the year 2016

Felt slightly annoyed when I heard the shadow Chancellor, George Osborne, indicate that as part of the plan to put the economy in shape he would raise the retirement age for men to 66 in the year 2016. The initial annoyance stems from the fact that, God willing, just 5 days into 2016 I will be 65. It could mean that I will need to work another year before becoming eligible for the state pension.

I then began to feel a bit selfish. The problem the nation is facing is far bigger than me and as Mr Osborne said - We are all in this together. So, I have recovered myself and no longer feel annoyed. Also, Mr Osborne's repeated phrase, "we are all in this together", gave me an idea for a sermon for Sunday's baptismal service. Perhaps we could also sing the song from High School Musical?

baptism

Looking ahead now to Sunday and the second baptismal service this autumn. To help in the preparation of those being baptised I provide them with a series of daily readings for the days leading up to the Sunday. The idea and plan is one suggested during my College days by my late College Principal, the Revd R.E.O White. To his words I have added the prayer:

To the Creator
Who give life
We offer our life.

To the Saviour
Who gives love
We offer ourselves in love

To the Holy Spirit
Who gives himself
We ask to be filled.

In the power, peace and presence
of Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
we come to be baptized.



Only caught the last minutes of yesterday's Old Firm derby. Good result :-))

Sundays

The Sundays seem to be coming thick and fast at the moment. Last week - baptismal service. Next week - Harvest thanksgiving. Three weeks time - baptismal service. It will be Advent, Christmas and New Year before before we know it. I also need to fit in two weeks holiday before the end of the year. They do say time passes more quickly the older you get.

Away fans

Came across these pictures of a football stadium in Poland. I suppose it is one way to deal with the away fans. Now which away fans would I consider right for this? Up in Scotland the colours would be just right for Partick Thistle or even Motherwell. But if you look closely you might see the colour of the scarves being waved. Say no more.

"All over 60 welcome to this free event"

Feeling slightly depressed today after a flier advertising an event to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Older Persons arrived from one of the Town Centre Churches. As I read it through the part which brought on this feeling was the line 'All over 60 welcome to this free event'.
I realized that in just 16 months time I will be eligible to attend the service of thanksgiving, the lunch and the concert.( and of course use my bus pass to get there).

mustard seed

In the book 'Celtic Daily Prayer' there is the encouragement to pray that Christians may be faithfully planted as mustard-seeds of hope in the world. A considerable need and challenge in today's world.

To carry on the theme of planting here is a photo of a sunflower planted in our garden by our granddaughters and given some tlc by me. More photos to follow when the other plants finally flower.

Yorkshire Day

'Yorkshire Day' has dawned wet and miserable here in Harrogate. Time, therefore, to do some updating of the blog. I have added some new pictures to the album on the left. Some of the pictures are from the Holiday Club week. A few of the other pictures show the family in various settings. With the rain today it is just as well I did some gardening yesterday!!