The danger of isms
It sounds as if it should be the first line of a nonsense poem: ‘The danger of isms and and zations and ises – all human deceptions in different disguises!’ My new role gives me responsibility for encouraging others to…
Clone of Tina Site
Sneaking a peek over God’s shoulder to see what He is up to: thoughts on future church
Clone of Tina Site
Sneaking a peek over God’s shoulder to see what He is up to: thoughts on future church
Tina
I’m 47, unmarried, with lots of beautiful loyal friends and supportive family. I’m known for my outrageous laughter and unrestrained tears, and love to play, walk, sing, cook and eat in communion with others. Main obsessions: The West Wing and anything written by Aaron Sorkin; sugar in all its forms.
To know as we are known
I went to work today asking God to help me treat each person as though they were unique, precious, and beautiful. It did make a difference. Somehow it created space between me and the ever-growing ‘to do’ list. This might…
A little lower than the angels
What’s all the activity for? Why do we as members of the church spend so much time doing stuff? There are so many spheres of activity, so many worthwhile events and initiatives, so many vital meetings, countless services of worship,…
Flushing out the pioneers
So today I went out pioneer-hunting. Jesus may have sent Peter and the disciples to fish for people, but I think he’s sent me to fish for pioneers. Or if I can choose a different metaphor, he’s sent me to…
Hello
A friend was driving to work listening to Radio 2 and Adele began singing ‘Hello’. My friend, who had heard the song a number of times before, found herself overcome with emotion as she heard God’s voice reach out to…
weaving ourselves into a story
Today was a day of story-telling. We’re a new team made up of members of older re-shaped teams, as well as completely new members. One member was new today and some are new-ish. But today was the first day of…
The medium is the message
It’s been than two years since my last post. If you’re still subscribed, thanks! I don’t know why I haven’t been posting – probably just lacking capacity, and then you lose confidence. I’ve challenged myself to get back on the…
Blessing the apple trees after Paris terror
In this wintertime of violence and hatred In this wintertime of bloody execution In this wintertime of meanness and closedness In this wintertime of ignorance and fear We pray for a springtime flowering of tenderness and compassion We pray for…
Seth Godin: What’s ‘education’ for?
This post about public school in America, its industrial roots and lack of connection with the nature of contemporary society gives clues to how we might train people in theological colleges, how we ‘do’ mission and church, and how we…
Pussy willow
This poem has taken more than a decade to come of age. I found the archeological remains literally on the back of a torn, empty A4 envelope a few weeks ago, and this evening inspiration has flown in from wherever…