Gambia, London Corner School

From Fr Kenny:

I’m off to London this afternoon, the first step on my way to The Gambia on Tuesday. My case is full of clothes for the kids, as ever, and a few odds and ends for other folk.

My love affair with The Gambia began eight years ago, when, because it was the only sunny holiday available, I found myself in West Africa in November to “soak up some rays”. I had read of, and preached on, Third World poverty, but when it hits you on the face like a wet kipper, and you actually see and feel what it actually means, life can never quite be the same again.

One day I found myself outside a school in Serrekunda, the largest town in The Gambia, in a street which was constructed of hardwood, cardboard and corrugated iron, dust flying everywhere, with ten pupils and forty to fifty children trying to peer in to see what was being taught. London Corner, in Serrekunda, is the poorest area in one of the poorest towns in the world. The children outside couldn’t pay for their education, and were therefore excluded. I started by paying the fees of two or three of them to attend. The rest is history.

It was like Topsy, it growed and growed, and within a year I had a fairly large number of people who wanted to buy into the concept of free education and a feeding programme for London Corner.

Today we have a beautiful school, attended by 90 of the poorest children in London Corner, and we provide free education, a free feeding programme and free health care for our children when they are sick. We employ eight or nine people from teachers to cooks to watchmen, and feed eight extended families as a result. I’m proud of the way that the people of Dumbarton and beyond have responded and have made this happen. We send out close to £1,200 every month to continue this work and the cash is closely monitored.

However, we have a problem. The landlord wants his building back and our agreement with him is due to end in January. He seems intransigent and I need face to face meetings with him to see if there is any compromise. We have spent thousands of pounds on his property and can’t afford to begin again.

Is this the end of Dumbarton/London Corner Nursery School? Possibly. I need my blogging pals to pray hard that this week we can find a solution, and continue to provide free education to this area. I will do my best, but we don’t have a lot to bargain with.

Please pray for Kenny, for the school, and for the meetings this week.  and if you feel moved enough to make a donation to the School, email Kenny via the link on his blog

busyness

its been a bit of a mad-dash weekend.  Firstly to Lenzie for the preliminary meeting of the electoral synod in the hunt for a new bishop.

The Primus, +David, outlined the procedures, explaining how canon 4 works and the timescale for things happenining.

Nominations will be recieved up to 15 October – and must be submitted on the form available on the diocesan website, with signature of both proposer and nominee.  If all goes well in the whittling down and interviewing of nominees, candidates will present themselves before the electoral synod in early January, and Consecration sometime in April.

At one point, there was space to freely say what one hoped for in a new bishop,  my comment went something like this:

I want a bishop who will care about me and what is going on in my life and in my charges, and how this affects my ministry as a priest….  I want a bishop who will inspire me, and encourage me in mission and ministry, who will enable me to be a better priest to the people I serve and will help me to find the tools to encourage the congergations i serve to move forward in mission.

This was not the whole of it – i cant remember exactly, it was more a plea from the heart than a rehearsed script – I hadnt planned on commenting.

Other valuable comments came also – a Bishop who will work well with all groups/factions within the diocese: gay or straight, evangelical or high church, male or female.  Someone to challenge us, guided by the Spirit, encourage us, enable us to grow;  father in Christ.

A huge shopping list, from a few voices – but each of those voices was welcomed and respected by the Primus.  I doubt we will get all of what we hope for – we ask for superman (or superwoman) , but we will get a human, male or female, most suited to the job, discerned by a lengthy process.  Pray for the diocese, for those who feel called to the role, and for those whose job it is to elect a new Bish!

In the afternoon, a dash across the foot of the campsies to Bearsden for the institution of Revd Kirstin Freeman to the joint charges of All Saints, Bearsden and St Andrews Milngavie.  A brilliant sermon from Revd Ruth of the Purple Hair, a memorial afternoon (unfortunately no wine at the bash in the BB hall afterwards…), and a new neighbour in the region.  Welcome Kirsten   The Dean did a stand up job as celebrant in the absence of a Diocesan Bishop .

This morning – Back to Church Sunday in both congregations- plenty of food, good welcomes all round and an invitation to the harvest celebrations in 2 weeks (more free food).  Both congregations saw several new/returning faces, though how much of a return it will be I’m not sure – several complained that it was no longer a prayer book service (hasnt been for a LONG time), and that they found it difficult to follow, despite ditching the blue bookie in favour of full service booklets custom printed for the occasion.  Ho hum.  A couple of people said they would be back for harvest tho, and the occaisional prayerbook liturgy on a Wednesday morning in HC might bring a few along, for the coffee and catch-up post service if nothing else.  Both congregations worked hard to make the morning a success and to welcome back these friends of yore – and well done them for taking the time and the risk

No BOGOF for Yoda

From The Telegraph

The founder of the Star Wars-inspired Jedi faith has accused Tesco of religious discrimination after he was banned from wearing a hood in one of its stores.

