Fifty Acts 42. WTF? at Airside

OK, the usual bit out of the way first. Nice building at Airside Church, friendly people. Talented Minister with an appropriate and well delivered sermon.  We've been to this church before, so no surprises.

So as the service finished, I saw someone I've not seen for about 10 years.  We were at college together so I said Hi to Brian and we exchanged plesantries about what we'd both been up to.  We were discussing the merits of various bible colleges in Scotland and their apparent theologies when Monday's General Assembly debate came up.  Then the conversation got decidedly frosty, almost hostile.

I was treated to someone with an entrenched position on the idea of gay ministers.  He's considering leaving the CofS because the church may be advocating gay clergy.  Now the first thing is the motion from the GA has not been passed to presbyteries yet, so we've got nothing to debate.  But Brian had a position and it wasn't for debate.  I'll not re-hash the rant, but it's probable you've heard it, or a variety of it.  It was a re-hash of the inaccurate parts of the reporting that followed the GA debate on Monday, which convenieltly fit his position.  It certainly did not reflet the motion agreed by the Assembly.  On top of that, Jesus wasn't Jewish, and  eventually stopped preaching in temples.  Seriously?

I've been to some varied congregations this year,but this was by far the most hostile reaction I've had so far.  I wasn' expecting this from within a CofS building.

My problem is that Brian is an Elder of the church.The Eldership promise in part is "...To seek the unity and peace of the church; To uphold its doctrine, worship, Government and discipline...”  There may be things about the church that I'm not keen on, but I have the option of contributing to the debate, accepting I'll not win every debate and moving on, or I can resign from the church.  Brian made it clear that he did not want to leave the church because he was there at the construction of the church premises.  But he was considering going to another denomination.

Perhaps I tend to take an over-simplified view of the world, but if an elder apparently is not willing to seek unity in the church, or to uphold the Government of the church, then they should not be in the role.  They have ceased to represent me.  In his position, Brian does not appear to be willing to negotiate, and sees his time in the church as in some way making his viewpoint more important. 

At a point in a debate involving young people, someone will express the opinion that the children are the future of the church.  So when are those members of the old guard who have entrenched opinions going to hand over the reigns of the church?  When they have bled the life out of it, and the young are given the drained corpse of a once great institution?  If those responsible for the leadership and pastoral care of congregations are not prepared to engage in debate, then the church has no future.

It is the debate that makes the Church of Scotland the solid organisaton it is.  We don't rush into things.  We talk about them. I accept that people will have firm, well reasoned opinions, on both sides of every debate.  But when the courts of the Church have made a decision, then we have to move on and work together.

So why is it, that there's some of us who are prepared to be flexible, and to listen to the opinions of others, and to work with those who we may not actually agree with?  But on the other hand, why has this issue has caused some people to dig their heels in and not engage in debate?  I don't actually want Brian to leave the church.   I'm not going to wish he leaves.  But I do want him to use his experience to be an effective representative in the courts of the church.  And that means listening, prayerfuly reflecting, contributing based on his knowledge of the facts, and then moving on when the debate doesn't go his way.

Fifty Acts 41. Small Act at the Big Kirk

I was asked by a friend if I would be able to do their lunchtime prayer service this week as they are off to the General Assembly.  Well I was flattered to be asked, it's the biggest building I've ever spoken in, and I particularly like shorter acts of worship.  Last week I went along to hear the normal service, so i had a pattern to work from.

Today met with the Church officer who set me up with the radio mic.  I then had a few minutes to wait before noon.  I was informed that a tour group was going to be visiting, so of course, one of them cornered me and started asking questions about the history of the building.  I bluffed a couple (Is it still a church? Yes. Do they do weddings? Yes. etc) of answers before handing over to Mrs G for the finer points of Scottish church history.

12 noon arrived and I started off.  It was a small audience in the side chapel, but I was aware that I was also preaching to some people who were in the main part of the church, and the radio mic covered the whole building.  It's just a bit unusual to be in a position where you don't have the undivided attention of everyone present. 

So I think it went well, and I was thanked by a couple of those present - I've not been there often enough to know if they were regulars or just visiting.  I'm certainly grateful for the experience.

My rough script is below.

**************************************************************

Every Wednesday at twelve noon there is a short service of prayer and reflection in the memorial chapel, to the right of the pulpit.  You are invited to join with us or to continue to explore and absorb the atmosphere of the building.

Good afternoon,

Our minister is attending the General Assembly in Edinburgh today, and I am privileged to have been asked to lead worship this morning.  My name is [spotthegerbil] and I am currently training for ministry within the church.

Let us come before God in prayer.

Almighty and eternal God,

You are great beyond our understanding, we cannot seek to understand your magnificence.

All glorious God,  We give you thanks that,

You chose us as your holy people, even before the world was made.

You adopted us as your children in Christ, and through his blood, you set us free from the burden of sin.   All praise and glory be to you o God.

And yet we know that we fall far short from the example that Christ showed us.

