t object to me going through, so I continued and entered the
Muslim quarter and had no problems going into the Temple Mount and walking to
the far side to see the view from the wall to the east and to see the inside view
of the Golden Gate.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eventually, as I
approached a security post it was clear that I was past the point where normal rules
for tourist health and safety had applied, so I retreated from the narrow ledge
along the top, having satisfied my adrenaline rush for the day to complete my
anti-clockwise circuit back via the Damascus Gate and following the inside of
the wall back “home” to the Christian quarter.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trying to convince a few Palestinian kids that I didn’t need a guide was
the main obstacle of the evening!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr5cHSeRuCaie0FSuh5gOnEYwVcCtBgvtIqk4LaKdiZtVtA2oZlRrmnMTj3IRRfsq3fZRSaSp7rkKW6tpuqYF_S0HDPmHMcwIGjl9kdWR6Br5-kyOL3rlXP2Mvu6dbfnyxR3HdnwI-cYW/s1600/Dome+of+the+Rock+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr5cHSeRuCaie0FSuh5gOnEYwVcCtBgvtIqk4LaKdiZtVtA2oZlRrmnMTj3IRRfsq3fZRSaSp7rkKW6tpuqYF_S0HDPmHMcwIGjl9kdWR6Br5-kyOL3rlXP2Mvu6dbfnyxR3HdnwI-cYW/s320/Dome+of+the+Rock+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Temple complex (almost deserted at night)</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-9863214250895507042015-10-09T15:00:00.000-07:002015-10-09T15:00:20.079-07:00Pilgrimage for Peace (Part 2b) – Around Bethlehem<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK, a few people have encouraged me to finish this, and the underlying situation in the
Holy Land needs to be known, so here goes…</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinR2AioVMPLCQVG6oYyJuec9FcPe17pRsPQkZVrfcrX-X3saDu3LH_fBRmBXUjO1a8fY_QkM9cH5c2eu5n2ea0mct9xi-9VB1sw50_pdRU33EPzucy-OFx97LzzJI1RKPnpwf8lQAoyrpU/s1600/Shepherds+Fields+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinR2AioVMPLCQVG6oYyJuec9FcPe17pRsPQkZVrfcrX-X3saDu3LH_fBRmBXUjO1a8fY_QkM9cH5c2eu5n2ea0mct9xi-9VB1sw50_pdRU33EPzucy-OFx97LzzJI1RKPnpwf8lQAoyrpU/s320/Shepherds+Fields+5.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shepherds' Fields Church</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our first day in Bethlehem began with a trip to the Shepherds Fields,
where we remembered the angels message: “Glory to God in the highest and peace
to his people on earth” which we continue to pray today. The view of the fields was not particularly
inspiring, as a recent wall and road across it was the dominant feature. There were some good murals in the church and
the acoustics made our rendition of Silent Night sound quite good. On leaving, I was lucky to capture this pic of
the sun behind the cross, which came out surprisingly well for a phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjpL9Jhn-SwbpUe-YPMexzJfjbfvQD2e4C_YRt3zT52_V2n8dM1hBcLVcPKmZsQwhxsUi_dnkChsGYDX_O15jI4AU2_HTTHCFcYcbjTY6swHdy7-zviZJx6yW1TdPab3A2F3rX3bCM7-0/s1600/Bethlehem+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjpL9Jhn-SwbpUe-YPMexzJfjbfvQD2e4C_YRt3zT52_V2n8dM1hBcLVcPKmZsQwhxsUi_dnkChsGYDX_O15jI4AU2_HTTHCFcYcbjTY6swHdy7-zviZJx6yW1TdPab3A2F3rX3bCM7-0/s200/Bethlehem+14.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where BC became AD</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved the sense of the geography of the place and was very tempted to
see how long it would take to run up the hill to the Church of the Nativity, in
the footsteps of the shepherds. Maybe I
should have as the queue there was an hour and a half, during which
occasionally shuffled forward and I absorbed some of the sense of history by
leaning against the columns polished by pilgrims of old. I was again mildly amused by the Orthodox
priest(?) who would occasionally urge the patiently queuing international throng
to be quiet out of respect for the location, whilst happily selling his wares
of candles and trinkets! Was the wait
worth it? Actually, yes – despite any scepticism I have about the exact spot, the wonder of God made man is always
worth contemplating and I was certainly much closer to the location than ever
before; we prolonged our stay down in the little grotto with a prayerful version
of “Away in a Manger”. By the time we
came out, lunch was well-overdue, and very welcome in the nearby “Tent”
restaurant (again retracing the shepherds path as this was back down the road).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvEuV95QuonX1-Uqy9jrrQHucMWvbVyxgB9lRZfLaie1l_pOe1hfIIeHkv4mRewxizXWGdD2MVnzXQRxZDdzE75W6bD1_fhBMieyL2Ohrdavn-ptywU0dUvd-f43RR4dfa5u1x3gGv0x1/s1600/Tent+of+All+Nations+21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvEuV95QuonX1-Uqy9jrrQHucMWvbVyxgB9lRZfLaie1l_pOe1hfIIeHkv4mRewxizXWGdD2MVnzXQRxZDdzE75W6bD1_fhBMieyL2Ohrdavn-ptywU0dUvd-f43RR4dfa5u1x3gGv0x1/s320/Tent+of+All+Nations+21.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The assault course back to the coach</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, having done the tourist bit, we then had a much more gritty encounter at
the <a href="http://www.tentofnations.org/">Tent of Nations</a>, the ancestral
farm owned by the Christian Nasser family and now surrounded by Israeli
settlements and under huge pressure to leave.
