Listening to the stones

Don't you love Eurovision

Budget day, Arab Spring, Recession... Today any of these could have figured on this blog but clearly Eurovision comes crashing through all of that. And in a sense, thank the Almighty it does for it teaches us something.

Englebert has recorded the UK song and while it's not a pot boiler, it's not as bad as some. In fact it is quite respectable which throws my theory out the window that we had chosen to  just laugh at ourselves and the whole Eurovision Song Contest culture by picking the most rediculous player and song because we know no one will vote for us and so we might as well enjoy a bit of a laugh. Perhaps that might still prove to be true.

That is until you see Russia's secret weapon in the contest. This is quite something and I believe could win the day. I'm not sure what the washingmachine is doing going round and round in the background: some unique placement ad - who knows.

Could it be a time to just break through the depression, find things that actually bring us together is some peculiar and strange way an celebrate our amazing diversity across Europe? Perhaps we can find things of more value than money and economy and very serious political leaders. We could just find the richness of what is around us that bring a sense of real life, that doesn't take life too seriously, and actually just make life better and costs nothing. Go Eurovision, Go Englebert! I am definitely tuning in when it's on. Party my place. All invited.

 

Jordan Moments

Topping and tailing of the midweek service tomorrow...

Gathering

There are always quiet centres
still places
fixed moments
where what is holy
is more alive in the world

we are in such a place
where time slows
and noise deadens
and sound
well the sound is of a silence
made of God’s presence

(pause)

welcome into it

 

Sending

May you find places where the river is held back
and God’s peace is yours
May you find places where the crust is thin
and God steps out beside you
May you find places where bread is broken
and the skin of heaven tears apart

And the grace…

While we are on the subject, anyone any thoughts of hymns for Sunday? Crossing the Jordan with bread and wine in communion... over to you.