KCC Blog

2009-11-23T21:38:00.003Z

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME

Can't believe it's been so long since I last posted.

Bruce finished his tour last night...that's how long it's been.

We are in the middle of panto fever here and everyone has been working so hard on this years production.

But I have been blighted by the usual round of celebrity shows that cram over the TV at this time of year. When did so called celebs retching on TV become entertainment!!! And hopeless singers who are parading their stuff on a Saturday night. Why oh Why!!!!

Can't we have some decent programme's please. Even repeats of Crossroads would be nice.

Now in the background I can hear that former model prattling away on TV.

It's sad, that is a lady who needs help............

I do too............needing something to watch!!!!!!

P.S. Doesn't Joe Bugner have the worst voice of a heavy weight boxer!!!!

2009-10-19T15:11:00.002Z

OBSERVATIONS ON AMERICA

Just back from a great week in Philadelphia. A nice town and I never realised it was so historical. We learned all about Independence, and how it was all done and dusted right there. We also had to go run up the 'Rocky steps' as depicted in the films.

It was a nice relaxing week, reading books and good company. Oh yes and we went to see THE BOSS, but that probably requires another post altogether.

We did spend some time in an amusement centre, Pam beat me a pool. That probably requires counselling on my part!!!! I don't like getting beat.

But, when we wandered through, I was taken back with just how many games were based around guns. All kinds of games, played by all different age groups of people. I found it quite disturbing.

There was even a father and daughter playing a killing game together......the things you can do.....

I wonder what that says about a gun society. In the week we were there, there were a number of random shootings.......................................

Makes you think.

But people, friendly, hospitable and genuinely couldn't do enough for you. And Philadelphia, a great city to visit.

2009-09-23T18:06:00.002Z

BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY

This weekend see back to Church Sunday, and while I admire the idea (not the fact that it happens on the Glasgow Holiday Weekend) and I am sure it works in places. But it has to be genuine.

You can't have people turning up at Church where people don't really want visitors. There are many places that have the standard 'Do Not Disturb' signs well in display.

Then there have been the Churches I have been to that I wouldn't want to invite people to, because of the disservice they do to the gospel.

What people need is genuine fellowship. A genuine expression of the gospel. A genuine want to be part of the community. A genuine expression of the grace of Jesus.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/berkshire/8266841.stm

Not judgement. Not fashion. Not trendy. Not even rap!! (see above)

Just genuine.

2009-09-13T17:03:00.002Z

FINALLY X FACTOR

This was on in the background again last night and I was wrongly accused of not providing proof for an argument about X Factor being staged rubbish!!!!!

Here is why I don't like it.

1) People who 'think' they might be quite good are put up for public ridicule. Giving a platform for Simon Cowell to be rude and obnoxious!!!!
2) Then they are the sad stories....ones to get those at home crying and tuning in again to see if these heart warmers will have the chance of winning.
3) It's all a massive set up......

And finally folks....they only want those who fit the mode. Thank goodness Chris Martin, Fran Healy, Bob Dylan and Bruce (yes Bruce) Springsteen were discovered before all this hype started. They might not have made it through....so mark my words the person who wins will be a good singer but they will be young, pretty and stereotyped. One more for the production line.

RANT OVER!

2009-09-09T18:52:00.002Z

Avoiding X Factor

Still trying to avoid blogging about X Factor........

Anyhow in a week of depressing weather I saw the first selection box on the shelves at Morrison's!!!!! Just how depressing is that...How many days to Christmas??????

Also, while standing in the rain waiting on the bank opening at Anniesland I went to the local charity shop and had a wee gander through the books and came across the two book I don't have that follow up the Golden Compass. They were prices at 1.79 and 1.89!!! The girl couldn't explain and said I should contact the manager. In truth, she was a bit defensive!!!

But why these prices????? Why not £2 or £1.50!! It's worse that £1.99!

2009-09-02T19:56:00.002Z

COMPASSIONATE RELEASE

Just been listening to more stuff on the radio about the Lybian release. I have been troubled by the whole affair and can't really get my mind round the whole situation because of politics muddying the waters.

You see, I just can't get it out of my mind that this isn't part of some big political deal. I find it so hard to believe that any of this was done just on purely compassionate grounds. To me it all comes down to a dirty three letter word. OIL!

Then it adds insult to injury when an American woman comes on the radio waxing lyrical about who the whole thing is appalling, because it is just all about oil. But then what is Iraq all about...Pot. Kettle. Black..........

If and I mean IF this guy was released on compassionate grounds, then I think it adds stature to us as a people and a nation regardless of the saber rattling coming out of Hollyrood.

But if and I think it was, he was released on some kind of dodgy deal..........then it will all come out in the wash eventually.

For the next post, I may tackle X Factor!!!

