I was speaking to someone at the end of last week. We ended up talking about the fact that God often uses the things in our lives that we are ashamed of to make us into better people. The cracks and the scars still remain but they make us more valuable.

I told the person this story. When I was a young minister i used to take my daughter out on some of my parish visits. One day an elderly lady gave SJ a present. It was a dolls cup and saucer, one that she had when she was a little girl. It must have been at least 80 years old.

Well we took it home and duly put it on a safe shelf in the house. SJ was warned it was something she should keep - it was really too fragile for play. Well one day she stood up on a chair grabbed the cup, and of course the whole thing came tumbling down fell on the floor and the saucer broke into pieces. You can imagine it was tears all round. We gathered up all the pieces and put them in a bag and forgot about them. A few months later i was relating to someone the story of the broken saucer. the lady told me that her father loved fixing things and she was sure he could piece together the saucer, which he duly did.

The story doesn’t finish there. I was telling the story as an illustration of God’s patience and kindness in one of my sermons. A member of the congregation, Ann Mahoney was taken on with the story and she wrote some words inspired by the sermon. When we were recording an album of songs another member of the congregation, Ian Walker wrote a tune to fit the words and Ian sang the song on the album. Well it doesn’t finish there. A year or two later I visited a member of the congregation who was in hospital nearing the end of his life. I noticed he had been listening to some music through his earphones. “So what were you listening to,” I asked. “The church praise album,” was the reply. He then continued, ” I’ve been playing the song, ‘Broken Lives Worth Mending ‘ over and over again all day. You’ve no idea the comfort I’m getting from it.” He continued, “Its such a comfort to think that God thought I was worth fixing”

And all that happened because i took SJ on a parish visit. Makes you think how all our lives are inextricably linked to each other and to God.

HOMECOMING 2009

Very shortly the Scottish Government will launch their big tourist idea for 2009. Its called “The Homecoming”. They’re hoping for rich exiled Scots to return in their droves next year from all over the world.

It might prove to be a more challenging idea than first expected, now that the ecomomic down turn is almost certain to effect the jobs of many people. Personally I can’t see Americans making the trip when their stocks and shares portfolios have hit rock bottom.

CHURCH AGENDA STRENGTHENED

However I do think this is a wonderful opportunity for the churches to connect with their partners in the developing world and invite them to Scotland in 2009. We’re hoping to bring over some of our friends from India during 2009. It maybe that the Government doesn’t get the tourist trade, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if the churches got a spiritual boost from the shear enthusiasm of our Christian brothers and sisters from around the world.

Going home isn’t always an easy thing. For many there are too many sad memories. Using this theme as a mission statement for the churches may be more challenging that I first thought. However it may do us all the world of good to reflect on the idea of home.

At the end of the day I’m convinced that we all want a place, a person, a community, a hope, we can call home. Of course the idea still remains uncomfortable as we think of the hundreds of Scots marooned in cities all over the world, addicted to alcohol and drugs, for them there is no homecoming. Perhaps the churches should be challenging government about such a topic. How could we work together to bring the broken back home. If we can spend Billions on saving the banks maybe we need to be thinking about the cost of saving individuals.

GOING HOME ?

Going home?

He smiled,

I wish,

but, I’ve a shift to finish.

Going home?

I’d need to say sorry

I’d never be accepted.

There’s no room for me

I’ve burnt my bridges

Too much has been said

Too little done to mend the hurt.

Mention home

My stomach turns

I feel crowded

smothered

afraid.

Which home?

My mother’s home

My father’s home

I’ve had many homes.

The question unsettles me

makes me sad.

It reminds me of something

I’ve lost but never had.

Faith.

We had our second ‘Alpha Night’ at the Inchyra last night. There was a good mix of people from different backgrounds and I’m sure its going to be once again an interesting life changing experience for a number of people.

Our theme last night asked the question” Why did Jesus die?” It is an opportunity to talk about the central theme of Christianity namely, “Forgiveness” it seems to me that this is one of the central issues that faces all of humanity. All over the world people are looking for ways and means where by they can forgive. Last night I tried to explain the classic Christian doctrine of Justification. I also tried to explain the fact that the cross of Christ is like a diamond it has many sides to it and each side has an explanation that seeks to illuminate our hearts and our minds to the nature and power of the love of God.

One thing is for certain the cross of Christ has much to say to people who feel they are carrying sacks of guilt about with them. The cross is where God in Christ took upon himself our sinful humanity and became sin for us so that we might feel free from the consequences of our actions.
Inmyplace.mov
A few years ago we filmed the above clip as part of our TGI Sunday Service in may ways it is another facet of the cross and it is a diamond worth reflecting upon. I think the idea that total forgiveness invites us to let go of the things or the feelings that have hurt and abused us and then asks that we might never speak about it again is all about forgiving and forgetting. Finally receiving the grace to remember to pray a blessing for those who have wronged you is the ultimate sign of forgiveness. These three steps hopefully will be purued our various Alpha Groups. So what do you think of the idea of forgiveness?

