KCC Blog

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:21:00 +0000

CATCHING A BUG

I was worried about catching the running bug and becoming one of these people who spend every waking hour pounding the streets. I am glad to say that has not been the case. I have reverted back to the couch potato quite easily.

CHURCH CAUGHT NAVAL GAZING AGAIN

Do you get fed up with the weather? What's the story with global warming, we seem to be getting wetter and wetter every year and quite frankly I am sick of it!!!!!! Feel better now that I have that off my chest. (Deep sigh!).

Then we see the devastation caused by the weather on other sides of the world.

Then we read stories like this http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.plays.down.speculation.of.gay.cleric.as.next.bishop.of.bangor/21346.htm

Will we ever get the point? People will ask.......what is the point. Naval gazing again

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:07:00 +0000

DRYMEN 10k

1 Hour 15 mins!!

Arrived at Drymen...place was busy, and a lot of serious runners about. Wasn't really expecting that. Anyway we set off sharp at 1.00 pm, through Drymen, up through forests (mind you no one mentioned hills being part of the bargin.

1st 5k was reasonable going, managed to do that without a break. I can honestly say no problem.....The hill was harder...a lot harder...OK very hard, so I walked for about 1k. Then it was the run down into the village. I won't be entering for London 2012, but I did finish and I have a medal to show for it.

Finally big thanks to all who have supported me. Over £600 at the moment it was one of the top amounts. If you still want to give go to www.justgiving.com and add my name in the friends box.

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:04:00 +0000

TODAY'S THE DAY

Start time is 1pm.............

So here goes, I hope I can make it. I will post a couple of pictures later to let you see the full effect.

TOMORROW

We are going to start having a look at 'A New Kind Of Christian' by Brian McLaren. http://www.brianmclaren.net/ I hope this will challenge us and stimulate us to have a think about what the Church might look at in the future.

Is traditional Church dying? Or maybe even dead? What does anyone think. Just post an answer, it's good to know that someone actually reads this thing!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:07:00 +0000

MADNESS

Well, things have taken a turn for the worse here. Ever since I lost a little weight I have had delusions that I am returning to some sort of fitness level.

1st, It was the West Highland Way, and then, once the pain had subsided a bit...

2nd, I got a bike....

3rd, I have signed up for the Blythswood Trust 10k.

Scary thing its on the 23rd of August THIS YEAR. So today, I thought I better buy shorts, running shoes, and oh yes socks. And....I better do a bit of running........so I have done a couple of miles tonight and survived!!!!!

A 10 mile cycle tomorrow.............

I will keep you posted, and btw if there are any readers of this blog that fancy sponsoring me........ please visit www.justgiving.com and enter my name in the 'friends name' box!!

Ta much, I will keep you posted!!!

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:27:00 +0000

CONFIDENCE

There has been much talked over the last years about intelligence leading to wars and invasions......came across this story on BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7516463.stm

While I have the greatest respect for our service men and woman 659 laptops lost or stolen makes me wonder.......where do they end up...........

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:13:00 +0000

APPLE PIE WITHOUT THE CHEESE IS LIKE A KISS WITHOUT A SQUEEZE

Just back from our hols. A great two weeks in the Lakes and a very friendly remote farm, peace, quiet, tranquility......oh yes and four teenagers.............

We stumbled across a very nice and friendly church. Sedbergh URC, their Minister Carole (the adult in the swimming pool!)made us feel very welcome and we were invited to a BBQ in the church garden, and the sun even came out for us.

We came across this saying (the one at the top)...never heard it before. But must say very good..... Here are some wee pictures of the good folks there.

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:46:00 +0000

CHRISTIAN AID - Anyone seen my goat!!

Over the last couple of years I have been given a goat and various other things as presents from Christian Aid, and I always wondered what happens to them. Anyhoo

I know that there are some who speak against Christian Aid. Never realy been sure why. But! came across this video. And boy...shows what we are doing works!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3opgw6udhRY&eurl=http://www.scottishchristian.com/

Anyone seen my goat?????

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:04:00 +0000

MILK IN PLASTIC BAGS

Did you see this on the news? The latest thing to try and save the environment. You can go into some supermarkets and buy milk that is in a plastic bag, therefore cutting down on waste. Thing is...they tried it in Dundee 30 years or more ago. AND it was a lot simpler idea of using it!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7447449.stm

ON MY BIKE.

Well, that's it. Helmet has been bought. Out for my first day on the bike today. It went OK, never got too tired. Managed to cycle to the Church and back for the coffee morning. How about a name for the bike? Here's a picture of it to help you think :-)

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:30:00 +0000

DUNDEE AHEAD OF THE TIMES....AGAIN!!!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7447449.stm

Seen this on the news as a new green initiative. I hope it takes off, we are certainly becoming a bit more green over here.

Thing is I remember milk in plastic bags from when I was a kid. We had them delivered in Dundee to our doorstep. And by the looks of this new system, it was a lot easier then too.

