Monday, 31 January 2011
Suggestions for a name
Monday, 24 January 2011
Snowdrops
These brave snowdrops are just coming into flower. They are brave not just because of the weather but because of all the other 
rubbish that has surrounded them. They've managed to compete with brambles, dead christmas tree, children's plastic toys and goodness knows what other rubbish. So they are a particularly welcome sight.
Snowdrops are a sign of hope at a bleak time of year. Their arrival brings a promise that winter is on its way out - no matter how cold it may actually be- and that we will have a spring and summer.
Rochford church are having a Snowdrop Songs of Praise on the 13th February at 3.00pm. The intention is that it should be a joyous service of hope.
rubbish that has surrounded them. They've managed to compete with brambles, dead christmas tree, children's plastic toys and goodness knows what other rubbish. So they are a particularly welcome sight.Snowdrops are a sign of hope at a bleak time of year. Their arrival brings a promise that winter is on its way out - no matter how cold it may actually be- and that we will have a spring and summer.
Rochford church are having a Snowdrop Songs of Praise on the 13th February at 3.00pm. The intention is that it should be a joyous service of hope.
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Voice from the past
Martyn is still "in love" with canal boats but is also exploring with Gloucester diocese the possibility of a house for duty ministry. He sends his greetings to the people of Teme Valley South.
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Famous - well not really
Just read Farmer & Grower - the monthly magazine of the NFU & discovered the letter I sent has appeared as "Star Letter".
For those who don't read F&G, this is what it said.
Dear Sirs,
Guy Smith’s article “Judgment from up on high” has, as we have come to expect from Guy, a lot of good sense in it. The bible, as he says, is not “some sort of manual on how to farm.” But it does have insights that go beyond not coveting your neighbour’s lovely udders!
Arguably one of the greatest of those insights comes in the story of creation in chapter 2 of Genesis. In that story man (the Hebrew word is adam) is made from the soil (the Hebrew is adamah). The language shows we are inextricably linked to the earth. Placed in God’s creation, Adam is given the task of “serving” it and “keeping” it. Later those same words are used to describe our relationship with God – serve God – and our relationship with his instructions – keep the commandments.
In our increasingly urban and suburban society, too few of today’s suburban “Adams” have contact with adamah. The task of serving and keeping the earth is done day in day out by farmers. By and large most farmers do an excellent job. In so doing they are (whether they have any faith or not) acting as God’s servants. And I, for one, am very grateful.
Robert Barlow
Priest in Charge Teme Valley South
With letters like that in F&G, you'll all be taking out NFU membership!
For those who don't read F&G, this is what it said.
Dear Sirs,
Guy Smith’s article “Judgment from up on high” has, as we have come to expect from Guy, a lot of good sense in it. The bible, as he says, is not “some sort of manual on how to farm.” But it does have insights that go beyond not coveting your neighbour’s lovely udders!
Arguably one of the greatest of those insights comes in the story of creation in chapter 2 of Genesis. In that story man (the Hebrew word is adam) is made from the soil (the Hebrew is adamah). The language shows we are inextricably linked to the earth. Placed in God’s creation, Adam is given the task of “serving” it and “keeping” it. Later those same words are used to describe our relationship with God – serve God – and our relationship with his instructions – keep the commandments.
In our increasingly urban and suburban society, too few of today’s suburban “Adams” have contact with adamah. The task of serving and keeping the earth is done day in day out by farmers. By and large most farmers do an excellent job. In so doing they are (whether they have any faith or not) acting as God’s servants. And I, for one, am very grateful.
Robert Barlow
Priest in Charge Teme Valley South
With letters like that in F&G, you'll all be taking out NFU membership!
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Welcome to the Bishop
Bishop John will be coming to Eastham this sunday morning to lead and preach at the 9.30 service. After the special occasions of Christmas and Plough it's good to have another special occasion to lookforward to.
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