Bishop Donald writes... "Waiting with God" - February 2012:
February... the days are lengthening and the nights shortening, but it can still feel like winter. The early flowers are out, but they close up in the afternoon
preparing for... Read more.....
From "The Parish Magazine" - January 2012:
"Red sky at night, Shepherd's delight;
Red sky at morning, Shepherd's warning."
Practical origins for this English nursery rhyme are based on weather predictions and how a red sky at night would indicate fair weather on the following day.
In England the words refer to a shepherd who would say that a red sky in the morning was suggesting inclement weather to follow. In America the words relate to a
sailor.
It should be remembered that there were no weather forecasts, as such, in days gone by and one had to make one's own weather predictions. Those with the most
knowledge and experience, such as Sailors and Shepherds, whose lives were dependant on the weather and were fully conversant with changing weather patterns
indicated by a "Red Sky at night".
The original origins of this Nursery Rhyme can be traced to the Bible:
Matthew 16:2-3
2 - He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
3 - And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not
discern the signs of the times?
Bishop Donald writes... "Finding joy in ministry" - December 2011:
As I write I am looking forward to our Diocesan Ministers' Conference, which will take place at the conference centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire, from
5th to 8th December. Normally these gatherings... Read more.....
Called to Discipleship, Brought to Vocation - June 2011:
When asked if I would talk and then write about vocation in the church, I could have explained how I found myself unexpectedly called into my own Ministry, and
although this would have been a personal account of vocation, I felt it appropriate to consider a wider picture, looking at how our individual contributions and
work leads into a broader vocation, one we then call 'Church', working in the community and world in which we live. Read more.....
Michael Ellard
RTA Newsletter - Spring 2011:
There can be no doubt that Rutland is by and large a rural community. Not in the same context of North Yorkshire or Cumbria but a county that relies on
agriculture for a greater part of its heritage. There may be fewer farms since the reservoir was built and fewer people earning an income (modest and reduced)
than in years gone by. Please take time to read the Spring 2011 Rural Theology Newsletter and learn a little
more about the countryside surrounding your homes and villages.
Rural Theology Association (link to web site) - new window
From the Rectory - March 2011:
I'm often asked for a recommendation for a good read. Now as you might expect as with all classes of reading, devotional material is widely varied.
In some villages there are Book Clubs which cater for the regular novels found in the book shops and libraries. A good Christian bookshop will also stock a vast
range of topics from which choice can be difficult without some kind of recommendation. So in an occasional spot from me, others are invited to contribute their
choice, I offer this suggestion:
- "For all that has been, Thanks: Growing a sense of gratitude" by Rowan Williams and Joan Chittister OSB
ISBN:9781848250178 published by Canterbury Press Norwich 2010
This book very helpfully follows through with what is promised in the introduction. Its main aim is to help, if that is possible, to de-mystify
what we understand of God. Not at all a difficult subject, but the authors are well placed to help us. It is in no way a deeply theological book but
offers some insights through giving thanks and praise to God when we say Alleluia! And despite the rather triumphal shout of Alleluia there are
moments of reflection which I see as its main purpose. A modest 180 or so pages with generous typesetting so chapters are short enough to be read and
time enough to reflect during the day even for the busiest of people. A good introduction to spiritual reading which will leave the reader seeking more.
Enjoy.
With every blessing,
Stuart.
Extracted from the RTA Newsletter - Autumn 2010:
From the last Conference of the RTA -
"The end of Rural Life and why it matters".
"As well as the keynote speakers, those attending were also able to get their teeth into a paper presented by the Revd Eric Kyte, and the paper is reproduced here, just as it was received."
Rural Theology Association (link to web site) - new window