Dundee....just miles ahead

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:29:00 +0000

OTHER BLOGS

Dropped in past a few other blogs today http://lostintheheartofsomewhere.blogspot.com/

Do you ever watch the religious channels on cable? There are somethings that are just way over the top.

Big question. Is it real? Or is it fake???

I would love to hear your thoughts.

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:44:00 +0000

THE SAFARI

We had the swimming club outing to the Safari Park on Saturday. We were blessed with good weather and good kids, we got them all there and back without loosing any. It was a great day, but we came across a couple of burly men, one from the swimming club and the other from St. David's church. I will leave their names out to spare their dignity, but they were sporting lovely bags.....here's their pictures, don't want to spare their dignity that much!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:39:00 +0000

THE BIG DAY OUT

Tomorrow we set off, 54 of us, for Pam's swimming club outing. This year it's the safari park. Hope we don't feed anyone to the Lion's (joke!).

I remember being there as a kid and when we were there 3 years ago I was amazed at how small everything was......isn't that funny...how you remember everything bigger when you're a kid? Well, I thought it was funny.....

REMEMBERING THE PAST

Was on the BBC website the other day and they had this fantastic picture of the Tay Rail Bridge. In the water you see the remains of the first bridge, a reminder of the tragedy that went there.

ON YOUR BIKE

On Tuesday, I fell heir to a bike!!! A nice yellow one, just need to get a helmet...photo's to follow

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:08:00 +0000

FRONT ROW SEATS !

Just back from a weekend in London, it was a great time. We were going there primarily to see Bruce and the concert was amazing.

I know I go on a bit about him, but you've got to be at a concert to get what he's all about. Played a couple of songs that even after all these years, I had never heard him play live before. Just outstanding!! It was at the Emirates Stadium, the home of Arsenal FC. I'm afraid we never had the front row seats, but the view was pretty good.

GOOD FRIENDS

We were also able to spend time with Pam's sister while we were there and also Bubba, Ginger and Rachael from Alabama who were stopping by in London. It was so good to see them again. It's funny, cause every time I see them, it feels like we are picking up the conversation where we left it off. Good times.

FINALLY

We got caught up in all the Tube chaos!!!! I sometimes wonder what the answer is to all the problem drinking we have. Where does all the viloence come from?

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:43:00 +0000

THE PRICE OF CHEESE...WELL PETROL

It's funny about how we think about petrol. Well maybe it's just me!!

We talk about gallons in a lot of what we do, but we count it in litre's...and I can remember the days when we changed form a gallon of petrol to a litre, I thought back then it was all about trying to confuse us so we didn't know what we were really paying.......but now we do, we are paying too much. And don't the oil companies seem to be making profits?? Healthy ones???? And what about all the talk of Scotland being an oil rich nation..........where is all that going!!!!!

This is a rant!!!!!

People are very concerned about carbon footprints, well you can maybe stop worrying about them, because we can no longer afford them!!!!! So there!!!!!!

COULDN'T RESIST

Hannah Montana takes up a bit of room in our house, have to say it's quite a funny program. But seen this picture the other day....quite liked it.

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Sat, 24 May 2008 14:19:00 +0000

THEY ARRIVED TODAY

Today, we got our Bruce Springsteen Tickets. Next Saturday...we will be there.... The tour started on Thursday night in Dublin, and the reports have been good, so needless to say we are looking forward to it.

Becki and Buddy!!

Thursday night we were able to meet up with old friends from Alabama who were across here for a wee break, the amazing thing about it was that it just felt that the conversation hadn't stopped. It was good to see them again....more visitors over the next couple of weeks. Watch this space.

THE ROOM

A couple of pictures of the before and after of the room at Bankhead. Official opening in a week and a bit.

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:26:00 +0000

JELLY

Finally, at school lunches, we eventually got Jelly. Finally I feel that I have officially arrived. That's the stuff school meals are made of.

The room is nearly ready. Carpet tomorrow...then we are done. The young people of the church have clocked almost 100 hours of volunteering for it. Good job?

DEBATE

Whilst chatting with people today, we got into a whole debate about the Christain Nation. Are we really one? Where does this notion fit in with a multi-cultural society? Can we be a Christian nation and multi-cultural.....A debat was had that Church leaders should be speaking out more....but maybe it shold be that Christians who are active in Churches, should be more active in the community! Answers on a postcard.

FINALLY FOLKS

Isn't this video amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7410340.stm

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:50:00 +0000

DO YOU EVER THINK LIFE IS NOT GOING WELL.

There have been plenty days where I have got up and felt today is not going to be a good day. Gladly, there are more better days than bad ones.

If you are feeling blue, well cheer up you may get notoriety yet.

Have you ever heard of William McGonagall??? He was the worst poet of his time, but the other day at auction he outsold Harry Potter, not bad for a guy who was supposedly rubbish!!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7402920.stm

And he does have Dundee connections, but well you would expect that!!!

I got to wondering, what do you think might be of value in 100 years time that's considered rubbish today???? Any thoughts.

