i-church

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood in the Church of England. Women now serve at every level of ordained ministry except Archbishop! 25th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood Maybe today is the day to read my recent birthday present - Arc...

Very sorry to hear of this tragedy, Joe,

I think it depends on local custom and practice, especially in the UK. I went to a Catholic retreat centre for a guided Ignatian retreat, and the introductory leaflet stated that non-Catholics should request a blessing at the Eucharist. It was explained to us that this was in keeping with the rules ...

When I first joined a church, there was a very active 'Area Council of Churches' (which became 'Churches Together' in due course) and I attended lots of joint events. However, I couldn't but notice that it was the same few people from each church who ran and attended the events. I did particularly e...

Speaking of 'ases' - I find there's a lot to think about in 'Love your neighbour as yourself', too.

I remember schools programmes being broadcast in the middle of the night and videoed, the school video machine needing to be set up in advance by the one teacher who could deal with the modern technology! When I was teaching at secondary school, we had a parents' evening when the affair between Deid...

I literally did hind behind the sofa when the Daleks were on Dr Who - I was terrified of them!

In the UK it's a different landscape from when I, and my children, grew up. Going on holiday with grandchildren has opened my eyes to a huge range of programmes available on separate digital channels, rather than the small amount of time allocated to 'children's television' on the main channels back...

I think the default in most places is for the area dean to function as 'vicar' for things that can't be deferred. Do you have someone you can consult for support if any difficulties arise in your ministry? (Eg a warden of Readers or something like that). That, to me, seems more important than someon...

@Joe - I have seen interim positions advertised in the C of E, but not that many. Occasionally a curate in the diocese who's near the end of training may be brought in as an interim, but I think this is usually only if a church is having problems operating during a vacancy. @Ernie - I think some bis...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szv98HALPF0 Be not afraid, I bring you good news. The Savior is coming in glory to you. He shall be called "God Holy One." Will you be ready? Will you be ready? Will you be ready for Him when He comes? Light the candle, Jesus is coming. Open your hearts, prepare ye th...

Isaiah 9,.2 - 6-7

From discoveringprayer.com - 25 Tips for a Calmer Christmas.

Includes

Planning Christmas: uncover the hidden meaning
Mindful Christmas cards
Gift giving at Christmas: presents or presence?
Lighten the load at Christmas: for a greater sense of calm
During Christmas time: share the joy

Lovely arrangement of Mary, Did You Know? by Pentatonix

Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. There is a yearning for deliverance from the evils of the world, first expressed by Israelite slaves in Egypt as they cried out from their bitter oppression. It is the cry of those who have experienced the tyr...

Giving thanks for Father Thomas Keating, and all teachers of prayer and spirituality.

Thank you, Caroline - I can confirm this works like magic!

Today is All Souls' Day, when we remember, and pray for, the departed. This blog , from the iBenedictines website, explains what All Souls Day means. And this beautiful song, I Find Your Love in Everything, by Beth Nielsen Chapman, explores the experience of bereavement in an optimistic way. https:/...

I love theology! Which, in its simplest form, is studying God in whatever context we see him. Like you, Ernest, I thoroughly enjoyed ministerial training which brought me into contact with formal theology. There are numerous resources online now - one of my favourites for preaching is The Text This ...

It turns out my husband knew one of the victims, who was the widow of one if his colleagues.

Prayers for all affected.

I took over temporarily as the manager of a multi-faith prison chaplaincy before I was ordained. This gave me the opportunity to connect with members of different faith groups and their visiting ministers, and it's the best way to find out about how non-Christian faiths are practised that I've ever ...