Good perspective, and peace

Basically the Brits are inside the European Union with lots of opt-outs, and want to be outside with lots of opt-ins. That was the view painted by a Business Daily podcast on the BBC World Service. It got me thinking. 

In other words Brexit will change little, which appears to be roughly the direction we're heading. I commend the podcasts [¼ hour available on digital or internet] because they give different perspectives, and don't endlessly flog the same stories.

But there's another reason: they are full of positive tales. Outlook is another particularly good series. Often media delights in the bad at the expense of the good. The truth is that a huge amount of great events go unreported. Jesus said to his disciples, 'If you continue in my word ... you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.' His teaching addressed poverty, illness, abuse, and so on; he didn't avoid the bad, but his focus was always on good news or gospel.

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When heading up All Saints School governors, I participated in giving students some interview practice. One thought she had little of achievement, but as I asked her about what she did it became clear she had a wealth of skills and experience to offer. She couldn't believe the truth about herself until she heard it reflected back to her. Another thought school was just occupational therapy, but came to understand it was there to give him the skills he needed. Instead of resenting challenges he came to relish them.

St Paul put it beautifully, 'Whatever is true, honourable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, if there is excellence and anything worthy of praise, think about these things ... and the God of peace will be with you.

Safe celebration, and just outcomes

On my way to take Padre's Hour at the Air Training Corps I was diverted around the houses by a large screen broadcasting World Cup Footie outside the Rendezvous. 

The atmosphere was amazing, a great sense of fun and excitement. However, to one side I noticed police, ambulance, and security staff making sure someone who had collapsed was safe. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who look after us, especially when we've overdone things.

Jesus taught that we should live to the full and celebrate all that's good, while at the same time keeping a lookout for one another.

And on another subject, the last Wessex Water information pamphlet delivered to every household invited us to rate its performance against other service providers, one of which was Sky with only a 5% approval rating. I have spent 5 months terminating my TV subscription [which had provided an excellent service] and now understand why Sky has such a poor reputation.

The above can be published in the public domain, however I cannot tell you the outcome of my dispute because it includes a confidentiality clause. What I can do is thoroughly recommend the centre for effective dispute resolution [CEDR] which provided an excellent service.

It is internet based, with provision for both parties to upload evidence. This is evaluated independently, and a binding judgement made. Power is held to account by truth. Christians lie behind the foundation of these islands' ancient courts of justice, most of which had a chapel built into their infrastructure.

As we enjoy summer lets give thanks be showing appreciation for those who keep us safe, and all who pursue justice.

Smart thinking, and privacy.

Vans are coupled back to back so that one driver can move two units. The power train uses the front wheels with rear being attached later. As I cycled by I did wonder if it was a spoof, until I saw thousands of pairs.

Smart thinking can throw up unusual ideas. There's a company exploring the storage capacity of electric vehicles. Why not use them as backup power supplies? Tot thousands of batteries together and they can supply substantial energy for those times when we all put the kettle on at the same time.

Jesus was a smart thinker. Take the idea of a day of rest. People of his day had gone all 'health & safety' mad about it. Work of any description was banned. What about healing people then? He put it very simply: rest was made for people, not people made for rest. They had things back to front, and he straightened out their thinking.

Confidence is vital in terms of respecting privacy, and allowing us to deal with things at our own pace rather than under public pressure. In my role I have many conversations, visits, and encounters which cannot be in the public domain. Some have misunderstood because much of my ministry is behind the scenes. But you can't have it both ways.

Parishioners wouldn't keep asking me for conversations if they then heard details broadcast to others. Many of those who wish to know what's going on in other people's lives find that they need privacy when facing challenges themselves.

At the end of May new privacy laws came into being. They can be summed up as everyone [whether big business or an individual] respecting privacy, and never putting anything in the public domain unless there's clear evidence of consent.

The Almighty Creator of the universe, who sustains it through his power, does not invade the human heart ~ he just gently knocks on the door waiting for an invitation. If God respects us, we should respect each other.

Questioning faith

I really appreciate those who challenge my faith because it makes it real. Without questions and comment there is no faith. In this case the conversation took place on a minibus trip back from Twickers. 'Jesus would be hopeless in an identity parade because few people recognised him. How can you believe he came alive again?' And of course retired police inspector Mike Rand is doing the asking!

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A couple walk seven miles with Jesus, but don't recognise him until he breaks bread and gives thanks. Is Jesus a dumb teacher? That doesn't fit with the stories he tells: Good Samaritan, Lost Sheep, Sower, and so on. Then he uses powerful images. 'Give me a coin. It has two faces, so there are two truths to consider.' Jesus here is identified through symbols. That's often how we convey deep bonds: a marriage ring, flowers, and sacraments; they are outward and visible signs of inward and invisible truths.

Mary doesn't recognise him, as she stares through her tears at the gardener. In just one word Jesus reveals his identity; he calls her by name. It's recognition through emotion. Smells can be extraordinary powerful triggers. It may be that a loved one died in early autumn, so the first hint of freshly decaying leaves brings vivid memories flooding back.

