For those of you who missed it, we had a great weekend together looking at real change "Spot Changing for Leopards". Below are the audio files of the event. Enjoy.
Monday 11 November 2013
Wednesday 30 October 2013
Common Good
This is the rule of most perfect
Christianity, its most exact definition, its highest point, namely, the seeking
of the common good. For nothing can so make a person an imitator of Christ as
caring for their neighbours.
St.
John Chrysostom
I want to imitate Christ[i].
I don’t always get it right, but I try. I fell in love with Jesus because of
how tenderly and gently he appeals to the broken and the marginalised in the
gospel narratives. Somewhere in my journey I realised I was thoroughly broken
and in need of His tenderness.
Those in the New
Testament accounts that had culturally come to accept that they were outsiders, castaways, shunned and ignored sat and ate with the living
God. His words were warm, full of hope, acceptance and redemption.
Jesus spoke hard words too. Examine for yourself. You
will find however those predominately harsh words spoken out of the Lord’s
mouth were directed at the religious elite of the day. He criticised them for
being stuck in their theological trenches and enslaving the people into rules
and regulations that they themselves could not even keep.
Jesus ate dinner with prostitutes, thieves, con-men, the
sick and the culturally excluded.
We can choose today to be part of the religious elite,
arguing on our blogs and websites, tweets and Facebook about our theological
positions and enslave people into our rules and regulations, or we can sit down and eat with the worlds poor and
broken.
I want to imitate Christ
I don’t always get it right, but I try. I believe that the more we imitate
Christ, the more human - fully human we actually become. That is we reveal more
of the image of God that we were created in when we imitate him. As we bear His
image, reflect His nature maybe others will fall in love with Jesus as they
discover how tenderly and gently he appeals to the broken and the marginalised.
I want to seek the Common Good for our city and our
neighbours. John Chrysostom (347–407AD)
challenged the church to seek the common good and this should not be seen in
competition with ‘making disciples’ but part of it.
All too often our programmes, services and initiatives
are clean, nice and inoffensive, while eating with those the world rejects is
unpleasant and uncomfortable. I
want to imitate Christ I don’t always get it right, but I try.
At this very moment I’m working with several agencies planning our emergency winter night shelter. We’re thrilled to be able to extend this act of love to some of the most vulnerable people in Glasgow this winter. I hope that as we do this we are imitating Christ and caring for our neighbours, and in doing so we are becoming more fully human.
Please pray for the Glasgow Winter Night Shelter, maybe
your church would consider volunteering for this much needed service in the
city. We're also looking for staff that can work over the 12 weeks. Please have a look at our website for details, or email gwns@glasowcitymission.com if you'd like to volunteer.
Thursday 10 October 2013
"Baby, It's Cold Outside"
I was walking though Glasgow last night and the temperature had really dropped from the morning when I'd left the house. I didn't have a jumper on, and as I pulled my jacket round tighter and tighter I had a quick and albeit short reminder of homelessness.
I was out in the cold only for an hour, the central heating would have kicked in by the time I got home. I was cold now, but that wouldn't be forever. I could knuckle down and cope until I got home.
We've had great weather over the summer and actually it's carried on into the autumn. We walk about in our summer clothes and our attitude becomes very carefree. It's great. However it got very cold last night, and I was caught out with only a few layers on. I got home and into the warm, and soon forgot about my quick paced walk to the railway station, how I'd pulled up my collar of my jacket and sunk my neck deeper and deeper down to keep warm - oh for a scarf. I was home now. Three children tucked snugly warm in bed, and an embrace from my wife as we talk on a comfy sofa about our days.
What if you don't have a home? What if you don't want to go back to your home because of abuse, violence, fear?
Today is World Homeless Day (10th October) and I'm reminded that while my story might be shared by a number of people, there are many who don't have somewhere warm and welcoming to go to at the end of the day. It isn't fiction, it isn't a movie that we can walk away from, it isn't a nightmare that we are going to wake up from. The reality is there are people in Scotland who are sleeping rough. There are people in Glasgow scared to go home because of the environment they'll encounter.
