I expect that both Labour and Conservative strategy teams are scratching their heads at the unexpected rise in Lib Dem support. They have tapped into a reservoir of voter discontent with Labour, unease with the Conservatives but a desire to see change. In 1997 Blair’s victory carried the sense of a new dawn and Clegg... Continue Reading →
Baptists doing theology – northern theological consultation
I attended an excellent theological reflection day on Tuesday. Organised by Northern Baptist Learning Community and others it was great to have an opportunity to listen and talk together, something that we need to encourage among ministers. For me the highlight was a paper delivered by Richard Kidd developing the theme ‘the silence of... Continue Reading →
General Election Thoughts 2
After last weeks thoughts on what I would do if I were David Cameron here are some on what would I be doing if I were Nick Clegg. My last post was written (but not posted because of the hustings meeting I chaired) before the first leaders debate which has kick started a surge... Continue Reading →
General Election – Hustings Meeting
Last night we held a hustings meeting for the general election which I chaired; over 200 people came to hear what the five candidates had to say. The format for the evening included each candidate having a couple of minutes to make a personal statement, three questions put to the candidates based on people filling... Continue Reading →
General Election Thoughts
I enjoy elections so the current UK general election fight has got me wondering, after the TV debates, what would I be doing or thinking if I were David Cameron? 1. Inspiration. Cameron has got to sell a vision of a future government that inspires people. He has to find a way of communicating his... Continue Reading →
Depending on God
In the run up to Easter our church preaching theme was about prayer and living a life that depended on God. I recognise most readers of this blog have other things to do with life, but if you want to listen to any of the sermons they are available for download here. I have also... Continue Reading →
BeBe Vox
I've two friends who are heavily involved with this project; writing, producing the songs and managing the whole thing.BeBe Vox is a new venture for them; Beth's singing is designed to take its place in the mainstream music scene. Her single is released on 26th April and can be pre-ordered from Play.com. At the moment... Continue Reading →
Easter
It is the Day of the Resurrection. Yesterday I was crucified with Him; today I am glorified with Him; yesterday I was buried with Him; today I rise with Him. But let us offer to Him who suffered and rose again for us ….. let us offer ourselves. He assumed the worse that... Continue Reading →
Good Friday thought
“In that He takes our place it is decided what our place is” For me, Barth’s quote captures both the essence and the mystery of Good Friday. He takes our place as judge so we can no longer justify ourselves. He takes our place as the judged so taking responsibility for us.... Continue Reading →
Brief thought for Holy Week
"God weeps with us so that one day we may laugh with him." I like Moltmann’s quote, it says something important about the nature of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. Mark 14 creates an interesting set of contrasts. After supper Peter is emphatic that he will remain faithful to Jesus yet within a... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 