17 March 2009

True Community

We had a marvellous Morning Prayer service at one of our churches last Sunday, devised and led by a fellow Reader. It was inspired for a number of reasons - not least because it was the day of the church AGM!

The focus was on community, as expressed in our church and in
Jigsaw Kids Ministries - mission partners we support in the Philippines. So it was particularly good to read this today from Henri Nouwen's Bread for the Journey:

When we dismiss people out of hand because of their apparent woundedness, we stunt their lives by ignoring their gifts, which are often buried in their wounds.

We all are bruised reeds, whether our bruises are visible or not. The compassionate life is the life in which we believe that strength is hidden in weakness and that true community is a fellowship of the weak.

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10 March 2009

Couldn't resist!

Sorry, I just couldn't resist pointing out that England's alleged "wicket-keeper" Matt Prior conceded 35 byes in the West Indies' First Innings of the current test.

Yes, 35 byes.

(Dropped at least one vital catch too).

"Is this a record?" you ask. Well, not quite. But as the BBC's Oliver Brett points out:

"When Frank Woolley gave up 37 byes in a Test innings, not only did he don the gloves at the grand old age of 47, he was deputising for the injured Les Ames!"

Rather puts Prior's ineptitude in its proper context, doesn't it?

Anyone but Read?

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