Manna Dobo Artist

However i wanted to follow up on my last post. Manna Dobo is a quite outstanding artist and respected in her field of visual arts. We are so fortunate to have someone of her experience and talent teaching at Bo’ness Academy. Anyway not many people could come down to the church at the drop of a hat and paint such an outstanding piece of work in less than an hour. Here in this work 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 the 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.If you look closely can you see the face of the crucified Saviour kissing the face that is at prayer?

If you have time listen to the replay of the service before it is replaced by the current one on Monday morning. It it mann speaks about the place of the feather in her hand while she paints. Its worth listening to and also worth the visual impact of seeking it all come together.

I think you can also pick it up for a longer time if you go to Sanctuary first’s website www.sanctuaryfirst.org.uk The theme was finding God in the ordinary. What could be more ordinary than a feather, yet the artist in Manna saw that the feather speaks of flight and height, of prophets being fed and prophets being touched by winged seraphims with burning coals. It speaks of hope and for many people it is a reminder to lift themselves from where they are to where they might be.

Anyway, back to our theme for the month. I like this theme. Its not the first time I’ve written about it, nor do I expect it to be the last. When it comes to thinking about spiritual things too often we miss the point because we’re trying to find the esoteric, or the hidden meaning. Too often we’re looking for an extra ordinary sign or miracle from God to help us believe. The thing is, it seldom happens that way. God is discovered in the ordinary everyday things of life. Jesus used the every day household diet of bread and wine to describe his presence. He took the ordinary and turned it into an extra-ordinary symbol of his presence.

The important thing to understand about God in the ordinary is that it often involves struggle and a great deal of soul searching and no doubt even a crisis of faith. It is as we live our lives through difficult situations, be it unemployment or a moral dilemma that we come to recognise where God is to be found.

I think we need to understand that having faith brings with it many unsolved questions. Reading Philip Yancey’s book “Reaching for the Invisible God” I was impressed with his chapter entitled ” Mystery of the Ordinary” In this chapter he quotes the 18th American Century Quaker Trueblood, ” If a man wishes to avoid the disturbing affects of paradoxes, the best advice is for him to leave the Christian faith alone.” In other words if your not up for living with holy tension don’t begin to follow Jesus. He continually asks us to do the impossible. To love our enemies, to turn the other check. He tells us we have to follow him, then he says, but you didn’t choose me, I chose you. Yes sometimes its confusing, and there is an intellectual struggling with faith as much as there is a moral struggle. Yet we find ourselves drawn into the life and love of Jesus of Nazareth and in the words of Luther we end up saying ‘ Here I stand I can do no other” If if i’m frustrated, even if its difficult, even if I don’t seem to fit into my church at the moment. The dye is cast. I guess its summed up for me in the words of a Bob Dylan song ” I’m Pressing On” Its as we press on through the ordinary we discover there is no ordinary, what was our ordinary, was also our pathway into the Kingdom. have a listen to Regina MCrary’s version of this song. Its absolutely inspiring. When she tells her story , it puts this song into context.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I came across this quote by Reinhold Neibuhr, ” nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime: therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good, makes complete sense in any immediate context of history: therefore we must be saved by grace. Nothing we do however virtuous can be accomplished alone: therefore we must be saved by love.” Now there is an interesting idea! Is it not out of the bounty of God’s grace that we are saved. So lets just keep pressing on with faith, hope and love in our hearts living through the ordinary times.

Here I am it’s 1.45am in the morning and I’m taking part in the 24 hour prayer vigil here in the church. Already we’ve had a constant stream of people coming to pray. Some people might think it strange that people want to pray yet the truth is that more people pray than ever go regularly to church. There is an element of longing for more in all our souls whether we’re paid up believers or not.