I'm currently working hard in preparation for the Glasgow Winter Night Shelter. Along with our partners there are many who care deeply about these issues, and give themselves tirelessly to help people in their immediate need as well as plan and campaign to change things for the future.
We're currently taking in all the harvest donations from churches and schools though out Glasgow, and I'm struck be peoples generosity and desire to help - Thank you.
I was out in the cold only for an hour, the central heating would have kicked in by the time I got home. I was cold now, but that wouldn't be forever. I could knuckle down and cope until I got home.
We've had great weather over the summer and actually it's carried on into the autumn. We walk about in our summer clothes and our attitude becomes very carefree. It's great. However it got very cold last night, and I was caught out with only a few layers on. I got home and into the warm, and soon forgot about my quick paced walk to the railway station, how I'd pulled up my collar of my jacket and sunk my neck deeper and deeper down to keep warm - oh for a scarf. I was home now. Three children tucked snugly warm in bed, and an embrace from my wife as we talk on a comfy sofa about our days.
What if you don't have a home? What if you don't want to go back to your home because of abuse, violence, fear?
I'm currently working hard in preparation for the Glasgow Winter Night Shelter. Along with our partners there are many who care deeply about these issues, and give themselves tirelessly to help people in their immediate need as well as plan and campaign to change things for the future.
We're currently taking in all the harvest donations from churches and schools though out Glasgow, and I'm struck be peoples generosity and desire to help - Thank you.
Wednesday 4 September 2013
Hope and Disappointment
In 2008 the US presidential campaign became one of the most
intriguing in recent years. A moderate republican and the democrats looking at
either the first ever female president or the first ever black president. There
was a significant sense of anticipation in the States and around the world.
Barack Obama ran a very memorably campaign with the mantra of ‘yes we can’ following his every move. Maybe
things would be different this time.
In our own islands we saw the 1997 general election swing to
Labour and huge anticipation of a nation looking for real change and things to
be different. Only in 2010 did we see
another opportunity for renewed hope with the first coalition government since
the Second World War. Maybe things would be different this time.
Politicians of all
flavours seem to promise more than they can ever deliver, and I think that is
where some of our scepticism comes from. Political leaders (and religious
leaders) seem to inspire hope only to see people knocked off their pedestal.
We’re tired of hypocrisy and genuinely seek change. No matter how often history
seems to repeat itself there is a hope deep inside us longer for something
more, something better. “Maybe things
would be different this time.”
Maybe our expectations are too great, do we actually look to
our political and religious leaders to bring about the change that is so
desperately needed in our world? We see things that are wrong in the world and
we ask ‘who’s in charge, they should fix
this.’ We can identify the things
that are broken and wrong, but who’s responsible and who has the power and
authority to deal with it.
However I don’t think that our expectations are unrealistic;
it’s just that we often put our faith in the wrong places. For real ‘Change we can believe in’ Firstly I
need to recognise that I need to change,
and secondly I need to recognise that I
need the power of God to change me. This is the kind of change that doesn't
disappoint.
We've being talking at Glasgow City Mission about Change in
the people we serve. A hope that the power of God will have a significant
effect on their lives. This is not a vain hope for change is core to the
Christian message. It’s about sinners becoming saints, broken becoming whole,
lost becoming found, warmonger becoming peacemaker, and the dead becoming
alive.
Glasgow City Mission is having an evening of celebration and storytelling. It’s open to all and will
include stories from our clients, an opportunity to hear from Bethany Christian Trust and their award winning ‘Passing the Baton’ programme,
as well as a time for worship and prayer for the city.
Come and hear how you
could be part of change.
Sunday September 15th 6.30pm at St Silas Church Glasgow.
Further Details are on www.glasgowcitymission.com
Friday 2 August 2013
Spot Changing for Leopards
The well known phrase ‘A leopard can’t change its spots’[i]
has its origins in the 6th century BCE in Jeremiah’s warning to the
people of Israel. It was a call for a change, yet acknowledging that change was
unlikely with their current track record.
However surely the gospel has shown to us
that even the most dramatic change and transformation is possible through the
work of God in our lives.
I can fall into the trap all too easily and
join in the chorus of ‘That’s just the
way they are, they’re never going to change.’ The truth is that attitude is
totally counter to the message of Jesus of Nazareth.
