Remember he loves new experiences so if you are going somewhere he hasn't been (check the label on the side bar to see previous) ask to take him with you.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Jesus on Wheels
Remember he loves new experiences so if you are going somewhere he hasn't been (check the label on the side bar to see previous) ask to take him with you.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Email address
Over the next few weeks I am going to be winding down my use of my long-standing private email address steve@godstuff.org.uk. It is sad because I have had it almost since email was invented. For those who need my private email address please contact me and ask for it.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Taking Stock
A good day for a little self-assessment. Here are some highlights from my journal over the last twelve months. Excuse some of the grammar. I don't worry quite so much in my journal. This is the first time I have ever shared anything from it:
May 27th 2010
I'm still comfortable as a liberal evangelical who contrives to seek after truth. I believe in grace and I believe the Bible provides us with all we need - but not literally.
August 3rd
And so it came to pass that in addition to a regular sore mouth and dodgy knee God allowed Satan to lay waste to plumbing systems, car roofs, domestic appliances, St's computer and, as the final straw, his back, which he tweaked placing an item carefully on a desk. So St spent his days reading, and writing long-hand, and altogether catching up with stuff.
August 10th
How lucky I am to have a job where my reflections on life and faith are part of what I do.
August 31st
...this dissonance between what I appear to be and actually am feels close to rupturing sometimes.
September 9th
There is absolutely no point in pushing and promoting the programmes if God is not in them. I wonder, this a new thought, how it would be if I announce to the church, or even the town, that I don't intend to do anything next year?
October 28th
St Jude, the patron saint of lost causes. How long ago St Jude's, Mapperley now seems, although it was then that I started my journalling. The diary entries in 1987 seem, by comparison to now, to be childish scrawl. The faith was simple; the solution to problems obvious. In fact I was 32 so even more evidence there of my late development. Today I am a much more complex person in a world that cries out for simplicity.
November 4th
If I was God and planned to grow a church I wouldn't grow anyone I am leading. That's a great statement because if my church grows it would mean there was no god. I just don't think I'd trust me with it.
January 1st
I find it interesting that I now enter the last full decade of my working life.
January 17th
Pastoral care is all well and good but if you can ally it with generosity it has far more impact.
March 16th
How many ways don't I care about little details? Let me count the ways. No, let's not bother.
March 31st
We have just read Exodus 29 and the blood-soaked account of Aaron's family ordination. How do you get oil and blood out of embroidered cloths?
April 9th
I got a one month extension to my book deadline. ... Now I can concentrate on a silly season in the life of my church with a clear conscience.
May 27th 2010
I'm still comfortable as a liberal evangelical who contrives to seek after truth. I believe in grace and I believe the Bible provides us with all we need - but not literally.
August 3rd
And so it came to pass that in addition to a regular sore mouth and dodgy knee God allowed Satan to lay waste to plumbing systems, car roofs, domestic appliances, St's computer and, as the final straw, his back, which he tweaked placing an item carefully on a desk. So St spent his days reading, and writing long-hand, and altogether catching up with stuff.
August 10th
How lucky I am to have a job where my reflections on life and faith are part of what I do.
August 31st
...this dissonance between what I appear to be and actually am feels close to rupturing sometimes.
September 9th
There is absolutely no point in pushing and promoting the programmes if God is not in them. I wonder, this a new thought, how it would be if I announce to the church, or even the town, that I don't intend to do anything next year?
October 28th
St Jude, the patron saint of lost causes. How long ago St Jude's, Mapperley now seems, although it was then that I started my journalling. The diary entries in 1987 seem, by comparison to now, to be childish scrawl. The faith was simple; the solution to problems obvious. In fact I was 32 so even more evidence there of my late development. Today I am a much more complex person in a world that cries out for simplicity.
November 4th
If I was God and planned to grow a church I wouldn't grow anyone I am leading. That's a great statement because if my church grows it would mean there was no god. I just don't think I'd trust me with it.
January 1st
I find it interesting that I now enter the last full decade of my working life.
January 17th
Pastoral care is all well and good but if you can ally it with generosity it has far more impact.
March 16th
How many ways don't I care about little details? Let me count the ways. No, let's not bother.
March 31st
We have just read Exodus 29 and the blood-soaked account of Aaron's family ordination. How do you get oil and blood out of embroidered cloths?
