Our Task - to make a difference

Our airways have been filled with the story of the St Paul's Cathedral and the tented protesters. All at the Tuesday bible study discussed some of the issues at length. Why would you shut a church and have a private service behind closed doors? Where is the evidence of the chaplains moving through the tents, possible just out of sight of the cameras?

Concern was raised that poverty is often much more than lacking money - some are in poverty because they have no liberty, or perhaps are trapped by circumstances - and more.

We ended with the wise and beautiful benediction -

Go forth into the world in peace:
be of good courage;
hold fast that which is good;
render no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted;
support the weak;
help the afflicted;
honour all people;
love and serve the Lord,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

There are many people looking on the whole sorry state of affair around the Cathedral and wondering What Would Jesus Do ? Indeed - these words can be seen in some of the news shots. Matthew 25v31-end has much to say about our task.

Audaciter - Blessing for Voyage

Gordon's yachtmaster companion Gareth has finally begun his ocean odyssey ~ Audaciter slipped her moorings early this morning.

Audaciter had been 'up the valley' in Mylor for the last week alongside 'Salmo Salar' the wooden prototype to my father's Moody 40 Delfin Salar . You can just see Salmo at the edge of the photo. It is curious how weavings of history seem to happen - this sailing history which is a strong part of our family DNA.

Audaciter's rudder was being renewed. The tradewind 39, also, has a new mast, rigging and sails after dismasting at the beginning of her trip last year. She has been delayed by 12 months.


But this has given us an opportunity to become acquainted with her and to get to know her new owners and crew - Gareth, Phil and Dicken.

While awaiting launching it was possible to pray blessings for her and her crew - for a safe voyage and pilgrimage. May the Lord bless them all ~

Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the gentle night to you
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you
Deep peace of Christ
The light of the world to you
Deep peace of Christ to you.

We will be following her blog with interest.

Bless this Boat

Two years of training at the IYRS in Newport RI has finally come to fruition. Patience in abundance, hours of fun and loads of new skills have been honed. Today this pretty Lawley Tender has been blessed and launched. Ivor and his current workmate Beattie have put in four or five hundred hours from March to today.



Her intricate design has been augmented with beautiful finishing touches - inset brass fittings, hand made screws and layers and layers of varnish add to the overall beauty.

A good day to launch with some family - to celebrate good friends around along with a bottle of champagne and a laurel wreath courtesy of the owners! Bless this boat and all her journeying.

Epiphanies

As I settled into my morning quiet time, I found myself turning to, and pondering on, Psalm 21. As I read, and reread, I became aware of the awesome majesty and splendour of the Lord and how his purposes do not return empty, but full. There have been miracles in abundance.

I have, indeed, been granted the desire of my heart ... to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. I am not physically in an ancient church, my spirit rejoices as I know, in my heart, I am there.


Although the pathway I have been set upon has been extremely difficult at times, and occasionally seemed impassable, there have been some exceptional moments. These have served as signposts along the way, without which I would not have survived.

All this, and more, was a part of my morning's preparation. When I turned to the readings set for this morning, I discovered the set Psalm was 21! I laughed aloud in celebration ~ reminded, once again, of His glorious power, am humbled.

Go before us, Lord Christ,
with blessings of your goodness
and guide all those you call to authority
in the way of your justice
the knowledge of your liberty
and wisdom of your gentleness
for your Name's sake. Amen

This is the prayer below this psalm in Celebrating Common Prayer.

St Arvans

This morning's Radio 4 Service came from St Arvans - just listening to the worship transported me back. The music was always good in that place. We lived there for about 10 years - they were very happy ones. The village was a friendly safe place, and we were sad to move on, and have often wondered what life would have been like had we remained there.

This parish church is where each of our sons were baptised - this morning was a delight, especially thankful for all those memories.

Advent is gently progressing, and am enjoying the preparations ...

As we will be away for a while, I'd like to leave you with the Advent Blessing, which I love:

Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you,
scatter the darkness from before your path,
and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory;
and the Blessing of God Almighty,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
be with you
and all those you love and pray for
this day and always.

Will be logging off now as will be offline until Epiphany.
In the meantime - Have a peaceful and joy-filled Christmas ...