As part of St Bride’s Liverpool‘s Lent reflection series on ‘Holy Habits’, I shared my experience of the Examen, an invitation to daily thankfulness: In St Paul’s letter to the Colossians (3: 12-17), he tells the church in Colossae to ‘Always be thankful’ in everything they say or do, giving thanks to God in the name …
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2018/03/01/the-examen-practicing-an-attitude-of-gratitude/
Feb 22
Who gives a toss? You can! A Lent reflection
This was what I put on a poster to invite residents of YMCA Liverpool (where I am part-time chaplain) to come and make pancakes last week. The aim was to bring people together for a simple food making activity to mark the beginning of Lent, the time of preparation for the Christian festival of Easter …
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2018/02/22/who-gives-a-toss-you-can-a-lent-reflection/
Jan 25
Oh! Look at the Moon – Sharing a poem from the heart inspired by #BurnsNight
Last year around this time, friends of Scottish heritage invited us to a traditional supper in honour of Burns Night, the anniversary of the birthday of the Scottish poet Robert Burns, at which it is traditional to recite poetry. It reminded me of my Irish heritage, and similar gatherings at which family and friends would …
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2018/01/25/oh-look-at-the-moon-sharing-a-poem-from-the-heart-inspired-by-burnsnight/
Dec 24
Is there room? – A poem for Christmas Eve
AT A carol service last Sunday, hosted by Open Table, an inclusive Christian community in Liverpool, I read one of the readings, which I found moving, inspiring and too good not to share. Is there room? There rarely is when people are desperate and search for shelter. Is there room? There seldom is when people are …
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2017/12/24/is-there-room-a-poem-for-christmas-eve/
Dec 16
The real Jesus of Nazareth – Why we celebrate Christmas
Last week I read a headline on The Independent news website that said: ‘One in five Brits does not know Jesus Christ born on 25 December’. I have good news for them – he almost certainly wasn’t! In the story we hear again each Christmas, we remember that the shepherds were out watching their flocks by night – …
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2017/12/16/the-real-jesus-of-nazareth-why-we-celebrate-christmas/
Nov 30
Give free gifts of kindness this December
‘Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible’ – Dalai Lama So, you’ve survived Black Friday and Cyber Monday – and maybe had a little left over for Giving Tuesday? Let’s not forget that December is a marathon, not a sprint. It may be the ‘most wonderful time of year’ for some, it can also be the most expensive and challenging time …
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2017/11/30/give-free-gifts-of-kindness-this-december/
Nov 27
The tide of gracious inclusion – A message for Open Table from Steve Chalke
LAST MONTH, Open Table – an ecumenical Christian worship community which offers a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church – hosted an event for members of the 11 existing Open Table communities, and those considering whether Open Table is a ministry …
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2017/11/27/the-tide-of-gracious-inclusion-a-message-for-open-table-from-steve-chalke/
Nov 23
A Handful of Hope – Gratitude As A Way Of Life #Thanksgiving
THIS MORNING on Facebook I shared a quotation that seemed appropriate for today: ‘If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.’ – Meister Eckhart Meister Eckhart, the 14th century German theologian, philosopher and mystic, was referring to gratitude as a spiritual practice. As chaplain to Liverpool YMCA, which provides 170 beds …
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2017/11/23/a-handful-of-hope-gratitude-as-a-way-of-life-thanksgiving/
Nov 20
The theology and spirituality of Open Table – A person-centred approach
OPEN TABLE – an ecumenical Christian worship community which offers a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church – began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008, meeting once a month for a communion service. Since July 2015 we have been growing beyond …
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2017/11/20/the-theology-and-spirituality-of-open-table-a-person-centred-approach/
Nov 18
Marriage equality – why is it important for faith communities?
AUSTRALIA HAS VOTED in favour of marriage equality for LGBTI people – the results were announced on Wednesday and greeted with joy and expectation that the law will now change to make it so. As my husband is Australian, I have followed the campaign with interest. We had a civil partnership in May 2012 – …
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2017/11/18/marriage-equality-why-is-it-important-for-faith-communities/
Recent comments