'Real Lives' - Weekly Reflection 28th September 2025

I had a couple of friends who made the trip to Twickenham yesterday which must have been an incredible experience. It was exciting enough watching the match on TV.

In case this has somehow passed you by I am referring to the ‘Red Roses’, England Women’s Rugby Team winning the world cup playing against Canada.

I know some old die hards who will still say that it is proper Rugby, which of course is total nonsense, its simply a different type of Rugby, but its Rugby none the less with athletes at the top of their sport.  With 81,885 in attendance at the game and over 4million watching on BBC I think it is safe to say that this is being taken very seriously and in certainly not a novelty or a sideshow.

However, delighted as I was to watch England win I want to reflect on another game, a football match painted by L.S. Lowry in 1953 of fans arriving at Bolton Wanderers game at their old ground of Burden Park.  Lowry painted several sports related pieces, but this is the best recognised.  

We saw the painting at the Lowry Gallery on Thursday last. A beautiful iconic building situated in the former dock land of Salford, Manchester. What is also special about this piece is that it has been set up to offer you a fully immersive 360 experience.  During the experience the narrative draws attention to the figures. Initially if you simply look at the painting it might appear that what you are seeing is the same ‘matchstick’ figures only dressed slightly differently. However, you are invited to notice a couple walking hand in hand. A small crowd gathered around a man who seems to be speaking, perhaps preaching. In other words, individuals each with their own story, each with their own life, hope, dreams and aspirations.

Some months ago, I was invited to write a piece on how I came to live in Rugby in 3,000 words. This was for a project by the Rugby Café Writers. They invited 17 people to tell their story of how they had come to live in Rugby.  The idea came about by recognising everyone has a story, even the most ‘ordinary’ things that happen every day. Amongst their immediate fascination they also offer a historical record. The book is Real Lives – Everyone has a story to tell. My story is called, From Rochdale to Rugby.’  *

And given my age, being invited to write up my story, and then making a trip to Manchester to see the Lowry exhibition all came together to make me curious to know more about my early childhood. While staying in Manchester we called off to visit my older brother who was able to help fill in some blanks and unclear recollections. Plus we did drive around ‘old haunts’ and I took the opportunity to lay flowers at both mum and dad’s graves.

Those who know me will be aware that I am fond of remembering Saints and notable Christians from the past, especially when they have a dedicated day on which we are invited to remember them.  For me this serves as a reminder that we are part of a greater narrative. That there have been others who sought to faithfully follow Jesus in their own day with all it challenges. They have a story to tell.

And despite the occasional very questionable behaviour we know that they succeeded in passing on the Faith – otherwise we would not have had an opportunity to embrace the Faith ourselves.  

On Friday 26^th we remembered the Founder of the Church Army in 1982. I love the way a colleague put it on a FB posting and I can do no better than offer you his own words.

On this day 83 years ago, a guy died who most of us have never heard of. He struggled at school, failed at business, had a breakdown, suffered from depression and yet has transformed the lives of thousands.

Wilson Carlile had profound back issues and so struggled through school. In spite of this, he became a highly successful businessman. But the stock market led to the complete failure of his business, leaving him depressed and broken. For years his aunt had been writing him letters telling him of his need for Jesus, only now did he listen, finding faith.

He was later ordained but quickly became frustrated with how little the church was doing for the poor. He began outdoor preaching in order to reach those who would never come to church. This led to work in the slums and eventually the formation of Church Army UK & Ireland, in a way the Anglican equivalent of the Salvation Army. The Church Army still works with the most vulnerable and neglected in society and their mission statement still speaks of 'enabling everyone to encounter God's love and empowering them to transform their communities through faith shared in words and actions.'

I love the words on his plaque in St Paul's Cathedral 'A man greatly beloved who loved and served all – especially those thought most unlovable. “GO AFTER THAT WHICH IS LOST"' (The plaque has the caps!)

If God can do so much through one man's life against all the odds, what can he do in your life?

If God can do so much through the initially rejected letters of an aunt, who is God prompting me to share my faith with? I might even need to start writing letters!

A few things to consider as we step into the new week…

What might you like your epitaph to say?

Have you ever tried to write your story, especially how you came to embrace the Christian Faith?

Can we be curious (not nosey!) about people’s life stories and invite them to share something of their story with us.

Have a quick scan though the Scriptures and notice just how many names there are, why do you think that is?

And perhaps take note of any ‘Saint’ or notable Christians we are invited to remember and learn a little more of their story.

And finally we are very much living in the age of the individual and a good antodote is to remember  that 'I am because we are.'   Our stories are always part of a rich tapestry of other people stories and their interaction, reaction and responses. 

Have a good week. 

 

 * Real Lives is availble to purchase -  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FQ2MYQC4

   

 

 

 

 

'Sticky Labels' - Weekly Reflection 21st September 2025

How good are you at starting a conversation, do have a regular ‘go to’ phrase? This was the question posited by a Radio programme I was listening to last week. People were invited to offer their conversation starters. There were some very intriguing ideas and several that were very puzzling. One British standard ‘go to’ is the weather, probably because we have so much of it!  Another suggestion was about musical taste, what people like. Another standard one that is still used regularly on Game Shows and the like is the question, where do you come from and what do you do.’