It was hearing about their plight in <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-27883685">an article in the BBC Magazine</a>
that first made me want to come on this pilgrimage, and this was definitely a
highlight and one of the few rays of hope.
The settlers had done their best to block access to the farm, so we enjoyed
a walk up the track to the farm in the sunshine and had an inspiring talk from
Daoud about their peaceful legal defence against all the various threats and
intimidation against them. The reality
of this hit home when a car full of teenage settlers was waiting at the gate
when we left (the road being open from their end), with an automatic weapon clearly
on view. As a Brit, I found this quite
shocking, but Daoud calmly spoke to them.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZD_eDkMzp82Rfq-gCyvaeBegDRHirrshI5_kfEPnflft9yyB0taQe2q9S45ioAXMIvMQMSUI0pjGpMbLdNjGN_gGUrVWuGNIHmpohwHmUGZ8mTe11D0g1VQw52DQXzss0yUTmmZpsDrv/s1600/UN+Resolution+194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZD_eDkMzp82Rfq-gCyvaeBegDRHirrshI5_kfEPnflft9yyB0taQe2q9S45ioAXMIvMQMSUI0pjGpMbLdNjGN_gGUrVWuGNIHmpohwHmUGZ8mTe11D0g1VQw52DQXzss0yUTmmZpsDrv/s400/UN+Resolution+194.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">67 years and still waiting - no wonder they<br />
think that UN stands for "United Nothing"</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, a challenging visit to a
UN Refugee Camp, holding the (descendents of) Palestinian families still hoping
for the implementation of the UN resolution 194 (from 1948!) giving them the right
to return to their homes which they fled the wars of 1948 & 1967. We heard first-hand from a young man called
Shadi about daily life there, of poverty and overcrowding, and the less obvious
things like the complete lack of privacy and the psychological effects of this. Images of martyrs decorated the walls. Despite their
situation, the children played in the streets and followed us around, hoping
for some loose change to reward their infectious smiles. I hope that they remain immune to the despair
of their surroundings, but when all your basic rights are denied and you feel
powerless, the only option left is to struggle for freedom - it takes an
enormous amount of courage and patience to keep this peaceful and I have great
admiration for anyone who can do this. I
could not help feeling anger at the injustice of it all…</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv50fBbr1RbzBLdiYlG-RYoMpDf-sVMwVTeahqfqQTJfUgZW4J9UMSXxkjMbwBh-l6_anj97yZBaCcQYLuVAWHe5sjYVeW3rE5w23STz5CQlaZIuLWffLV58-UfG986UbYuDxWSVK8r_DZ/s1600/Refugee+Camp+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv50fBbr1RbzBLdiYlG-RYoMpDf-sVMwVTeahqfqQTJfUgZW4J9UMSXxkjMbwBh-l6_anj97yZBaCcQYLuVAWHe5sjYVeW3rE5w23STz5CQlaZIuLWffLV58-UfG986UbYuDxWSVK8r_DZ/s640/Refugee+Camp+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amen.</td></tr>
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RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-31288084960583414682015-06-11T15:07:00.000-07:002015-06-11T15:07:14.258-07:00Assisted Dying<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Last night’s lecture on Assisted Dying from Bishop Richard
(aka Rt Revd Lord Harries of Pentregarth) certainly gave us plenty to think
about.</div>
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He began by pointing out how much control we already have
over our life’s ending, which is a surprising amount:</div>
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1. The right to refuse “burdensome” treatment, where it is not
doing any good;</div>
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2. Advance directives in our will – do not resuscitate under conditions
specified;</div>
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3. The double-effect of pain-killing drugs which may also
shorten life;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. Good palliative care, as pioneered by Dame Cicely Saunders,
although not yet as available as we would hope.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The double-effect came up later in questions in conjunction
with the Liverpool Pathway, as it seemed that this was already deemed as “Assisted
Dying” to some, and seemed broadly acceptable without a change in the law.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We then heard about the proposed change which is based upon Oregon’s
law, via Lord Falconer, to the current <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/09/assisted-dying-mps-debate-legislation-lord-falconer-bill-terminally-ill-right-to-die">Private
Members Bill by Bob Marris</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
would cover remarkably few of the cases which promote the cause for assisted
suicide in the media as the bill requires a life expectancy of <6 months
(although, as was pointed out, the phrase “You only have 6 months to live” is
often way too pessimistic, presumably because doctors want to give the worse-case
scenario otherwise people will feel short-changed).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The discussion about the proposed legislation will revolve
around the safeguards and whether it is better for doctors (how many) and/or
the law courts to make the final decision and who is then the ultimate
authority rather than just the rubber stamp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, the real question is whether it is even possible to give the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">right to die</i> to some without also creating
a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">duty to die</i> for others – and this
is why Christians take a stand for those who may feel pressurised to end their
lives prematurely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is easy to imagine
a scenario where elderly relatives don’t want to be a burden on their descendants,
despite whatever assurances the family try to give. This would be very
different from the current situation where the occasional Dignitas death takes
place but is not deemed to be prosecutable by the DPP as the families motives were
purely compassionate in going along with the express wishes of the suicide “victim”.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps an issue where I didn’t find a suitable answer was
in response to the statement “You wouldn’t treat a dog like that!”, i.e. we
would call the vet to put it out of its misery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I guess that depends how much you love the dog and what financial
resources you have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even where expense
is not an issue, there are still cases where the “humane” thing to do is a
lethal injection, and the motive is because we love our pets, so is this really
that different to humans?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Expense should
