Monthly Archives: February 2018

Laughter and Promise – Covenant and Cross

Posted on February 25, 2018 by Ian Black

What’s in a name? Names are how we identify one another and ourselves. They are deeply connected to our sense of who we are, our identity. Some people love their name and some people don’t actually like it and some … Continue reading →

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Oxfam and Rainbows: transformed in grace

Posted on February 18, 2018 by Ian Black

Oxfam has come in for quite a pasting this week. Shocking revelations and accusations have been made that some of those who were working to bring relief to the suffering of the most desperate and impoverished people had been taking … Continue reading →

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Making the Ash for Ash Wednesday – A ‘how to’ post

Posted on February 12, 2018 by Ian Black

Here’s another of those things they don’t teach you at vicar training school – how to turn palm crosses into ash for use on Ash Wednesday.  Last year’s palm crosses are burnt and the ash is used during the Ash … Continue reading →

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Clouds – Mystery and Revelation

Posted on February 11, 2018 by Ian Black

If we mention ‘the cloud’ today there is a strong chance that the first thing that will come to mind is a remote internet based storage system. Those of us who rely heavily on gadgets and mobile devices can’t escape … Continue reading →

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Anskar: Faithful persistence – a theology of resilience

Posted on February 4, 2018 by Ian Black

Every now and then the Church of England’s calendar of saints and holy days brings up a commemoration that seems to resonate or be a good counter to a prevailing tone. Yesterday was such a day, as we remembered the … Continue reading →

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Candlemas: A light for all peoples

Posted on February 4, 2018 by Ian Black

Candlemas (Luke 2:22-40) is one of my favourite festivals. It has candlelight, a message of hope and promise fulfilled, and it comes as winter is giving way to signs of early spring, so new life is beginning to dawn. It … Continue reading →

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