I remember a Vicar friend of mine who if ever he was asked ‘what did he do’ by way asking what job he did, would answer by saying he did all sorts of things. Even as a Vicar he refused to be defined by his employment. (Although strictly speaking Vicars are not employed, they are given a ‘stipend’ so that they do not have to work in the way we most often use and know that term.)

This Monday, 22nd September it is the Feast Day St Matthew. 

We read of his calling in Matthew 9.9

^‘As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.

With all the current toxicity around currently could this verse and the calling of Matthew guide us to have better conversations.

First and most importantly note the order this encounter is recorded.  (Without concerning ourselves overmuch as to the exact Greek construct of the sentence.)

Jesus first saw a man - a man named Matthew.

Then we are told that he was a tax collector.

It’s a very simple observation and yet powerfully profound and raises an interesting question for us. A person, a named person, then their employment.

When we see someone in person or even on TV what is our first reaction, how do we see them, what do we see?

A dangerous egotistical President of the United Sates.  A bullying tyrant wanting to annex Ukraine. Or maybe a President who appears to want to utterly destroy a people’s group, the Palestinians.

What do we see?

What do we see when we meet a prisoner, especially a sex offender or a murderer?

You get the idea, what do we see when someone is before us in person, or on the TV or even in a conversation being mentioned by name.

First and foremost, Jesus saw a man. Someone made in the image of God, Imago Dei.

I remember some years back meeting someone who polished stones. Not diamonds or rubies, but those stones you find lying around buried in the mud. These stones would be put in a grinding mill with other stones and sand, first quite a coarse sand and then moving on to finer sand. She showed me a stone she had picked up as we were out for a walk. After 24 hours of being in the grinding mill it was remarkable to see the colours that shone out of this now polished stone.

The Imago Dei may be buried deep, under layers of encrusted mud and dirt gathered over years. 

But, unless we believe certain people are utterly irredeemable, then we must at least hold onto the hope that it is there somewhere.

First see the person before we see their personality, their problems, their peculiarities, their profession and their peccadilloes.

It’s a tough call and deeply challenging especially today when there is so much vitriol and bile being spilt across the social media and on our streets.

Today (21^st September) is the United Nations International Peace Day. I used this powerful prayer from resources drawn up for today during our Morning Worship this morning.  

God of all, accept our plea for peace. Too many times, mothers have wept for their sons. Too many times, fathers have wept for their daughters. Too many times, children have wept for their parents. Our world is awash in violence and grief is everywhere. Guns attack children in schools and worshipers in their houses of worship. Everywhere persons perish by their own hands, the hands of another and mercy seems nowhere to be found. When will it end? How will your voice be heard above the crying?

Forgive us for othering and making different those whom you have created beautifully and wonderfully. Forgive us our divisive national identities, ethnic strife, religious opposition and culture wars – for they lead to violence within and between nations. Let us become a part of the solution by promoting critical thinking and providing empathy education. Give us the resolve to speak up for diplomacy and international organizations that foster understanding. Let us be willing to sacrifice wealth to promote economic equity and opportunity. Fill us with tolerance, compassion, and mutual respect on the pathway to peace. Help us to love our enemies and bless those who would persecute us.

Let there be peace on earth. 

Amen.

  

 Make me a channel of your peace....

https://youtu.be/S2R09Kuymd8?si=NH1Mp9I3yubiZHPz

 

  

 

‘Everybody’s Gotta be Somewhere’ - Weekly Reflection 14th September 2025

In Episode 163 of The Goon Show, the highly esteemed BBC radio comedy from the 1950s, Neddy Seagoon happens across the childlike Eccles in a dark, damp, coal cellar. “What are you doing here?”, asks Seagoon. Eccles replies: “Everybody’s gotta be somewhere.”[i]

The Goon Show featured on the periphery of my childhood but for some reason this quote has stuck in my memory. Hence I was delighted when a quick Google search revealed a ‘Reflection’ based around this quote. (Link here Everybody's Gotta be Somewhere - LifePicture)

It’s something about the pure logic of Eccles response that has lived with me. And throughout life I found myself in all sorts of places, and sometimes wishing I wasn’t there, but there I was none the less, because I had to be somewhere.  

I have just read a very harrowing transcript of a telephone conversation with Todd Beamer. Beamer (November 24, 1968 – September 11, 2001) was an American passenger aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked and crashed as part of the September 11 attacks in 2001. He was one of the passengers who attempted to regain control of the aircraft from the hijackers. During the struggle, the Boeing 757 lost control and crashed into a field in Stonycreek Township near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing everyone on board, but saving the hijackers' intended target and potential additional victims.

That is certainly finding yourself somewhere you would rather not be in the ultimate extreme.  

My own experiences of wishing I wasn’t ‘somewhere’ pale into insignificance when compared this.

However, there are times when I ask myself “what am I doing here?”

