Author Archives: 1urcher

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About 1urcher

Erratic Vicar

worship, discipleship and summer camps

My son had a brilliant time at the Scripture Union Camp he attended last week. I think he had a fabulous week at New Wine in Newark the week before when we camped together. Both events had teams of committed … Continue reading

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Sabbatical Musings 9: Stories that shape us

In the past couple of days, I have watched two films. A Song for Marion and Grow Your Own. They were both moving. I think they were well acted. One is about coming to terms with loss, and the other … Continue reading

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Sabbatical Musings 8: Chaos in the midst of sanitised order

I have always had a thing about chaos. I am not a good person to be with if you want life compartmentalised or indeed if you need things tidy. I do not necessarily think that this is a problem. Some … Continue reading

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Sabbatical Musings 7: Orienteering around the Bible

I referred recently to the fact that the Bible should not be seen as some sort of divine satnav, but rather as a means of orientating one’s life. This is a big claim for a multitude of reasons. Many Christians do … Continue reading

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allotment days

I am about to go to the allotment. I know this is not earth shattering news. It is damp in Brum, and there are no doubts that I will interrupt a slug fest There is little doubt that food tastes … Continue reading

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Sabbatical Musings 6: Where do we find beauty?

I am an urbanite. I have lived in the following places: Sheffield, London (Bermondsey, then Earlsfield), Newcastle, Gateshead, Manchester, London (North Kensington, Pinner, Shepherd’s Bush), Cheltenham, Birmingham, Gloucester, Maryport and Birmingham. Apart from Maryport, which was still urban, all have … Continue reading

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Sabbatical Musings: Sanitising God

It has been a privilege to listen to Radio 4 this week after The World at One (1:45pm), where for 15 minutes there has been an examination of one of the prophets. Monday was Jonah, Tuesday Isaiah and today (Wednesday … Continue reading

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sabbatical musings 5: purpose of the bible

David Cameron has hit the headlines once more: the Bible, he says, is a pretty useful ‘handbook for life’. This has caused some consternation to commentators, whether they have a faith or not. Such a reaction is probably heightened in … Continue reading

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sabbatical musings: the holy art of listening

Sabbaticals are a courageous act of generosity on the part of the giver, in my case the Diocese of Birmingham, and my bishop. Sabbaticals for the recipient are therefore gracious space to meet with God, others, and to be rediscover … Continue reading

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sabbatical musings 4: Bible Conversation 1

I made it one of my goals during my sabbatical to spend some time looking at how the Bible is (or could be) used in our urban communities: sites.google.com/site/stmichaelbartleygreen/calendar/what-s-on/revddrkevinellissabbatical I thought it might be good to reflect on what I … Continue reading

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