April 9th
I got a one month extension to my book deadline. ... Now I can concentrate on a silly season in the life of my church with a clear conscience.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Blood in the Garage
Gentle, patient, tolerant me came very close to turning over the tables in a car showroom yesterday.
I had booked my car in for a half day job. The receptionist who booked it in for me told me I could have it by 1000 if I wanted. I had to tell her that I had been told the work couldn't be done until the engine cooled but, knowing I needed to be in Nailsea at 1.00 p.m., I asked for it to be ready by 1230. This helpful assistant said she would put 1200 on the form to be on the safe side.
On dropping the car off I said I would be going out to the shops (more on this later) and would be back at 1130. I gave my mobile number so I could be called should the car be ready earlier than 1130 and I wasn't in the waiting room, sorry I mean customer lounge.
At 1210 I enquired about progress and was told 10 minutes.
At 1225 I enquired about progress and was told the car was just coming round.
At 1235 I said I knew miracles were not possible but could I have truth. One of the reception staff went down to the workshop and had a chat and then brought my car round to the front door personally.
I left at 1245 and was late for my appointment with some people, one of whom had come from Edinburgh on the train because the plane had been cancelled due to a volcano and still managed to be punctual.
I hate being late. German engineering great; Bristol efficiency dodgy.
If you ever have to wait in Bristol Audi take a jumper. The aircon is very cold.
I had booked my car in for a half day job. The receptionist who booked it in for me told me I could have it by 1000 if I wanted. I had to tell her that I had been told the work couldn't be done until the engine cooled but, knowing I needed to be in Nailsea at 1.00 p.m., I asked for it to be ready by 1230. This helpful assistant said she would put 1200 on the form to be on the safe side.
On dropping the car off I said I would be going out to the shops (more on this later) and would be back at 1130. I gave my mobile number so I could be called should the car be ready earlier than 1130 and I wasn't in the waiting room, sorry I mean customer lounge.
At 1210 I enquired about progress and was told 10 minutes.
At 1225 I enquired about progress and was told the car was just coming round.
At 1235 I said I knew miracles were not possible but could I have truth. One of the reception staff went down to the workshop and had a chat and then brought my car round to the front door personally.
I left at 1245 and was late for my appointment with some people, one of whom had come from Edinburgh on the train because the plane had been cancelled due to a volcano and still managed to be punctual.
I hate being late. German engineering great; Bristol efficiency dodgy.
If you ever have to wait in Bristol Audi take a jumper. The aircon is very cold.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Upper Case Ws and Slow-Moving Vehicles
There comes a time, I believe, when you have to resign on principle. Perhaps the organisation you belong to no longer represents your views and you cannot, in all conscience remain a member. Or the company you work for has embraced a business model you wish to have no part of. Apologies for misplaced prepositions but it's only a blog.
So, last night, our Parochial Church Council was faced with two motions to debate:
1. Are we as a Church in favour of the ordination of Women as Bishops?
2. Are we happy that this legislation is the best that can be achieved and that it sufficiently honours the promises made to provide an honoured place for those who do not agree?
Item 1, as might be expected in a church such as ours, sailed through. There was one vote and speech against but it was of the 'I haven't had enough time to think about it' variety (18 years since women were ordained priest) rather than the 'I disagree on principle.' We are now, as a PCC, in favour of Women as Bishops, although I fail to understand if this is substantially different to being in favour of (lower case) women as bishops.
Item 2 was a bit stranger. I felt that the wording was difficult for me because I'm not sure that the legislation is the best that can be achieved, nor that it sufficiently honours promises made, but I don't care. I would never have made such promises. You can't easily make promises to safeguard dissenters in a democracy. The best you can promise is a vote on the matter in future (cf alternative vote 'promises' and the outcome recently).
I have all along felt that those who cannot accept women as priests should do the honourable thing and leave the C of E. The chair told me if that was the case I should vote yes.
After a truly unimaginative discussion in which no argument seemed to sway opinion especially and no one speaker fervently disagreed with any other and no strong will emerged we took a vote.
I voted in favour of the motion. Everyone else either voted against it or abstained. Everyone else.
I refer to Tom Baker's loony sea-captain in one of the Black Adder series:
Black Adder: Don't you need a crew on a ship as big as this?
