Category Archives: Uncategorized

Starting out I was a rubbish evangelist

As I said yesterday, I spent two years with the London City Mission Voluntary Evangelism Scheme (1986-1988). I have to say I was a rubbish evangelist. I was by disposition so introverted I would jump at a brown paper bag … Continue reading

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1986 and all that

It was sometime in August 1986 that I got the coach from Sheffield Bus Station to London Victoria. I was going to London for 3 weeks to be a summer evangelist with the London City Mission. I was met at … Continue reading

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I still lament: one week on

I decided I wanted to Remain. More people it seems wanted to Leave. I accept that I am democratically defeated at the ballot box. If you are with the centre-left politically, it is not an unusual experience. I do not … Continue reading

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A question of belonging

I am voting Remain. I don’t claim to be anymore patriotic than someone who is voting differently to me. In truth, this Referendum, which I regard as needless, has highlighted tensions in our nation that will take some time to … Continue reading

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Words are not isolated

When I was writing about childlessness many years ago now, I said the words to describe those who were involuntarily childless were always entirely negative: childless, infertile, impotent. Such words defined someone by what they are not. Words have in … Continue reading

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Faith Pictures…. Give it a whirl

When I was a child, even growing up within a bog standard Parish Church in Sheffield (if there is such a thing), I was used to people from time to time confidently (in an Anglican sort of way :-)) asserting … Continue reading

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Godparents: in praise of them

I sort of had godparents. That is to say I was baptised by a nurse. Anyone can baptise. You do not need to be ordained. I was then welcomed according to my baby book, which was amongst my mum’s things, … Continue reading

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24 hours in Nant Gwrtheyrn

The Bishop of Bangor regularly gathers Ministry Area (MA) Leaders from across the Diocese of Bangor to confer, consult, laugh and learn together. I have just returned (9 June) from one such 24 hour event. They usually take place in Nant … Continue reading

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I will vote Remain

I could begin by bellyaching about the fact that I think this Referendum should not be called. That it has been because of the need for the leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party to appease his own troops. That … Continue reading

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Facing up to reality: beginning mission the long way round

  I have in the course of my ministry a number of hard conversations. Sometimes they are in surprising places. The best of them are completely unexpected. Yesterday afternoon, I was talking with someone who does not now attend church … Continue reading

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