One of those was on the recent visit to HMP Rye Hill on the 1^st September as part of the ‘visitor party’ for Afternoon Tea with the residents, especially those who rarely get visits.  I was a tad nervous about how this would work out. However, it turned out to be so well organised and such an enjoyable experience. And certainly, from what I heard at the time and the feedback since is that it was also well appreciated and an enjoyable experience for the people in prison.

And another occasion was last week on Tuesday 9^th September when I was with a group of 13 people mainly from St Oswald’s and visiting the Sherborne Recycling Centre in Coventry. (Sherbourne Recycling) Now that may sound like an odd place to visit but it turned out to be so informative and interesting. It is a state-of-the-art facility for recycling that has been in the planning and development since 2016 and was finally fully opened in 2025. Part of the facility is a visitors’ centre, and they welcome all community groups as part of their drive to reduce waste and involve everyone in the process of recycling. 

This morning at St Oswald’s we continued our exploration of Acts and today we reflected on Acts 16.16-34.  This this story of Paul and Silas being imprisoned while in Phillipi. And worth noting that this wasn’t where they thought they were going to be, see Acts 16.6ff, but here they were because everybody has to be somewhere. The story continues and we find Paul and Silas, beaten and thrown in prison. I am sure it was somewhere they didn’t want to be but look at their response.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16.25

And Paul was to write in his letter to the Christians in Rome, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8.28.

Recall the beautiful story of Esther and when Mordica speaks to Esther about her needing to approach the king despite the danger, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4.14

Consider the story of Joseph having been sold into slavery and now being reconciled to his brothers says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Exodus 50.20

‘What am I doing here’ is a good question to ask as we step out into the week ahead.

Then asking, am I here for such a time as this, to offer something unique, that might be like Paul and Silas singing God’s praises in the direst of circumstances witnessing to God’s presence, power and authority. Or am I here to learn something, a life lesson or something in my onward journey as a disciple of Jesus.

Michel Quoist in his book, ‘The Making a Man of God’ (about King David) wrote,

“You are a unique and irreplaceable actor in the drama of human history, and Jesus Christ has need of you to make known his salvific work present in this particular place, at this particular time.”

“Everybody’s gotta be somewhere” – so, let’s endeavour to be where God wants us to be!  

 

[i] The Goon Show Site – Script – The Last Goon Show of All (Special Episode)

'A Balanced Diet' - Weekly Reflection 7th September 2025

 We have a fridge magnet that says, ‘A well balanced diet is a biscuit in each hand.’

However, I want to invite us to reflect on not what goes in our mouths, but what goes into us through our eyes and ears.

Two Scripture verses come immediately to mind when I think about this.

The first is a very familiar passage from Romans 12.2, which the J.B. Philipps translation renders as, ‘Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.’

And then from Philippians 4.8 ^‘Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.’

I am avid news watcher, and I also listen regularly to BBC’s ‘Newscasts’ as well as podcasts, ‘The Rest is Politics' with Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart and ‘The Rest is Politics USA.’  

However, on Saturday mornings if I am out for a run as I was last Saturday, I like to listen to Radio Two (not my usual station to listen to). 

Last Saturday I was being entertained by Romesh Ranganathan and Sara Cox, or as they jokingly designated themselves, ‘RomRa.’ This was all based around ‘Radio 2 in the Park’ being held over this weekend in Chelmsford.

They were joined by Ellie Taylor who was to open the Party in the Park with an air horn that was malfunctioning. However, there was a considerable delay in the gates opening and so ‘RomRa’ had to fill in and ad-lib. They were also joined by veteran DJ Tony Blackburn.

What I found wonderfully refreshing was all the banter, the joking, the public joining in with various messages, and with Ellie talking to people at the Party who were enjoying the fine weather and looking forward to the line up of artist.

This, for me, was getting the ‘other biscuit.’  This was getting a balanced diet.

Doom scrolling is a real thing and is adversely affecting a lot of people and having a damaging effect upon their mental health. Just check that out online and you will see a number of reports discussing the very harmful effects this can have on us. One Report from the Harvard School of Medicine offers this advice, ‘While keeping abreast of current events is essential, doomscrolling provides no extra benefits. "We need to stay informed, but not at the expense of our mental health," Dr. Nerurkar says. "And cutting back is not about abstinence; it's about decreasing reliance."

In the Practising the Way Course (Practicing the Way) and on the sessions about Solitude this question is asked, ‘what is the first thing that enters your eye and your ear gates as you wake up in the morning?’  

Is it a clock radio that is set to a programme where you will hear the news. Or will you sleepily reach for your phone and start checking it for messages and maybe begin to slip over into doomscrolling.

"Prayer should be the gate of the morning and the bolt of the evening" is a quote from Mahatma Gandhi.

That is very sound advice for followers of Jesus and as people of prayer.

Before we listen to the radio or look at our phones, let us check in with God through prayer, maybe even taking time with a cup of coffee or tea. Putting God first and setting God there as a marker for your day, or perhaps better put, the day you and God are going to have together!  And then check in regularly during the day and of course, as you lay down to sleep.

May we live in the reality of this song….

‘From the moment that I wake up until I lay my head I will sing of the goodness of God.’

https://youtu.be/ZvXEPKR_D8U?si=W0ehW1oByIXQpIcR