Captain: Opinion is divided on the matter. All the other captains say you do; I say you don't.
Christians are rubbish at taking any decision that might hurt anyone even if not taking it will hurt more people, more often and for longer.
I work in the Church of England. Is there any other body out there that moves slower?
So, last night, our Parochial Church Council was faced with two motions to debate:
1. Are we as a Church in favour of the ordination of Women as Bishops?
2. Are we happy that this legislation is the best that can be achieved and that it sufficiently honours the promises made to provide an honoured place for those who do not agree?
Item 1, as might be expected in a church such as ours, sailed through. There was one vote and speech against but it was of the 'I haven't had enough time to think about it' variety (18 years since women were ordained priest) rather than the 'I disagree on principle.' We are now, as a PCC, in favour of Women as Bishops, although I fail to understand if this is substantially different to being in favour of (lower case) women as bishops.
Item 2 was a bit stranger. I felt that the wording was difficult for me because I'm not sure that the legislation is the best that can be achieved, nor that it sufficiently honours promises made, but I don't care. I would never have made such promises. You can't easily make promises to safeguard dissenters in a democracy. The best you can promise is a vote on the matter in future (cf alternative vote 'promises' and the outcome recently).
I have all along felt that those who cannot accept women as priests should do the honourable thing and leave the C of E. The chair told me if that was the case I should vote yes.
After a truly unimaginative discussion in which no argument seemed to sway opinion especially and no one speaker fervently disagreed with any other and no strong will emerged we took a vote.
I voted in favour of the motion. Everyone else either voted against it or abstained. Everyone else.
I refer to Tom Baker's loony sea-captain in one of the Black Adder series:
Black Adder: Don't you need a crew on a ship as big as this?
Captain: Opinion is divided on the matter. All the other captains say you do; I say you don't.
Christians are rubbish at taking any decision that might hurt anyone even if not taking it will hurt more people, more often and for longer.
I work in the Church of England. Is there any other body out there that moves slower?
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Nothing To Do
Ladies and gentleman of the jury I plead guilty. Guilty to the crime I have been trying to commit for the past twenty six years or so.
Tomorrow I will be listening to a trainee preacher and service leader. I will be dropping in on our children's work at Trendlewood. I will be taking part in a social walk and eating cake thereafter. I may call in to a local Messy Church to advertise a men's meeting.
But I have nothing to prepare and no responsibilities.
Not since the day I achieved a personal ambition at St John's College by being able to announce that there were no lunch-time notices (only the second time that had happened in three years) have I been so delighted and fulfilled.
Do yourselves out of a job brothers and sisters. That's your whole point. Next time I manage it I'm going to go find out what the non-churchgoers do on Sunday mornings and hang out with them.
Tomorrow I will be listening to a trainee preacher and service leader. I will be dropping in on our children's work at Trendlewood. I will be taking part in a social walk and eating cake thereafter. I may call in to a local Messy Church to advertise a men's meeting.
But I have nothing to prepare and no responsibilities.
Not since the day I achieved a personal ambition at St John's College by being able to announce that there were no lunch-time notices (only the second time that had happened in three years) have I been so delighted and fulfilled.
Do yourselves out of a job brothers and sisters. That's your whole point. Next time I manage it I'm going to go find out what the non-churchgoers do on Sunday mornings and hang out with them.
Cafe Create Set List
If you heard a tune at Cafe Create last night and wondered what it was then here is your search list:
Groove Armada - Song for Mutya, Get Down, I See You Baby, Superstylin', Purple Haze. My Friend, Girls say, Chicago, Love Sweet Sound
Dr John - Feel Good Music, Lissen at Our Prayer
Alabama 3 - Woke Up This Morning
Fried - When You Get Out of Jail
The Meters - Fire on the Bayou
Dead 60s - Ghostfaced Killer
BR5-49 - Honky Tonk Song
Lauryn Hill - Lost Ones
Easy Star All Stars - Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
Steve Mason - Stress Position
Norman Jay - Journeys by DJ album
Groove Armada - Song for Mutya, Get Down, I See You Baby, Superstylin', Purple Haze. My Friend, Girls say, Chicago, Love Sweet Sound
Dr John - Feel Good Music, Lissen at Our Prayer
Alabama 3 - Woke Up This Morning
Fried - When You Get Out of Jail
The Meters - Fire on the Bayou
Dead 60s - Ghostfaced Killer
BR5-49 - Honky Tonk Song
Lauryn Hill - Lost Ones
Easy Star All Stars - Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
Steve Mason - Stress Position
Norman Jay - Journeys by DJ album
Super injunctions
I wonder if it would be fun if all of us twitterers posted this tomorrow:
The footballer involved in the superinjunction is (insert name of random footballer).