When thinking about the change Jesus can
make in our lives, we often jump to the Saul/Paul account. We can see really
clearly a dramatic transformation from a violent enemy zealot, to a dynamic Christian
leader. However even though this fascinating encounter with God lends itself to
storytellers, this type of instant transformation, while miraculous is no more
miraculous than transformation that takes place over decades.
If our understanding of change is only
caught up in a picture of the immediate, then we are in danger of living a life
of disappointment, with a few stories of joy, but with many frustrating
encounters. Yet were we to grasp that not only can change be instantaneous it
is more often a lengthy journey of pleasure and pain, of mountains and valleys.
The long view requires patience, determination, friends
who are loyal, reliable, and dependable - it is tiring and many quit.
We often compare Peter and Paul, and while Peter is in Jesus inner circle we tend to connect more with Paul and his writtings. Peter seems to take one step forward and
two steps back. He is the one who acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah[ii], then promptly reprimands
Christ.[iii] Peter is the one who
boldly declares his allegiance unto death[iv], then promptly denies he
even knows Jesus[v].
Peter is the one who receives a vision[vi] leading the way for
gentiles/non-Jews to hear the message, then is rebuked by Paul for creating a
‘them and us’ culture by reversing this position[vii]
Peter’s transformation is just as miraculous as Paul’s,
maybe we need to value the long journey of change more and be prepared for the
long haul as we help others on that Journey.
Glasgow City Mission is
having an evening of celebration
and storytelling. It’s open to all and will include stories from our clients,
an opportunity to hear from Bethany
Christian Trust and their award winning ‘Passing the Baton’ programme, as
well as a time for worship and prayer for the city.
Come and hear how you could be part of change.
Sunday
September 15th 6.30pm at St Silas Church Glasgow.
Monday 8 July 2013
The Andy Murray Factor
Why as a Scot do I walk around with the thought that as a
sporting nation we manage to “snatch
defeat out of the jaws of victory”. I’m laughing at myself as there were hints
of superstition seeping into my psyche as I nervously listened to the media
hype up Andy Murray’s chances of becoming the first British Wimbledon Champion
since Fred Perry, only for him to succeed. Well done!
Andy has considerable desire, and a grueling routine and it
must take an enormous amount of focus and determination to keep going. He is however
part of a significant team of professionally all helping him reach his personal
goal.
He’s got one coach, Ivan Lendl, two fitness trainers,
Jez Green and Matt Little, his hitting partner Danny Vallverdu, physio Andy
Ireland, and Matt Gentry from Simon Fuller’s XIX Entertainment (his management
team). Andy admits that to begin with he took some stick for having a big
entourage, but says it’s crucial to his performance at this level.[1]
That’s seven dedicated people all working together
determined to make the future dream of one a reality.
Sometime we need that level of support, particularly when we
face significant challenges. There are stories of loners who manager against
all the odds to pull through exceptionally difficult circumstances, but most of
us need others around us – loving, caring, supporting, challenging,
encouraging.
How many people do
you think are required to help someone get free from a substance addiction,
build new positive relationships, settle into a new house and community, participate
in further education and secure a sustainable job? Answer – lots. It takes time too, just ask Andy Murray!
We don’t have Team Murray, but we do have Team GCM. We’re
grateful for all the staff and volunteers, who believe passionately that with
God all things are possible.
Our prayer is often the same as the author of Hebrews:
Now may the God of peace—
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
may he equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.[i]
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
may he equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.[i]
[i]
Hebrews 13:20f
Friday 28 June 2013
Hide & Seek
When I was a teenager I’m pretty sure I was hard work for my
parents (sorry). I remember that on a few occasions when struggling to cope
with an emotional situation I hid in my room. I also remember being so mad with
my parents that I was determined to run away from home... I got as far as the
top of the stairs!
Many families are loving, caring and safe places for
children to grow up in, and the misunderstandings and adolescent behaviour can
be worked through and resolved. However some home environments are far from
positive. They can sometimes be toxic, abusive and claustrophobic. As a child,
young or mature adult, where do you retreat to when faced with these
circumstances?