not be an issue in deciding the value of a human life, but could be a prime
motivator if Assisted Dying becomes an option for the increasing numbers in
very expensive care homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this is
where the slippery slope comes in, as the current bill would not apply for non-fatal
conditions such as dementia: once mental capacity is lost, then the principle of
assisted dying could be extended to euthanasia (the next step as already taken in
the Netherlands).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We certainly covered the politics, but what about the theology?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This came towards the end, with the Christian
understanding of life as a sacred gift in which our human identity is defined more
by our relationships, i.e. the African Ubuntu philosophy of “I am because we
are” rather than our enlightened Western emphasis of individual rights and
Descartes “I think, therefore I am” (could this be a new catch phrase for the
pro-euthanasia lobby?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first
question from our audience was WWJD (that's "What Would Jesus Do? for non wristband wearers!) if the option of miraculous healing wasn’t
available to him – the answer is demonstrated by the current ‘body of Christ’ pioneering
and supporting palliative care: Christ-like compassion results in <a href="http://www.carenotkilling.org.uk/">Care not Killing</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, is that the only Christian response?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems odd at times that those of us who
believe in life after death should argue so strongly for allowing the life to
continue until its natural end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
reminded of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ0WinCWtLs">this video
interview</a> of Bishop Richard by Richard Dawkins, where they reach a similar
conclusion (scroll to 9 mins if you can’t wait).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst our death cannot achieve anything like
the unique sacrifice of Christ and we should not wish it away, our Christian
hope is that it is not the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is
the context in which we as Christians can face death, and suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on
living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I
choose? I do not know! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am torn between
the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it
is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.</i></div>
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<![endif]-->RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-89783791975229170732015-05-25T09:38:00.001-07:002015-05-25T11:49:37.574-07:00Pilgrimage for Peace: Part 2a - To Bethlehem<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Friday of the Pilgrimage saw us in the coach driving
south past Mt Tabor through the West Bank to Nablus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Passing through our first military checkpoint and
having to put our cameras away led to a sense of foreboding, but any fears were
soon dismissed by an unscheduled comfort break at a petrol station and the welcome from the friendly locals offering coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard all about the different zones: A (under
the Palestinian Authority), B (PA have civil control & shared security
control) & C (full Israeli control, leaving just education and health to PA).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We quickly learned to recognise the
Palestinian areas from the water tanks on the roofs, essential as their water
supplies could be quite intermittent, as opposed to the Israeli settlement
areas where no such contingency seemed necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed, it became clear that <a href="http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.574554" target="_blank">control of the water supply</a> would be another bone of contention standing in the way of a two-state
solution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODkaYMBuAFK40au3a0rQhNee9mYrfMiyYpHfD_BH_iqOFsytCML3EhiMj2ntkxr_CPAXEdXB7CPPsq0aGoaJ94SsHpD494VxYJMQPqudpxLDl7sqEplCCIwd43mO_cCW3kbaFqRU79ddf/s1600/St+Philip%2527s+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The only real investment on the Palestinian areas was the
occasional new mosque, at huge expense from a Muslim neighbour, but in
surroundings of such poverty that street cleaning, education and health care seemed
to be a more pressing need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would
also spot sporadic signs indicating Western charitable investment, but the
basic infrastructure (water, electricity and roads) had not changed since Jordanian
rule in 1967.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Palestinian development had to be approved by
Israel and unauthorised developments would face demolition.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtAr22iIHz5V3gFpXhuS-3pmaxxhAkNN4omy7J7pmSNIOmV3blTOtPEWoW1WAbVZQzF6-Fz_nGVgE0CM5T7Z2qk_nA8eFEM1eXnQHzmLbfc-s-iLyu84tY1BkWDjEtqb2g46tk-kpHHxD/s1600/Jacob%2527s+Well+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtAr22iIHz5V3gFpXhuS-3pmaxxhAkNN4omy7J7pmSNIOmV3blTOtPEWoW1WAbVZQzF6-Fz_nGVgE0CM5T7Z2qk_nA8eFEM1eXnQHzmLbfc-s-iLyu84tY1BkWDjEtqb2g46tk-kpHHxD/s320/Jacob%2527s+Well+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After quite a long journey in the coach, we were glad to disembark
at Nablus, formerly Sychar, to seek the relative oasis of Jacob’s Well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was one of the highlights of the
pilgrimage for me, perhaps because this was off the normal tourist trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The practicality of lowering the galvanised
metal bucket to raise cool fresh water which we all drank meant that we were living
the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well, both physically and
spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a short act of
worship, which included a most moving rendition <a href="http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/i/i066.html" target="_blank">“I heard the voice of Jesus say”</a>,
I managed to sneak back down to the now unlit “grotto” for my own sit down by
the well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQOtXCkA5QA5oMJdC-LyshhMQSabd7ubKBx4RTsy6nlaUjuzDJiZJjRH0wmoAON5BQtJUOt_wiOQiLoZSwi8TjTKUd_bj_ucDU2AXr3gEOHiCJ3m5NNwXKM6pyHc3pY_jX5JsqrtGTp2R/s1600/St+Philip%2527s+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQOtXCkA5QA5oMJdC-LyshhMQSabd7ubKBx4RTsy6nlaUjuzDJiZJjRH0wmoAON5BQtJUOt_wiOQiLoZSwi8TjTKUd_bj_ucDU2AXr3gEOHiCJ3m5NNwXKM6pyHc3pY_jX5JsqrtGTp2R/s320/St+Philip%2527s+2.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then, it was a short journey to <a href="http://www.j-diocese.org/index.php?page=institutions&sub=129698362029">St
