GadgetVicar

Making The Most Of A Weekend Off

I've had a weekend off! That's something I've been really bad at doing, but then I "only work one day a week", so what have I got to complain about?

Only it wasn't really a weekend off, because yesterday I had the privilege of preaching at St Andrews University Chapel. I talked briefly about pursuing studies and research (referring to the Ig Nobel Awards) but then preached on Philippians 3:4b-14, focussing on our pursuit of Christ, who has pursued us. The new chaplain, Donald MacEwan, gave me a warm and friendly welcome as well as an excellent lunch. It was a joy to minister again in such a lovely place of worship, whose people continue to have such an orientation towards mission in the University.

I also managed to visit a few other places of historical interest: Castle Campbell (photograph on the right) in  Dollar Glen (it was once called "Castle Gloom", but it's a spectacular setting on any day), Loch Leven Castle (a boat trip and befriending a melanistic mutant pheasant were additional joys), Burleigh Castle (we got the keys on a second visit later in the afternoon which made it much more interesting),  Broughty Castle (a mixture of medieval, 19th, and 20th century architecture with some worthwhile art in the museum galleries), Arbroath Abbey (spectacular and peaceful) and Claypotts Castle (which we couldn't get into but we enjoyed nonetheless). I'm a member of Historic Scotland which makes the cost of visiting all these places such a bargain. I learn new things about our history with every visit.

I even endured the misery of watching England beat Scotland on Saturday, but the joy of the Irish victory before chapel on Sunday.

Added to all that was the joy of spending time with my oldest and dearest friends, whose counsel and hospitality I still benefit from after thirty years. It's a wonder that they've put up with me for so long.......

Returning to Glasgow last night, I enjoyed the lovely Nerina Pallot in concert at Oran Mor on Sunday night. She's got some good songs (she wrote Better Than Today, which Kylie Minogue covered) a great voice and has the most charming between-songs-banter I've ever heard.

A good weekend. I'd best get back to answering the emails that build up after three days away!

Thanksgiving & Celebration

We are busy this weekend beginning with a Celebration Ceilidh with the fabulous Jiggers on Friday night. Do join us for a fun evening.

We then have the Diocesan Council meeting in the hall on Saturday. Sunday brings the service of thanksgiving and blessing of the new facilities at St Silas'. The Rt. Reverend Gregor Duncan, Bishop of Glasgow & Galloway will be present and Mike Parker, (chair of our patrons) will  preach. At the evening service, Mike will also share about the situation in North Africa from his perspective as leader of the English-speaking congregation at All Saints Cathedral in Cairo.

So far, it's been a busy few days this week  - I'm very thankful for some time off last week....

Portencross Castle

I spent a day off visiting castles. Dumbarton and Newark (Port Glasgow) were great, but it was the third castle we visited that made my day. Portencross holds special memories for me: my dad used to take me fishing from the pier there and I can remember finding a way to sneak into the ruined castle. Much to my delight, I recently discovered that a group of enthusiasts have managed to raise the funds necessary in order to restore and renovate the building. But I'd quite forgotten that the intention was to open the castle for the first time during the Spring school holidays, so it was fantastic to find it open and that we could climb up the tower. It's well worth a visit and it's a tremendous tribute to all those who have worked so hard to make it possible. Entry is free (though donations are appreciated) and the doors are open from 11am-4pm every day until the 17th April. Thereafter the plan is to open at weekends or by arrangement.

It's A Quiet Life

It looks as though the new facilities will be handed over in two to three weeks time. The internals are just about finished, bar a deep clean, and the stonemasons are busy working on the ramp walls and fencing. We now have to get the interior fitted out with furniture and technology, so it's all go.

The rectory is now on the market, so we'll see if we get a flood of viewers (must keep the house tidy, must keep the house tidy).

We're launching renewed vision (see here for more details), and we hope that will reorientate us to be more outward looking, inviting and clear in our purpose. I'm excited at what is happening and what might be possible. The next event in our plan to have more fun together is the Great Big Quiz Night on the 5th February. We're running a six week School of Ministry on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from the 22nd February, looking at Work, Leadership, Listening, and Godly Living for men and women. The prospectus for this will be up on the church website soon.

The Gibson Street Gala is in June - the first planning meeting for it is tomorrow. Where did the last half-year go?

I am going away for a few days at the end of this week, to Skye and then the Black Isle, for time with dear friends and some rest and recuperation before the onslaught that will be February. Bring it on!

Catbells

Keswick

I'm off to Keswick for a night or two. Might make the Keswick Convention.