About 327,000 people are reported missing to the authorities
in the UK every year.[i]
People run away for a number of reasons, traumatic experiences, feeling unable
to cope, trapped or powerless.
Hiding can often be a short term coping strategy. When we’re
unable to face a particular event, person or group we retreat from it and find
shelter elsewhere. If that which is causing you distress is your home
environment then people go missing, leaving their homes behind and often
heading for the main cities to hide in anonymity.
Sometimes the people we see at Glasgow City Mission are
hiding. They’ve left behind traumatic situations that are too difficult for
them to deal with at this stage. They are vulnerable and need love and care. As
much as we’d like to, it’s too cheap and awkward a leap to draw parallels with
Jesus’ story of the prodigal son.[ii]
For the prodigal doesn’t leave out of the pressure of broken environment, he
left a loving and safe environment out of rebellion and selfishness.
So while those that go missing are not the prodigal, we can respond
like the ‘father’ in the story. How we treat people on their return matters.
The son in the narrative fears rebuke and chastisement on his return, yet the
father extends love, mercy, grace and honour to the son.
A recent study by Glasgow and Dundee Universities revealed
that statistically people were far less likely to go missing again if they were
treated sympathetically when they return.[iii]
Not all environments are safe to return to, however it is a
challenge to us when we think of the reasons that people end up on the streets
or in hostels in Glasgow. Who will welcome them back into community? We’re
passionate about creating a welcoming, safe and loving environment here at
Glasgow City Mission. We’re also delighted to have three qualified counsellors
helping our guest work through traumas. For some, Glasgow City Mission has
become their new family.
Monday 10 June 2013
Young People Today!
I remember my parents bemoaning the state of the youth when
I was a teenager, and yes, I’m now at the stage where I look on at the
behaviour of young people today and find that I’m significantly detached and
unable to identify with the culture, music, language and fashions.
“Our
youth now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show
disrespect for their elders and love chatter in place of exercise; they no
longer rise when elders enter the room; they contradict their parents, chatter
before company; gobble up their food and tyrannize their teachers.”
This quotation is often attributed to Socrates or Plato which
would make it 2500 years old, however it has been challenged as to its source.
Recent investigation may reveal that it was taken from a Cambridge dissertation
written by Kenneth
John Freeman published in 1907. Either way it appears as if each generation
likes to assume that the young people of today are worse than they ever were. There
are though some problems in our world, where regardless of whether or not the
situation has got worse, or just appear that way, still requires our attention,
care and participation it changing it.
I wonder to what extent parents hope and dream that their
children grow up in a world that is just a little bit better than the one they
experienced. Parents look for greater opportunities than they had,
opportunities in education, health, sports, the arts; opportunities to grow,
mature and develop.
I was disturbed this morning to read the BBC’s article[i]
calculating the number of families without fathers or any positive male role
models. While I want to tread carefully here, and acknowledge that for some
families the husband, father or partner’s presence in the relationship has been
a negative and traumatic episode which required radical and swift action to
protect both mother and children.
Rather than looking at ways in which to bring in incentives
which create a façade in family relationships, I wonder if we need to look at
how we invest in our young men of today, enabling them to grow up to be the
fathers, they, and we want them to be.
It’s not a lost cause! Just because one generation has been
failed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the next generation is doomed to make
the same mistakes. Some of you may remember the horrific stories of ‘Ceausescus
Orphans’. Nicolae
Ceaușescu was the Romanian leader until 1989. So neglected were the orphanages
under his regime that the children stopped crying for attention, knowing that
no-one would come. When foreign aid workers entered these orphanages they were
shocked by conditions these children were kept in, but mostly by the silence.
I wondered what hope there was for these children after the
trauma they endure, and was encouraged by an article that the independent
published in 2010[ii]
revealing that with the right encouragement, investment and care we needn’t
necessarily carry the damage of our past into our future.
We’re working hard at the Child
and Family Centre in helping our little ones grow up with confidence and
hope. We’re also investing in our young men and women who come to the City
Centre Project. Our hope for them is that if they experience commitment,
affirmation, discipline and love here, that in turn they’ll grow into men and
women who can show commitment, affirmation, discipline and love to others.