Philip’s Church</a> to be met by Fr Ibrahim Nairouz to see the church being
redecorated, to hear about St Philip’s mission there (both in Acts 8 and today)
and then to enjoy a wonderful lunch prepared by members of the
congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great to be able to
support them in their work by offering the going rate for such a feast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our last stop that day was at Taybeh, once a city near the
wilderness called Ephraim where Jesus took refuge after bringing Lazarus back
from the dead (John 11:54) and now the only remaining Christian community on the
West Bank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the church, a traditional
dwelling house has been preserved and its layout makes more sense of the
nativity story, with the separate spaces for animals below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, we didn’t stop at <a href="http://taybehbeer.com/">the brewery</a>, but I was pleased to know that I
had already been supporting this aspect of the local Christian economy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Having driven past Jerusalem’s walls, and passing back
through yet another checkpoint, we eventually arrived at our hotel in
Bethlehem, right next door to the Church of the Nativity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having a little free time, I popped next door
that evening to get a feel for the atmosphere among the long queue of international
pilgrims.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was approached by an
Orthodox priest and ready to greet him, only to discover he was only interested
in teaching me that crossing my legs was not correct etiquette!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As ecumenical exchanges go, this was a
disappointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Andrew, a fellow
priest from Wales, we wondered around the surrounding streets of Bethlehem,
which quickly became quite oppressive and depressing as we tried to decline the
goods on offer for some increasingly desperate sellers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once back in the tourist area, where
conversation was easier, an extended discussion with “John” (one of the few remaining local
Christians) and another with the Bedouin-son owner of the (not quite!) Starbucks made us
aware of how bad business was, but also how few other options they had open to
them, not least because of the travel restrictions resulting in the sense of imprisonment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was beginning to feel the frustration and helplessness of the Palestinians, but trying hard to remain impartial, knowing that we had yet to hear the other side of the story. The peace of Galilee from that same morning felt a long way away, but as a follower of Jesus, we too had to set our face towards Jerusalem and find our hope in Him. As I took in the view over the Manger Square from the hotel (there was a room!) and sniffed the cool breeze, I was reminded how this "little town" had previously known that same sense of occupation, resentment and struggle against a much stronger and dominant regime. So much for a "deep and dreamless sleep", there was a lot to process here...</span></div>
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RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-91461192743081134062015-05-13T08:13:00.000-07:002015-05-13T08:40:09.447-07:00Pilgrimage for Peace: Part 1 - Galilee<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Well, yes, certainly some bits were enjoyable, although others were disturbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started well at 4.15am on Tuesday to
discover that my taxi driver, Max, was a local Pentecostal preacher so we had a
good conversation about prayer styles and sermon lengths which was a shame to
end when we arrived at Luton!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then a
good flight out with morning shadows over the Alps, and eventually arriving in the
early evening (having lost 2 hours across time zones) at the lovely Pilgerhaus
Hotel on the shore of Lake Galilee, to meet the rest of our fine group of pilgrims.</div>
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Lake Galilee is wonderful, whether:</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>on it - in a boat (no walking!) on which we sang
“Dear Lord and Father of mankind”, starting the week by acknowledging our own
faults and the British involvement in the area, e.g. <a href="http://www.newstatesman.com/books/2010/08/arab-palestine-jewish-rights">the
Balfour Declaration</a>, (perhaps an apology is due in 2017?); this was a
healthy tonic after the boat operator had insisted on playing our National
Anthem – we had already counted so many Israeli flags on the way from the
airport that we could have done without further reinforcement of national
stereotypes blasting from the loudspeakers out over the waters, in contrast to
the still, small voice of calm that we were seeking.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>in it - for a refreshing swim, including a chat
with a long-distance hiker from Denmark which we continued over dinner about
the spiritual power of places, which reminded me of old OS maps, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tumuli</i>, ley lines and dowsing;<br />
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</span></span></span>on the shores – including:</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>a Eucharist near the Church of the
Multiplication of the Boy’s Picnic, and great to receive Bishop John’s
familiar invitation, “Come to this table, not because you must but because you
may…”</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>time at the Church of the Primacy of Peter – beach
mission, Catholic style… an authentic feel here with very old steps leading
down to the beach – could almost smell the broiled fish!</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>the archaeological remains of Capernaum and a
later synagogue – didn’t really do it for me, too touristy, so much better
later that evening on my 7 mile run around the northern shore (my own prayer
space!);</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>the Church of the Beatitudes – an early morning
visit after a rain shower with great views, not least of the Horns of Hattin,
which I had only known from Microsoft’s <a href="http://aok.heavengames.com/university/walkthroughs/aok-es-campaigns/saladin-3/" target="_blank">“Age of Empires”</a> game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was good to be reminded that “Blessed are
the Peacemakers”, before we left for Nablus via the Jezreel Valley.</div>
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</span></span></span>or for Trips out, with a sense of returning back
