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May 27, 2006
One week blog break.
Just to let you know that Youthblog is on holiday and 'normal' service will resume on June 5th! Hope to see you then.

Posted by ian at 01:40 PM | Comments (1)
May 26, 2006
Spluuuuurrrgggggggeeeee
I am basking in my new found recognition as the founder of the splurge approach to blogging, thus inspired here's the Gos' and the like. Edition 11 of JAM
magazine is out, well worth a look. Romance Academy have announced their training dates for July, September and October. They'll be hitting London, Bristol and Northern Island. Check out the web page for more details and how to get hold of the DVD of the TV series.
In terms of obscure: I have been contacted by a Christian entertainment company that is run by a Christian and is looking to expand their childrens parties into Oxfordshire. It looks like really good match with youthwork/childrens work skills and could be EXTREMELY useful in supplementing income if you're in a Church that can't pay full-time or will be struggling in the future. Details from me!
St George's College Jerusalem are looking for a few more young pople (15-25 I think) to be part of a programme from July 23-31st. It's learning and experiencing the Holy land alongside local young people. There is sponsorship available for fees BUT you'd need to find the airfare and insurance. There's a British Contact who can give you more details.
I have bought a set of NOOMA DVD's so if anybody in the Diocese of Oxford is interested in using these for youth group sessions please ring up and say, "Hi, is that Ian the brilliant but quirky youth adviser?"
And finally, if you're a bit fed up with youthwork and your looking for a job with similar highs and lows as well as gaining a different perspective, what about as a communications engineer like these guys?

Posted by ian at 08:04 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
May 25, 2006
Whenever two or three DYO's are gathered together
.... It will be fairly riotous!
The conference together with my fellow Diocesan youth Officers was a blast. We had a banquet on the Wednesday night and the centre staff looked nervous! (I guess we were a 'bit' noisy). Lots of great discussion, some useful input and a simple Eucharist led by Maggi Dawn which was very cool.
We spent some time thinking about issues that we really wanted to promote some dialogue on. The ones I remember .....
1. Diversity and interfath dialogue
2. Discipleship and Confirmation
3. Young people and worship
4. Resourcing Churches and youth leaders
5. Youth Ministry vs Youth work (and training implications)
6. 'Youth Matters' and other legislation. Implications for voluntary sector
I'm signed up for the working group on Diversity and inter-faith dialogue. I'm convinced this is an important discussion for us to drive post 7/7 and in the aftermath of things like the Oldham riots. It will also really help the whole process of Discipleship with people more keen to understand and live their faith BUT in relationship with other people.
Posted by ian at 10:29 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 23, 2006
State of the union report
Felt the need to write something and undeterred by the fact that their is no cohererrent thought in my mind, here's the stuff that happens as I type! My ankle is doing pretty well at functioning in an ankle-esque sort of way once again, It's still a bit sore and every now and again I step in such a way that produces a shot of pain that would require a FORTUINE were there a swear box present.
The DYO conference is going well and escape plans are not needed as there is a) a bar! and b) the door isn't locked so I can escape anytime ..... and plan to tomorrow for a while on the folding bike, Huzzah. (You know how you can get a bit conferenced out? or is it just me?) oh and c) I have internet access
Really cool thing happened on the cycling blog, I reviewed in part a new folding bike that is pretty darn funky BUT haven't ACTUALLY ridden. Anyway the UK distributor is going to lend me one to try! How COOL is that? (VERY)
Have been enjoying a series of text conversations with a good friend about the A-team and have this real urge to watch a few episodes. Nostalia eh? (not what it used to be)
I may be an old youth worker BUT I can still do 'random' eh! (Whatever Ian!, whatever!)
"In 1972 a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the A-Team."
Posted by ian at 09:09 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Missing presumed fed
Am trapped at a Christian conference centre for the next couple of days. If the tunnel plan goes well I shall blog from somewhere in Market Harborough, failing that please send Red Cross parcels and escape paraphernalia to me at Hothorpe Hall. If this blog is not updated until Friday, you know why!
Got to go, there's a meeting of the Escape Committee
Posted by ian at 08:58 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 22, 2006
Faithful Cities
I'm just reading the summary of the "Faithful Cities" report by the Comission on Urban Life and Faith. The report builds on the dynamic effect that "Faith in the City" had in the 80's and looks into the changed world of British Cities. There's some really good stuff in the report (subtitled 'A call for celebration, vision and Justice') and it's well worth a read.

