Eternal Echoes

God of surprises...

I have spent the day working with Trinity Life Church in Royston, teaching about the New Age Culture, Post Modernity, and how to communicate effectively with spiritual seekers.

The main emphasis of Journey Into Wholeness ministries is to place stalls into Mind Body Spirit Exhibitions. More information here - follow the beyond the fringe link. As a part of this training we look at various resources that can be used on the stalls. One of these resources is a set of Scripture cards- shown on this photo:

As I demonstrated the way in which some folk pick their card, simply by allowing the "spirit" to guide them I assured the participants that this was OK , and that God worked in unusual and mysterious ways.

I dropped my hand onto a card, opened my eyes and had to smile- God had led me to a card which read- "I will restore the years the locust has eaten!" (Joel 2:25). Well if ever I needed a word from God it was this one, my journey towards ordained ministry has not been easy, during the last 5 years we have lost both home (owned ) and savings, partly to be sure through bad decision making, but mostly through difficult circumstances. There are times when I have questioned God deeply about what is going on. Today I did not receive and answer, but a promise- and right now that is enough!

If I expect God to speak to folk coming to our stalls, if I expect words of knowledge and prophecy to be given, then why not to me? There were other instances today of words being received by folk, and encouragement gained, and once again I am assured that God cares, and works amongst us. I knew that, but sometimes the knowing is hard.... and sometimes I think that God smiles....

You make my day award

I have just found that Susan over at Celadon pool has awarded me this:

Thank you Susan, it made me smile:

Now to award 10 more people:

Lorna

Songbird

Kievas

Cathy

Matt

Deb

Laura

Pam

Dave

and Dave

...a diverse group of blogs, well worth reading.

Friday Five: Read any good books lately?

RevHRod at Revgals; says; The website promoting this piece of art says, "For the first time, the worlds most influential religious texts are brought together and presented on the same level, their coexistence acknowledged and celebrated”. The shelf is made of reclaimed wood that contains seven religious books. The designers have put them – literally – on the same level.

Well, pish posh! I think that some books ARE better than others! How about you?

1.. Which book have you read in the last six months that has really stayed with you? Why?

The book that has had the most influence on me over the last six months (other than the Bible) has been John Swinton's Raging with compassion, his fresh look at Theodicy challenges us beyond easy and pat answers to engage with the difficult questions life sometimes throws at us.

    2.What is one of your favourite childhood books?

I had a book of Grimm's fairy tales, it was beautifully illustrated, and I found the stories to be timeless and magical, another favourite was Alice in Wonderland ( notice an escapist theme here?).

     3.Do you have a favourite book of the Bible? Do tell!

Yes I do, two in fact, I love Isaiah and John's Gospel- both paint vast pictures and I guess this plays in with the fact that I am a big picture person, I struggle with small details. I also love these books for their mystical almost unfinished qualities- they point to a deeper understanding without unfolding every detail. Having said that I have also grown to love the raw reality of the Psalms, particularly the Psalms of lament.

      4.What is one book you could read again and again?

The Bible..... , but also poetry is something I go back to again and again, I love the poetry of R.S Thomas,  also thanks to Mike of Emily Dickinson, and the prayers and poetry of Nicola Slee- in her books Praying like a Woman and The Book of Mary.

       5.Is there a book you would suggest for Lenten reading? What is it and why?

Yes ; Miroslav Volf's- Free of Charge- it is a challenge to embrace the grace of God and to live in the light of that grace. It's emphasis on giving and forgiving is central , shared through in depth theological reflection and personal stories this book is compelling but best taken in a chapter or two at a time- ideal for a discussion group!

And because we all love bonus questions, if you were going to publish a book what would it be? Who would you want to write the jacket cover blurb expounding on your talent?

My book would be an eclectic collection of meditations, poems, and reflections. I think that the title might be "Emerging Feminist- Not lost but found",  and the blurb would say something like "One woman's quest to find her voice in a journey from Conservative Evangelicalism to a more open place of faith...."

Actually this may well be a work in progress and with that in mind I have started a new blog here- there will be a lot of cross posting but it is a place to collect my thoughts and reflections on feminist issues.