On another note, I think I might well by Robb Bell's new DVD the God's Aren't Angry......

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:30:00 +0000

ROOM GETTING THERE

The young people of the Church have been doing a great job at Bankhead, the room is getting there, slow but sure. Hope you are beginning to see the difference.

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:07:00 +0000

Yoker...You Did Well

I was in past Yoker Primary School today to present their prizes. They raised a good sum of money, £211, that will be split between the school and Yorkhill Hospital. Picture of me, Pam and Mrs Taylor (head teacher) and the winning children Paul (book token winner) and Rebecca (I pod).

On the next post I will show you the before and after pics of me and Pam.......the weight loss is starting to show.

Mark sent me this email, made me laugh......http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/7398211.stm

Hasn't the weather been great!!!

IN PRAYER

Remember those in China and Burma

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:52:00 +0000

Gladiators Ready.....................

Last night saw the relaunch of the cheesy 90's show and our Mark auditioned for the part, but you will be glad to know that he didn't get the part!!!

Seriously though, it was day three of painting at Bankhead, we will put up a wee picture gallery to let you see how things are looking as we go. Well, I'll ask Mark nicely.

Are the winner is.........

We have encouraged local schools to get involved in helping us reach our charity target. Bankhead did a great job and £500!! Our compition winners were Jade (book token), Morgan (I pod shuffle) and Rhudih (book token). Picture shows kids with Mrs Tysen (head teacher) and me!!

Yoker tomorrow.........

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:17:00 +0000

SCHOOL LUNCH

The last couple of days I have had lunch at Bankhead Primary School. By the way it was really good. A lot better than I remember from when I was a kid...and yes, I can remember that far back.

But I seem to remember school dinners being only one choice. And that was take it or leave it. Spag Bol today!!

But the reason that we were there was to paint an area in the school. An old clockroom area so it can be used as a useful space for the school. So we have been there a couple of days and we will keep you posted on the progress.

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:44:00 +0000

WEST HIGHLAND WAY COMPLETED

It has been a while since my last post....I know too long, but you know how it is. Or do you!!!

In April we completed the West Highland Way. Truly amazing experience. 9 of us started and we all managed to last the pace. Well, last the pace is maybe not quite right, I was a bit off the pace actually.

I will post the final amount raised when all the money is in....Watch this space!!!!!

EVERYTHING IS SPIRITUAL

I went and got the latest offering from Rob Bell this week. The Everything Is Spiritual DVD. The guy can really make you think...a powerful communicator who really makes you think. Watch out for viewing opportunities coming soon.

GOOD GUYS

Also, check http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7385174.stm Honesty is the best policy. Sometimes taxi drivers get a bad press, but hey......there are some good ones out there.

FINAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Robyn, my daughter, passed her driving text...first time.....how good was that....be careful out there!

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 22:28:00 +0000

SCOTLAND

My first Scotland game was in 1978 when my big sister took me to see Scotland v England at Hampden. and guess what we got beat 2-0. This was just before Scotland went to Argentina to win the world cup and after a 1-1 draw with Iran...we were home...so the long list of glorious failures begins and goes on. I kinda knew Scotland would be the nearly men yet again, but hey...well done for getting that far.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

I have been listening away to his new album, and the more I listen, the more I hear the very strong anti-war message that resonates through the album. (see the burning question for more).

Christmas is looming...........

How are you feeling about Christmas. Hope? Dread? How can we put Christ back into Christmas and also, how do you feel about this whole seasons greeting business??

THE BURNING QUESTION

Should musicians get involved in politics? Do they make a difference? Or just a quick buck?

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 15:53:00 +0000

THE BLOOMING RAIN

How come every time we try and do some gardening or wash the cars or something it always comes on rain. What's the deal with that!!!!!!

Today, I was even washing cars in the rain because I hadn't quite finished. How mad is that.

Anyway...still the garden remains.

At Bible Study the other night someone suggested that heaven would be like a garden......Could you imagine eternity cutting grass....could you??? Honestly????

Anyway the garden still awaits, any volunteers?

And what about Glasgow getting the Commonwealth Games. It's great honour for the city, I just hope that the expense is worthwhile and that it adds real value to people's lives.

THE BURNING QUESTION

What sport would I be good at for the Commonwealth Games?? Any??

noreply@blogger.com (A Real Congregational Minister) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:57:00 +0000

THE BIG 40

September saw me reach the big four oh! It was painless, and they say that life begins there, and I am certianly happier now than at any time in my life.....Here's to the next 40

So...whats next????

Well, we are walking the 'West Highland Way' next year, for church and charity. Also, momentous decisions in the church as well.

We are going to be removing our pews and installing glass doors, so its all change!!!!!! For now its a case of watch this space.

PANTOMIME - JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Two weeks........two weeks........we open on the 21st November at 7.30 pm. Do you read this from afar??? Why not come along and see us.....you'll see me as a minister as never before and Pam as a baddie...oooohhhhhhh

BURNING QUESTION

If you had a million quid, what would you do with it??