Daniel Jones, 23, who created the International Church of Jediism, claims he was “victimised over his beliefs” by staff at the supermarket in Bangor, North Wales.

The religion, inspired by the sci-fi films, is practised by 500,000 around the world and requires believers to cover their heads in public places. But Mr Jones, from Holyhead, said that staff ejected him from the store over security fears when he refused to remove his hood.

Mr Jones, also known by his Jedi name Morda Hehol, told The Sun: “I told them it was a requirement of my religion but they just sniggered and ordered me to leave.

“I walked past a Muslim lady in a veil. Surely the same rules should apply to everyone.”

The handbook of the UK Jedi Church, founded by the Star Wars fan last year, states: “Jedis must wear a hood up in any public place of a large audience.”

Daniel added: “It was discrimination. I was really upset. Nobody should be treated like that.”

“I’ll advise worshippers to boycott Tesco if it happens again. They will feel the Force.”

A Tesco spokesman said: “Jedi are very welcome to shop in our stores although we would ask them to remove their hoods.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda and Luke Skywalker all went hoodless without going to the Dark Side.

“If Jedi walk around our stores with their hoods on, they’ll miss lots of special offers.”

Edinburgh regrets tattoo?

See the full story here

amazing animation

Contentious compassion

Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill made a brave decision – to allow Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi to fly home to Lybia to die, instead of leaving him to rot in Greenock Prison.  There are those who are angry at the decision, not least of all the Americans, who were affected greatly by the Lockerbie bombing – most of the 270 who died were from the US.

The legal system we have (as I understand it) tries to hold in balance punishment, rehabilitation and deterrent.  Often the legal system gets this wrong, or so it seems to the opinionated outsiders (of which I am occasionally one!)  but sometimes the tough decision is the correct one to make.  His punishment was to have his freedom removed.  There was no chance of rehabilitation – the man is dying, he’s not going to be rehabilitated and released back into sciety as a (hopefully) productive member of that society.  MacAskill stated, “Our justice system demands that judgement be imposed, but compassion be available.”

Although I appreciate the sentiments of those still dealing with the pain of the event, that Al-Megrahi showed no compassion for the victims in the crime for which he was convicted,  the law is bigger than an idea of simple retribution and to reduce it to such makes a fallacy of the things we fight for.  The law has to be stronger and bigger than our emotional responses, or we turn into the very thing we hate.

There is no denying that what happened on that day in 1988 was evil, that the actions that he was convicted of were evil.  But what deterrent is there to terrorism in keeping him to die in Greenock?  There is more hope for our world when compassion is shown, than when blood is shed or rights are deprived.  We can choose to care about the system and the appearance of doing right by those who would have executed him for his crimes, or we can choose to be compassionate, find a way to act in which healing may come to the causes of those acts of terror which damage our lives,

“We love because he [God] loved us first” Love your enemies, pray for those who hate or hurt you.  Such things are never easy, but are just.  love for us, compassion for us is not dependant on our actions – we cannot earn redemption, it is given in trust and grace.  When we act in such a way towards others,we pray and trust a little of that grace will spread.  The world is changed, hearts, minds and attitudes are changed, not by force of power but by compassion despite power.

card games…

see Testament Trumps

Why does Elisha look like Ali G? or Pharoah like a badly drawn Tom Cruise?

“How do you play Testament Trumps I hear you ask? Well it’s simple and really good fun to play with your friends, brothers, sisters and your parents.” says the website.

interesting idea, but  if 2 kids turn up in the playground, one with these cards, and the other with the latest Doctor Who Top Trumps, I know which one is gonna get his head slapped by his pals!

Angry sky magic?

too much seriousness of late, so this made one particular northern lass smile

Missed the Perseids tho!

I am only one

Angels with dirty faces…

I have been called a lot of names in my lifetime, but one which kinda rankles at the moment is to be called niaive.  This because I believe that the church should stand up and be counted against the evils in this nation.  You see, the opponents of our words rake through the mud and mire of previous decisions & previous mistakes, and make them public once more – we would rather hide than be reminded!  I think this is church cowardice.  If we truly believe that the decisions we make as an institution (national or local, community or synod) are correct, then do not fear what others may say, and do not let them be a barrier for standing up against other injustices we face!

Yep – i have made mistakes in life, who hasn’t?  I’ve made bad decisions and good ones in the last 40 years.  I’ve also been forgiven for those mistakes, celebrated the good decisions and turned my back on the bad ones.  If we  believe in the forgiveness of Christ, if we believe the decisions we have made as a province are faithful to Christ and bring justice and freedom, what on earth are we scared of?  upsetting other provinces?   a bit of poor publicity? overloading the email servers?  I think its time to grow up here, not let the bullies rule the playground!