The Guardian on the Covenant Service

In praise of ... the covenant service

Leader
Monday January 14, 2008
The Guardian

Hymns rich in workaday yet powerful images are usually ranked as Methodism's main contribution to literature, but yesterday witnessed another example of this small but hugely influential church's power of inspirational writing. Many Methodists across the country celebrated their annual covenant service, a renewal of faith comparable to new year resolutions, but one that impressively emphasises the importance of doing as much as believing.

more here.

...ain't I a woman?.....

I have spent much of the day researching feminist readings and exegesis of John 4- the account of Jesus meeting with the Samaritan woman.  So often she is instantly demonised by her marital status ( or lack of it) and we are guilty of allowing this demonisation to continue, Jesus makes no judgement, after simply revealing to her that he knew her through and through the conversation entered a completely different sphere.

Well versed in Samaritan theology she questions Jesus about the place of true worship, these questions from a Samaritan woman to a Jewish man are bold , and yet she clearly expects an answer, which is what she gets.

Jesus had approached her, declaring his need for physical refreshment, she in turn voices a need for spiritual refreshment, and in the end both of them are satisfied. Through her questioning she finds truth, and that truth in turn lends power to her voice as she speeds back to her community, a community that has shunned her, with the Good News.

The disciples are shocked to find Jesus speaking to this woman, I wonder if they were more shocked at Jesus willingness to let her become his spokesperson, an evangelist to Samaria?

As I have been reading about this woman I am struck by the compromise I often make when speaking- because my speech is often emotionally charged and may be seen as irrational I find it necessary to censor myself, there are bits of me that remain silent for fear of rejection. To be feminine is often portrayed as a weakness, and yet it is so often suffused with emotional depth and strength.

Sojourner Truth knew about the depths of strength that were required in claiming and owning her own voice. Torn from her mothers arms and sold on the auction block aged nine she turned to the God her mother had told her about. Believing that prayer should be voiced aloud she built a wall of twigs to pray behind. Her relationship with God strengthened as she spoke to God and God honoured her prayers by speaking back to her.

Her given name had been Isabella, she claimed her new name as she spoke again with the God in whom she found her strength. Her now famous speech:

"That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud puddles, or gives me any best place, and ain't I a woman? ... I have ploughed, and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me -- and ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man (when I could get it), and bear the lash as well -- and ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children and seen most all sold off to slavery and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me -- and ain't I woman?"

Made to the Ohio Women's right convention showed that she owned both her womanhood and her strength! Sojourner issued a challenge in her day to those opposed to both emancipation of slaves and equality for women. Both she and the Samaritan woman challenge women to own their voices, to speak out their questions and to be whole.

I am aware of my own resistance to owning my whole self, to speaking out my thoughts, perhaps this stems from past experiences of being ( in my opinion) unjustly criticised, perhaps it is because I am still in the process of finding myself beneath layers of religious and cultural expectation. Whatever the problem I pray that the voice I speak with will be shot through with grace and seasoned with salt. For Jesus has heard me, and ain't I a woman?

Come and see... sermon blogging John 1:29-42

Imagine this scenario- you have been very busy, a stream of visitors have just left leaving you with lots of clearing and tidying to do, there is hardly anything in the fridge or the cupboards, and you are tired. You decide that today you are going to rest, tomorrow you will go shopping and do the housework, not today. So you make yourself comfortable and settle down to listen to some relaxing music and to read a book.

An hour later you are disturbed by the door bell, and open the door to find yourself met by huge smiles, your cousins have dropped in for a surprise visit; they have brought their teenage children with them. How do you respond? How do you feel? How are you going to offer them the hospitality they are seeking? Are you able to say come in, take me as I am?

I guess to a certain extent this depends on the type of person you are, but I suspect that none of us would turn them away. The challenge they are presenting us with is one of hospitality, and how we might offer it....

