Richard's Blog

I think it’s a sign of getting older.  In recent weeks, I’ve enjoyed watching several television programmes that look back on previous years from a social, cultural, political and economic perspective. The programmes are both funny and serious.  As I’ve watched, my memories of those years have been triggered.  And it’s been fun to share these with our family.

In the car yesterday, the song “Walking on the Moon” by The Police came on the airwaves.  It was a real blast from past. As I joined in with Sting as he sang the lyrics and tapped the steering wheel in time with Stuart Copeland’s drum beat, I was transported back in time to 1979 when this song topped the charts. In his autobiography (“Broken Music: A Memoir”) Sting alludes that the song was partially inspired... Continued

A few weeks ago, Professor Richard Dawkins filled the airwaves and then debated Archbishop Rowan Williams at Oxford University, to broadcast the results of his latest scientific research in his continuing mission to remove God from public and private life. 

The articulate Professor, who does raise some pertinent questions, was anxious to tell us that people aren’t as religious as they might claim to be and so really, we ought to remove faith from any connection with modern life.  The full title of Dawkins’ survey was to discover “the extent to which adults recorded as Christian in the 2011 UK Census (or who would have been recorded as Christian, if they had answered the question) believe, know about, practise and are influenced by Christianity, as well as their reasons for having described themselves as Christian in the Census”. ... Continued

We’ve recently enjoyed watching a favourite film as a family – “Back To The Future”. Set in 1985, it’s about a young man, Marty McFly, being inadvertently transported back in time to 1955 by a time machine (a De Lorean sports car) and his efforts to return to the present without upsetting his past. The film prompted an interesting conversation as to what my wife and I were like as teenagers.

Having enjoyed the film, I was pleasantly surprised to receive an email from an American friend on a similar topic.

Imagine you could go back in time and talk to your younger self?  What would you say?

An American author has taken this intriguing thought and solicited the replies of various celebrities.  These have been published... Continued

One consequence of our move to electronic media as the primary medium of communication has been the decline in letter writing. The change continues to have far reaching implications – beyond the decline of Royal Mail!

One small change that I’ve observed is the change in the language that we use when we communicate.  Largely for brevity, new words/phrases and spellings have arisen and others have been dropped.

One such word is the word/phrase “sincerely” that is used to conclude a letter.

It is thought that the origin of this word derives from two Latin words and a practice in the ancient world. The two Latin words are sine meaning without and cera meaning wax.... Continued

A highlight of the week is sitting down to watch “Top Gear” with the family.  The new series (number 18) does not disappoint. Clarkson, ‘Capt. Slow’ and ‘the Hamster’, the ‘Three Wise Men’ continue to lark around in expensive motor cars and entertain an estimated worldwide audience of 350 million people who watch in 170 countries.  Given that this is an entertainment programme made by ‘petrol heads’, I was a little surprised when one of their reports prompted me to pause and reflect on my walk with God.

Three expensive supercars were the subject of a series of challenges to determine which was best. Before embarking on a long drive, a team of skilled technicians from Lamborghini and McLaren were flown over to test and recalibrate their cars for the gruelling task ahead. I was... Continued

Have you ever been in the presence of someone famous? 

In my PML (pre-ministry life), my business career introduced me to a number of famous and “important” people.  The experience of being “up close and personal” with someone who is a celebrity or distinguished, or who wields influence and power, is fascinating. As I recall some of my experiences, it’s interesting to remember how people around the famous person reacted; how “the” person came across to me and how I felt and acted in their presence.  Being in the presence of a “special” someone is memorable.

Presence is a powerful thing.

As I reflect, I recall that the experience differs according to the proximity of presence to “the” person. My experience of spending an hour with Claudia Schiffer,... Continued

The first post after Christmas brings the first ‘big question’ of the New Year – do we renew the gym membership?

It’s a time for honest reflection. Of good intentions made; of the reasons why resolution has again failed to be matched by action; of the calculation of the “actual” cost of each visit attested to by my waist size.

As my wife and I were considering this, the sound of our son strumming his new electric guitar filtered over us. He’s enjoyed learning the acoustic guitar for six months and asked Santa for an electric guitar and amp to help cultivate his passion. Unobtrusively, our son regularly ‘disappears’ to a room to practice and did so again this morning. We paused our conversation and listened. He’s doing really well. I went upstairs to listen and congratulate him. 

My... Continued

I’ve just bought one of the presents on my list to Santa. My wife is not happy! Browsing in a bookshop, I couldn’t resist the offer on the newly published biography of Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin. This has been released to coincide with the 200^th anniversary of the birth of arguably the greatest novelist of Victorian times next year. 