Well you may recall that I mentioned a few weeks ago that the Bogle Band had started gigging again after having a few years off,or as they say in the business “resting”.

Well here is a short video of the trip we made “doon the watter” and the music in the background is the Bogle Band playing the song “Brave Hearts” live. If you like what your hearing you can hear us playing again this Saturday at St Andrew’s Bo’ness. We’re playing at the “There Must Be More Festival” There’s a barbecue in the church garden at 6.30pm and the concerts starts at 7.30 in the church.

We’re also delighted that Vangel will be performimg with us. The whole weekend Festival is trying to encourage more people to think outside the box and discover their potential. On Friday Night a number of young peole who were in India visiting our partners there will be giving their feedback on their trip. I think its going to be a great night. On Sunday I’m looking forward to having a joint Praise Band, made up between St Andrew’s and the Apostolics in Bo’ness leading us in a gread night of praise and worship. So if you want something more than you’ve got ! See you Sunday Night.

Meanwhile pray for an old rocker who seems to be turning a bit folky with age, pray that he’ll remember his words on Saturday or have good inspiration to write better words.

One thing that I will always remember about the Carberry Festival is sharing a late night fish supper with John Bell, and the outstanding contribution that Adrian and Bridget Plass made to the Festivals over the years.One other thing I want to mention yet I’m not sure why, the picture of the crown of thorns which hangs in the Chapel hallway. I think John also added so much to those first few festivals. Maybe the crown of thorns speaks of themes and teaching that was not afraid to face suffering and pain head on.All of us who attended and shared ourselves discovered that the so called theological differences we all expressed, didn’t in the end divide us. Instead living together in community for a week or two made us aware of the important things that united us.Of course since those days the Carberry Festival has changed and different people have been in charge yet it would seem that the same spirit of community and companionship is still alive and well among those who regularly attend. I was privileged to perform at this the last festival as one who performed at the first. Iain Jamieson and myself had an enjoyable evening singing some of our old and new songs.I think one of the most moving experiences for me this weekend, was when we were all invited to bring closure to the Festival by burying the past in order to look forward to perhaps a different kind of event that might grow out of the experience of Carberry.If you’ve attended the Carberry Festival why not use this blog to record some of your memorable experiences.The picture above just reminds me of what it was like to stand at the back of the Chapel and look in or an event that could be musical, dramatic , or indeed worshipful. The picture below is the spot where we hope Jock Stein will be able to plant a tree to commemorate the influence of the Festival on the lives of so many people. If you have time visit my picture gallery highlighting the weekend. GALLERYLet me know what you think, should a new `Festival be born out of the old one? Here is a demo recording of a song Iain , Stephen and I performed on last Friday. I think it is very relevant to the thinking that Neil shared with us as he spoke of the power of a seed to be planted in the ground and in the end to bear much fruit. Maggie’s song reminds us of the power that comes through suffering and faith.

Glad to see that my old pal Jimmy Sommerville has been having a look at the blog. Actually his comments are quite true, he hasn’t changed all that much, now that’s more than can be said for me. I popped into the office this afternoon although I’m still on holiday. Johnny, our techy support person, told me he had been reading the blog. He said he liked the Living Stones then he said, “is that your picture on the blog? ” You’ve really changed! Well that’s true Johnny we all change. Except for sweet baby James, so here’s a song from James Taylor for the man with the whiskers in the previous post. Even James Taylor has changed! Make sure you listen to this youtube clip. If it says its not working click on the menu the Dixie Chics version is just brilliant!

This is my Gandhi look, as I prepare to fly out to India next week. I’ll try and keep the blog going and relate some of the stories from our travels. I think it will be an interesting eight days. My colleague Willie MacPherson is joining me on this trip to look at some of the projects I have been interested in over the past couple of years.

The seasons are also changing, Mrs iTalker and I, visited my sister and brother-in-law on holiday in Strathpeffer for a couple of days this week. Yesterday was such a delightful Autumn morning. I couldn’t resist this picture it has such a cool feel to it. It says to me winter is on its way chill out. So I sat back yesterday and listened to some James Taylor and I chilled out.

Well here’s a wee bit of Christian rock’n roll history for you. I spent most of today clearing out my study. I came across a poster for the very first Greenbelt Festival in August 1974. Guess what, I played it ! And Just to prove it I’ve loaded up the poster. Today of course Greenbelt is one of the most important music and arts festivals in the Christian calander. I’m told around 20,000 people attend each year.

