Category Archives: Uncategorized

Broken Lives, Healing Stories (Draft 2 – still a beginning)

Posted on September 16, 2013 by 1urcher

Broken Lives, Healing Stories: Encounters with Bible in Urban Situations People have asked me where I got my love for reading, and in particular wrestling with the Scriptures from. Often the question is asked because of the working class background … Continue reading →

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Broken Lives, Healing Stories

Posted on September 16, 2013 by 1urcher

This is a beginning, very tentative. Comments are very welcome. It will be turned into a bigger manuscript…..possibly book…. So over to you. People have asked me where I got my love for reading, and in particular wrestling with the … Continue reading →

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Hope is not a dangerous thing

Posted on August 24, 2013 by 1urcher

“Let me tell you something my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.” Red to Andy in the classic (I think) film The Shawshank Redemption. The clip can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDGNsbLayJw Since my sabbatical … Continue reading →

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Sabbatical Musings 9: Stories that shape us

Posted on August 20, 2013 by 1urcher

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

Posted on August 17, 2013 by 1urcher

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

Posted on August 17, 2013 by 1urcher

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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Sabbatical Musings 6: Where do we find beauty?

Posted on August 14, 2013 by 1urcher

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

Posted on August 14, 2013 by 1urcher

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

Posted on August 14, 2013 by 1urcher

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

Posted on August 13, 2013 by 1urcher

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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