'Microbes not Missiles'

Two funerals today: one at the crematorium, the other at Christ Church in town, followed by burial in a remote country churchyard, where I have never been before! It will be interesting to see how 'social distancing' works on the these occasions - how much it is observed. Fortunately, both funerals are likely to be fairly small occasions. Wednesday's will be a very different story!...

It was so encouraging yesterday to see and hear so many inventive ways churches managed still to church. We are learning a whole new skill-set, and people are clearly appreciating it. Our 35 minute recording from Christ Church alone had over 70 'hits', and we know several of those were watched by couples and family members. (If you want to watch/listen - including my reflection about my own mother, and a short exposition of Colossians 3, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/uAUhagjV_V8. We haven't yet mastered the skill of live streaming, but we're getting there.)  Although there are many challenges to learning new technical skills, this season will improve our communications for the longer term. I really applaud the 'have a go' attitude of so many people, not being afraid to make mistakes, realising the importance of keeping in touch and (for Christians) sharing the message of God's love and encouraging each other.

There has been much said about being on a 'war footing', and the WW2 spirit being invoked. Certainly, we are being drawn together in a common cause to resist the 'attack' of the virus and to protect and help one another, especially the most vulnerable. The difficulty is that this enemy is not external but internal, and unknowingly, unless we do as we are told (i.e. social distancing, cleansing etc), we risk becoming 'enemy agents' ourselves and carrying the microbes with us. For this reason, we have agreed to desist from meeting physically as a Hub Team, following our meeting last night, but to learn the technology of video conferencing. This week's challenge!

With amazing prescience, Microsoft entrepreneur Bill Gates predicted what we are now facing 5 years ago: this TED talk is well worth watching. It's only just over 8 minutes long:  https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_the_next_outbreak_we_re_not_ready. In 2015, he said that the next global challenge would not be military warfare but a pandemic: 'not missiles but microbes.'  Sad to think we could have prepared so much better, if we had learned the lessons of ebola.

I'll continue tomorrow, I think, on this theme of fighting the enemy. Meanwhile, here is yesterday's Mothers' Day prayer:

God of love, passionate and strong, tender and careful,   

watch over us and hold us all the days of our life;         

 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Unintended Sabbath

I awake this morning to the wonderful aroma of fresh bread! I have unearthed our bread maker, and set it to bake during the night. Can't wait till breakfast! Maybe just one new habit to get into?

Apparently the reason there was no 'Casualty' last night is that all the staff have been seconded to help with the Cv crisis! (Thanks to my sister-in-law Di for that one.)

It feels very odd today: a Sunday with no services. And I'm not on holiday. I've decided to make it as normal a Sunday as I can. I would have had 3 services this morning, though one of them only to listen to an ordinand's sermon in order to assess it. (So Gill escapes for the time being!) I will go to Cockermouth first, where there would have been an early Communion service; then on to Dean - one of our more distant villages, where I will meet one of the churchwardens for a short service of Morning Prayer, or even Communion. It seems very important to continue the pattern of prayer, and for our church buildings still to be used for that purpose. As our Archbishops have said, we may not be able to pray with people, but we can still pray for them. Our world needs prayer!

As I've suggested before, we are now in a time of Unintended Sabbath. During this season of Lent - which is also a kind of Sabbath time - we use some different words in the Communion prayer. From the beginning of the season, they have struck me as very significant - even more so now:

...in these forty days you lead us into the desert of repentance that through a pilgrimage of prayer and discipline we may grow in grace and learn to be your people once again.

'Learning to be God's people' takes us back to the Scriptures. The origin of Sabbath lies in the book of Genesis and the story of creation. God saw; God rested; God blessed. 