2009-08-27T21:21:00.002Z

CAR PARKS

We went to book our holiday for next year today and was in a supermarket car park in Bearsden and spent a ridiculous 15 minutes trying to get out of it!!! It would put me off shopping there. It's bad enough queuing inside the shop never mind outside. Grrrrrrrr

Anyhow, fed up of the rain. So we have booked up for Gran Canaria next year. After the experience of last year would love to do it all again.

Pam got an email at work about taxi's and refusing to get in ones that promote lap dancing club's etc. Just wondering if that bothers people? Or what other advertising really gets up your nose??

Just started reading a book called "The First Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church's Conservative Icon by Marcus J Borg and John Dominic Crossan." Looks like it will be good but a tad controversial

2009-08-17T18:35:00.002Z

BREAKING THE 200 BARRIER

I like many people have watched with sadness the news of the casualties in Afghanistan the last couple of months. And sadly they will not be the last.

The men and woman who serve our country do so with incredible bravery. Way more than I could ever imagine. And my hat goes off to them, and their families.

But I sometimes, well, no often, ask what it's all about. This latest push is all about the upcoming elections in the country and how important the 'democracy' is. We in this country would all agree about that. How important that is. But are our men and woman out their fighting to uphold a democracy that would pass laws that would allow:-

"a man to withhold food from his wife if she refuses his sexual demands; a woman must get her husband's permission to work; and fathers and grandfathers are given exclusive custody of children." see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8204207.stm

What kind of democracy are we settling for????

2009-08-12T19:07:00.001Z

TWO VIDEO'S WORTH A LOOK SEE

Holiday club finished on a real high. Good parents night. Full details on the website and a nice wee video, check it out http://www.knightswoodcongregational.org.uk/content/view/106/

This may well be worth a look. Book was amazing!! http://www.brianmclaren.net/archives/blog/emc-in-an-hour.html

2009-08-06T20:53:00.000Z

HOLIDAY CLUB FINAL NIGHT

Averaging over 40 kids per night at the holiday club. Last night tomorrow. Expecting about 30 parents tomorrow night. Pray for the message and that people can get a glimpse of who Jesus is all about.

The Good News According to Rob Bell

2009-08-04T09:30:00.000Z

The Good News According to Rob Bell

2009-07-29T22:13:00.001Z

BUT THIS WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?7-year-old_boy_starts_car_chase_to_avoid_church&in_article_id=711215&in_page_id=2

2009-07-29T21:54:00.002Z

I WISH PEOPLE WOULD STOP SENDING ME STUFF LIKE THIS

I got an email today asking me to write to councillors, and others about this http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/showExhibition.cfm?venueid=3&itemid=249%20. Thing is I am not going to. I haven't been to the exhibit and the one part that made the news was about the Bible being defaced, and they have taken that away.

But what if we have really treated other groups badly. We are urged to write to councillors about art, but I can't remember getting an email asking me to protest about the treatment of homosexuals in Iran?? Or even when the Admiral Duncan was blown up. Why does no one send me emails about that?

We are getting upset about art when all around the world worse things happen.......all the time.....

I don't like it when people assume to know what I think or what view I have on. I maybe could get a label!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-22T21:34:00.002Z

JUST BACK FROM HOLIDAY

Had a great great holiday in Gran Canaria......but there were the usual problems with towels. Why do people have to get up at 8am, go and put their towels on loungers and disappear for hours on end. Is it rude? Greedy? I don't know, but it drives me mad.....really mad.

Apart from that, it was over 30 degree's every day, beautiful skies, beautiful company and also read 8 books over the week...can't wait to go back.

2009-06-12T20:09:00.002Z

HAVE I REACHED THAT AGE

In the last couple of years I have attended three family funerals and bumped in to cousins that I hadn't seen for years before. And I am left with a question. Is that what will happen from now on?

That these people that I had shared part of my childhood with, I will now only see at times like that. Well. I am resolved that this won't be the way for me. We need to get a family get together....soon.

Also this week, had an interesting conversation with fellow ministers about the situation in the Church of Scotland.....I think it will grumble along like indigestion!!

2009-06-03T08:38:00.002Z

JUST WHEN DOES IT GET BETTER

Here's the thing. I am sitting listening listening to the BBC news and all the talk about the reshuffle.

Is this just the death throws of a government? Is there anyway back? Is it time for a change? Who knows, the media will probably decide.

The thing is, I feel that there is something bigger needing change. A fundamental shift needs to take place where we really sort things out. Like, reading the paper the other day a doctor will lose £375 because.....she has had no complaints!!!!! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/5405902/GP-penalised-for-lack-of-complaints.html

2009-05-25T21:53:00.002Z

Church of Scotland debate....

Have you heard the news??? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8066379.stm

Is this good news? Bad news? A fudge?

Or will this allow a space for people to realise that people can hold different views and that maybe, just maybe, the gospel will be enhanced?