to the disciples’ home/base camp, from places such as:</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Banias, in the disputed Golan Heights – name comes
from the god Pan’s grotto/cave, but Arabic has no ‘P’ so became ‘B’an instead…
but in the Bible Caesarea Philippi was here by the pure spring which feeds the Jordan where we renewed our baptism vows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking
at the caves and hearing of the Jews fear of sea and water, we understood Jesus
reference to the “gates of Hades” not overcoming the rock, after Peter’s
declaration (<a href="http://biblehub.com/context/matthew/16-13.htm">Matt
16:13-18</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such explanations from
our brilliant story-telling guide, Hani, made me realise why people call such a pilgrimage
the “5<sup>th</sup> Gospel”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, I
now have a bottle of this pure Jordan spring water (rather than the mucky stuff
further down) which I hope to add to the next few baptisms I take, as long as
no-one drinks it first…</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Haifa, where we met Hatem, the Palestinian Anglican
priest and his wife and heard a bit about their award winning Church School and
its Peace Studies program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt great
to be in an ordinary church, where the attraction is the “living stones” rather
than those inert, geological varieties with their claims to great events of the
past - we had also visited a church which claimed to be on the site of Elijah’s
cave on Mt Carmel, but as with many of these over-done pilgrimage sites, it
didn’t really work for me with by low church upbringing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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On a more positive note, the views over Haifa
were superb, and, as an aircraft spotter, I didn’t mind the Israeli
Independence Day fly past of several waves of jet fighters – these are not the
sort of weapons that they use against people living in “their” land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interestingly, as we looked down on Haifa’s submarine
museum, we would hear that Germany had “donated”(?) another nuclear sub to
Israel during our visit – I wonder whether this is some strange manifestation
of guilt for the Holocaust, but as <a href="http://www.haaretz.com/news/features/.premium-1.655332">this article</a> suggests,
the tide may be turning in Europe, especially since last year’s Gaza statistics…<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>In Nazareth, we met Mohammad Zeidan, the General
Director of the <a href="http://www.ngo-monitor.org/article/arab_association_of_human_rights_hra_">Arab
Association for Human Rights</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He represented the many
non-Jews who have always lived in Israel (pre-1948), as opposed to the later occupied
territories, but without the same rights that we would expect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, I didn’t detect much hope here and
came away feeling frustrated – a 2 state solution which we promote from afar wouldn’t
improve the lot of the native Arab/Palestinian people, and why should they be
ethnically cleansed from Israel to make it a purely Jewish nation – that’s
about as welcome as asking the many Jewish settlers to give up their new homes on
the West Bank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time for a reality check
for our politicians, because while we and the UN do nothing to enforce
resolutions, the settlers continue in the race to carve up the West Bank and
the Palestinians are… hmm, how shall we say this… “encouraged to emigrate”.</div>
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Part 2 (Bethlehem) to follow in a while…</div>
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<![endif]-->RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-85856682143658095192014-10-24T08:30:00.001-07:002014-10-24T08:31:37.851-07:00Vigil Eucharist for Jeremy Suter RIP<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<h3>
<a href="http://i1.getbucks.co.uk/incoming/article7927091.ece/alternates/s615/JSU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1.getbucks.co.uk/incoming/article7927091.ece/alternates/s615/JSU.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thurs 23<sup>rd</sup> October 2014 7pm (</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Gospel:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>John
6:35-40)</span></span></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3 class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></span></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<br />
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is fitting that we gather as God’s people
in God’s house for <a href="http://www.getbucks.co.uk/news/local-news/teacher-buckinghamshire-cricket-player-dies-7927085" target="_blank">Jeremy</a>’s funeral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
begin with this Eucharist, the time where we share in the eternal bread of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremy was at home here in the house of the
Lord – we saw him grow up here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will
seem odd in the future, processing out past the Suter family in the pew halfway
down on the left without Jeremy smiling away whilst bellowing out one of his
favourite hymns, such as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘Guide me, O
thou great Redeemer</i>’, with its chorus <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘Bread
of Heaven, Feed me now and evermore’</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is a great loss both to our church family, but our corporate loss is
as nothing compared to the Suter’s loss and we gathered around them to offer
what support we can, together with our love and prayers.</span></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But there is more, that we can offer – and
that is our Christian hope.</span></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At every Eucharist - but especially when God’s
people gather around someone who has died in the faith - we experience one of
those ‘thin places’ where heaven and earth are brought closer for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a moment when heaven and earth meet
as we share the spiritual food and drink that is eternal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one whom God has called home connects the
saints here with the saints in heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the saints of God hold vigil on both sides of the River of Death,
that metaphorical River Jordan through which we must pass to enter the promised
land.</span></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On this side, everything we see will pass
