Category Archives: Uncategorized

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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sabbatical musings 4: Bible Conversation 1

Posted on August 10, 2013 by 1urcher

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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sabbatical musings 3: a taste of new wine

Posted on August 10, 2013 by 1urcher

I returned yesterday from New Wine – North and East, where I had a fantastic week with my son. Why was it fantastic? Son had a wonderful time in Boulder Gang, the children’s stream he is in, and the leaders … Continue reading →

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sabbatical musings 2: half a pace slower

Posted on July 24, 2013 by 1urcher

When I was in the Scouts, I played the drums in the band. I was good enough to play on the annual whitwalk and for the district St George’s Parade. Good enough, but not brilliant. What myself and another scout … Continue reading →

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Sabbatical Musings 1

Posted on July 15, 2013 by 1urcher

I spent last week in silence. Silence is uncomfortable, challenging and beautiful. I was at Lee Abbey in Devon. If you do not know it, it is a thin place. It is a place of extraordinary natural beauty. Whilst there … Continue reading →

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