As August wanes and September is about to appear, it seems that it has been something of a Golden Summer. Admittedly, I’m a crabbit bugger when it comes to heat, but I do love the sunshine and the rest and the gentle pace and the literal recreation that happens in a good summer. We enjoyed … More A Golden Summer
It was Thomas Merton who said that most of us have reduced the gospel to a ‘personal salvation project’ – to something that bolsters our own views, opinions and, ultimately, our own ego position. In actuality, the gospel calls us to a death before a completely different kind of life…resurrection life. We lay down our … More Personal Salvation Project
Pardon the temporary blog silence, but as many of you may know, our move to Newcastle didn’t work out due to us not being able to secure a post for Tracy by the all-important deadline of her having to hand in her resignation at her current school. Let me just say that this: in many … More God’s plans…
‘God, I need to hear you on this.’ And yes, I think God seemed to know that I did. I guess he brought me again to that point of having a desperate desire to listen. When we get ourselves to that place, when we turn up, when we step into the deep place, God speaks … More God, I need to hear you on this
Quite frankly, I’ve wanted to do anything but move to Newcastle this last couple of weeks. Nothing against Newcastle at all, but a fear of taking the missional risk of pioneering a new work without a cosy denominational backing. I’ve wanted to walk away and keep an easy life, one filled with nice stuff, … More Let this cup pass…
Money and wealth has been in the news a lot in these last few years, particularly as the government afflict a poverty/austerity agenda on the population whilst not being so committed to the principles themselves. I’m not going to over-tire my typing fingers talking about the rights and wrongs of the UK government, but I’ve … More Downward Mobility
When the King of Ancient Northumbria first requested a missionary from Iona to come and minister to his people in the 7th century, it didn’t go so well. The monk sent came to Northumbria ready to convert the hardened sinners, and, I guess, treated them as such. He soon found himself back in Iona reporting … More The Return
I think the longer we’re in amongst the culture of the church, the more we think that society in general knows we exist, thinks about us, is aware of us, and believes that we’re worth taking notice of. I’ve come across this notion in books, in conversation and through listening to countless church meetings…the idea that … More Connection
Spending the day in Elswick and Benwell yesterday has been really useful. I had opportunity to speak with the leader of a key church-related project in Benwell, who have been in the community since 1987. His insights were really helpful and helped clarify a few things about the work I’m going to be doing. Partnership is … More Spying in Geordieland 3
I paid an early visit to the West End of the city in order to refresh my mind of what it was I saw as I spent a significant amount of time walking the streets there this time last year. I’ll be back there tomorrow afternoon. There is nothing romantic about the West End. That’s … More Spying in Geordieland 2
Andrew S M Clark 