Arriving home with my purchase, I was delighted to then see the trailer for the forthcoming BBC adaptation of Great Expectations that will air after Christmas.  Featuring Gillian Anderson (see image), David Suchet and Ray Winston, this three part adaptation may match David Lean’s classic 1946 adaptation (see photo). Published in 1860, Great Expectations is a parable of social ambition, of expectations... Continued

One of my earliest childhood memories is watching the launch of the final Apollo space missions in the early 1970s.  Colour TV had just arrived in many homes in Britain. There was a real sense of excitement as millions shared in the epic journeys to the heavens.  We were all caught up in these adventures beyond our stratosphere.  So much so that I remember saving up special coupons from Weetabix cereal to claim a free Apollo model that had to be made from card.  My friend down the road had the bigger (and better) Airfix model which he painted with great attention to detail.

This sense of wonder has stayed with me.  Over the years, I’ve read several books about astronauts and watched many documentaries.  Ron Howard’s 1995 film “Apollo 13” remains a favourite that... Continued

Some years ago my parents come to stay for a few days. We enjoyed a very happy time together.

A week after they had returned home, we noticed smoke emanating from our recently bought coal effect gas fire. On closer inspection, we saw that a large scorch mark had appeared to one side of the insulating back board. What’s more, we noticed that the gas flame was being deflected away from its correct place, burning the insulation board, creating smoke and so failing to generate the intended heat for which the fire was designed.

So we called the engineer. When he arrived, having inspected the fire, he asked:

“Has anyone moved the imitation coal briquettes from the front?”

“No we haven’t”, my wife and I replied, feeling a little like naughty school children.

“Well, someone has and what they’ve done... Continued

The latest iPhone has just been released. Following the recent worldwide “Blackberry Blackout” which caused consternation in schools, colleges and in the workplace, the launch of the final product blessed by Steve Jobs has generated astonishing interest and media coverage. For example, “The Guardian” newspaper gave a whole page to Stephen Fry to eulogize about the wonders of this amazing new phone in the News section; twittersphere was ablaze with comments and “Newsround” on BBC TV told my daughter that the launch of the iPhone 4S had broken sales records!

The world clearly has an insatiable desire for an Apple. Like the traditional Apple product of Eden, PLC, the iPhone 4S is pleasing to the eye and desirable for gaining wisdom. Its’ immediate success also raises the whole issue of desire and... Continued

This may appear bold but I believe that spiritual growth is not complicated.

It’s measured by love. If someone asks how my spiritual life is going, the first diagnostic question to ask is: Am I growing more or less loving like Christ these days?

Love of God and love of people are intrinsically related. It’s not just that we are supposed to love people if we love God. We are whole beings, and if we do not actually love people, we are not actually able to love God - because God genuinely loves people, and if we love Him we will love what He loves.

As a Christian and as a Vicar, it’s a dangerous thing to talk about the love of God, because I can give myself credit for being ‘pro-love’ simply because I talk about it even though I may not always demonstrate love. This sometimes can be in those times when... Continued

Love it or loathe it (as my young son maintains he still does), we recognise that fruit is good for us. Nutritionists tell us that we are to eat and enjoy 5 portions of fruit each day.

Fruit appears in the bible. Ignoring the name(s) of specific fruits (e.g. Apple in Genesis), the word fruit appears 198 times.

As a church, we’re currently considering the person and work of the Holy Spirit in our teaching programme. A primary work of the Holy Spirit, the indwelling and empowering presence of God in every Christian, is to produce fruit in followers of Jesus.

What exactly does this mean?

Paul, the apostle who wrote a large part of the New Testament, helps by offering an explanation in Galatians 5:22-23 “...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

So... Continued

As a child, did you have them – signs on your bedroom door?

I did and our two children do.

Our daughter’s sign, written in her lovely handwriting reads, “R’s room. Please Knock...” and underneath the words “Thanks” with a smiley face.

Our son is more forthright, “J’s Room. Trespassers will be abducted by aliens!”

Why do children post signs on their bedroom door?

It’s more than being part of growing up. I think that these signs are a demonstration of our innate desire for independence and control. This begins in early years. We all want and need to have our own space. And in this space, to exercise ownership and be in charge. To be in control. To have dominion. To have a kingdom and to... Continued

Driving home last night a warning light and message appeared on the car dashboard: "Service Overdue"

As I continued my drive home, the orange light and message set me thinking about the whole concept of "idiot lights" –warning signs that are critical, obvious and so unavoidable that even a person of limited engineering intelligence can grasp them. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if marriages came with them, or children, or bodies?

Or most importantly – our souls?

For the soul is a mystery to us. It is so deep that the soul is the one component of human existence that the ancients would actually address directly, as if it were another person, “Why are you downcast, O my soul?”(Psalm 42:5)

Many of us are more concerned about monitoring the well being of our cars than monitoring the well-being... Continued

David Cameron now speaks of a “broken society” instead of a “big society”. Recognition of how the riots have forced a public and honest examination of a complex web of issues and their causes and sparked a desire to “heal and mend.” I’m encouraged by the debate and hopeful.