2009-05-23T16:26:00.002Z

WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

As a church prepares a self inflicted wound. I despair when I see people holding placards like this in Edinburgh http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8064428.stm

Where is the Gospel in this?

2009-05-19T21:45:00.002Z

THIS SUMS UP THE STATE OF THE NATION

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8057798.stm

I wonder how many times this happens everyday. We are so caught up with what is going at Westminster that we miss the waste that goes on around us everyday.

There must be a better way of doing business. Must there?

2009-05-19T14:48:00.003Z

THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

I am struggling to get my head round what is happening in the house of commons and the speaker. Why is he under fire???? I have no idea.

We have had moat's, second mortgages, cleaners, tv's, book cases, and he's the one that has to go......it's a strange world. It also rids us of confidence in the situation. Oh the hope of better news soon.

2009-05-14T21:33:00.001Z

I added this to the CF Scotland Discussion http://discuss.cfscotland.org.uk/index.php board under the Church of Scotland

Here is the thing for me.

I do not know of one member of the public who is even thinking about this, even less debating on it. The world moves along as a religious institution kicks itself in the teeth and they wonder what it's all about.

I look at the list of denominations on there and wonder how many of them could worship together, pray together, take communion together. But they are quite happy to condemn together.

I wonder how many Christians would sign a petition calling for the end of Churches storing more money than they will ever need. Or how about the richer churches giving away the legacy's and surpluses every year to the poor. Or how about handing over buildings to charity groups...Oh, I can see the rush now

Jesus who put love and understanding at the centre of his Gospel is replaced by a religion of rules and division....and all the while a world outside is bleeding to death. 'Jesus Wept.'

2009-05-12T22:39:00.002Z

IT'S BEEN A BIT BUSY

I wonder where the time goes. All the time.

Easter whizzed past and we had a great break at the Minister's Conference down Derby way. Then, well it's just been crazy.

I was intending to start Scripture Union at Bankhead and we got 111 kids expressing interest. We had to cap the numbers and are running over two days with some 30 kids.....all taking time....

CF Assembly

Now just back from three days in Harrogate at the Congregational federation Assembly. It was a good three days of good fellowship. The Assembly was a very good day out as well. Jill Stephens will be our President for the coming year and after the thought provoking address she gave, I look forward to her visit up here.

Also congratulations to Sandra Turner as President Elect. Her and her husband John are a great couple and she again will do a fantastic job....

We're Going On A Bear (Witch) Hunt

I have been hearing all kinds of rumblings in the Church of Scotland about a minister going to a church in Aberdeen. He wants to go, the Church want him, even the Presbytery accepted him, but others are challenging and people are rushing to sign a petition denouncing the whole thing.

You have to ask if this is really the right thing. And there will be all the for's and against's. But before we get too hasty, in the past we have used the bible to defend slavery, to imprison Galileo only to find he is right!! And what do you do with reports like this http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5120004.stm

Does God not say he knew us from there??? Just a thought!

2009-04-09T22:43:00.001Z

Here is a list of all the blogs that will be participating (so far), if you would like to read them:

http://mikeaddis.blogspot.com

http://blogdyfedwynroberts.blogspot.com/

http://theurbanpastor.wordpress.com/

http://lifefaithetc.blogspot.com

www.meetalancraig.com

http://gkcorner.blogspot.com/

www.knightswoodcongregational.org.uk/blog/

www.markmeynell.wordpress.com

www.deeperwaters.wordpress.com

www.bibleandmission.wordpress.com

www.bigcircumstance.com

www.adrianwarnock.com

http://andybeingachristian.wordpress.com

http://thesimplepastor.blogspot.com/

2009-04-09T22:27:00.002Z

I am blogging in conjunction with Slipstream. Full details and the other bloggers can be found at their website www.eauk.org/slipstream

Resurrection for me.

Thought I would add some of my rambling thoughts about the Resurrection.

When I was growing up, Jesus was never that real for me. It was just a bunch of old stories, but nothing real.

When I was about 14 I became curious. Some people that I knew went to Church, they were normal people and went to church. What a paradox. You see I thought church people were just plain weird. But who was this Jesus.

I realised that the Resurrection on Jesus was the most important event in my life. Excuse the pun, but it all hangs on the cross.

I came to realise that this Jesus character of the books, was real and alive in people's lives. When they talked about him, you could see a knowing in their eyes. A friendship. And I wanted to have a part of what they had. If there was no cross, they wouldn't have that.

The cross lets you see the price. The cost. For the way the world is. The hurt that living apart from God and, God's way for the world. You see that this is not the way he meant it to be.

The Resurrection, is the turning point to make our lives, and the world a better way to live. And it's not just all about getting to the everlasting life bit at the end, but the struggle that Jesus was involved in. Making the world a better place today.

2009-04-09T10:46:00.000Z

Resurrection Blog....

Check back later....