The footballer involved in the superinjunction is (insert name of random footballer).
Friday, May 20, 2011
Warnings
My car, a rather smart, black A3 convertible is German. OK, bits of it are. At the weekend a dashboard warning light came on and, on looking it up, I was told to 'drive slowly to the nearest Audi dealer.' On a Sunday afternoon? Yeah right.
I drove slowly to my nearest home and phoned the following morning. I was told that I could continue driving as long as the car was handling OK (it was) and got an appointment for today to get it checked. On the drive over the emissions warning light came on too.
It transpires that the exhaust gas temperature sensor was faulty and needs replacing. There was not one in stock so I have another appointment on Wednesday morning. Given the temperature to which the air conditioning reduces Bristol Audi's customer lounge I will be taking a fleece.
Here is a made-up statistic:
67.3% of all modern vehicle faults are with the fault-detection equipment.
I drove slowly to my nearest home and phoned the following morning. I was told that I could continue driving as long as the car was handling OK (it was) and got an appointment for today to get it checked. On the drive over the emissions warning light came on too.
It transpires that the exhaust gas temperature sensor was faulty and needs replacing. There was not one in stock so I have another appointment on Wednesday morning. Given the temperature to which the air conditioning reduces Bristol Audi's customer lounge I will be taking a fleece.
Here is a made-up statistic:
67.3% of all modern vehicle faults are with the fault-detection equipment.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Cafe Create
Can't wait for Friday evening when Cafe Create is part of Nailsea's Arts and Music Festival Week. We welcome back Rachel Coulson, Nicky Tiddy, Richard Calverley and Pete Wood and top-of-the-bill Atlum Schema. Fine musical treats.
Come if you can. Atlum Schema will probably play from about 9.15-10.15 but drop in for a drink and a chat at any time. Cool lounge music, projected old movies and a free fair-trade bar (donations welcome) will feature as ever and the compere will be Vaguely Amusing (my stage name).
For any of the home team it would be nice if a few people could do a stint behind the bar as we have lost a lot of our regular helpers to a church weekend.
Come if you can. Atlum Schema will probably play from about 9.15-10.15 but drop in for a drink and a chat at any time. Cool lounge music, projected old movies and a free fair-trade bar (donations welcome) will feature as ever and the compere will be Vaguely Amusing (my stage name).
For any of the home team it would be nice if a few people could do a stint behind the bar as we have lost a lot of our regular helpers to a church weekend.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Women's Clothing
Last week in theIpaper a quoted survey listed the oldest age at which a woman should be allowed to wear various items of clothing. The top age for mini skirts was put at 35 and there were watermarks (gerrit?) for bikinis (47), high heels (51) and boob tubes (can't remember).
The full list, if you can bear to go there, is on the Daily Mail's web-site.
The survey was commissioned by Diet Chef, presumably a bunch of people who have a vested interest in a woman having a poor image of her own body and wanting to improve it. Just a wild guess. They also only asked women.
It seems as good a time as any to rehearse the WWA guide to clothing:
Men tend to dress to impress women; it doesn't work.
Women tend to dress to impress women; it doesn't work.
Oh and by the way, your beauty does not come from what you wear.
That will be £25 for the consultation.
The full list, if you can bear to go there, is on the Daily Mail's web-site.
The survey was commissioned by Diet Chef, presumably a bunch of people who have a vested interest in a woman having a poor image of her own body and wanting to improve it. Just a wild guess. They also only asked women.
It seems as good a time as any to rehearse the WWA guide to clothing:
Men tend to dress to impress women; it doesn't work.
Women tend to dress to impress women; it doesn't work.
Oh and by the way, your beauty does not come from what you wear.