away – it is temporary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sing hymns of
faith in Christ as we trust in his conquering of death for us, even though we
can’t see across to the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
that is only half of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other
side, our songs are received with a resounding echo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For that’s where the saints in heaven sing their
songs to welcome Jeremy into eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’
promise to both us and Jeremy is that He would not lose him, but raise him up
at the last day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is true to His
Word and the Father’s will.</span></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jeremy is now in glory with all the saints
who have preceded him, including Margot’s parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremy is now having a heavenly reunion,
where pain, suffering, sorrow, and tears are no more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only tears we see being shed now are
ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are the tears we cry as we
grieve Jeremy’s passing, but in heaven there are also be tears of joy as they
rejoice at his eternal victory, won for him in Christ.</span></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2,000 years ago, Jesus’ dead body was placed
in a tomb of death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the third day,
Jesus left that tomb, showing that death could not hold Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And since death can’t hold Jesus, it can’t
hold those whom He calls His own, including Jeremy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Jesus says, <i>“I will raise him up on the
last day.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now, Jeremy’s soul is
with Jesus and we look forward to that last day when we will see Jeremy’s resurrection
body which replaces this mortal body, as plainly as Mary saw Jesus resurrection
body on that first Easter morning.</span></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The cross of Christ has spanned the River of
Death to take those who trust in Him to the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we will sing tomorrow:</span></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When I tread the verge of Jordan,</span></i></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bid my anxious fears subside;</span></i></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Death of death, and hell's
destruction</span></i></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Land me safe on Canaan's side:</span></i></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Songs of praises, songs of
praises,</span></i></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I will ever give to thee;</span></i></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I will ever give to thee.</span></i></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jeremy has now crossed that river, albeit
much earlier than any of us would have hoped or expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we can trust Jesus to look after him, to
feed him now in this Eucharist and for evermore.</span></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus said: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me
I will never drive away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shall lose
none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.”</i></span></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="reg" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Even during that fateful weekend just a dozen
or so days ago, God was holding Jeremy in His hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus never drove him away or lost him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the Father’s will and Jesus promise
to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On this side of the river, that
is our hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Jeremy’s side, it is the
everlasting reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-24654813181052063542014-10-09T12:56:00.000-07:002014-10-09T12:56:42.016-07:00The Spirituality of Running<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes you have to get away from it all, for a bit of space and silence. As I mentioned in our Growing Leaders Course on Monday, my Rule of Life includes going for a run. For me, it is not just the natural high of the endorphin rush, but a chance to clear the mind and get closer to God in his creation, even in these darker and damper days of autumn. Having encouraged others to explore their shadow sides, I decided to reflect with my mood in a bit of poetry, inspired by a 10 mile run around Burnham Beeches:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Running through the forest in rain,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Grounded to earth of ancient paths.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Gradient, traction, each step placed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">With pace, breathing and heartbeat fast.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Leaf canopy, oxygen tent:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In a bubble, a womb all mine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Now fully alive, heightened sense,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Alive to fragrance: fern and pine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Invisible wind of spirit blows</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Confetti of sycamore seeds:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Potential for a whole new wood</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Abundant grace for those in need.</span></div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-73234513257434009842014-08-29T10:03:00.000-07:002014-08-29T10:07:11.682-07:00My September article for our Parish Magazine<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">See <a href="http://www.beaconsfieldparishmag.org.uk/">www.beaconsfieldparishmag.org.uk</a> for the full magazine...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">September… new schools; new uniforms; new sports kits - new
labels to be sewn (or glued) on. Even if
the name remains the same, it is the external labels which change: Nursery,
Primary, Secondary and then perhaps 6<sup>th</sup> Form and University. And then what - do we ever stop learning and
maturing?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a curate, I’m in a recognised training role. I need to provide evidence towards 46
learning outcomes during my 3+ years here.
This follows the three years at theological college, but that will not
be the end of my study - all Anglican clergy are involved in regular reviews
and “Continuing Ministerial Development”.
