O Antiphons - Day 2 O Adonai (Lord God) O Lord God, leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush and gave him the Law on Sinai: come to redeem us with outstretched arm.

O Antiphons: Day 1 O Sapientia (O Wisdom) O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one end to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence.

Advent 3

In our contemplative worship for Advent on Friday, we focused on Mary's role as God Bearer and reflected on any areas where we felt God challenging us to say 'Yes' to a role in bringing his Light into a dark world. www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdgH...

No Friday Zoom meditation this week, as we will be meeting in person for our regular First Friday contemplative gathering in Sacred Heart Church, continuing the theme of 'Into the Light' with a look at Mary's remarkable 'Yes' to God.

Advent: the world waits for a miracle!

Coming soon - we will be unveiling details of our new Worship in the Wild project, combining in person gatherings with digital interaction. Learning to read the Book of Creation together.

I often moan about the commercialisation of Christmas. It dawned on me that I'm looking from the wrong angle. How often does everyone focus on a topic which opens the way to introduce the good news of a God who cares so much about suffering humanity that he stepped into history to make a difference?

"O God of truth and justice, our hearts are heavy with lament for the ways your church has become a shield for cruelty, instead of a sanctuary for mercy... Expose every lie we have baptised (and) restore your church to the shape of Christ"

In the Celtic (and Orthodox) traditions, the season of Advent lasts for 40 days. So we started our series of Zoom reflections this evening, continuing each Friday until Christmas. This is the prayer we will be using to conclude each session, plus a poem and highlights from today's Bible reading.

"We will remember them" But how many lessons could we learn from them, but choose to forget? #prayforpeace

I've noticed a trend with some churches recently to advertise their services by headlining not just the preacher, but the worship leader. Which to me feels a bit like they are marketing a performance. It seems kind of wrong to be giving star billing to particular ministers (servants). Am I wrong?

In the light of yesterday's abomination from the US Dept of War, a reflection on the true meaning of the Lord's Prayer.

I took the Anglican Spectrum Test and it thinks I'm a "A Sola-Fide Enjoying Crypto-Liberal"! (Tho I didn't tick sola fide!) Find out your theological alignment: anglican-quiz.vercel.app

On All Soul's Day, we honour the memory of those we have loved and lost, celebrating their lives and keeping them alive in our thoughts & memories. We also offer support and love to all who mourn, remembering that grief is something we carry with us for the rest of our lives, each in their own way.

I think this speaks deeply to the Christian idea of vocation. We accept God's call on our lives even though we can have no idea of what lies ahead, reliant on Him to guide our steps even when there is no clear path to follow, or map to navigate by.

October 25 is the date of the Council of Elrond and, therefore, the date on which Frodo utters one of my favorite lines in all of literature. “I will take the Ring, though I do not know the way.” That’s all we can ever do, I think: decide what to do with the time that is given us.

God of justice and kindness, we bring before You those who cry out. The weary, the silenced and the wronged. Give them courage to keep going, and raise up voices to speak out with them. Amen.

I am hearing just when people were optimistic for an end to hostilities, Kyiv is experiencing the worst night of bombing yet. No casualties reported yet. Please pray!

I am hearing just when people were optimistic for an end to hostilities, Kyiv is experiencing the worst night of bombing yet. No casualties reported yet. Please pray!

Strange how the 'Christian Right' use 'woke' as a term of abuse when the Bible itself tells us to 'wake up and smell the roses', and shine the light of God's love and righteousness to expose the works of darkness. (Eph 2) “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Recently, I gained a new follower on my substack account who was very eager to chat with me and learn more about my background; she loved my articles and wanted to be my friend. Then I mentioned having lost my *husband* and I've not heard from her since!

'But there's only a handful of us... what difference will that make?' Interestingly, every major move of God over the ages seems to have started with a handful of ordinary people, not quite sure what they were doing, getting together to pray. Don't know how, or what to pray? Then just ask God!

It is encouraging to see an upsurge in commitment to prayer in many churches and christian communities in this country and elsewhere. I strongly believe that this is vital at this time of upheaval and uncertainty, and can make a real difference in our own lives, our communities, and the wider world.

For your prayerful consideration and intercession; a statement from Christian leaders in Jeruasalem. #peaceinpalestine

Taking the advice of St Teresa, most of our gatherings allow space for silence to allow our souls to commune wordlessly with our Creator. This is particularly true of our First Friday gatherings, but will also be reflected in our monthly Prayers for Peace. #praywithoutceasing

In a time of division, violence and fear, will you be the one who makes a stand for reconciliation, peace and hope? #jointhresistance

In the midst of darkness, the light shines - and will never be defeated.

Please lift up in prayer all who face rejection and hostility as they seek refuge and safety. May hearts be softened, and fear replaced with understanding — especially toward those we’ve not yet taken the time to know.

In a time of violence, division, and despair, join us as we make our voices heard in the cause of peace, reconciliation and hope. #prayersforpeace #Galloway

A recent BBC news report stated that around 92% of houses have been damaged or destroyed, and around 62% of ordinary citzens are effectively homeless, mostly without any building to shelter in. And people wonder why HAMAS and other extremist groups are competing to take control in the 'ceasefire'

Monthly prayers for peace in the Machars of Galloway start on Monday 20th October at 12.30pm in Sacred Heart Church, Wigtown. All invited - from any church or none. #prayforpeace

Coming soon to the Machars of Galloway - a chance to come together and pray for peace and reconciliation wherever it is needed, from Gaza to our local street - starting with our own hearts! #prayersforpeace

The British Labour party once led the way in establishing a welfare state to protect those unable to support themselves and their families. Now, a Labour gov't is being taken to task by an international body this country was instrumental in setting up, for undermining the rights of disabled people.

💡 Challenge Poverty Week Scotland begins today! This is vital moment to spotlight injustice and demand change. Poverty is not inevitable, it’s a policy failure. This week, let’s raise our voices for rights, fairness, and dignity. #ChallengePoverty #CPW25 www.povertyalliance.org/cpw/

The main reason repressive political movements use the Cross as a rallying point is that they are just waiting for the opportunity to nail someone to it.

I've signed up to this statement from Western church leaders and ordinary Christians expressing solidarity with Christians in Palestine. It makes an interesting read to inform our prayers and actions on behalf of that troubled land and its people.

Take a look at my recent post on 'The Charlie Kirk Effect' substack.com/@churchwow/n...

Well, we have a woman Archbishop of Canterbury. (Tho not the one I was hoping for). Let us hope that her time will be characterised by positive things.

Does this ring alarm bells with anyone else?

A poem by Mary Oliver. Jesus said 'Which of you by worrying can add a single day to your life? Let each day's troubles take care of themselves'.

Everyone is invited to an Interfaith Peace Vigil 2025, which will take place at the Helix Park Peace Pole, Falkirk, on Saturday, 4th October at 4 pm to mark Black History Month 2025. "The vigil brings together people of different faiths and traditions to reflect, give thanks,

Some thoughts about how we respond to the perceived martyrdom of a prominent Christian Nationalist. open.substack.com/pub/churchwo...

When the world is polarised between those who hate and those who hate the haters, dare to be different. Be one of the ones who chooses to love. To counter fear with hope, to offer peace instead of conflict, to bring a spark of joy where there is despair.

The events we host are open to all, whatever their background, beliefs or baggage. We try to avoid terminology which triggers people, and to express the concepts more sensitively. That doesn't mean we 'water down the gospel', it just means we want everyone to hear it in their own language and idiom.