We fail to live up to his standards

We have not loved our neighbours

And we have not honoured your holy name.

We struggle with the pressures of life, when,

You would unburden us if only we turned to you in prayer.

So Lord,  Help us to change what we have been,

And set us on a new path

That we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways.

To the greater glory of your name.  Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

We hear from Psalm 119:

¹⁶¹ Rulers persecute me without cause,
    but my heart trembles at your word.
¹⁶² I rejoice in your promise
    like one who finds great spoil.
¹⁶³ I hate and detest falsehood
    but I love your law.
¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day I praise you
    for your righteous laws.
¹⁶⁵ Great peace have those who love your law,
    and nothing can make them stumble.
¹⁶⁶ I wait for your salvation, Lord,
    and I follow your commands.
¹⁶⁷ I obey your statutes,
    for I love them greatly.
¹⁶⁸ I obey your precepts and your statutes,
    for all my ways are known to you.

And from the Gospel according to Mark, chapter nine, verses 38 to 40:

³⁸ “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

³⁹ “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, ⁴⁰ for whoever is not against us is for us. ⁴¹ Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.

And may God add his blessing to these readings from His holy word.

Let us come again before God in prayer.

We give thanks this week for all those you have called to serve your church.  To the parish workers, Missionaries, Deacons, Readers, Ministers, Priests and lay members, regardless of their denomination.  Bless the work they undertake, and help us to recognise that anyone who works in your name is not against you. 

And as our Ministers gather in Edinburgh for the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, bless the Church as it struggles with all the conflicting cries upon it and within it. Ease its tensions. Calm its fears. Give it strength. Bring reconciliation where personalities argue and differences of opinion distract it from its purpose of showing Your grace to the world. Help it to find true unity in Christ and, where there is division bring healing and the ability to live in Christ’s love in harmony with those who hold alternative views.

May the Church be truly the Body of Christ, continuing to hold his love and forgiveness out to a world desperately in need of them.

Lord, we pray for those in the community around us who may not realise this church exists not just for those in the congregation, but for everyone that is in the parish.  Bless those who live around us, those who work in offices or shops, or those who have their own reasons for visiting this place of pilgrimage.  May this place be truly somewhere they may receive comfort.

Lord, look after those in our communities who suffer illness, whether they are in hospital, or bearing up at home.  Support those who care for the sick and frail in our communities and bring comfort and strength to all who are affected by illness.

We remember those who at some times feel

detached from you at this moment. Those who feel that
you may not be present in their daily lives, or find it difficult to
turn their thoughts towards to you. We pray that they are able to once
again experience your ever present and glorifying nature and realise
that you had never left them, but were always there waiting.

We remember today the families in Oklahoma affected by the Monday’s tornado, and also those affected by the cyclone in southeast Asia. Bring comfort to those who have lost loved ones, and give strength to those involved in the rescue operation. 

And as we are here gathered, Lord, we pause together in silence to reflect on the troubles laid heavy on our hearts and known unto you. 

Paws

Heavenly Father, help us to remember, that, even in our darkest times, of worry, doubt and pain, you are there for us, and you are accompanying us at all times along life’s journey. 

These and all our prayers are offered in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, who taught us when we pray to say :

Our Father, who art in heaven,           hallowed by thy name;            thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;          on earth as it is in heaven.      Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,        as we forgive our debtors.      And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.            For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,             for ever.          Amen.

I was given this prayer card at the Heart and Soul event and asked to pass it on....

May God watch over you
and be your shade and shelter
so that the sun may not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.

May God guard you from all harm
and watch over you
all the dayys of your life
both now and forever more
amen. 

Fifty Acts 40. Heart and Soul

Apparently we are all falling out.  Apparently we are a church divided.  Well it wasn't in evidence on Sunday at Heart and Soul.

This being the third time the Kirk has run an event on the General assembly Sunday, Mrs G and I were prepared.  First off to the HIV/Aids programme for a soup lunch.  We had our sandwiches by the Ross Fountain, a very nice bit of cake from Dunfermline Abbey, then of to Church and Society for a brew and Bun.  We declined fudge and cheese from the Orkney stall.  On top of all this, we went out for dinner afterwards.  On Monday I dieted...

After seeing some wonderful presentations from gathered congregations and organisations, and getting to catch up with ministers and kirk members that we have crossed paths with, we hardly had time to walk the length of the event and back before the final act of worship.  At one point we had four bloggers blethering in a circle when a fifth walked by - perhaps there needs to be a bloggers tent.  There really was a lot crammed into the park, including a couple of penguins....

The final act of worship takes place on the Ross Bandstand.  It's a big, public act of worship that is popen to all, and is visible to all in Edinburgh, from the Castle to Primark.  We are a big Kirk, and it's good that a large representative body of ministers and members can gather and show that we have more in common than we have differences.  I'm glad this appears to have become a permanent fixture on the kirk calendar. 