But how can you change people’s minds, win people’s hearts and lead people’s actions?

You enchant them.                    

It’s an old fashioned word. A word that we tend to think about only in relation to fairy tales and naive, innocent children.

It’s a word and an idea that I have recently rediscovered having read a book which prompted some serious thinking. The book... Continued

As the ferry left the tiny port of Fionnphort on the island of Mull, conversation amongst the 9 passengers sitting outside in the early evening sunshine stopped abruptly as our eyes were all drawn to the Abbey that dominates the skyline of Iona. A short trip across the Sound - journey’s end for me after a 12 hour trip that required car, two long train journeys, a ferry from Oban to Mull and then an hour long bus ride through wonderful scenery to the second ferry at Fionnphort. A journey that introduced me to 6 strangers who were intrigued by my modern day pilgrimage to where, in 563 AD, St. Columba and 12 companions landed to found a Monastery and introduce Christianity to Scotland and Northumberland.

Situated in the Inner Hebrides, the island of Iona is just 3 miles long by 1 mile wide. Swept by ocean winds, there are few trees and the terrain is ruggedly... Continued

Presenting my passport to substantiate my identity, the affable Prison Warder apologised that he had to check "the book" to confirm that I could enter the prison for the morning. Looking through the thick bullet proof glass, I saw him consult a very large book on his cluttered desk and scan down the list of hand written names to find mine. Thankfully it was!

"Thanks for your patience Vicar. We don't yet have a computer to process visitors."

With that surprising insight, the heavy locked door was opened and together with my two new friends from the church in Peckham, South London, we were ushered in. Brixton prison was built in 1819. Since that time, the footprint of the prison has not changed. Four wings and related buildings seek to accommodate and rehabilitate an ever increasing number... Continued

In the sweltering summer sunshine, the Mall was a riot of colour and activity. The Mall is a large tree lined expanse that is at the centre of Washington D.C. It is bordered on either side by the Smithsonian museums and government departments; the Capital and Lincoln Memorial at either end and the White House to the middle on one side.

The Mall was full of people. To add to the tourists and locals who work here, coaches were disgorging streams of high school students on their annual trip to the nation’s capital.  Each student wore a luminescent t-shirt bearing the name of their school, state and occasionally a tag line such as “Proud Of Our History”.  Each school wore a different colour t-shirt so the crowds of loud teenagers thronging the entrances of the museums created a rainbow of colours as they lined up to enter and learn about their past... Continued

A garage with bays to repair eight cars and an assortment of cars parked outside in a bustling suburb of Chicago – nothing remarkable about that. But you would be wrong.

I first heard about this ministry 15 years ago when I heard Bill Hybels (Senior Pastor) speak in Edinburgh. He told us how a new Christian, a car mechanic, had approached him after the service with an idea. Noticing the number of people in need in the congregation, particularly single parents, who drove “beat up cars” the new Christian asked if he could offer his time and talents to... Continued

It's 7.30am on Saturday morning. Along with eight other new volunteers, I'm sitting in a large room that has been nicely furnished with desks and computer terminals. As I look around, I notice an interactive wipe board on the wall. We start to introduce ourselves as we await the arrival of Monique, the shift supervisor. What connects us all is that we're christians and members of Willow Creek church - six miles down the road- who have volunteered to serve in the church ministry that seeks to help those in need.

Based in a 11,000 square foot facility, the Community Care Centre is open five days a week. Staffed by volunteers, the Care Centre provides emergency food relief and practical help to those who... Continued

Steeped in history, Charleston, South Carolina is a beautiful city in a wonderful location. In my first ten days of my sabbatical based in St. Michael's church, I have made new friends, learnt much and many ideas and thoughts have been stimulated.

One reflection has been the blessing of kindness. Whether it was the sympathetic reaction of the airline employee to help track down my lost luggage; the caring way in which a cashier in a petrol station gave me directions (and ensured that I understood!); the warmth of welcome from my gracious hosts; the generous openness and joyful inclusivity of the staff team (and members of the church) afforded to me....kindness matters. I feel different.

I know that we may choose to be cynical but I think that we would all agree that we "know" when we encounter authenticity.... Continued

 Looking at the picture, who do you see?

 A young woman or an old woman?

 This familiar illustration reminds us of something profound –  perspective matters.  How we see things is influenced by our  perspective.

 Have you ever played the quiz game of looking at photographs of  everyday objects from an unusual angle?  Viewed from a different  angle, it can be surprisingly difficult.  This reminds me how easy it can be for us to take things for granted and to fail to recognise and value them because they are so familiar. This can be true of so many aspects of our lives – family, friends, health, hobbies, creation...I believe that it can also be true of our spiritual life. 