Recomendation 7. is of particular interest for the purpose of this blog. It states that
'Government and Faith Communities must give new consideration to the informal education of young people'
and suggests these implications:
1. The statutory nature of the Youth Service must be reinstated and properly funded by local authority
2. Key worker status must be given to youth work practicioners so they are recruited and retained in urban areas
3. The spiritual well-being of young people must be an essential part of Youth Matters strategy and implication
4. Young people's councils of Faith should be developed and resourced to build respect and encourage participation in civic society.
The Times artidcle on the report is here.
Posted by ian at 02:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Mission Impossible
Haven't made it to see MI 3 yet but found this cheesy Mission Impossible picture and it made me smile.

Posted by ian at 02:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Iverfest 17th June 2006
The youth work bods down at IVER have asked me to promote a gig that's happening in the village on the 17th June. It's a chance to hear Bosh, Echolab (UK) and Brother John at a knock down price. Flyer is attached and if you are within moshing distance of Iver then please support it. Download file
If you don't know where Iver is ........ its inbetween where the M40 and M4 hit the M25!
Posted by ian at 10:59 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
May 21, 2006
Crusaders name change
Well .... If you haven't heard the news about Crusaders, here it is! From January, the name Crusaders ceases to be and the organisation becomes 'Urban Saints!' I had inklings that the name was going to change BUT this was nowehere near anything I would have guessed. The important thing is that their work and mission continues and there's some interesting thinking behind the new name that's well worth a read in terms of Vision.
I've been involved with Crusaders in one way or another since 1978 and some of the most Godly, radical and missional minded activists I've ever met have been through this organisation.
Change is never easy and I guess it would have been UTTERLY impossible to find a name that everyone could easily agree to, I'm not sure whether rural groups will feel very affirmed but the letter I received has a great rallying call,
We don't work together because of what we are called - we work together because we are 'called'
Can't argue with that and for what it's worth here's my support and wishing the ministry of Urban Saints every blessing.
Posted by ian at 11:58 AM | Comments (5)
Admitting defeat
After a close encounter of the gravitational kind yesterday I am hobbling BIG TIME. I was walking home with the shopping and managed to half tread on a kerb and went down like the proverbial sack of potatoes, SO FRUSTRATING! Have discovered if I bandage my ankle tightly and then wear my walking boots laced right up I can walk (ish) so am at least a bit mobile. Oh well, "Can't take a joke .... shouldn't have joined!'
This is the quasi-monopedic youth adviser signing out and putting my foot up, Ouch!
This entry filed under "Sympathy gladly accepted!"
Posted by ian at 11:50 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
May 19, 2006
Never went to Church
Linking in with the spirituality discussion, these lyrics from The Streets struck me (from 'Never went to Church')
'Two great European narcotics,
Alcohol and Christianity,
I know which one I prefer
We never went to church,
Just get on with work and sometimes things'll hurt,
But it's hit me since you left us,
And it's so hard not to search'
Posted by ian at 12:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 18, 2006
Robbie Williams, Sin Sin Sin
Some interesting lyrics that could provoke an interesting discussion in your youth groups ...
'Sin sin sin
Look where we've been
And where we are tonight
Hate the sin not the sinner
I'm just after a glimmer of love
and life deep inside
Hush hush hush
To speak is a sin
And neither of us need rescuing
Just relax
It's what Jesus would do
We're made in his image baby
Let's ride this thing through
Oh it hurts when you're to blind to see
What about us? Well it was just for me
Sin sin sin
Look where we've been
And where we are tonight
Hate the sin not the sinner
I'm just after a glimmer of love
And life deep inside
I won't sing of amore
It don't sound sincere
Love is a cliché
But if its not here I'll disappear'
Posted by ian at 05:40 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 17, 2006
Kenda Creasy Dean
Kenda presented a well constructed theory that all young people are intuitive theologians, that their lives demonstrate a search for Fidelity, Transendence and Communion. That at a pre-conscious level there is a search for a salvation figure, a quest that's acted on without thought. This exploration was well backed up with film, story and example and was an insightful analysis of the passion and quest of adolescence.
