lent

So, lent is nearly here and I have had a good old think about what to do this year. The Church of England has had the idea to social network this lent and is giving out free tweets and pokes (on facebook) during lent. But, seeing as I am quite socially networked already I can only encourage you to get involved and step up my own activity. You can twitter along with me via the twitter link to your right and I'd love to see you on facebook.

Last year I decided to give up white wine and nibbles for lent and it was very successful. I found that I was more energetic, less tired and even lost a bit of weight. I also found that I actually enjoyed the spiritual discipline of actually purging myself of any residual tendencies to depend on white wine and nibbles for relaxation purposes. So, it had occurred to me that I didn't need that discipline again. But, I have found myself looking forward to it so I am going to give this another go.

The last few years I have also been committed to starting something up during lent. So, this lent I am gong to be more assertive about giving thanks before meals, I have some heart-shaped post-it notes that I am going to distribute liberally with blessings written on them. I have a few other possible start-up plans which I will hopefully let you know about in due course.

Tonight Eva and I have a pancake plan - but Mark is off with Da Boyz so he's going to miss out. Hey ho.

da boyz

It has been a hectic few weeks at Loudon Liverpool HQ because Mark has been working on a piece of community theatre that is touring around some Liverpool youth clubs and community centres called Da Boyz. Our usual casual routine has been shattered as we don't seem to ever be in the house at the same time and we just exchange Eva (or she is in childcare or afterschool clubs). It really has been crazy but there is just one week of shows left then we can get back to spending a bit of time together. We are all quite cream crackered at the moment, the house is a tip and we are eating far too much fast food. Hey ho.

re:jesus - Jesus and Lisa Simpson

My latest re:jesus blog post is a conversation between Jesus and Lisa Simpson. Enjoy.

st john chrysostom

Since I have been living at st john chrysostom vicarage I have been asked a few times who this lesser known saint is...for those of you who would like to know more this site seems to cover most of the basics (and so much more).

darkness

Last year was capital of culture year here in Liverpool. This year it is the year of the environment. The city council published details of the initiative in November last year (more details here) and current plans for 2009 include:

* The introduction of a Green ambassadors programme which will ask everyone, old and young, to sign a pledge committing them to completing tasks to reduce their carbon footprint. These will range from reducing the amount of electricity used at home to planting at least one tree or shrub during the year.
* Hosting special events in each of Liverpool's five neighbourhoods to promote debate about all things environmental.
* Launching the city's very own designer bag for life.
* Dedicating one school day for primary and secondary schools which will focus on green issues and the role young people can play in shaping our future world.
* A celebration event to mark the completion of the £14m regeneration of Stanley Park.
* Events which will encourage residents to get out into their local green spaces and learn more about the environmental wonders of the city's parks and gardens, their history and the impact climate change could have on them.
* A major environmental conference to be held in the city.
* Green Fayres selling organic, locally sourced products to be held across the city throughout the year.
* Encouraging residents to get involved in conservation and become volunteers for their local nature reserves.
* A green pantomime which will get the environmental message across in a fun way.
* Making all city council vehicles, such as waste collection lorries, low-carbon to reduce emissions.

One story that caught my eye this week was that a school in Garston went back in time to see what it was like to live without electricity for a day. The North West tonight report (here) shows how they experienced school like Victorian School children for the day.

We have been looking at the story of creation in our Genesis series of sermons and bible studies over the last few weeks and it has certainly provided me with a lot to reflect on in terms of our responsibilities as stewards of God's creation. It may seem like a small step but I hope that the year of the environment has an impact on the way in which we view the environmental impact of our lives in the city.

that was the week that was

Indeed the week has past far too quickly and it has been quite frustrating. But there have been some highlights:
On Tuesday evening I attended my first Everton Labour Group meeting where I received a cool welcome - good to see that local politics remains as bazaar as always.
On Wednesday I had to go to the Build A Bear Factory with Eva (I have very strong views about 'build a bear' that I can not write here for fear of the legal repercussions suffice to say it took all my strength to step over the thresh-hold and help Eva spend the gift voucher that was given by my Mum). I came home feeling spiritually and financially bereft. Having said that it was compensated by a great housegroup/bible study at mine - we are looking at Genesis at the moment and it provoked an interesting debate about sex, sin and redemption.
On Thursday I had my hair done. Due to my current situation (please contact me in person for details) I am trying to blend in...so I have had my hair cut very sensibly and gone to my natural colour (though a bit of colour was applied to cover my grey hair - getting greyer by the day!!!).
Today I am home early and have, for the first time this week, had some time in my office. I have moved some papers about and faffed about - which is nice.

Anyway, I must go and get Eva now. She has a friend over for tea so I must be on best behaviour.

synod and racism

Having grappled with tackling a friend's racist comments yesterday I am very pleased to hear that synod decided to make clear that ordained or lay ministers should not become members 'of organisations which contradict the duty to promote race equality'...one small step!
For updates on Synod do pop onto the Church Times Blog

racist friend

This was an interesting article about how Jerry Dammers dealt with a racist friend. He speaks about his regret at not challenging his friend and points out that if he had been able to speak to him perhaps he might have altered his behaviour. I guess it is up to each of us to challenge inappropriate behaviour and language whenever we encounter it.

Jesus is a friend of mine

I have had a very stressful few days and it is always good to have music to cheer yourself up...and this definitely cheered me up!

beastie boys

Thanks to Patrick for reminding me that Paul's Boutique has been remastered and all is well...genius. I am sick of hearing about the 'hood but today this picked me up no end. lovely lovely.

washing machine

Well, yet again we are without a washing machine. It is very dead - a bit of the cement bit came off and flew through the drum and pierced it - so we are now at the mercy of the loss adjuster waiting for them to condemn it so we can have the cash and get another one. But, how long do we wait? And how do we do our washing in the meantime? The nearest launderette is miles away and both Mark and I are working full time and we have a baby in the house at the moment so the washing is piling up. So, Mark has gone out to see is some bloke in Kirkdale will sell us his 2nd hand washing machine for £40...that should tied us over. As long as the suspension on our car hold up!

I am very tired - I know that is a familiar mantra but, I am starting to feel the pressure of winter and want spring to be here. So, I am going to have a little read of my book - moved on to Stieg Larsson's 2nd book in the Millennium trilogy - The Girl Who Played with Fire . Anyway, must go and chill because I have 2 more services left today and not much reserve energy.