I was the lead singer with a band known as the Living Stones. I think there must have been a couple of thousand people at the Festival. The police turned up in force and then left one policeman on duty because the crowd were too well behaved! It was at Prospect Farm, Woodbridge , in Suffolk. Jim Holloway, was the brother in law of the amazing John Peck. He lectured in the Glasgow BTI, John was a fantastic person who encouraged the best in everyone. And I believe he still does. Well it was John Peck who got the gig for us. It all seems like another life to me now. However it was a great experience. It wasn’t the biggest crowd we ever played to, that was reserved for the Sunday we played Green’s Playhouse in Glasgow when the quite unique Arthur Blessit visited Scotland.Arthur holds the world record for carrying a life size cross all around the world. I believe he is still doing it. Should we invite him to The CWW National Gathering 2008. Let’s have a poll. Please make your comment.

Clearing out rubbish ends up making you think. So I guess some of you might want to even hear what the Living Stones sounded like, well here’s a track from an album we recorded its called Disillusion, its full of youthful angst. Its worth a listen. Disillusion from the Album ” Jesus Music”

Now what has a Police Box got to do with the above event? Well just watch and learn and see how you can manipulate pictures to have a relevance to your story. The newspapers do it all the time. iTalker is not called this for nothing. The plans for CWW National Event 2008 are beginning to take shape.

I spent most of yesterday at meeting in the church’s central offices taking the plans a little further. We’ve got a great title for the event. ” All you can’t leave behind” U2 fans will recognise the title. I think we should begin to expect big numbers to attend. Some people of great faith believe that Bono himself might turn up. And who can tell maybe even Dr Who. The idea of a tented city is certainly attracting the attention of congregations from all over Scotland. A church with no fixed abode seems to have caught the imagination of people.

It may well be that we could attract around 10,000 people each day. I think people are identifying with the need for the church to see itself as a people on a journey - on the move. It was Stanley Hauerwas, who wrote the book “Resident Aliens” in it he describes the church as people who have no set abode in this world. An alien people living Kingdom values in a strange land. If Hauerwas had known of the Dr. I think he might have suggested that the church is a kind of Tardis.

However, I’m not completely sold on his thesis. I’m not for binning the creation yet. I think the world has been created by our Father and there is a sense in which we are called to be freedom fighters reclaiming the creation, reflecting the idea that Christ has come to redeem and reconcile the creation back to God. Here’s lyrics of a song that Iain jamieson and I composed a few years ago. Resident Aliens. Anyway I hope that we have lots of tents at Ingliston on 3rd and 4th May 2008 and you know what I think aliens with or with out tents will be most welcome. And if Dr Who wishes to turn up with a group of Aliens he too will be most welcome.

Resident Aliens
They said that we were alien,
Resident aliens,
Strangers, in a foreign land,
They said that were were enemies
Mortals enemies,
Captives held by an evil band

But I’m claiming all this world for Jesus
And giving back my life into his hands
This is not their world it is my Father’s
And I ‘m not a stranger but a son,
I’m beautiful creature, beautiful creature
Reflection of a Father’s love

Invaded by saboteurs
Secular saboteurs
Subversives of the Father’s plans
Programmed to believe in fact
Scientific facts
Reason is the god we serve

But remember love is based on more than reason,
And Logic’s just a tool to find the truth
believing is the key to understanding
And faith brings confidence in who we are
We’re beautiful creatures we’re beautiful creatures
Reflections of a Father’s love

Scared no more
Running scared no more
Fugitives in the Fatherland
Time to speak the truth,
even live the truth
First fruits of father’s plans

But I’m claiming all this world for Jesus
And giving back my life into his hands
This is not their world it is my Father’s
And I ‘m not a stranger but a son,
I’m beautiful creature, beautiful creature
Reflection of a Father’s love

Since I was a wee boy, Billy Graham has fascinated me. I got the privilege to go a few years ago with a group of church leaders from Scotland to visit the Billy Graham Centre in Charlotte. I made a video when I was there of the town itself. If I can dig it out I might put it up.