Indeed, during our ordination we are asked, “Will you be diligent in
prayer, in reading Holy Scripture, and in all studies that will deepen your
faith and fit you to bear witness to the truth of the gospel?” We answer “By the help of God, I will”. As someone who is not naturally ‘bookish’, it
is reassuring to know that God helps me – indeed, his mission is my motivation.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Such promises ought not to be limited to the clergy. I would hope that all Christians would want
to deepen their faith so that we may witness to the truth of the gospel. There are many ways to do this, including:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1)<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>For those who are relatively new to the faith,
the Alpha Course provides a safe environment to explore the questions of life
and some of the answers that Christianity provides. We will be hosting a small group this autumn<b>.</b><b> </b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">2)<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>For the more experienced, Cursillo provides “a
short course in Christian Living” during a residential weekend at Douai Abbey
and a method to continue in a life of prayer, study and action. I would describe this as a course for the
heart as much as the head. See <a href="http://www.oxfordcursillo.co.uk/">www.oxfordcursillo.co.uk</a> for more
information, including the next weekend from the evening of Thurs 30<sup>th</sup>
October to Sunday 2<sup>nd</sup> November.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">3)<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>We have a wide variety of house groups providing
fellowship, support, learning, prayer and deepening faith. I would encourage all church members to join
an existing group or add your name to a waiting list for a new group.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you would like to discuss where you are on your spiritual
journey and what your next step might be, then I’d love to help. But whatever you do, don’t stop learning!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Pause to Pray:</u></span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Do not conform to the pattern of
this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be
able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect
will.” (Romans 12:2)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lord God,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">open our minds to the light of
your truth,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">that mystery may unfold before
us,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">that knowledge may</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">shine around us</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">and that understanding may grow
within us</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">in Jesus Christ our Lord,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">who is alive and reigns with you</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">in the unity of the Holy Spirit,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">one God, now and for ever.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Collect for Education - the
Church in Wales)</span></span></div>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-35991201752799390622014-06-05T11:23:00.000-07:002014-06-05T11:27:03.378-07:00A PCC trustee guide for F1 fans<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“The function of the PCC includes complete co-operation with
the incumbent” says a helpful <a href="http://www.fishbournechurch.org.uk/articles/what-is-the-pcc.html">Parish
website</a> for anyone who is interested.
At the same time, all members are primarily responsible as individual trustees
under the prevailing charity law. Are we
acting as individuals or as a corporate body and are these two in conflict? Well, it all depends on what you understand by “co-operate”.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first definition means “to work together
for the same end”. When more than one
person is needed to achieve a task, e.g. a pitstop as seen in F1, then they are
all co-operating. If one of the pitcrew
notices a problem, it is his [<a href="http://guardianlv.com/2013/07/nascar-selects-fitness-trainer-as-first-female-pit-crew-member-video/">or,
if you prefer NASCAR, her!</a>] duty to flag it up before releasing the car
otherwise the wheels might fall off and the mission fails...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Fl1ZiNws7WE" width="459"></iframe></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In this case, the black flag signalled the disqualification
because someone failed in their individual responsibility: the whole team
suffers, because they are in breach of the governing law. Similarly, individual trustees of charities
must not neglect their personal responsibilities.
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As we approach Pentecost, think what Paul may have said (in <a href="http://biblehub.com/context/1_corinthians/12-12.htm" target="_blank">1 Cor 12:12-31</a>): "there is one pitcrew, but many team members ...and we can't all be the lollipop man, otherwise who is going to operate the jack?"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The other meaning of co-operation seems to have more to do
with coercion: the <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/#q=define+cooperate">Google
dictionary</a> uses the example: "his captor threatened to kill him if he
didn't cooperate". This model is
not recommended for a PCC!</span></span></div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-4417502649160517512014-04-07T04:37:00.000-07:002014-04-07T04:39:21.361-07:00Why Resurrection?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I was somewhat amused at
the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/apr/01/fruit-and-vegetables-seven-portions-ucl-study" target="_blank">news reports</a> last week that eating more fruit and vegetables <i>“would reduce
the risk of death”</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow I think the
risk is still 100% certainty, and it won’t go down to 99.99% no matter how much
fruit and veg you eat!