Radical hospitality is something Jesus practised, this story is a true story from an American Pastor:

I was leaving church one evening as the Alcoholic Anonymous meeting was about to adjourn. I noticed a man crouched over the hood of a rusty Ford and introduced myself as one of the pastors. He sighed and told me how long he had intended to "get back to church." I invited him to worship. His face flushed and he launched into the story of his life. It was the familiar string of regrets and loss that accompany addiction. We shared a prayer and said, "Good night." As I was walking to my car, he called after me with urgency. "Did you mean what you said?" "About what?" I asked, "Did you mean that 1 could come to this church?" Driving home, it occurred to me that he had told me his life’s story as a response to my invitation. It was his polite way of explaining why he couldn't take me up on my offer. He felt he wasn’t "clean enough" to be included in our congregation.

I never saw him again. I wish my response to his questions had been more direct. I wish I had simply repeated the words of Christ. I wish I had said, "Come and see."

Come in, take me as I am, if we might struggle to extend such a welcome  to our family who drop by for a surprise visit, how might we welcome people into the church? Do we get dressed up in our Sunday best? Can we respond with Jesus words to those who followed him..."Come and see?

Jesus invitation to follow him, to come and see turned out to be a hallmark of his ministry as he welcomed prostitutes and tax collectors, touched lepers and even dead bodies for the hospitality of Jesus was controversial. He chafed against the limits of social propriety his hospitality knew no limit. It was not just indiscriminate: it was promiscuous He received Pharisees and sinners alike, and often his sharpest criticism was reserved for the former!

His welcome was gracious, he shared words and relationship, for he had nothing else to give, fancy meals were provided by others, and yet somehow this guest was the host bringing the love of God to the conversation enfolding his hearers in grace, giving and receiving at the same time.

Come and see....Jesus invitation was  central to the incarnation. Through his promiscuous hospitality, Jesus reenacts the gracious being of’ the Triune God. The Trinity calls into question everything we assumed about the structure of reality. We live not in a world of divisions ruled over by a supreme being, but in a universe tightly bound and called into being by the God who desires intimacy with us. Divine hospitality lies at the heart of creation. It is also the source of our redemption. For we are invited to join the eternal dance a dance that knows no limits as more and more people are welcomed to join, to catch the heartbeat rhythm of life...Come and see....

We do not need to hide behind masks of social niceties, or laden tables, Jesus challenge to us is to open our hearts to him and to others, to respond to his invitation Come and see, and then in turn to extend that invitation.

We live in a world where suspicion of others is almost epidemic, even is apparently quiet Norfolk, in Downham Market the Town Council are working to ensure that teenagers are unwelcome in various areas in the town by fitting mosquito devices. The Church by contrast is trying to create an open door, inviting the young folk in, recognising them as valuable. Our invitation is simple; Come and see....

Come and see... you are welcome, come and see..... by issuing the invitation we create an open door, extend a welcome and provide the possibility of a new relationship, one where we may find ourselves changed by the God who meets us in unexpected people, and finds us in unexpected places.

Come and see...Jesus calls us to follow him....

God uses foolish things- synchroblogging

Foolish:

1. Lacking or exhibiting a lack of good sense or judgement; silly: foolish remarks.
2. Resulting from stupidity or misinformation; unwise: a foolish decision.
3. Arousing laughter; absurd or ridiculous: a foolish grin.
4. Immoderate or stubborn; unreasonable: foolish pride; foolish love.
5. Embarrassed; abashed: I feel foolish telling you this.
6. Insignificant; trivial: spent all their money on foolish little knickknacks.

Not the qualities we would necessarily look for in candidates for leadership positions, but then we are not God! A quick read through the Bible reveals that God often chooses fools to accomplish his purposes, and that in the process those fools find themselves transformed!

Take a look at Peter- qualifications- ability to put his foot in it! Or David- hmmm good decision, adultery and murder.... or Sarah laughing at the absurdity of conception.... or Samson whose pride and foolish choices were ultimately his downfall, and yet still God used him. How about the young and probably uneducated Mary- chosen to be the mother of the Messiah!

Does God smile as true potential is released in us, when from beyond our stumbling inadequacies new strengths are revealed?I hope so, and it is because of this that I know that God can and will use me, despite my failings and my awkwardness....

