360 Miscellany

News and views

Harvest of the city – photo above –

Although it has a different flavour, harvest thanksgiving is an important occasion for city dwellers. It’s a time to remind ourselves of the provenance of our food and its abundance and to share with others who are in need.
This is the final of three Harvest films with Bishop David McClay and was filmed in Newry, Belfast and Craigavon. Thanks go to John Menagh, Willowfield Worship Team and to Hazel Upritchard (HOPE Community Church Craigavon).

https://www.downanddromore.org/news/2020/09/a-harvest-of-the-city

Drive-in Harvest Celebration service –

Antrim Rural Deanery is holding a Harvest Celebration Drive-in Service on Sunday September 27 starting at 6.30pm in the car park at Ballyclare Leisure Centre. The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison will preach. Worship will be led by musicians across the Rural Deanery. All those who come along will stay in their cars and listen to the service via the car radio on 88.5FM.

Boris Johnson’s infant son baptised –

Boris Johnson’s infant son, Wifred, has been baptised Catholic, it has been confirmed. A Catholic priest at Westminster cathedral baptised the prime minister’s son at Westminster Cathedral on 12 September. A statement from the Archdiocese of Westminster confirmed that the baptism of Wilfred Johnson took place. (The Tablet).

The Online Gaelic Church –

A new initiative enabling you to enjoy regular services, hymns, psalms and prayers in Gaelic on a dedicated YouTube channel. St Columba’s Gaelic Church in Glasgow and Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh joined together during lockdown to produce Christian worship services in Scots Gaelic. Subscribe to their YouTube channel for regular services, hymns, Psalms and prayers.
[[] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5IfnFkXnGdVHnQ67l_boWg/featured ]

Great news from Iraq –

Dozens of manuscripts in the ancient Chaldean and Syriac languages have been discovered by Iraqi Security Forces. The manuscripts had been stolen by ISIS from Chaldean and Syriac Churches in Mosul, and Iraq, in 2014.

At a Loss – bereavement support resources –

A coalition of Christian organisations has developed resources to help the Church support the bereaved. Especially important due to Covid-19 and the large number of people who are, and will be, seeking help. buff.ly/353FW90

WWW worth reading –

Wake up and smell the climate coffee – Val Brown in The Scotsman
Christian Aid’s work highlighted.
[ https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/wake-and-smell-climate-coffee-val-brown-2972613 ]

The far right rises – it’s growth as a political force in Ireland
[https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/the-far-right-rises-its-growth-as-a-political-force-in-ireland-1.4358321]

The Good Summit –

Join Jools Hamilton in conversation with Mary McAleese talking leadership, legacy, social compassion and the search for a more fair and just world. Friday 23rd October. Free register: buff.ly/2YClklm

The 2020 Virtual Churchill Conference –

An invitation from Randolph Churchill, great-grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, to attend the 2020 Virtual Churchill Conference. The conference is free to attend 23-24 October 2020. Registration is required and can be completed here
[ https://bit.ly/3keAsgL. ]

The 10th Desmond Tutu Peace Lecture –

By GretaThunberg and Vanessa Vash  on 7 Oct provides a rare opportunity to glimpse a more comforting future. To register: bit.ly/3aUeWtL

In Cameroon hundreds of people are praying for peace –

and they are also singing, dancing, marching, and listening to reflections led by people of faith who are calling for a ceasefire — now.
[ https://oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/in-the-face-of-despair-churches-lead-a-growing-crusade-for-peace-in-cameroon ]

Bereavement –

Broadberry — On 12 September, the Revd Richard St Lawrence Broadberry: Minor Canon of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin (1958-62); Assistant Curate of Clontarf (1962-64); Hon. Clerical Vicar of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin (1962-64); Assistant Curate of St Jude’s, Thornton Heath (1964-66); Vicar of All Saints’ with St Margaret’s, Upper Norwood (1966-84); Rural Dean of Croydon North (1981-85); Hon. Canon of Canterbury Cathedral (1982-84); Southwark Cathedral (1985-2001); Vicar of St Mary’s, Merton (1985-92); Vicar of Riddlesdown (1992-2001); aged 89.
Church Times 18 September 2020

Well said –

There is a journey you must take. It is a journey without destination. There is no map. Your soul will lead you. And you can take nothing with you. – Meister Eckhart

Pointers to prayer –

Please pray for the Church Army Mission Community as a network of people connected by a shared vision to see everyone, everywhere encounter God’s love.

Today we pray for Sudan. Living costs are rising as the country tries to recover from major flooding a few weeks ago as well as the Covid-19 pandemic. We pray comfort for those facing hardship and wisdom for those tackling the crisis in Sudan.

We’re aware that even without the pressures of the pandemic there are many places in the world struggling with conflict situations. We pray especially today for success for our members who are involved in peace and reconciliation initiatives. – Mothers Union

God in creation –