• It seems to be that, in 'seeing', God was appreciating the wonder of creation. Appreciating it. There's a good word for us to re-learn: 'appreciation'! 
• In resting, God simply ceased activity. Many would say that the relaxing of the Sunday trading laws in 1994 hastened our downfall as a society. Not only did it open us to the disease of affluenza  (affluence + influenza), it also gave us permission to work without ceasing.
• By God's blessing of the Sabbath Day, God blessed the human race with the gift of rest. And, generations later, the gift of resurrection.

You can listen to a half-hour service from Cockermouth after 10am this morning here: Staying Connected. It was going to be video'd but we haven't quite mastered the technique! If you're up in time, you can also listen to a service on Radio Cumbria at 8am.

On Mothers' Day, here is a very appropriate prayer of Archbishop Anselm:

Jesus, like a mother you gather your people to you;  

you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.

  Often you weep over our sins and our pride,  

tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgement.

   You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds,  

in sickness you nurse us, and with pure milk you feed us.

    Jesus, by your dying we are born to new life;  

by your anguish and labour we come forth in joy.

    Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness;  

through your gentleness we find comfort in fear.

   Your warmth gives life to the dead,  

your touch makes sinners righteous.

    Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us; 

in your love and tenderness remake us.

   In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness,  

for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us.

from Anselm of Canterbury 1033-1109

'It's a Marathon not a Sprint'

Usually, Saturdays for a vicar - well, for me anyway - are a bit of a mixture of work and leisure. When the children were young, I tried to make time for play and family activity. Swimming in particular, I remember - and watching Everton! Now, there may be opportunity for a walk or an evening meal with friends. Sometimes, there is a conference, training event or workshop which takes up most of the day. This afternoon would have been 'Messy Church' in one of our villages. Inevitably, there is also preparation for Sunday, including writing that sermon which has been in the heart and mind during the week. And - a highlight, sad as I am - 'Casualty' in the evening!

Guess which of the above remains in this new order of things! But - oh no! - even 'Casualty' has gone today!

Although all our Sunday services are cancelled indefinitely, a small group of us are planning later today, to put together a short act of worship to video, and stream tomorrow. It will be an interesting experience. Many of us are on a steep learning curve, seeking to use technology so we can continue to 'church' (which should be a verb as well as a noun!) I've noticed several clergy friends and colleagues have been posting videos of themselves, offering a Christian message and wise counsel.

As the Cv situation continues to worsen, the prediction at the start that this will be a marathon rather than a sprint becomes increasingly apparent. We need to think ahead, to what we might be dealing with in, say, a month's time - or even 12 months. That said, there is no other way at the moment than to live day to day. Most of us in church leadership have spent the last 5 days thinking about what needs to be put in place, answering lots of questions, considering who needs to be provided for, how we can hold things together - how to 'church' indeed. But all the time, I'm thinking, where are we going? What is this uncharted territory we are entering?

I've noticed the following piece has appeared a few times on Facebook. It paints a picture of how life could change if we use this time well, with hope in our hearts.

And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.

And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal. And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.  Kitty O'Meara.

Today, Sabbath. Tomorrow Resurrection.

From today's Psalm:

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait in hope for the Lord. Psalm 31.24.

'Care not Fear'

Cumbria is probably a better place to be right now, in the midst of this Coronavirus crisis. It is less crowded up here, with plenty of open space, so maybe the risk of infection is lower? Several people have commented, when they have become isolated, that they are grateful they can still go for a walk - even an uphill one! Cumbria is also used to crisis of one kind or another: for example, the foot-and-mouth epidemic in 2001, the floods in 2009 and 2015, and the shootings in 2010. In each case, for different reasons, there was a lock-down and many examples of community organizing for mutual support. These experiences have produced a resilience, even a doggedness in the Cumbrian character, and a concern for one another.

But, of course, this is of a different order. Human life is being threatened on a large scale, and the fear is almost palpable. Ultimately, it is fear of death. One way in which we combat this is by turning outwards, in the care of others. It is noticeable how people are often asking each other 'how are you?' - and meaning it. And following up with, 'Take care.'