Tuesday 28 May 2013
Beauty for Ashes
Isaiah 61:3
There are many views on how the earth was first formed. Many
different traditions have dramatic stories of either an evolutionary journey or
an explosive event. Even within orthodox Christian tradition there are a number
of different views. What they all share is that it starts with a blank canvas –
nothing – emptiness!
The narrative of the opening chapters of Genesis talks about
a deliberately creative and loving God who has joy and excitement in His
creation. The pinnacle of the creation
event appears to be the formation of mankind. So
God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)
We
are ‘image bearers’ displaying something of our creator. I look like my dad,
and my boys look a little like me. Even with our modern understanding of DNA I
find it a little amusing how often people say, (with surprise), “You look so
like you father!”
The
pollutant that Christianity often refers to as ‘sin’ breaks and damages the
image, it is not irradiated, but scarred and tainted. We are still ‘image
bearers’.
Not
all of us would describe ourselves as creative; however I think there is a
little something in each of us that wishes to create. Whether that be making
the bed, the dinner or making the books balance, making government policies,
making bold management decisions or making a great work of art.
I
love creativity, and I believe that there is something of the image of God at
work in us when we create. It’s amazing
to watch some of our clients working away at a blank canvas until it comes to
life, or taking soft clay and forming an small ornament or sculpture. Whether
it’s in our music studio, working on a piece of music or up in the roof garden
growing tomatoes. Being creative not only brings joy, it celebrates something
of our creator - “You look so like you father!”
We
want to share the joy of some of these works with you and are hosting our first
Art Exhibition in the middle of June.
Why don’t you come and join us.
Thursday 13 and Friday
14 June
11am – 2pm
4pm – 6.30pm
Saturday 15 June
4pm – 6.30pm
Saturday 15 June
11am – 4pm
20 Crimea Street, Glasgow, G2 8PW
Free entrance.
Monday 13 May 2013
Don't want to read the news today
I'm
addicted to news. There is much mocking in our home which is regularly directed
at me and my obsession for the news. I wake up in the morning to the news on
the radio, within moments the TV is on the BBC news channel, and no sooner am I
in the office than I'm reading the BBC News website. When pottering around the
house at weekends it's not unusual for the news to playing in the background
while I supposed to be focused on other things!
Many
of us are familiar with the fact that most news is dark in nature and
good news or fun stories are rare or are tagged on the end of a 'slow news
day'. However in recent weeks I've found it almost too oppressive to
engage with the news around me. Acknowledging that some is speculative and
other cases are yet to be proven, the recent catalogue of sexual offences that
have led to arrests and confessions seems to have spiralled beyond my
comprehension.
It
appears as if there is a new sense of purpose amongst the authorities to act
with rigour regarding accusations made, and it seems as though ‘Operation Yewtree’
and other parallel investigations are having a significant impact.
The
past couple of days have seen most TV networks turn their attention to events
in Ohio, with the dramatic escape and rescue of the girls that were held in
captivity for a decade. While not an excuse for his alleged crimes, Ariel
Castro appears to have himself been raped by his uncle and abused by his
parents. While it is certainly not always the case, it appears that in this
particular instance, the cycle of violence, abuse and destruction has passed on
through generations.
Not
all, but many of the individuals that we love and serve here at Glasgow City
Mission will tell you stories of abuse. Abused often by the ones who should
have fought to protect, nurture and love them. The impact of these crimes
doesn’t disappear in an instant, nor does it leave with the end of the abuse.
The memory of the abuse and the long term emotional impact of it can all too
often be devastating. The reason many of the people we serve have sometimes
turned to substance abuse is often to hide from the pain endured for too long.
Three
things keep going round in my head recently.
Forgiveness
This
is a huge issue for our world, but in short they only way to halt the cycle of
abuse and violence that I know is forgiveness – given and received, victim and
perpetrator.
Acceptance
I’m
guilty of judging people, why they are the way they are, why they take drugs,
behave violently or live chaotic lives. Often they've been the victims of
abuse, and instead of condemnation need acceptance, not acceptance of actions
that are destructive, but acceptance of who they are is key to part of their
recovery.