So here I am , the woman who as a teenage wouldn't say boo to a goose, a trip to the store to buy something terrified me- I hated the thought that I might have to speak to somebody!!!...and God in Her infinite wisdom has called me to preach and teach...you can't get more foolish than that....or can you????

So can a fool be a guide and teacher? Certainly the archetypal fool found in Rider Waite Tarot suggests that he can if we dare to see further than the obvious surface appearance:

                                     

Stepping off the edge of the precipice without a seemingly without a care in the world the fool challenges us to look again! For the staff that carries his bag is the shepherds crook- suggesting that this fool bring spiritual direction to us, could this fool be the good shepherd? The white rose he carries symbolises eternal life, suggesting that there is more to be gained by stepping over the edge than death, and  yet that he is willing to go there for our sake!

Waite himself describes the fool as "a Prince of the other world on his travels through this one". The fool if we dare to truly see him reveals himself as our guide, our universal hero who awakens sleeping beauty from her slumber and invites her into a dance with the divine!

I am told by more than a few folk that my use of Tarot to connect with the New Age/ Spiritual seeking community is foolish but then God uses foolish things and foolish people, dare we take a second look???

Can a man dying on a cross over 2,000 years ago make a difference in my life?

Other synchrobloggers this month include:

Quiet Now, God's Calling by Jenelle D'Alessandro
Phil at Square No More
The Power of Paradox by Julie Clawson
That Darn Ego by Jonathan Brink
Won't Get Fooled Again by Alan Knox
Foolish Heart by Erin Word
A Fool's Choice by Cindy Harvey
Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right... by Mike Bursell
Ship of Fools by David Fisher
Hut Burning for God by Father Gregory
God Used This Fool by Cobus van Wyngaard
Blessed are the foolish -- foolish are the blessed by Steve Hayes
Fool if you think its over Paul Walker
Strength on the Margins by Adam Gonnerman
What a Fool I've Been by Reba
Sonja at Ravine of Light
And Sally at Sally's Journey

Wishing.....

I am sitting and wishing that faith was easy to explain, that I could reduce the gospel to a series of understandable, and acceptable sound-bites, but I cannot! I cannot explain a love so wide and deep that I do not know its' true dimensions. I cannot explain a story so complex that even though I become a character within it I still do not understand it.

I wish I had easy answers, but I don't... and so I take a step of faith, and fall until I am caught in eternal arms....

                                                

What your pizza type reveals about you.....

What Your Pizza Reveals

You eat like a European. A little bit of everything, but too much. You stay svelt through portion control. You aren't particularly picky about pizza. It's so good... how could you be? You fit in best in the Western part of the US. Your taste is rather complex and sophisticated. You consider yourself a gourmet - and a bit of a snob. You are eclectic, stylish, and totally random with your choices. You are definitely unique and artistically inclined. You should consider traveling to Prague. The stereotype that best fits you is freak. Obviously.

What Does Your Pizza Say About You?

The Samaritan woman (Jn4)

You have been called a harlot,

Branded a whore,

And yet deep questions burned

On your lips.

Who were you woman?

.

Thrice an alien, neither

Jew, nor male,

You were called indecent,

And shunned.

Who were you woman?

.

Your given status

Has blinded our eyes to

Your mind.

Did you pray?

Had you waited long

For the Messiah to be revealed?

Who were you woman?

.

You spoke about worship,

And asked about truth.

You were the first one to hear

His words

I AM.

 

Somehow those words

Released you,

And you ran,

Leaving your alienation behind

You carried Good News

To your community.

And we don't even know your name!

Who were you woman?

.

I have long been fascinated by the Samaritan woman, given no name; such a androcentric position keeps women in their place! Jesus considered her worth talking to, and although he showed his prophetic powers through identifying her marital status seemed rather less concerned about it than many contemporary commentators.

Her questions about worship reveal an underlying conviction that place and race are of no consequence, they are questions seeking a liberating answer, and a liberating answer is precisely what she receives!

Her namelessness and alienation should challenge us to hear her story, to question "his-story "and to seek out hers, to hear with fresh ears the questions she has asked, that we might hear the answer, and be liberated again.