We are all called to compete in the "Spiritual Olympics" !
I visited the recording studio last week before heading to Wales last weekend. I managed to record six songs which will make up the next Bogle Band EP. In the picture is Graeme Duffin on my right and iain Jamieson on my left. We hope to be able to take orders for the EP in the near future.
The newspapers call this time of the year the silly season, the politicians often use it to disclose unpopular news.The reason being many people are away on holiday so the impact of a difficult or controversial decision is diluted. Its also the time when church groups take a break and very often ministers are off on holiday. All this of course affects the diary of the Moderator.
Talking of diary engagements . I was hoping that I would have been able to visit the Olympic Games in London as Moderator and support the sports chaplains who are around the games and meet some of the Scots who make up the UK Team. I'm sure many would appreciate the thought that the national church is thinking about them. After all the Church of Scotland represents spiritually well over 500,000 people who are members and then there are probably another few 100,000 who would associate with the church but are not on the role of any congregation. We are the largest grouping of Christians in Scotland. In fact we are the largest voluntary organisation in Scotland. I know that sounds as though I'm boasting, I'm not really, I trying to say that when it comes to national events, the Church of Scotland has a strong case for wishing to join in and make a contribution. I know the Olympics is a London based programme but it is being sold as a national event. I hope when it comes to the Commonwealth Games in 2014 in Glasgow that the Church of Scotland along with the other Churches will be invited to make a contribution to support the event.
However to date there seems to be no invitation forthcoming for this year's Olympics which to me is a bit of a disappointment. I would have loved to have been able to encourage and pray with many of the athletes who will be representing Scotland and of course the UK. While many seem to be taking cheap shots at the way the Games have been organised; it seems to me that they epitomise many noble and worthy attributes that should be encouraged in society at large. I'm amazed at the dedication and commitment of all the athletes. What an achievement it is to be be chosen to compete against the best. It is even more inspiring when you read of someone who wants to run not for themselves but for the honour of their country. The idea of doing your very best so that others can participate vicariously in your success is surely an honourable and worthwhile attitude to have and that is why it is important that leaders who represent communities visit those who are participating.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPB7r0UpNIE[/youtube]I was delighted to hear that "Chariots of Fire" has been re-mastered and is showing in cinema's all around the country. Strange isn't it that the story of a man who wouldn't run on a Sunday still captivates the interest of the so called secular society. I'm convinced that the Gospel with its unsurpassable story of grace and forgiveness when heard and understood still has the power to change lives and cause ordinary people like you and me to if not "run for his pleasure" live for His pleasure.
As for the diary, I'm off on holiday soon, then facing a busy August, with visits to CLAN, then the Tattoo and of course the two evenings performing at the Fringe, click here for your free tickets. You'll find them under the title "Heart and Soul" you can also book to join me on Inchcolm for the U2 Eucharist on the same page. Also in August I have the Youth Assembly, then a whole week supporting and promoting the work of Crossreach, the Church's Social Care organisation and not forgetting the Guild's 125th Anniversary Service in Dundee. I'm hoping to run a good race this August and perhaps we'll meet up as we pass the baton to each other.
Posted By: italker On: 24 Jul 2012 At: 1:44pm
Great Hymn John.