There are a number of quite outstanding opportunities to stimulate our minds to think about the meaning of Christmas. The Labyrinth is really quite wonderful. If you have some time try and visit us here in person and go through the labyrinth experience. If you can’t log on to www.standonline.org.uk click on the green live video button that is along the top of the web page. It will take you to the church where the labyrinth is been streamed out live. You can chat with others on line and make your prayer requests.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I found the content of he Labyrinth quite challenging and inspirational. You are invited to think what it might be like if God were to ask you to go on a journey. A bit like the wiseman. They had to prepare for the journey. They had to step out in faith. They were reading the signs. So what are the signs that God is giving to you to convince you to make your journey.

Christmas means…
God is in conversation with us
He has spoken a Word
A huge Word
An all-encompassing Word
A Word that makes all other words sound redundant
This spoken Word became a human being
Jesus
His life was The Word lived out in time
For eternity

Christmas means…
God is waiting for our reply
So have we heard The Word?
Believed The Word?
Received The Word?

Are we waiting for another Word?
There is no other Word
The first and final Word is matchless
It is both Alpha and Omega

Christmas means…
God keeps His promises
While we live through
Broken promises
Empty dreams
Losing heart
God keeps his promise
His Word is true
I will redeem you
I will restore your life
You are FORGIVEN

Christmas means…
We can hope again
We can trust again
We can love again
We can begin all over again

Christmas means…
We believe in miracles
“God is with us”
Right beside us
His presence brings Peace
His Peace brings Love
His Love casts away Fear
Christmas means…
We are encircled with the Expectations of God

I also wish to record my thanks to the members of the Committee who made the decision today. If the truth be told, I feel a bit like Peter, I’m thinking about the challenge of getting out of the boat and stepping into the water and I’m praying, Lord help me keep my eyes on you, or I’ll drown.

I wrote a song many years ago along with my song writing partners Iain Jamieson and Campbell Dye, it was all about stepping out and trusting. I have much to learn and find out about the job and no doubt I’ll make my fair share of mistakes but I’m looking forward to the opportunities that will come our way to serve together.

Step into the water

Your heart is beating fast and furious like a drum
And your throat is parched with a very dry thirst
Your time has come you can’t delay you must go
The tide is in, your time has come, go with the flow

Don’t second glance, this is your chance
Step intro the water
Don’t hesitate, you’ll be too late
Step into the water.

Your steps are slow, your faith is low, your on the edge
the fear of failure grips your soul and you turn to go
Yet from the sea adventure calls and mystery wins
the oceans vast your hook is cast love’s got to last

Don’t second glance, this is your chance
Step intro the water
Don’t hesitate, you’ll be too late
Step into the water.

Walk with hope discover faith on the edge of doubt
Don’t be afraid to be afraid, don’t shut love out
I have a friend and you have a friend
Who can walk on water
faith is the key, lesson are free, to walk on the sea

Don’t second glance, this is your chance
Step intro the water
Don’t hesitate, you’ll be too late
Step into the water.

Click here if you want to hear a blast from the mid 90s

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How can weapons be turned into art? How can ‘swords’ be transformed into ‘ploughshares’? For some scholars and practitioners involved in building peace, the phrase ‘Swords into Ploughshares’ is an overused cliché that has lost its original force. In this illustrated public lecture, Professor Jolyon Mitchell investigates how this ancient text is being brought to life in many different parts of the world through artistic projects promoting peace. He analyses how various artists are transforming weapons that used to kill into tools for farming, useful objects or symbols of peace. He explores how different museums, educators and film-makers are now using these pieces to envision peace. Professor Mitchell considers the significance of these expressions of ‘Swords into Ploughshares’ in local, national and international peacebuilding.

I must confess that I found myself smiling at his choice of topic for I too have seen with my own eyes swords turned to ploughshears. I think he has struck a hammer that resonates with a great many people. If given the choice would not most of us beat our swords into ploughshears?

While Joylon focused on the role of artist engaging with the text from Isaiah ‘beating swords into ploughshears’ I began to reflect on those who make the swords, those in our modern day arms industry. What happens when they catch the vision of the prophet? Lives are changed and enemies and critics become friends. It is not a dream as some critics suggest.