Protection
We
need to stand up for the vulnerable, the weak, the ‘widows and orphans’ of our
society, the voiceless; we need an arm of protection and stand up to abuse in
all its forms.
I
find it important to consider more carefully the lives of those around me,
choosing not to join the wailing mob, desperate for revenge in the hope it
might make me feel better momentarily. Rather take small steps on the deep,
long and hard journey which will include forgiveness, acceptance and
protection.
Monday 29 April 2013
Food banks bailout unlikely
There doesn't seem to be a week go by without Food Banks getting a mention in the media. The Trussell Trust, probably one of the main players in establishing food banks in the UK, recorded nearly 350,000 individuals since last April used their services, a huge increase from just over 60,000 in 2010 - 2011. (1)
Glasgow food banks appear to be seeing a similar trend. (2)
At Glasgow City Mission we're seeing a steady growth in the number of people coming to use our services. We are also getting requests of food parcels and emergency aid over the phone and at the door. I wonder back in 1826 if at the founding of Glasgow City Mission they envisaged a day sometime in the future where this kind of social action would no longer be necessary in a so called 'developed' society. I wonder if they thought in 2013 there would still be a need for such a service. It would be lovely to say that in our 5 year plan due to lack of need, we will be closing our services (there are no such plans afoot!!)
We've been caring for the vulnerable and marginalised in Glasgow for sometime now, however it appears as if a new and quite separate group of people within our society are those who are using food banks. This group don't live the chaotic lifestyle that many at the mission experience, however they are under significant pressure to make ends meet, and food banks are often the safety net that they require.
I am increasingly thrilled to see churches in particular getting behind these ventures and volunteers from the faith community enabling such projects. However I am deeply saddened about how this reflects on our culture. Why is it acceptable to us to see food banks appearing throughout the UK? Is there a five year plan to see a reduction of food banks? Are they here to stay? Or due to popularity or necessity would the government ever 'bail them out'
Please continue to support your local food bank. We are certainly giving our more food parcels than ever before and would really appreciate tinned foods, however let us also consider what kind of society we'd like to live in and what responsibility local and national government have to play in alleviating poverty.
Pray for those in authority, pray for wisdom, discernment, compassion and courage.(3)
1. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/350000-people-now-rely-on-food-banks-8585266.html?origin=internalSearch
2. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/glasgow-food-bank-struggles-to-meet-demand-122399n.20855993
3. 1 Timothy 2:1,2
Glasgow food banks appear to be seeing a similar trend. (2)
At Glasgow City Mission we're seeing a steady growth in the number of people coming to use our services. We are also getting requests of food parcels and emergency aid over the phone and at the door. I wonder back in 1826 if at the founding of Glasgow City Mission they envisaged a day sometime in the future where this kind of social action would no longer be necessary in a so called 'developed' society. I wonder if they thought in 2013 there would still be a need for such a service. It would be lovely to say that in our 5 year plan due to lack of need, we will be closing our services (there are no such plans afoot!!)
We've been caring for the vulnerable and marginalised in Glasgow for sometime now, however it appears as if a new and quite separate group of people within our society are those who are using food banks. This group don't live the chaotic lifestyle that many at the mission experience, however they are under significant pressure to make ends meet, and food banks are often the safety net that they require.
I am increasingly thrilled to see churches in particular getting behind these ventures and volunteers from the faith community enabling such projects. However I am deeply saddened about how this reflects on our culture. Why is it acceptable to us to see food banks appearing throughout the UK? Is there a five year plan to see a reduction of food banks? Are they here to stay? Or due to popularity or necessity would the government ever 'bail them out'
Please continue to support your local food bank. We are certainly giving our more food parcels than ever before and would really appreciate tinned foods, however let us also consider what kind of society we'd like to live in and what responsibility local and national government have to play in alleviating poverty.
Pray for those in authority, pray for wisdom, discernment, compassion and courage.(3)
1. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/350000-people-now-rely-on-food-banks-8585266.html?origin=internalSearch
2. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/glasgow-food-bank-struggles-to-meet-demand-122399n.20855993
3. 1 Timothy 2:1,2
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