Porcupine Tree in Glasgow.......On My Birthday!

It's been a busy but fun week. One of the perks of this job is the blurring between what constitutes work and what is simply fun. Often both things happen in the same place at the same time. Last night I attended the annual Christmas dinner for staff, volunteers and Board members at  the new Glasgow City Mission building. Some good company and delicious food made for a great evening.

I'm off today, and will be having some more fun. It's my birthday, and I'm so grateful to Porcupine Tree for organising a special gig for me in Glasgow tonight. Very thoughtful. The fact that there will be many hundreds of other folk there is immaterial. After the Florence & the Machine gig on Wednesday night, my ears are still ringing a bit, so I'll be taking some earplugs with me tonight.

Martin Stephenson & "The Month Of Gigs"

Next Thursday night I'll be at Martin Stephenson's gig in Ayr. I've just discovered that on the 17th December, he'll be playing with the Daintees a little bit closer to home than that. To be exact, a five minute walk away from the Rectory at the local Tennis and Bowling club! The promoter, Soundinthesuburbs is doing a great job.

Here's a wee gospel song with Martin Stephenson and Moore's AME Zion Men's Gospel Choir:

In fact, the Daintees are playing locally on the 18th as well, but I'm off to see another brilliant singer/songwriter in Largs that night, Ian McNabb.

December is a busy gig month because there's Florence and the Machine on the 9th and Porcupine Tree on the 11th (my 36th birthday!) to look forward to as well. Life can't be all work can it?

Did I mention that I have another gig to attend? The St Silas' Carols by Candlelight event at 8pm on the 20th December. Do come with your family and friends!

Christ the King Weekend 2009

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 1:22-23

There's way too much going on right now. Been busy today getting ready for the weekend/next year which is naughty given that today is meant to be a day off. I'll make up for it next week. I applied to become a postman today. Don't panic, I'm not giving up. It's not for me, but for GV Boy. One question they asked was about what you'd do if it was going to take longer than you were contracted for to complete a piece of work. The right answer was to complete the work, rather than work to rule. Go the extra mile and all that. Ministry is about that kind of thing too.

Tomorrow is the meeting of the Scottish Episcopal Evangelical Fellowship at Letham St Mark's Church of Scotland in Perth. It's going to be a good turnout, with lots of lay people (not so many stipendiary clergy - many of us tend to avoid Saturday conferences). We'll have a little episcopal input in the afternoon, after I've delivered some words on spiritual warfare and the tough ministry which Charles Simeon endured. Prayers for the Revd Canon Ian Ferguson (aka "The Wee Dalek") who was meant to talk in the morning but who is unwell. We'll get to pray for one another too. I have a sense that many people are feeling the burn right now.

Sunday sees us focus on "Servant Saints", as our wills get all stirred up. We'll also be encouraging people to keep the Building for the Future project in mind for their giving and prayers.

Today, my tickets for the December 9th gig of Florence and the Machine arrived. That will be the third time of seeing them this year. I'm not obsessed, honestly.

In the words of her latest single (originally by Candi Staton, but the best version until now was the remix with The Source):

Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air
I know I can count on you
Sometimes I feel like saying "Lord, I just don't care"
But you've got the love I need To see me through

Sometimes it seems that the going is just too rough
And things go wrong no matter what I do
Now and then it seems that life is just too much
But you've got the love I need to see me through

When food is gone you are my daily meal
When friends are gone I know my Saviour's love is real
Your love is real.

A Grand Day Off

In some great company, I cycled to Loch Lomond yesterday morning. It's a lovely ride, with a few main roads to cross and short on-road section through Dumbarton. On the return, by the time we reached Dumbarton, I was very saddle sore, and opted to catch the train back to Scotstounhill. I remain a wee bit tender following such exertions.

In the evening, I had a dinner date with a beautiful young woman, who will remain nameless for fear of embarrassing her (she is family, in case you are worried!). I had a voucher to use which had been given in February - I just hadn't got round to using it. We dined at Two Fat Ladies West End. Not being in a fish-frame-of-mind, I opted for the estate of Mey fillet steak with hasselback potatoes and a red wine jus and my date went for the roast breast of chicken with tomato and chorizo. Both dishes were beautifully presented, the meat was tender and tasty and the vegetables were perfectly cooked. We loved the antique china dinnerware and individual cutlery (all sourced on Ebay, according to our waitress, Katy). For dessert, we couldn't decide, so ended up having a bit of everything (Two Fats Grand Dessert), which we simply could not finish. Our favourite was the Bramble Cheesecake, which we did manage to eat.

All-in-all, it was a grand day off.