That will be £25 for the consultation.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Describing a Circle
The Nailsea Round is a good name for a walk which goes right round the outside of Nailsea. Since it was once a tidal island you get down to sea-level and describe a circle. Mike (@mikepeat in town for two days ministry review mentoring) and I went clockwise yesterday (as viewed from above in case a pedant is reading).
It is a fascinating journey to find where the North Somerset Development Plan in the 1960s stuck all the new on top of, and amongst, the old. Took about two hours of walking so probably about five miles. It's the first time I've done it.
I also enjoyed the view of the early flood defences along the Tickenham Wall. Doing the walk with Mike's iphone4 meant when we couldn't see the landscape clearly we switched on google earth. Brilliant.
Ended with a pint at The Sawyers which has hit sad times. Beer still excellent but the place smelled of dog, chips and Pledge and the decor is really manky but not in a Barn sort of way where it is famously ironic.
Mike has gone back to the frozen north-west now to put into operation all the difficult things he worked out he needed to do by having another person to bounce off. Now I'm off to Exeter for a few hours to catch up with my Arrow mentee.
Next year's BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) book deadline is tomorrow so that's what I will do when I get back. All day wedding on Saturday and then, whoohoo for a bit of (whisper it) normal life.
It is a fascinating journey to find where the North Somerset Development Plan in the 1960s stuck all the new on top of, and amongst, the old. Took about two hours of walking so probably about five miles. It's the first time I've done it.
I also enjoyed the view of the early flood defences along the Tickenham Wall. Doing the walk with Mike's iphone4 meant when we couldn't see the landscape clearly we switched on google earth. Brilliant.
Ended with a pint at The Sawyers which has hit sad times. Beer still excellent but the place smelled of dog, chips and Pledge and the decor is really manky but not in a Barn sort of way where it is famously ironic.
Mike has gone back to the frozen north-west now to put into operation all the difficult things he worked out he needed to do by having another person to bounce off. Now I'm off to Exeter for a few hours to catch up with my Arrow mentee.
Next year's BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) book deadline is tomorrow so that's what I will do when I get back. All day wedding on Saturday and then, whoohoo for a bit of (whisper it) normal life.
Collecting Symbolic Stuff
Do you have a problem with cards? Someone sends you a thank-you card. When do you throw it out? What about a love letter? Do you keep it? I have some old ones stashed away but I have never re-read them and probably never will.
I am pretty much a minimalist now. I chuck stuff away without sentimentalism. This creates a slight tension with the working style of one of my colleagues - everything he does seems to need to have a symbolic take home item.
I thought of this just now when a small polished stone fell out of my bag. It was the souvenir of a symbolic act of worship or dedication or something we did last week. Trouble is I can't remember what it was meant to be symbolising.
My study was becoming full of written on bricks, named stones and sloganed stakes of wood. I've just put them all in the bin. Felt good.
Not for nothing did Jesus do an eat this drink this rather than a keep this piece of symbolism. Clever chap. I hate clutter.
I am pretty much a minimalist now. I chuck stuff away without sentimentalism. This creates a slight tension with the working style of one of my colleagues - everything he does seems to need to have a symbolic take home item.
I thought of this just now when a small polished stone fell out of my bag. It was the souvenir of a symbolic act of worship or dedication or something we did last week. Trouble is I can't remember what it was meant to be symbolising.
My study was becoming full of written on bricks, named stones and sloganed stakes of wood. I've just put them all in the bin. Felt good.
Not for nothing did Jesus do an eat this drink this rather than a keep this piece of symbolism. Clever chap. I hate clutter.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Inappropriate Music
There was once a youth group game I claim to have invented called 'Inapproriate Music' or to pay homage to the inspirational 'I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue' One Dance to the Tune of Another. Once you've seen someone barn dancing to gangsta rap you ain't never going back.
In the gym changing rooms this afternoon there were two young, well-built guys and me. As we changed (they were getting ready; I was undressing) we realised that the usual Heart FM stuff was not on and we were listening to a tune from The Sound of Music.
You can't prepare to body-build when 'So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye' is coming atcha. It just don't work.
Dib dibby dib dib dib dib dib
Dib dibby dib dib dib
In the gym changing rooms this afternoon there were two young, well-built guys and me. As we changed (they were getting ready; I was undressing) we realised that the usual Heart FM stuff was not on and we were listening to a tune from The Sound of Music.