We are preparing for a 'virtual' service on Sunday from Christ Church. And this morning I meet with Paul, who convenes Churches Together in Cockermouth, to talk about coordinated responses, including the town's Emergency Response Group, formed after the 2015 flood.

Today is St Cuthbert's Day - Bishop of Lindisfarne in the 7th century. He was instrumental in spreading the Christian faith not only in Northumbria, but all over the north of England. His shrine is at Durham Cathedral. Interestingly, he caught the plague as a young man (nothing new about viruses!), from which he recovered. But he walked with a limp for the rest of his life. Maybe we will walk with a collective limp after this crisis is over: more humbly, knowing that we are not as much in control of our lives as we sometimes like to think. This whole experience will be a test of character for us all.

Holy God of Cuthbert and the saints, go before us now.
God of the fells and God of the fields, go before us now.
God of the streets and God of the people, go before us now.
Grace and mercy, peace and protection, be ours for ever. Amen.

Post-Election: Living Christianly

Unbelievably, it's more than two years since I wrote a blog! 

I have read and listened to many opinions over the past 6 weeks, but refrained from adding another voice to the conversations. I find myself in sympathy with many of those who have expressed real concerns about the conduct of the Election campaign (where truth has often been the casualty), about the character of some of our leaders, and about what the future might look like under our new Government. And I am personally deeply saddened by the loss of our own excellent former MP, Sue Hayman - Labour MP for Workington - who many of us reckoned was an outstanding constituency MP as well as a passionate champion for the environment.

We need to think deeply, once again, about what it means to be 'Christian' in this new-old world. There is nothing new about political turmoil, either in history or in different parts of the world today. The first disciples of Jesus lived under brutal Roman oppression, where elite religious leaders and grassroots revolutionaries vied for their attention. Many of our Christian brothers and sisters live under persecution. There is much to be thankful for!

The call of Jesus is an invitation to raise our sights to the Government which is to come, when God's Kingdom is finally established and heaven comes to earth. Some Christians will be called to political activity and/or protest. God knows we need Christian politicians, whose character is consistent with their message!

For most Christians, however, our calling is simply to live faithfully wherever we are, and whatever we are doing - faithful to Jesus and to each other. We are called to live compassionately and generously, with truth and justice as our hallmarks. We are called to invite others to side with us, not for any political party but, humbly in repentance and faith, for the common good.

As I have prayed, and led others in prayer, two Scriptures seem to be particularly appropriate:

Psalm 131

1 My heart is not proud, Lord,
    my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
    or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have calmed and quietened myself,
    I am like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child I am content.

3 Israel, put your hope in the Lord
    both now and for evermore.

Philippians 4.4-8

 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

And these words from Richard Rohr resonate with me:

People who live with faith in the midst of darkness never stop growing, are not easily defeated, are wise and compassionate, and, frankly, fun to be with. They have a quiet and confident joy.

It is not unknown for the Church to flourish, and its impact to be greatest, when a nation is in crisis!

Let nothing disturb thee, nothing affright thee;

all things are passing: God never changeth!

Patient endurance attaineth to all things;

who God possesseth in nothing is wanting;

alone God sufficeth.  St Teresa of Avila.

The Book of Joy

Last week, I completed my first walk since my recent 'adventure'. I joined the 'gerontocrats' - a group of older men from Broughton and area who go walking every Wednesday. Altogether about 20 of them, so they average 10-15 each week. I had been told that, given their age, 'nothing too strenuous'. Well that may have been, but Wednesday was certainly a challenge. Nearly 8 miles distance and 2,700 feet of climb. We climbed High Street, Knott and Kidsty Pike, so 3 more to my total of Wainwrights. But it was seriously exhausting for me, and I was well behind the field by the time we finished. I was stiff all over for 2-3 days afterwards, but at least this time I was properly equipped and didn't get lost, with an experienced band of fell walkers, many of whom have climbed all the Wainwrights at least once. It was a glorious day, fabulous views, awesome fells and lakes, and a real sense of achievement by the end. Unfortunately I can't go every week with this gang, as I have staff meeting, but I will certainly go again when I can.