I've been listening to a podcast called 'Unbelievable?' on Premier Christian Radio. If you search for it and 'Mike Rand' you'll find all the links, and a local who honestly challenges a convinced Christian about evidence. I commend it to you.

Shaggy performed for Her Majesty's 92 birthday. He has some great lyrics to the track 'Keeping it real'. Doubts and questions help to keep faith real. They are a bit like a strand in a three cord rope. If you take away questions from Jesus' conversations you'd end up with very little. He loved debate, and so should we.

Updates

Updating software introduces all kinds of 'helpful' ideas. Wally has suddenly turned up on Google Maps, but I don't want to ask 'Where's Wally?' when looking for a route or location. Yes, it might be different if I was reading to a child. And then there are voices .... but I'm going to have a go at talking to one when I feel in the mood.

Of course I don't want to be a grumpy old man, because some of these new ideas will fly. There are fantastic apps I use regularly which really irritated when they first appeared. Things are always updating. You only have to look at the tunes of familiar carols; most are relatively new. Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College, Cambridge is broadcast to millions every Christmas, and it always has some new tunes.

Jesus used many illustrations, and was a powerful communicator. Some of his ideas are in common parlance today. 'Don't put new wine into old bottles' he said. We might update that to 'Don't put new software into old computers!' Sometimes the old technology can't cope; most machines are 64 bit today.

Easter is a constant update of our ideas, of energy, of forgiveness which has extraordinary power to unlock new beginnings. It's an amazing festival celebrated every spring [autumn in the southern hemisphere], but every Sunday is a mini-Easter. In fact 'at all times, and in all places' [to quote the old prayer book] we should celebrate being an Easter people.

Forgiveness is just one facet of Easter, and it can bring new beginnings for terrorists [Good Friday agreement 20 years old], between family members, and [as the pope prayed] between countries and within countries that have not known peace for many generations. We need that Easter spirit.

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Updating you on my teeth [March issue], and Fairtrade challenge to Sainsbury [August 2017]: I'm pleased with my first wooden toothbrushes, which seem to do the job well and are wearing OK. It also feels good not to be adding to landfill, where plastic toothbrushes die. It will be interesting to see how the wood burns when the time comes.

The Advertising Standards Agency [ASA] has upheld a complaint against Sainsbury for use of their Fairly Traded tile which is sufficiently close to Fairtrade so as to cause confusion. In round figures the latter is a partnership, while the former is 'big brother' supermarket chain imposing a structure because it knows best. We need justice for producers, so I strongly urge you to follow the ASA's lead and not be conned.

Easter updates should be regular, and motivate us to find the power to make a difference for good in our world.

Hiding, and recharging

There's generally something attractive about the young of any species, for example: chicks, cubs, and foals. The way they run for cover when there's a threat is endearing. It's a picture Jesus used when expressing both a rational and emotional response to those confused, misled, or in danger.

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When it comes to God's love, going for cover is a sensible response at any age. Hiding under the shadow of his wing is a place of security, but don't worry because we soon emerge to face another challenge in life's adventure. Who knows what's around the corner.

When the Beast from the East collided with Storm Emma we had two days of winter: bread and milk disappeared from some shops; there was panic buying; neighbours turned out to dig paths, tow ambulances, spread grit, and call on those shut inside. It brought the best and worst out in us. It also showed how fragile our infrastructure is.

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Churches contain sanctuaries, places of rest and refreshment. Some have nest boxes providing the same in their gardens. Nature tells us we need safe places, and need to recharge our batteries. Why not join in one of many acts of worship to do just that?

You will always find a welcome in the Ridgeway Churches.

Wooden toothbrush?

Keeping our teeth, and planet clean are both vital. BBC's Blue Planet II showed vividly just how much the oceans are being polluted by mega-tons of plastic, from microbeads to rope, to bottles galore. How can you and I make a difference?

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We need to make the switch go, to be persistent. What switch? The one that changes our behaviour, both individually and internationally. On her recent visit to China, Prime Minister May gave President Xi Jinping a copy of Blue Plant II. It contained a note that both countries should do their bit to phase out plastic. Iceland supermarkets have promised to do that in 5 years, and our government in 25 which is far too slow.

Each of us has purchasing power, which can make a real difference when it adds up. Fair Trade is a good example of that, and we encourage it through regular stalls at our Churches. What and how we purchase makes a difference, so what about cleaning teeth?

I enjoyed some banter in a local hostelry when I raised the issue. I've just bought my first wooden toothbrush, and I like its feel. When worn out I won't be adding it to landfill, where plastic toothbrushes die. Mine will join kindling wood to help me keep warm.

We did discuss whether a tooth brush could be made of pork scratchings! Once you have cleaned your teeth, you would eat the brush. Sounds great, but of course you need to clean your teeth again.

Jesus said we need to keep on working at what makes a difference. Keep on seeking solutions. Keep praying for inspiration and power for one another. I've been impressed by the Alpha course we've been running. The last session was on making a difference, and it reminded us of William Wilberforce who was determined to get Parliament to pass a law abolishing slavery. It took him about seven attempts, and he only succeeded a few days before he died.

Let's make a difference to clean up our planet.