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Here in this piece of art Manna was responding to the mood of the church and the worship of the moment as she put together this painting. The interesting thing is that she painted it with a feather in her hand. And her eye and her heart tuned in to worship. I’ve entitled this painting “Too Close for Comfort” not sure what the artist will think of my presumption in naming the painting. However it speaks to me of the God who comes closer to us than we can imagine. Sometimes it is an uncomfortable feeling like lips being burned with the coal from the alter, or depending on your next meal to arrive with ravens. Yes God can be found in the ordinary but too often the ordinary is too difficult for us to trust or even understand.

I believe the powers that be in Philadelphia are not too pleased, to say the least, that Brad Pitt’s potential blockbuster, “World War Z is being filmed here in Scotland. So why did he not use Philadelphia? Well from what I can read it would appear that the City of Philadelphia dithered when it came [...]

Can’t believe it’s that time again. Time for me to look out my favourite songs and get my play list ready. Yes make sure you tune into Bogle on Valley FM 87.7 this coming Monday morning at 9.00am -10.00am and keep doing it every morning including Thursday. The show is going to be great. I [...]

It wasn’t quite T in the Park but the Roll Away The Stone event, was a brave attempt during what will be a very contentious Assembly Week to celebrate some of the outstanding things that the Church of Scotland and the church in Scotland do to serve the nation. One quick witted minister speaking of [...]

Today I met up with Russell McLarty, the Interim minister at Edinburgh’s St Andrew’s and St George’s Church of Scotland. We had arranged a few weeks ago to take the bread and wine,two of the most powerful symbols of the Gospel out into George Street. Many people passed by and ignored the invitation others were [...]

The last few days have been pretty busy. On Thursday last the church was packed to capacity as people from all walks if life attended the funeral of John Constable who was one of our local councillors and also for many a local hero and mentor. He was someone who passionately believed in his political [...]

Today I started to put together a number of articles for the Parish Network. Its the new name we’re giving to our church broadsheet that we distribute around the parish. It go me thinking about some of the things we might plan for Holy Week. Before long I was reflecting on the amazing experience I [...]

There is a great buzz around the church even although the weather is cold and the forecast is more rain this week. I’ve been encouraged hearing about at least half a dozen people of all ages finding a voice to openly profess their faith. In addition Sanctuary First turned out to be a great success [...]

Will you spare a thought and perhaps a prayer for all those who suffer in silence this Christmas. We’ve set aside one of the transepts in the church this year to highlight the work of Amnesty International. We would like to invite people to drop in and pray for prisoners of conscience. A few years [...]

just got back this evening from a speaking engagement at Moffat. It was a wonderful opportunity to tell a whole new group of people about the work of the Vine Trust. I got back into Bo’ness just in time to catch up with Craig Hannah one of our church voluntary youth workers who does an [...]