A Study of young people and religion from the States had produced the following (my note form)
1.Teenagers are not hostile towards religion (not rebellion, actually they don’t care …. It’s off the radar screen) ‘benign whateverism
2. Teenagers faith mirrors their parents faith
3. Teenagers are incredibly inarticulate about religion (but are incredibly articulate on other stuff)
4. A 40% minority say that religion is important to them and makes a difference in their lives (although only about 8% we would recognise as devout)
5. Most teenagers adhere to Moralistic Therapeutic Deism as their unacknowledged religious creed.
This fifth point of teenagers ascribing to a Moralistic Therapeutic Deism was an important one and its creed was expressed thusly:
God exists and watches over life
God wants us to be good
The central goal of life is to be happy
God doesn’t need to be involved in my life unless I need God to solve a problem
Good peoplel go to heaven
But this is not the God we know, the God of relationship, the God of suffering love. So where have young people picked this theology up from. Explored how much of it actually mirrors what they see in christians?
Challenging question: How much of our ministry could quite easily happen without Jesus?
Kenda then explored some of the Rocks that make a difference:
1. A creed to believe …………… A God worth worshipping
2. A community to belong to ……….. Who has the sense that they belong
3. A call to live out (a sense of meaning and purpose)
4. A hope to hold onto (an explicit eschatology)
and further to this, talked about our role of helping young people have a language to explore faith. Using this metaphor there was a call too ...
Teach the grammar of Christ
Surround youth with those who talk to God, who speak the faith, who tell the stories … who live baptismal lives.
Foster Faith fluency
Immerse youth in a baptismal community where people practice dying and rising in Christ
Practice Diction
Create opportunities for youth to participate in the baptismal life of ministry … to claim God’s call for themesleves
Keep your accent
Live advent lives alongside youth ….marked by un-anxious, expectant, and articulate presence
I'm not sure these brief notes do the day justice, it was a critically important day for me in terms of the way that we do youth ministry and the way we view young people.
Posted by ian at 09:12 AM | Comments (10) | TrackBack
May 16, 2006
Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter
The Kenda Creasy Dean lecture is awesome. It's coffee break and I wanted to flag up a film mentioned this morning (not in a positive sense). It's called Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter. I thought this review was hilarious ....
'Combining kung-fu action with biblical prophecy and a liberal dose of humour, the film teams the Saviour with Mexican wrestling hero El Santos against mythological horrors and science gone mad, and also manages to address contemporary sexual politics. And did we mention that it's a musical?'
Posted by ian at 11:56 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Do you know your tables?
NEED INPUT?
I'm currently sorting out new furniture for the dining room of the residential centre I am one of the trustees of. I need something durable and long lasting? I reckon I'm going to go for Gopak unless anyone has any other (UK)suggestions. ALSO has anyone got the Gopak tables with benches in a dining type set up? If so, on the 6ft tables/benches how many young people can/do sit on each side? Are they wide enough for dual sided dining?
(this may be my most obscure blog post ever .... and there's some weird ones competing for that title, still I thought it was worth flagging up)
Any other bits of wisdom you can furnish me with (pun intended) would be great!
Posted by ian at 08:05 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
May 15, 2006
A splurge of news and info
In the world of youth ministry here's what's hot and what's not, the questions (but not the answers) and anything else that struck me, as it were.
I'm looking forward to catching up with a whole stack of people at Kenda Creasy Dean tomorrow in Oxford (hope the Guildford session went well today!).
Youth Emmaus 2 is out and received a good press.
Nosuchthingastoomuchcoffee in Shropshire is looking for some bands/DJ's for a couple of summer events. Trying to track down localish rather than national bods. Leave suggestions on her site.
Bumped into my friend John at the CRE and he's looking for a few more bods for a great project they've been running in Austria for a number of years. Its from 26th July - 5th August. You need to be 16-25. The project in a nutshell is to head out to Austria and be sharing faith, teaching English and gaining leadership training while helping run an event at a Bible School. More details: Download file