Fifty Acts 39. OK I suppose

Sunday saw me following Mrs G again for a bit of probation research.  I've not got a lot to add to what she said.  It was just not really me.  It was a pleasant enough looking church, but with the regular minister being absent, that does make the dynamic of the congregation somewhat different, so perhaps this one is worth a re-visit. 

How's my Protesting?

 

After escaping from New College and meeting Nik for a brew, I returned.  The protest fnished at 2pm, but I still couldn't get into the public gallery.  I had a good blether with a few delegates and stewards.  

Someone took exception to someoe else having a crafty fag, so  when they weren't looking, a no-smoking sign appeared where the smoker once stood.  To some, gay clergy was not the only burning issue today.  Burning tobacco was also a cause for passive conflict.

I was sitting in New college, watching the webcast of the procedings, with one of the current crop of candidates.  It was odd, but I'd went past the lockers, and I saw theirs empty, with their lock removed.  That's when it hit me.  Someone that I've always known at New College has now finished their exams, and are now off to probation.  It makes this a bit more real when you actually know someone starting probation!  So good luck to them, wherever they may roam.

Live blogging from the GA

OK, so I tried to get in, but the visitor passes were sold out.  Instead I’m people watching around New college.  There’s a few protesters outside, looking as if they are all from one church, with a couple of more hardy souls having a go at the door steward.  The door steward seems entirely unconcerned.  

 

One of the journalists is rehearsing her lines on the stairs up to the GA hall, a cameraman is fiddling with his equipment below her.  Now she has walked past the camera and is reciting lines off to a non existent viewer.  John Knox is viewing something over on the other side.

The protesters have appeared to be the lunchtime shift only.  They were gone at 2pm.

 

I’ve overheard two ministers.  “There was a free lunch at the Free Kirk.  But I found myself in the middle of a “Forward Together” meeting so I went for a smoke!”

Some of the students appeared pre-exam.  one or two were in the sanctuary of the library.  There's more dog collars round here than Battersea Dogs Home.

A couple of journalists were discussing the method of voting.

Now I've escaped to the national Library.  More may follow...

General Assembly

Have a nice day...

Fifty Acts 38. Research (Part One)

Ditto

I wasn't that keen either.  Nice stained glass though.)

Fifty Acts 37. A Look Behind 3:16

I've been to the Salvation Army's 3:16 cafe in Perth on a number of occasions, but I've never worshipped with them until yesterday.  Now Mrs G is off placement, she was able to come along for the ride.

The building is fairly modern, sitting to the back of the cafe and shop.  We had a warm welcome at the door and were taken through to a bright and airy sanctuary.  It wasn't the largest of congregations, although it was the bank holiday weekend. They were certainly welcoming and genuinely friendly.

The service was a good mix of old and new tunes, some new to us, some favourites, and one in particular that has a "special" significance for Mrs G and I.  The preacher spoke with a consistent theme throughout the service and sermon and was genuinely enthused by her subject of "When Worlds Collide*" about the coming together of Heaven and Earth based on Acts 1:1-8

Of particular note was the use of hymns within a prayer setting as a mens to establish a mood.  As with so many things, it's something that depends on the congregation.  The same with the open prayer section.  Open prayer is good for some groups, preferably small ones.  In a large group, you may not be able to hear what someone is saying, and it could be distracting.

My only criticism, and I would level this at many congregations that I've visited, is that your website should list the times of your regular meetings.  Not everywhere meets at 11am on a Sunday.

In speaking to people after the service, it was noted that congregations are getting smaller, and there are not as many people coming through to leadership roles.  Nothing different from the CofS then.  But what is clear about the Salvation Army is that they have a strong brand, and it is the place where people come to in an emergency.  There's a lot to be learned from the Salvation Army about doing God's work on earth.

And I'msure Mrs G will be along soon with her thoughts...

* When Worlds Collide, is also a 1951 sci-fi film about the end of the world through a rogue star passing through the galaxy and hitting the earth.  It considers the collapse of society at the end of the world, and the saving of a select group of people.  There's a sermon in there somewhere...

Essays and Original Thought

Last essay of the year is in progress.  The question is about Paul's theology of the cross and resurrection.  So there's plenty of genuine theologians have thought about this before me, so it's unlikely I'm going to say anything new.  And even if I did, I'm not going to be able to give a cite for my outstanding bit of theological creativity.

This year I studied Mark's gospel, Sacramental Theology, Exodus and New Testament Theology.  When I was enquiring, I did the early Church, more to prove to myself that I had it in me to do a bit of study.  Seeing the learning alongside the placement felt good, and the two seemed to compliment each other.  This year has been a bit too accademic, with not much practical training.  So in that, the study has felt like a bit of a slog, a bit of an imposition without any benefit.  I've nothing against my tutors and the university, and i have learned a lot, but I've been missing the placement side of things.  The few weekends pulpit supply I've done have served to re-focus me and remind me why I'm doing this.  And it's been the pastoral, not the preaching that has done that.

So I'm hoping that I'm going to be a bit more energised in my studies from September when I get to placement.

Now, to find an original thought about Paul.