The Easter story, the image... Continued

 Rest.

 It’s a word that we don’t use very often - probably  because so many of us don’t rest. We want to. We    really do. To take time out. To be away from  everything that we normally have to do. To just be  and do what we want, when we want with who we  want. To be recharged by time away from the noise  of the day of the day.

 If you’re like me, you know how it is and where it is that you can find rest.  But yet, we find it difficult to actually rest. There’s so much going on. And then when we finally find time and space to rest, we find ourselves worrying about doing nothing. 

Rest is unproductive – isn’t it?

No it isn’t. In creation, as God created order out of chaos and perfect society, he set aside one day for rest. In the Ten Commandments, God tells... Continued

Popping in to the Apple Store in Liverpool One led to me think about the similarities between Apple and the Church – not to mention the lessons that Christians can perhaps learn from Apple.

When I arrived a few minutes before 9am, I joined a queue! The shop was light, airy and everyone is encouraged to “have a go” with the products.  Nothing is hidden inside and you can try all the products in the Apple range. The representatives (not sales assistants) are invariably cheerful and welcoming.  They know their products are great, relevant and highly desirable.  Perhaps this explains their warm, easy going confidence and willingness to approach every customer in a relaxed and friendly way.  What’s more, they all smile and enjoy good natured banter with visitors... Continued

On a long car journey with loved ones, in the pub with your friends or over coffee after dinner, have ever you played the game, “If a film was to be made of your life, what actor would you cast to play you?”

 For me, accepting that it won’t be Brad Pitt (although we’re the same age),  I  would       cast Tom Hanks. My wife disagrees because she says, “I’m not that funny”– ouch truth hurts!  Undeterred, I suggested Kevin Spacey who is currently Artistic Director of the Old Vic theatre as well as being a Hollywood superstar – and Jo agreed. Can you see the  resemblance?

 I’ve had the privilege of seeing him on stage as well as all of his films. He’s  one of  those... Continued

Along with so many in St. John's, I have found our current teaching series "Thirsty?" about prayer to be both challenging and immensely rewarding.  It's been great to share, with increasing openness and depth, with others what is on our hearts and then bring our hearts to the Father's heart - and then share how God has responded.

With this in mind, I appreciated reading President Obama's address at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C last week. I hope that you may also appreciate learning what is on his heart that he brings before God in his regular personal prayers?  Do read on.....

"Thank you so much. To the co-chairs, Jeff and Ann; to all the members of Congress who are here, the distinguished guests who’ve travelled so far to be here this morning; to Randall for your wonderful stories and powerful prayer; to all who are here providing testimony,... Continued

Playing on the Nintendo Wii the other day with the family, I found myself being amazed by the technology. This led me to think about all the other electronic devices that I enjoy - and to thank God for Steve Jobs at Apple! This then set me thinking about how technology has advanced in my lifetime. I can remember the first home computer which my friend Simon owned and my sense of envy as he zapped aliens from the programme that ran from a cassette tape.

So I started to tell the kids about what we had in my youth and how fortunate they are to enjoy these wonderful things. Perhaps it’s a sign of old age? The kids tolerated my discourse and then put me in my place by teasing me about being old (because a few grey hairs are also appearing) and said they would buy me some slippers if I didn't stop!

I wonder, what are the things... Continued

I've been taken aback this week.  Everyone I've spoken to in the past seven days, when we’ve discussed Christmas, have told me that they have bought all their presents and wrapped them up!  Yet, as the ticker on eBay reminds me, it's still 27 days to Christmas. 

What's going on? Is it just me or is everyone else better organized?  But I am organized - we do know what Father Christmas will kindly give to all our family and friends.  The lists have been written and submitted to the Chair of the Finance Committee. Bureaucracy moves slowly in our household....

The thought strikes me that Christmas is getting earlier and earlier. Talking to a sales assistant in John Lewis,... Continued

I took my son to Anfield on Saturday to watch my team (West Ham) lose miserably to his (Liverpool).  When Glen Johnson scored the first goal after some shocking defending, I disconsolately picked up the match programme and my eyes fell upon an advert for a new book - The Anfield Songbook (RRP 9.99).  The first line of blurb began “Anfield is a place of worship...”  That set me thinking as I looked around at all the fans, many dressed head to toe in Liverpool clobber. There was no doubting their identity and commitment. Who they admired and venerated.

In an effort to raise the performance of their team, the West Ham fans below us then decided to raise their voices.  As they sang “Bubbles...” (and a few other funny anthems), the crowd then screamed suddenly and  hysterically as my sons’ hero,... Continued