The next VERTIGO event is all systems go and will be on July 1st. A day of social action WITH communities and a mahoosive BBQ. Please get it in your diaries now! Prayer meeting for the event, Monday 5th June at 8pm at St Andrews Church
There's a training event around 'Teenage Pregnancy' on June 6th at Didcot, details from me
Christian Aid are running a competition in BLISS magazine. Its basically a chance for a teenage girl to be a reporter, travel to India and write an article. Sounds pretty cool but the deadline to submit a letter as an entry is REALLY close.
* The picture at the top was made possible by the funky Atom Smasher site
Posted by ian at 11:29 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
The CRE thing
Well, made it to the Christian Resources Exhibition at Esher and like Phil, I'm not really sure what to make of it?
But even so I had so much fun. I took a former member of my youth group with me and we ended up laughing so much as we engaged in obscure conversations with stallholders and spotted stuff that was just crazy! Every year there seems to be less and less youth focused stands/books/initiatives and that's a big concern to me, If the exhibition is genuinely about resourcing churches and christians then why does this crucial area of ministry diminish? (Did pick up all 12 Nooma DVD's for £99 though which is a result!)
On the useful side, it was, as ever, the networking and the bumping into people that rocked and I was able to have some very productive conversations. The event was extremely well organised (credit where it's due) although I'm not entirely comfortable with being barcoded as I walk round.
I also enjoyed the gospel magic show :-)

We 'manned' Dave's stand for a few minutes while he went and got a cup of coffee. That was an absolute blast, it's not often I get to use my sales skills from my previous life and I had a great deal of fun promoting Dave's brand of humour to the bods who were passing :-)
Posted by ian at 08:19 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
May 12, 2006
Create a newspaper fragment
All creditr to YS Marko for finding this really cool site that creates a newspaper fragment for you. You could really have some fun with this for a treasure hunt, part of a teaching session, publicity or (and I reckon you should use this Rev Doc DS) creating a snippet for a sermon illustration on the old powerpoint :-)
Off to the Christian Resources Exhibition in a few minutes ....

Posted by ian at 06:44 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 11, 2006
Existential Angst

Posted by ian at 02:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
There's no such thing as difficult people
'There's no such thing as difficult people
just difficult behaviour' Pip Wilson
I know this quote appears on my blog SO OFTEN but I think it's a really important one. I was at a mini conference this morning on Domestic Violence, Professor Audrey Mullender was presenting on Children's perspective on Domestic Violence. It was encouraging to hear about young people really being engaged with BUT heart breaking to hear some of the stories. As so often there were stories of young people whose behaviour was deemed a problem by the school et al BUT know one had engaged with the young person sufficiently to find out what was triggering the behaviour.
It was a harrowing morning hearing about experiences of Domestic Violence BUT a useful one. I was glad of the five mile cycle back to the office to sort my head out a bit.
Posted by ian at 02:14 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 10, 2006
What would Jesus Drive?
This piece could lead to an interesting discussion starter ... What would Jesus drive? I really liked the Camper van answer (though of course he would have cycled!)
Posted by ian at 01:06 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
May 09, 2006
Searching for cool people!
If you recall a post from way back you'll know I am only fairly cool, however CH4 are looking for some actually cool people and asking about how that fits with faith! Message bloew, contact details from me.
Be cool people
'I am working on a new documentary for Channel 4 Education (which will be shown in schools and colleges) called 'The Search for Cool'. It will be an authored piece by our presenter as we follow his journey around Britain meeting all different sorts of people in the attempt to define that ever elusive term 'cool'. Some current writings say that 'cool' is set to be the dominant ethic among younger generations of the developed world and billions of 'wannabes' in developing countries. We are interested to find out where religion fits into all of this or is cool the new religion? Or is cool essentially a surface thing, it's about image and essentially morally bankrupt, that it's not even really a personal expression but a massive corporate pitch?
We would really like the church to have a voice in this and would like to speak to a young member of the clergy on what do they think about the pressure to be cool etc? Most of the people we will be interviewing for this will be between the ages of 16-24yrs but that's not set in stone. It would involve a small commitment, maybe ½ a day's filming, a very informal chat with our presenter. Anyway I will let you have a think and hopefully speak to you soon'
Posted by ian at 03:30 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Mark Yaconelli 'Contemplative Youth Ministry'
YES, I'm still GOING ON about this hugely important book. If you want to tune into other people's opinions and ideas though you can join the virtual tour. It's a day by day Grid blog with Mark responding to points raised. Details via Jonny Baker.
'contemplation is being with God within the reality of the present moment. contemplation is about presence. it's about attentiveness, opening our heart's eye to God, ourselves, and others. contemplation is an attitude of the heart, an all embracing hospitality to what is. ' Mark Yaconelli p6
I really like that line, 'EMBRACING hospitality to what is!'
PS: If you are within the Anglican Diocese of Oxford and would like to read this book then send me a strong self-addressed envelope with 73p postage on. I will then post a copy to you with a pre-paid return envelope and you can borrow one of the copies I have bought for 3 weeks. (Please include a piece of paper with 'Comtemplative Youth Ministry on' and your contact phone/e-mail details too). Post to
Valerie Hooley
Church House, North Hinksey
Oxford OX2 0NB
Posted by ian at 08:49 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
How cool is that?
My friend Stu P the autostulmeister has got me a ticket to see Lyle Lovett in October, how cool is that?
I'm taking part in the Classic oxfordshire 60 mile cycle ride on Sunday, how cool is that?
Only 3 weeks until I go with my family to Butlins for five days, how cool is that?
Life is Good :-)
Been up since 05:00 as I am trying to get my college work finished, how tiring is that?
Posted by ian at 08:38 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
May 08, 2006
Dreams for the future
BIG reminder about the schools work conference on June 13/14th in Luton called 'Dreams for the future!'
If you are doing schools work even if its only part of your role I highly recommend being there as I think there will be some important conversations.