My colleague over in Dumbarton made a stand against Sectarianism, and did pretty well, despite the negative press, threats to person and property. The March went ahead, but with few arrests and little aggravation, partly because of the huge amount of publicity gained as a result of Fr Kenny’s work.  (it seems other areas weren’t so lucky – see here ) Kenny is now attempting to work together with the council and the other churches in his patch to get a common statement and policy in place regarding future marches and the attitude to sectarian outbreaks in his town.  His proposal:

‘We, the undersigned, welcome and admire the position which our elected representatives have adopted on behalf of the whole community of Dumbarton at the recent meeting of the Licensing Committee.  We regret the Sheriff’s decision to overturn the ruling of West Dunbartonshire Council’s Licensing Committee which refused permission for the proposed Demonstration of the RBP on our streets on 8^th August 2009.

Our community has made clear that it does not wish to have these marches on our streets in the future, in view of the fact that it has caused division within the community and has brought to the surface past problems which we felt were long behind us. We, therefore, call on the organisers of any such demonstrations, from either side of the divide, to recognise the united will of the whole community.  The march passed relatively peacefully, with much relief on our part, and that was due to the dignity and restraint of the people of Dumbarton even though it is clear that a large majority of us are opposed to sectarianism in whatever guise it may appear. It was also due to the high level and competency of the policing for which we are grateful.

We shall continue to work together to build in Dumbarton a community which rises above the historic sectarianism which has blighted the West of Scotland in the past.

Specifically:

1)      We shall be organising a united service of thanksgiving within one of our churches in the near future, celebrating the fact that we are all one in Christ Jesus, Our Lord.

2)      We shall be organising a meeting of interested public officials and clergy to determine the best way forward in combating sectarianism within our own community, without interference from outside groups or organisations

3)      We shall attempt to find a way that such future demonstrations will be deemed unacceptable to the courts, and endeavour to take all such steps necessary to lay such foundations

4)      We pledge ourselves to build a community which is strong enough to withstand influences beyond our town boundaries which seek to divide us or heighten awareness of divisions which may already exist, albeit below the surface of our community.

5)     If it is deemed necessary or constructive, we will arrange a public meeting to allow a rational discussion, within a safe environment, to allow us to progress as a united community fostering reconciliation

I think this is brilliant, and will continue to pray for Fr Kenny,  and for the people of Dumbarton and hope that this move towards growth and restoration becomes a reality.

Two years ago, Church leaders in Glasgow signed up to the following statement:

We are pleased to provide this joint statement on the occasion of Roddy Buchanan’s ‘Histrionics’ exhibition at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art (Apr – Oct 07).

We are delighted that this offers us, as Leaders and Representatives of the Christian Churches in Glasgow, a fresh opportunity to witness to the growing respect, cooperation, common prayer and common action among our Churches today.

We call to mind Jesus’ words in the Scriptures when he says to his disciples ‘By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples.’ (John 13:35). Later he reinforces his message, saying ‘What I command you is to love one another.’ (John 15:17). Later still he prays to his Father for his disciples, saying ‘May they all be one.’ (John 17:20).

We regret that, institutionally and individually, many of us have not always lived up to Jesus’ example, command and prayer.

We lament the sometimes difficult and painful history among our churches, especially in the language and practice of sectarianism and bigotry.

We consider sectarianism and bigotry, like racism and other similar prejudices, to have no place in our Churches today or tomorrow.

We value highly the gifts and graces of our own traditions and we recognise and respect the gifts and graces of other traditions.

We are increasingly blessed in the many ways that our Churches now work and pray together at the local, city and national levels for the benefit of the whole community and in particular for the poor.

We are grateful that God has led us in this path of growing understanding, respect and cooperation.

We encourage people to recognise and become involved in the life of the Churches. There is a huge variety in ways of living out one’s faith in Jesus: from the private to the community to the public. New and familiar churches complement one another. ‘New Scots’ from migrant worker, asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds bring us all new challenges and new gifts. We can all learn to grow together.

We look forward with confidence in the active presence of God who leads and cares for us and in our commitment to do more together to build up God’s Kingdom.

We look forward with hope that working together with all people of faith and goodwill we will make Glasgow a better place, a proud city where all may flourish.

Today is a good time to be a Christian.

Lord, help us to show how we love one another.

Such a lament, a hopeful statement and a word of courage for this city, but little movement forward – no challenging of the sectarianism divide, merely a lament of it. If Sectarianism and all kinds of bigotry have no places in our churches or society – lament its presence by all means, but then act to remove this cancer from the Scottish life, challenge it when you see it.

May the leaders of our churches live by their words and actions, be unafraid of the consequences and get on with the task of loving all people,  fighting against all forms of bigotry in this nation – and may they support their clergy and congregations doing the same.