You can't prepare to body-build when 'So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye' is coming atcha. It just don't work.
Dib dibby dib dib dib dib dib
Dib dibby dib dib dib
Friday, May 06, 2011
Final Thoughts on AV
Cricketer Graeme Swann (@swannyg66) spent most of Wednesday winding up the #yes2AV gang with tweets such as:
Apparently the premier league placings will be decided on the 'yes to AV' principle next season. Newcastle could be in with a real shout
If, as seems likely, the Yes campaign has lost, it may end up being because they didn't have as good jokes as the No campaign.
Swanny's tweet is funny but overlooks the fact that if the Premier League was decided by voting on the current system, not actually playing each other, Man Utd would win every year. That would be funny.
It is also annoying that:
1. The one party who have unashamedly promoted a change to the voting system over the last few decades is currently propping up an unpopular coalition and therefore has been unable to persuade people that a system which would undoubtedly give them more seats is a good idea.
2. After the Royal Wedding it might have been expected that the campaign would have got more coverage but, as theipaper editorial stated this week, shooting bin Laden got a bit in the way. We were left with but one day to make the case and capture hearts and minds.
3. The 'No' campaign not run by Cameron (the other 'No' campaign) was horrendous spin, dangerously close to lies. He should have distanced himself from it.
4. The people who don't want to change will not admit that it is their desire to preserve their party's seats which drives them, not a desire for fairness.
5. The No campign managed to harness the sportsworld's desire to see everything in terms of winners and losers. Politics is about harmony, reconciliation and compromise. About working together. Not about making the losers grovel. If anything, politics exists for life's losers. Having won, politics asks the No campaign this - what will you do for the 40% of people in this country who think our current voting system is unfair?
I'm sad.
I found it crashingly ironic that I had to go and vote yesterday to oppose a system called First Past the Post when that system fails to know where the post goes.
Then I had to vote tactically in my council election because the party I really want to vote for has no chance.
I remind my readership that I am a member of no political party, am a floating voter and will vote for liberal democracy wherever I find it. My version of it does not currently reside in any one party.
Apparently the premier league placings will be decided on the 'yes to AV' principle next season. Newcastle could be in with a real shout
If, as seems likely, the Yes campaign has lost, it may end up being because they didn't have as good jokes as the No campaign.
Swanny's tweet is funny but overlooks the fact that if the Premier League was decided by voting on the current system, not actually playing each other, Man Utd would win every year. That would be funny.
It is also annoying that:
1. The one party who have unashamedly promoted a change to the voting system over the last few decades is currently propping up an unpopular coalition and therefore has been unable to persuade people that a system which would undoubtedly give them more seats is a good idea.
2. After the Royal Wedding it might have been expected that the campaign would have got more coverage but, as theipaper editorial stated this week, shooting bin Laden got a bit in the way. We were left with but one day to make the case and capture hearts and minds.
3. The 'No' campaign not run by Cameron (the other 'No' campaign) was horrendous spin, dangerously close to lies. He should have distanced himself from it.
4. The people who don't want to change will not admit that it is their desire to preserve their party's seats which drives them, not a desire for fairness.
5. The No campign managed to harness the sportsworld's desire to see everything in terms of winners and losers. Politics is about harmony, reconciliation and compromise. About working together. Not about making the losers grovel. If anything, politics exists for life's losers. Having won, politics asks the No campaign this - what will you do for the 40% of people in this country who think our current voting system is unfair?
I'm sad.
I found it crashingly ironic that I had to go and vote yesterday to oppose a system called First Past the Post when that system fails to know where the post goes.
Then I had to vote tactically in my council election because the party I really want to vote for has no chance.
I remind my readership that I am a member of no political party, am a floating voter and will vote for liberal democracy wherever I find it. My version of it does not currently reside in any one party.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Practical Tips for Christan Ministers - 568
You saw it in extreme close up. William took the ring and, trying to place it on a finger swollen by heat, nerves and adrenalin, rucked it up at the knuckle and had to force it on. Probably painful for Kate.
The requirement at this point is that the groom take the ring and place it on his bride's finger. Holding it in place he repeats the vows.