Dreams For The Future
A conference for Christian schools workers
Date:Tuesday June 13th and Wednesday June 14th 2006, Luton
Fee: £20
Organised by The Luton Churches Education Trust
More information: Chris Curtis, Amy Stock 01582 877220
Posted by ian at 08:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Der familie Youthblog
Couple of snapshots from home if that's OK?
On Saturday morning my 11 year old played in a football tournament ...... not something I EVER expected to see given that he has cerebral palsy. Thatcham Town FC has some amazing volunteers and they've been running a club for disabled youngsters which my son loves. On Saturday they put together a disabilty football tournament and it was AWESOME, well done to the referee as the games were a lot more complicated to ref! Anyway seeing my boy on the pitch with the Thatcham Harriers strip on was definitely 'lump in the throat' time so I thought I'd tell you about it :-)

The other snapshot is that I've been teaching my 9 yr old daughter to play chess and her confidence is running way ahead of her ability! We played a game in which she boldly claimed that she thought she would beat me. I said that would be great but I didn't think she was quite there yet and even getting me in check would be an achievment!
"In fact," I added, "I'll give you £2 if you get me in check!"
Anyway much to my surprise she did get me in check although lost her Knight in the process.
She was well chuffed and said, "I GOT YOU in check Daddy!"
"True!" I replied, "But you lost your Knight doing so!"
"It was worth it for £2! " she retorted
Posted by ian at 08:25 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
May 05, 2006
My top 6 Youth Ministry books
Darren over at Planet Telex has been asking Youth Ministers for their top six YM books to post up at his Digital Orthodoxy Site. I started to put together an e-mail but decided it was easier in a blog format, so here's me:
Contemplative Youth Ministry by Mark Yaconelli
This has only been out a month in the UK but is a brilliant critique of how we try and share faith with young people THEN a wonderful look at the contemplative and of a shared spiritual journey with young people.
Pip Wilsons Spectacular Stinking Rolling Magazine Book
A fantastic book of games, poetry and 'stuff' that encourages discussion, being real and the communicating of feelings. It's about affirmation and Pips enthusiasm for us and young peole being 'Beautiful Human Persons' It's a practical inspirational.
Practicing Passion by Kenda Creasy Dean
Another newish book but a great one. Kenda is a theologian who is clever, insightful and loves young people! Her thesis on young people being fuelled by passion and what that means for ministry is awesome. (I'd also have liketo include another of her books in the list, 'Starting Right' but am trying to confine myself to only one per author!
Relational Youthwork edited by Pete Ward
With contributions from Bob Mayo, Sam Adams, Steve Tilley and Peter Ball this was a really important book on looking at a theological understanding of youth ministry and a practical understanding of the role and outworking of relational/incarnational ministry.
Dangerous Wonder by Mike Yaconelli
Mike was an inspiration to me when I was a teenager at Greenbelt and one of the formative people in the way I view youth work/youth ministry. The messy full on dangerous wonder of this book is an inspiration to me as a minister and to my ministry. The chapter headings alone are an adrenaline shot for my soul! The subtitle of 'an adventure in childlike faith' is spot on.
Your First Two years in Youth Ministry by Doug Fields
Useful, funny and challenging. I wish it had been available when I started as a full time youth minister.
.
Wanted to put other people in such as Donavan, Riddle, Newbiggin and Campolo but hey ho!
Please bung your list and a small review of each to Darren, I look forward to reading the results!
Posted by ian at 09:57 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
May 04, 2006
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre
April saw the launch of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre which aims to use an interagency approach with collaboration from credit cards and ISPs to tackle Child Abuse. It has a stark message to anyone who contributes to the abuse of children in any way, "Get help or Get caught"
The press release is here. The web page is here and the child friendly web page is here.
Posted by ian at 05:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Superman Returns