We have spent a couple of days in Liverpool, which was restful; and also a joy to meet Jude back from the land of Oz, and to see all her photos.

On a visit to Newcastle recently, I went to spend some book tokens, not being too sure what to buy. One book jumped out at me, as one of my 'rescuers' had recommended it to me: 'the Book of Joy', subtitled 'Lasting Happiness in a Changing World'. Written by Douglas Abrams, it is an account of  a week spent recently in the company of the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, on the occasion of the former's 80th birthday. He records their dialogue, on finding joy in the midst of turbulence and sometimes of pain. As both have suffered much in their lifetime - the Dalai Lama through exile and the Archbishop in the years of South African apartheid - they have real and deep experience to share. Though both come from different religious traditions, they clearly have much in common, asserting the need for rigorous mental discipline, space for contemplation, and a desire to bless humanity.

I have found particularly helpful their 'Eight Pillars of Joy', which they expound as a form of positive thinking and blessing when faced with circumstances which might otherwise depress or oppress. The pillars are:

• perspective
• humility
• humour
• acceptance
• gratitude
• forgiveness
• compassion
• generosity

I look forward to reading more - and putting them into practice.

This evening, a confirmation at Dean. Two men from Broughton, who have recently come to Christ; and the wife of one of them who chose the occasion publicly to reaffirm her baptismal faith. Such a joyful occasion, especially as all 3 chose to share their testimony. It was significant that all three faith stories involved a wedding last year. In the case of the couple, it was their daughter's wedding - she and her now-husband is a Christian, and the whole service was filled with a strong sense of God's presence; in the case of the other, it was his own wedding last year (in mid-life) which started his journey. Makes you realise just how important it is to do these services well.

Harvest

It's been a while since the last blog. Away one weekend, and last week just no time.  It's been a bit quieter this week. The last couple of days have been a bit anxious as river levels have risen, but we seem to be safe so far and while more rain is forecast it seems more sporadic. The threatened hurricane on Monday has now been downgraded.

I have circulated this prayer. It seems to me that we don't always pray what is on our heart, so this is an encouragement for us all to do so. I believe God hears and answers, but of course the result is not guaranteed. So Paul, the chair of our Churches Together group, is one of several Christians involved in preparing a practical response to any further flooding. I don't believe in the 'power of prayer' but I do believe in the power of God!

Jesus, Lord of wind and rain,

Save our town from floods again.

Save us and help us Lord, we humbly pray. Amen.

Last Saturday, I met with my two 'rescuers' in Carlisle, and also spent some money on getting better equipment to protect me next time I go walking. It was good to meet them in normal circumstances. One of them is now officially retired from the Fire & Rescue service, having witnessed one horrific event too many, and struck down with PTSD. He is now qualifying as a hypnotherapist, and wants to use his skills to help others struggling with various kinds of phobias and compulsive behaviours. It was interesting talking to a couple of guys about male vulnerability.

Tomorrow is the last of our harvest services, where we have been encouraging our members to commit or recommit to giving, as part of their discipleship. It seems an appropriate time to do this, as we reflect on the bounty of God in creation. The particular theme I have in mind is that Christian giving is a kind of investment in God's future. We give, not because we expect some result or some pay-off, but because God will accept what we offer and use it for the purposes of his Kingdom, the results of which we may or may not see. This is counter-cultural, because we normally expect to see a successful out-turn for our investment. It is not usual to give without expectation. Nevertheless, we have made sure people do have the facts about the financial needs of our churches for the next 12 months.

Today, there was an open day at Broughton Church, to which we had invited local residents. The turnout wasn't great numerically, but there were some really good conversations. Slowly, I believe, we are reconnecting with the village.