The Christian Year

A Pentecost cycle

It's a bit difficult just at the moment to do a thought for every day, so the next few entries will a bit more sporadic in their appearance - although it possible that they might be considered more spontaneous 'movings of the Spirit!'

'A new experience of pentecost.'

27th My first sabbatical was in Worms, the German town with which St. Albans, where I was Superintendent Minister, is twinned. The Protestant Deanery invited me to spend a month with them and stay in four parishes, a week in each, sharing in the pastoral work, worship, church meetings and church life.

It was the first time an English clergyman had shared in their work. Many of the congregation wanted to relate experiences with me about peace, and older men wanted to talk about kindnesses they had received in this country as prisoners of war. The month there acted almost like the lancing of a boil that, up to that time had never had chance to come to a head. It was a kind of cathartic role which was particularly poignant as I shared the bread or the wine with the congregations at communion.It was a tremendously eniching and healing experience for us all.

After my first Sunday the minister asked if I would preach in German. I agreed on condition that he helped me with the sermon. It was a nerve racking experience because my knowledge of the language was so patchy, but all kinds of things helped in the preparation. There were well-known phrases that came to mind from hymns we had in common, the German Bible, and familiar phrases frequently used in conversations. The minister went through my notes, corrected them, but of some things written he said 'leave it like that, it will make the congregation think!'

The moment came to preach the sermon. It was Whitsunday. 'Speaking in other tongues' took on a special significance for me. It was a very moving moment. That year, Pentecost had a meaning and a purpose I shall never forget.

(originally published in the Epworth Review. March 2001)

'Learning by experience.'

Monday 28th So much of what we learn comes to us in what appears to be an untidy 'experiential' way, but it is s sure way of learning. It's a bit like Archimedes discovering the principle of 'displacement' - dashing from his bath crying 'eureka' - I've found it!'

I think however that we need to remember that it is frequently through some kind of experience, that the Holy Spirit teaches us so much that we need to know; and it's the kind of knowledge that sticks!

It is not only knowledge about God that the Spirit gives, tremendously important as this this, but also about the world that God has made.

The Homing Instinct.

'Lord, help me to keep my perspectives right, and when I have been turned round many times, and become a little confused, may your Spirit as the Dove, give me a homing instinct to travel in the right direction.'

Tuesday 29th

Winds of Change.

In the last century, 'winds of change' was a favourite and well worn theme amongst many politicians. The Spirit brings change. Earlier in the year strong winds took many of the old dead branches out of the trees. Surely the Spirit does this in his church too. The old has to be taken out so that the new can grow. The new branches need space. However, they are all part of the tree.

Wednesday 30th.

'Kindle a flame