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/apr/01/fruit-and-vegetables-seven-portions-ucl-study" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/3/31/1396292785198/Britain-Continues-To-Use--011.jpg" height="276" width="460" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating at least seven portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day was
linked to a 42% lower risk of death from all causes. Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Benjamin
Franklin observed: <i>"In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except
death and taxes"</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what of the other
world, the Kingdom over which Jesus presides?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What does <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11%3A1-45&version=NRSV" target="_blank">this week’s gospel reading</a>, the death and rising of life of Jesus’
friend Lazarus have to do with us?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The thing that most
struck me is that Lazarus death and “reawakening” doesn’t seem to be as a
result of Jesus’ love for his friend but for bringing glory to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to think that Jesus hugged his
newly-restored friend Lazarus at some point, but we are not told this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, Lazarus would die again - if I was Lazarus, I might have
been a bit disappointed that I had awoken to the same life as before, rather
than the eternal life that is promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Indeed, this whole episode wasn’t really for his benefit at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure he wasn’t ungrateful for his new lease
of life, as people who have faced death often seem to have a greater capacity
not to waste their remaining time – perhaps he even enjoyed being a local
celebrity that the bigwigs from Jerusalem came to see so that he could testify
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But Lazarus was not the
main player in this drama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, this
all happened as Jesus had originally said: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“This
sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may
be glorified through it.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus knew
that Lazarus would die but it would not be a definitive death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was to reveal God’s glory in his Son.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If Lazarus' resurrection
reveals God’s glory in Christ Jesus, then our resurrection will too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst I’m sure that God’s offer of salvation
is motivated by love (because it says so in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=NRSV" target="_blank">John 3:16</a>), have you ever considered
that God might want to give you a resurrection body and eternal life because it
rewards our faith by glorifying his Son?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the same way as the original creation was good, maybe our re-creation
is as pleasing to God, if not more so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If we doubt that we are worthy of eternal life, then consider that God
wants to do it anyway for his own joy and pleasure as a response to our faith
in Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your resurrection, my
resurrection, the resurrection of the person who may come to him through our
witness, all these resurrections will delight the Father because in doing so
his Son is glorified.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus doesn’t want us to
have a vague hope for eternal life, perhaps as a disembodied soul or
ghost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though we all die, Jesus
tells us that this is not the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
don’t know the nature of Lazarus’ life-threatening condition, but whatever it
was, Jesus can say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“This sickness will
not end in death.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, it is with
whatever conditions threaten us: “This cancer will not end in death”; “this
heart attack will not end in death.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whatever it will say as the cause of death on our death certificate,
Jesus’ response is to tear it up and say, “This will not end in death”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Instead, he says: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I am the resurrection and the life. The one
who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by
believing in me will never die.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
he asked Martha, so he asks us: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Do you
believe this?”</i> and, if we still need further motivation:<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “Did I not tell you that if you believe,
you will see the glory of God?”</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Being selfish, eternal life has always been immensely attractive, but to know that my resurrection will glorify Jesus seems like a stronger reason for God to make it happen!</span></span></div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187134058145710425.post-70787656388083942012014-03-20T09:41:00.000-07:002014-03-20T10:06:33.434-07:00My funeral address evolves...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->Given my incumbent’s knowledge of funeral ministry, (see <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Heavens-Morning-Breaks-Jeremy-Brooks/dp/1848676557/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395328419&sr=1-1&keywords=heaven%27s+morning+breaks">Heaven’s
Morning Breaks</a>) my address at my early funerals tended to follow his words
on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A1-6%2C27&version=NIV">John
14</a>, including a brief explanation of what it means for Jesus to be “the
way, the truth and the life” in the context of the journey we all have to take
at the end of our earthly existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
second year of ministry has included the funerals of two of the spouses of
those whose funerals I took last year, people I had accompanied through their
own grieving process with the inevitable deep discussions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a practical level, this meant that I
couldn’t just repeat the same sermon, and on a personal level, also offered the
opportunity to tailor it for these people.
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For the couple who enjoyed sailing, the way or journey
became a “voyage” and the need for a vessel to carry us, a reliable navigator to
guide us and a port to call home lent itself as a suitable metaphor for Jesus
help in our journey through death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
how could this sermon evolve?</div>
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The popular poem “What is Dying” - Attributed to Bishop
Brent, suggests the positive metaphor of a ship vanishing over the horizon for
the departure of a loved one:</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon </i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and someone at my side says, ’She is gone!’</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gone where?</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gone from my sight, that is all.</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She is just as large now as when I last saw her.</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Her diminished size and total loss from my sight is in me, not in her.</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And just at the moment when someone at my side says,</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">’She is gone’, there are others who are watching her coming over their
horizon,</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and other voices take up a glad shout,</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">’There she comes!’</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That is what dying is.</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">An horizon and just the limit of our sight.</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lift us up, Oh Lord, that we may see further</i></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Flammarion.jpg/288px-Flammarion.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Flammarion.jpg/288px-Flammarion.jpg" height="240" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous "Flat Earth" <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flammarion_engraving" title="Flammarion engraving">Flammarion engraving</a> 1888</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But, this falls short of the Christian message of hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus didn’t just sail off over the horizon
out of sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came back!</div>
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A better metaphor for a sailor would be the proof that the
first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumnavigation">circumnavigation</a>
of the world would have offered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
going to use Magellan as my example, but apparently he died on the journey leaving Elcano
to finish the voyage, along with just 17 others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the point is they came back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the middle ages, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myth_of_the_Flat_Earth">few believed that
the Earth was flat</a>, and so they knew in their hearts that they wouldn’t
just fall off the edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it remained
a theoretical hope that they could sail off into the east and return from the west,
until someone actually did it.</div>
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And so it was the same for the disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hope of resurrection was held by the Pharisees,
and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mk+12%3A18-27&version=NIV">Jesus
corrected the Sadducees</a> who argued against it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it would remain a hope until Jesus
returned from the dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some, this
would be proof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, as Jesus predicted,
even <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+16%3A26-31&version=NIV">that
proof wouldn’t be enough</a> for others (at the end of the parable of the Rich
Man and Lazarus).</div>
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But a funeral is not really the place for apologetics, so
the sermon included just this:<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “Jesus
doesn’t leave us with a vague hope of life after death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has gone ahead to show us that
resurrection is real, that there is a new land over the horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus has explored beyond the edge of our
known world and tells us what lies beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seafarers no longer fear that they might sail off and fall over the edge
of the world, because someone sailed right round and came back again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is what Jesus has done with death, so we
too can face that journey with hope.”</i></div>
RevKevBeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04736946223438165720noreply@blogger.com0