Goodhand in Banbury

I believe this is worth a read  A Service of Prayer for the Nation Homily by  Bishop Mariann  |  Jan 22, 2025 O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Jesus said, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, a...

Brian McLaren paints four possible scenarios for the future of what is now a world wide civilisation. Collapse/avoidance Collapse/rebirth Collapse/survival Collapse/extinction Apologies if my outline is too simplistic.  The first paints the possibility that humanity manages by immediate actions to mitigate the worst of climate change brought about by human activity. It does recognise that the damage already done to the environment will continue to have an affect as the time lag is such that the damage caused builds upon itself.  Then we have the possibility that avoidance is too late and we might best hope for a rebirth of civilisation following on with a lot of re-thinking about how we live.  Thirdly it's all a bit too late, and the best we can hope for, is we and the planet survives in some way, but it will be a very different world.  Finally we don't avoid what we have created and we could in the process of protecting ourselves in a very selfish manner totally des...

This year's Christmas present to our two eldest grandchildren was to take them to see Mama Mia at the Novello Theatre London.  By chance after Christmas, while at church, I was explaining to one of our members over coffee after the service, what we were up to in the next few days.  "Oh when we are back down in London we are off to see Mama Mia with the grandchildren" Well the response surprised me.  "My grandson is one of the performers I bet he will be willing to take them back stage."  By the end of the day she had spoken to her daughter, who in turn spoke to her son Luke, who then texted us to arrange the event.  So Saturday came round. At 1.10 with two excited grandchildren we were at the stage door being let in. Well Luke plays one of the key roles, that of Sam Carmichael (played by Pierce Brosnan in the film). Luke was an overwhelmingly better singer! What a super individual Luke proved to be. He was great with our six and eight year olds. Taken first to h...

An Iona Associate friend asked have you had opportunity to watch and listen to the conversation between the leader of the Iona Community Ruth Harvey and Brian McLaren.  So having a bit of time to hand, I typed into YouTube 'Iona Community and Brian McLaren' (well worth a watch), and now I find myself reading his book  'Life after Doom".  So one thing certainly leads to another. It's not an easy read. By that I mean while his style, as always is accessible, the subject matter gives rise to a variety of very uncomfortable emotions. He paints four possible scenarios as to our future, and to be frank none of them are great.  He is facing up to the greatest threat to human civilisation, namely climate change. This has been brought on by  our consumption of the planet which is unsustainable,  the destruction of the eco systems on which we depend as we continue to pollute our way into the future,  the reality of consumerism on which capitalism depends  ...

So after a few years break I found myself helping out at our Church leading the Christingle service.  A handful of children, including one grandson, and a good number of adults arrived for our 4pm service.  Turning the church on the side, with the seating almost in the round, enabled a more intimate feeling as everyone could see each other. So with traditional songs, prayers, a story and finally the gifting of the christingles we had a meaningful time.  A time to retell the story of God's love for all of creation, as we await afresh on Christmas eve, the birth of Jesus. The moment of Incarnation when the Christ of eternity becomes fully human in the person of Jesus. Who through his life showed how it is possible to live the life of Love, Hope and Peace. Who revealed that God loves everybody without exception. Now this is good news. And it is for those who answer the call to follow, to show in their own lives, the meaning of Incarnation, as we live out this same life, carr...

 In the space of a few days so much has been happening it must mean something important is about to take place. Saturday saw a gathering of Iona Associates and the Thames Valley Iona Family Group in Oxford, where  I led an Advent gathering with Iona style worship, conversation, prayer writing and renewal of friendships. It's always a joy to be part of such groups due to the open nature of people to be prepared to think outside the box.  After a full day it was time for the strictly come dancing final and it was so good to see Chris McCausland win with Diane. But you know when the strictly season is over its nearly....... Then onto Sunday and with two daughters present (its becoming a bit of a new tradition) we were able to enjoy listening to the Milltown Singers where Jill/mum is part of the choir. After all those years of going to see our children in choirs etc it's now their turn to do the watching. The choir was excellent with over 100 in the choir. Then it was the wee...

Intercessions   Advent Sunday Let us Pray Lord God hear now our prayers for our community and world Christ Jesus   may we not be too busy looking for your coming or the fact you are already here that we miss what we need to be doing today if we are to be your followers. May we worship you in all that we do and say so that people may   experience your love for them through our loving. Lord in your mercy hear our prayer In the face of reports and media headlines we pray for your church and especially the Church of England as it works out how it can provide a safe place for people to be. We pray for the survivors of abuse that they might feel truly listened to and that with changes in practice   justice will be be done. Lord in your mercy hear our prayer In an ever unstable world where many conflicts get forgotten about we know you our God do not forget those who suffer. Keep on reminding us to see how the world is interrelated, and that until all are safe no one is. Co...