You HAVE to check out the trailer for the film Superman Returns! Tim Sudworth put me onto it and remarked on the 'slight' resonance with the opening lines of John's gospel!
Jor-El: "Even though you've been raised as a human being you're not one of them. They can be a great people Kal-El if they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all their capacity for good, I have sent them you... my only son"
Posted by ian at 03:19 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Typepad.co.uk is not working
Acording to Six Apart, 'the storm has passed' in terms of difficulties with Typepad however my other blog is not coming up at all and by doing an inurl:typepad.co.uk search on google and clicking on the first few suggestions, it looks as if everyone whose blog ends in typepad.co.uk is affected (whereas typepad.com are not)
If you are looking for Pedalling my thoughts, that's why it is absent without leave.
Posted by ian at 03:14 PM | Comments (1)
May 03, 2006
Walker backs SPCK Campaign
Posted by ian at 11:45 AM
Typepad is down
If anyone has logged on to Mark berry's blog and has become concerned as he hasn't blogged AT ALL for nearly 12 hours then worry not, it's because TYPEPAD is having major problems and as far as I know Mark is fine :-)
(Just envious as he NEVER falls off the 'most updated blogs' list)
Posted by ian at 11:22 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
CYM small group
Am meeting with the CYM small group I tutor in an hour or so.
Today as a small group we will be exploring 'Learners and learning' in the context of groups BY learning together as a group and reflecting on that learning process we are experiencing while learning about the theory! LOL
Stay tuned for when we do an exercise in which I get people to reflect on how they reflect ... and how that reflection affects their reflective practice!
Don't know why this amused me or why I wrote it? Discuss (approx 2000 words)
Posted by ian at 11:04 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 02, 2006
Pro Hoodie! Way to go Archbish
It's fantastic to hear an Arch Bish being so pro young people! Arch Bishop John Sentamu adressing a conference on youth work articulated so much stuff that my fellow youth ministers and I feel and believe. Encouraging stuff and I didn't think I'd see the day when a Bishop wore a hoodie!
"We have a lot to learn from young people as well as much responsibility for them"
Dr John Sentamu
Thanks to KTvS for the link and check out her thoughts and reflections about the article here.
Posted by ian at 01:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Youthblog goes to the CRE
I've decided to go to the CRE at Esher on Friday 12th, if any of the groovy dwellers of planet blog are also there that day let me know and we can have a coffee inbetween avoiding Organ and Chair sales people!

Posted by ian at 10:23 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Mixed metaphors
On the radio this morning (OK it was radio 2 I admit) there was a plug for a new radio programme that was being sold on its ecclectiveness (is that a word?) and the DJ rounded of his rallying advert for his new show with ...
"Music from all four corners of the musical spectrum!"
Random leap into the depths of my memory and I remember a meeting when I was with Crusaders and someone said ....
"The trouble with sticking your neck out is you get your finders burnt!"
I'm declaring this mixed metaphor day! Do share your fav's
Posted by ian at 08:53 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