Anyway I was interested in an e-mail that arrived in my box, from a fellow minister, yesterday about Billy Graham and what could be his last preaching engagement. In truth I think Graham is a bit like Frank Sinatra, he’s had so many of these final preaching events, then he comes back to do another. Anyway it now turns out to be a bit of a hoax. ( Gadget Vicar put me right), anyway if you want to read about the hoax click here

Anyway, I think you might find the e-mail interesting. So while you read it, have a look at this little clip I prepared last night. The music is by the Bogle Band the song is called MR GRAHAM

A REAL HOAX - E-MAIL - BILLY GRAHAM IN NEW ORLEANS

“In what might prove to be the crowning achievement of an illustrious
career in ministry, the 87-year-old evangelist, Billy Graham shocked
the 16,300 in attendance at the Celebration of Hope crusade in New
Orleans Arena on Sunday Night. Touted in advance as possibly his last
Evangelistic crusade, Graham invited the packed house of evangelical
Christians and the hundreds of new converts to join him on the one mile
walk from the arena to New Orleans’ infamous Bourbon Street. “While we
have seen God do tremendous things here the past couple of evenings.
Yes, it is true that a great healing and a great many salvations have
occurred within the confines of this auditorium. Still yet, there lies
a great mountain in this city which needs to be conquered.”
Then taking from the Biblical Book of Joshua Chapter 14 he read, “I am
this day, eighty-five years old . As y et I am as strong this day as on
the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my
strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore,
give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day,” his voice
suddenly sounding more forceful than during his 22 minute sermon.
“I last preached in the City of New Orleans in 1954 and I felt then
that there was some unfinished business. Tonight, in what very well
might be my last evangelistic service, I aim to finish that business
and lead as many of you that would follow me to the multitude of lost
souls that fill Bourbon Street tonight. That is my mountain! That is
where we shall see the harvest!” said Graham as the stadium erupted in
cheers that lasted the next several minutes.
Utilizing a waiting mobility scooter, the elder Graham joined his son
and heir to the ministry, Franklin across the Arena floor and through
the opened doors leadin g towa rds the French Quarter. In a show of
solidarity and determination reminiscent of civil rights marches of the
1960’s, nearly the entire capacity crowd joined in the 20 minute trek
while singing, “When the Saints Go Marching In”. As the march crossed
Canal Street and headed northward towards Bourbon Street, many
onlookers stood in stunned silence as the massive crowd Of people began
singing in unison the Christian hymn, Amazing Grace. Upon entering the
west end of Bourbon Street, Billy Graham was soon recognized by
partiers.
Soon those joining in the march began to approach those partying on
Bourbon Street with the Gospel message that they had heard preached
just a half hour before. Graham himself joined with a group of local
street evangelist in ministering to a man who had survived Hurricane
Katrina in the lower 9th Ward. Within 30 minutes the entirety of
Bourbon Street was packed with Christians and the once blaring music of
n ightcl ubs and strip joints had been replaced by weeping and worship
as people poured out their drinks and sought prayer from the Christians
who were now reaching out to them.
“I have never seen anything like this in my life,” said 20 years New
Orleans Police Department veteran, Tom Phillips. “This is unbelievable!
We thought a riot was going to break out, but this looks more like a
Revival than a riot!” Two hours later, a glowing Graham sat back down
on his scooter and smiled. “Now I know how the Apostle Paul must have
felt at the end of his ministry. Do the work of an evangelist; make
full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the
time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
Hours later hundreds of Christians remained on the street ministering
to the many people eagerly waiting to receive prayer and ministry. New
Orleans will never be th e same . And the press remained mute on this
“news item?” Did anyone see it on TV/hear it on radio/read it in the
paper? Why are we not surprised? Can’t have THAT just prior to a major
election, now, can we? Well, just on a whim, spread the news, anyway.
It cost our elder brother, Billy Graham, more than any of us know to
make that effort. The least we can do is publicize it.”

What we need to do is share the message and be careful not to venerate the messenger.
There might be a contradiction there with my wee movie - but hey its art - well of a sort?

It’s true what they say songs take on a life of their own. If you are a songwriter you always have to be prepared to give it away. In reality it never belongs to you in the first place. Many people contribute to the ideas that make up a song. A few years ago I wrote this song after hearing a story Willie MacPherson told me. He was describing the above shanty town known as Port of Belen built on a sewer that serves the city of Iquitos deep in the Amazonian Jungle. I was shocked when he described how a father of a 10 year old girl offered him his daughter for thirty cents. I was full of righteous anger how could anyone do such a thing. The world is a dangerous and desperate place. The story of Lent is all about encountering a God who makes his home in the gutter, who takes the sin of the gutter into himself. He is the God who dies on a rubbish dump outside a city on a Friday Night just before night fall. A few months later New York would never be the same again. In all our dark Fridays we need to believe that there is a Resurrection Sunday. If I got an idea for a song from Willie, I got the hook line from Tony Campolo telling his story about an old black preacher who could sum up the power and expectation of the gospel in six words, “It’s Friday night but Sunday’s comin’”. As for the rest of the song well Iain jamieson my song writing partner contributed as did Graeme Duffin whenit came to production. So you see song writing is never or seldom the domain of one person. Now when it comes to the video making its a team effort again, with a huge thank you to Rae Manger the best film editor in Bo’ness