So, at the rehearsal, good minsters will explain that there is no need to break the bride's knuckle or draw blood at this stage. Simply push the ring on as far at it will go and hold it in that position to make the vows. Then, once the vows are complete, and before the bride does the same for the groom with a hint of vengeance in her eye, invite her to make her own ring comfortable before proceeding. It's easy, straightforward and I'm amazed no-one trained our Archbishop to do it.
Thanks Ian Russell of St Jude's Mapperley. You trained me. I remembered.
The requirement at this point is that the groom take the ring and place it on his bride's finger. Holding it in place he repeats the vows.
So, at the rehearsal, good minsters will explain that there is no need to break the bride's knuckle or draw blood at this stage. Simply push the ring on as far at it will go and hold it in that position to make the vows. Then, once the vows are complete, and before the bride does the same for the groom with a hint of vengeance in her eye, invite her to make her own ring comfortable before proceeding. It's easy, straightforward and I'm amazed no-one trained our Archbishop to do it.
Thanks Ian Russell of St Jude's Mapperley. You trained me. I remembered.
Voting System
I have been listening to the arguments about changing the voting system carefully. I do not think that AV is the best possible alternative to first past the post but I am convinced it is better. The No to AV campaign has been run well politically. Philosophically it has been run deceitfully. The reason most of the nos want to keep the voting system the same is because it will keep more of their party in their seats.
AV does not involve some people getting a second vote. If one candidate has failed to get more then 50% support everyone gets a second vote. Any other spin on this fact is a lie. Cameron is on the radio at the moment and just told Humphrys to go back to school for not believing his lie. Cheeky git. He is saying 'Conservative supporters want to back the No campaign because it is simple, it is fair and it is decisive.' He didn't mention they will vote for it because they will get more MPs.
First past the post does not make it easy for people to vote for their first choice candidate. In many constituencies in which I have lived, a vote for my first choice would have been a wasted vote. I have had to vote on several occasions to try and make sure my least favourite candidate did not get in by voting for my second or even third preference.
Yes to AV will be a small and helpful change and, although sadly the polls make it look as if it will fail, I support it fully.
AV does not involve some people getting a second vote. If one candidate has failed to get more then 50% support everyone gets a second vote. Any other spin on this fact is a lie. Cameron is on the radio at the moment and just told Humphrys to go back to school for not believing his lie. Cheeky git. He is saying 'Conservative supporters want to back the No campaign because it is simple, it is fair and it is decisive.' He didn't mention they will vote for it because they will get more MPs.
First past the post does not make it easy for people to vote for their first choice candidate. In many constituencies in which I have lived, a vote for my first choice would have been a wasted vote. I have had to vote on several occasions to try and make sure my least favourite candidate did not get in by voting for my second or even third preference.
Yes to AV will be a small and helpful change and, although sadly the polls make it look as if it will fail, I support it fully.
Dancing in the Street
It is fearfully depressing, when terrorists have claimed a sizeable target, to see pictures of rejoicing in the streets. I wish no harm to anyone in the world and find it abhorent to think of someone partying on my demise.
Crowds can often be sensible. Rather than being sad at the number of times there is trouble in a crowd, I often rejoice at the fact that we sociable animals manage to get along well, queueing, not walking into each other and corporately rejoicing or lamenting appropriately.
So I was sad that the death of Osama Bin Laden was met with dancing in the street outside the White House. Silence and humilty would have been better reactions. Regardless of how evil the acts of Bin Laden he has followers who will rally at the sight of a party over his death.
I found it too hard to use the post title RIP but BIH is equally inappropriate. He is gone. He was not acting single-handed. Someone innocent will probably be bereaved soon as a direct result. Be wise in crowds brothers and sisters.
Crowds can often be sensible. Rather than being sad at the number of times there is trouble in a crowd, I often rejoice at the fact that we sociable animals manage to get along well, queueing, not walking into each other and corporately rejoicing or lamenting appropriately.
So I was sad that the death of Osama Bin Laden was met with dancing in the street outside the White House. Silence and humilty would have been better reactions. Regardless of how evil the acts of Bin Laden he has followers who will rally at the sight of a party over his death.
I found it too hard to use the post title RIP but BIH is equally inappropriate. He is gone. He was not acting single-handed. Someone innocent will probably be bereaved soon as a direct result. Be wise in crowds brothers and sisters.
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