Virtual Methodist

I have really enjoyed my first visit to the NW of the USA and am currently in Portland, Oregon, but the big shock is the level of homelessness here and in Seattle, Washington. It is a feature of every street in both city centres and is heartbreaking. Whilst this issue is increasing back in Belfast, for various reasons, it is a minuscule problem in comparison with what we have seen here. However, 12 years ago I made the same comments about food poverty here in the US in comparison with the UK in the light of the number of food banks I saw here on a fact finding tour. I fear that like much of popular culture crossing the Atlantic, the more our political masters mimic US tax and welfare policies (which can only increase in the wake of a no-deal Brexit) then I fear we will also import this aspect of American culture too. Sleep in the daytime Beneath the view of passers-by: Priest, pastor, layperson and typically uncaring contemporary Samaritan. Sleep, because nightime is com

Sally and I leave Holden Village today, but hope to return, as most who come here do, again and again... But whether we do or not this place of beauty and welcome will live long in my memory... Fire birthed Phoenix In a mountain cradle Nurturing a new Generation Whilst honouring And challenging The old. Listening   to The wounded forest Standing up to Those who have raped The fragile earth And have poisoned The creek Lingering scent Of damp charcoal by Glacier chilled stream Stripped of all life Picture perfect But behind the screen Lies pain Welcoming in The weary pilgrim; Midst bear and cub And doe and fawns The foreigner Finds him/herself At home Shalom

Each Thursday at Holden the Faculty Staff are asked to collaborate to produce a 20 minute piece for Vespers... This week I contributed my Jonah poem which I reposted yesterday, but last week my contribution was to interrupt the musical director as the congregation where about to sing the hymn "Let justice flow" with this re-imagining of Amos 5: 5-24 (ps. the worship here has actually been wonderful... really refreshing...) Stop! I can’t stand your singing any more, it makes me sick to my stomach. That’s what the LORD has to say to you. Follow me and my way and live God says. Don’t bother with your religious retreats Or going to this mega-church or that faith festival, The latest spiritual fad or fashion Because they’re here today and gone tomorrow Without making any real difference to you or to the world. Follow the way of the  Lord  that you may live, Or He will sweep through you like a wildfire through this valley. Because you’ve turned justice in