Not to be

Disappointed that Italy have failed miserably at the World Cup. I was hoping that I might be able to watch the world cup final while in Italy on holiday. Being in a town square filled with passionate Italian fans watching their team on a big screen would have been fun ( and blessed with sunshine too, of course).
I suppose I will just need to enjoy the sunshine!

Vuvuzela

I am indebted to my good friend Humph who sent me this information -

http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=1106238

"The Nazareth Baptist Church (Shembe) in KwaZulu-Natal, which claims that the vuvuzela is its invention, has threatened to go court to stop its use during the World Cup if the church is not compensated....".

This Sunday I will be sharing a vuvuzela duet with Jonah.

World Cup fever

I went to pick Annette up with the shopping at Sainsbury's this afternoon. As usual she takes longer than I would expect. As I looked at the World Cup section, I could not resist.
I will use it on Sunday morning as part of the 'word to the children'.

In three weeks time, just before the World Cup final, we will be in in Italy on holiday. I am hoping Italy get to the final. I might then be able to find a big screen in the town square filled with enthusiastic Italian supporters. But after their performance in the first round of matches my hope might be a forlorn one.

World Cup

Just under 3 weeks until the start of the World Cup in South Africa. Sadly once again my nation will not be represented. As it happens I will be on holiday ( in Italy) for the latter stages of the competition.

In preparation for the World Cup the Church of England has produced some prayers for the occasion. The 3 prayers have been written by the Right Rev Nick Baines, the Bishop of Croydon.

A prayer for all those involved

Lord of all the nations, who played the cosmos into being, guide, guard and protect all who work or play in the World Cup.
May all find in this competition a source of celebration, an experience of common humanity and a growing attitude of generous sportsmanship to others. Amen

A prayer for the host nation

God of the nations, who has always called his people to be a blessing for the world, bless all who take part in the World Cup. Smile on South Africa in her hosting, on the nations represented in competition and on those who travel to join in the party.
Amen

A prayer for those just not interested

Lord, as all around are gripped with World Cup fever, bless us with understanding, strengthen us with patience and grant us the gift of sympathy if needed. Amen

The first prayer seems to picture God launching the cosmos into being perhaps like a goalkeeper sending the ball up field? Is that stretching the account of creation a bit far?

The second prayer is a good general prayer about all the people involved. I hope the competition will be a blessing to the people of South Africa.

But is the third prayer anticipating the sympathy that will need to shown when a certain nation fails to fulfill its potential again?

At Harrogate Baptist we are planning to show the England games on a big screen in a family friendly venue. I am looking forward to it.

PR

I was asked today if I could explain the different forms of Proportional Representation. I had to confess that my knowledge of this subject is sadly lacking. But in view of what is now at the heart of the discussions about forming a coalition government, I will need to get studying.
Watching as the results began to come in on election night I was struck by the number of times I heard politicians speak of the need for humility. As it became clear that there was likely to be a hung parliament, so it was suggested that politicians would need to act with humility and accept that this is how the people have voted. Hopefully in the on-going discussions taking place at the moment there will be humility expressed. It would surely do all our politicians good to take note of Philippians 2:3-4.

On another note - on Sunday afternoon I watched my team receive the SPL trophy. That makes for a world record of 53 Championships. Of course, I mention this in all humility!

Joy and sadness

Back to work this morning after a lovely weekend off. The sun shone on the West Midlands. We enjoyed spending time with the family on Esther's third birthday. Among her lovely presents was Maddie the doll. Maddie burps very realistically at the appropriate moment. You can imagine the hilarity!

After the enjoyment of the weekend, this morning began with the news of the death of one of the members of the congregation. His death came tragically and far too young. He leaves behind a family who are understandably stunned. The congregation will be equally stunned to hear the news. Planned theme for this Sunday will need to be revised.

Easter

It has been a busy week in the run up to Easter. Holy Week prayer breakfasts every morning( Monday to Sunday). Today we celebrated Easter after the prayer breakfast with a quiet and reflective communion service and then a Family Celebration Service which was much more upbeat in style. It has been a good week all round. Tomorrow will be a day off and maybe a nice lie-in.