It became a reality when a whole work force, (be it for a short time),turned from making warships to making a hospital ship.In 2004-2005 BAE Systems the maker of arms and war machines became involved with the the process,not of creating a works of art, but of literally recreating a sword and turning it into what can only be described as a “hard core ploughshear” The outcome being an ex Royal Navy Fleet Tender reshaped from transporting military equipment to becoming the carrier of hope and healing to some of the poorest and neediest people in Amazonia.

So what makes a dealer in weapons become a dealer in compassion? Perhaps it is simply because deep down within the human psyche the text of the prophet Isaiah resonates with a longing we all have to be peacemakers.Its a fascinating story how Willie McPherson managed to persuade the CEO of BAE Systems in Barrow to climb on board and begin the reversal; turning his war machinery into creators of healing and hope. Its an inspiring story how over 70 apprentices turned a small ship into a hospital. Its heart warming when specialised artisans gave of their time and their money to make a dream come true. However what’s even more amazing this little ship of hope was sailing the Atlantic when the planes crashed into the twin towers.Even when evil does its best the light will not be defeated.

Click here to view the embedded video.

All of this may be true, but as Willie McPherson says when his life is judged he’d rather be judged,for doing something rather than doing nothing. One more little aside. When Amazon Hope 2 was leaving Barrow another surprise took place for the workers. Every time a submarine is built and leaves the port the local Quaker Church turn up and silent protest against war holding banner. When Amazon Hope 2 was leaving a little group of Quakers could be seen standing on the bridge but instead of protesting they were cheering.

I’m quite sure we need less of the kind of buildings we have and more creative spaces in which to engage with those who are seeking.

We need to continue to develop and explore new and different ways to communicate the message of the gospel. I’m convinced that the most effective way of faith sharing centres around building of Gospel Communities. Such communities exist not our of buildings but in relationship with each other.

Over the next few months I’m hoping to see a change in the way we do church in St Andrew’s Bo’ness. We’re going to explore different ways in which we can meet in small groups to learn how to become Gospel Communities. I know we’ve done this in the past many times, however on this occasion we’re going to be asking ” What are the marks of a Gospel Community?”

So I’m looking for a bit of discussion here. How about taking a moment and reflecting on the question and lets see what it is that marks out the Gospel Community? Why not check out the opening podcast on the home page of St Andrew’s Parish Church Bo’ness. www.standonline.org.uk

The thing is he couldn’t have picked a better location for instant patter and the amusement of his film crew. last saturday I passed by a van full of Zombies. he driver was amusing the crowd as he interacted with the large dummies.

A few yards away I can hear the quick repartee in George Square as a workman puts up the American Traffic Lights outside the City Chambers. ” Aye the real reason that Brad Pitt came tae Glasgow wis because o the toon zombies . ” His pal turns to him and says, “is that wano they gangs in the Gallowgate ? “. ” Naw ! “, the man replies, “I talking aboot the toon coonsellors!”

The thing is there is quite a serious side to this particular movie. A number of reviewers see it as making social comment on the state of democracies in the 21st century. It has been seen as an opportunity to critic government ineptitude when it comes to financial matters, corporate corruption in the light of sub prime motgages and human greed and immorality . The book ” World War Z , written by Max Brooks makes reference to America’s inclination to follow a policy of isolationism . the book points out the dangers that lurk behind such a policy.

The film turns out to be a kind of parable explaining that it is too easy to allow the Zombies to take offer our world. We need to engage with the issues of our time and engage our brains and come up with compassionate and human answers to some of the greatest issues facing the world. It is not enough to follow theories wither they be political or theological. People matter more than any process.

Unthinking politics will lead us into the world of Zombies. As human beings we are people who are alive, we have a soul, we have a responsibility to each other in the words of Cain who murdered his brother, trying to cover up his actions he asks, ” Am I my brother’s keeper?” That question is still being posed as a smoke screen to hide guilt in our political and corporate world. The answer is still the same – yes you are!

However we know it doesn’t work like that . People only come when they know there is a place for them. The quote of course comes from the film ‘Field of Dreams’. Why am I thinking about all this ? Well yesterday I visited the ‘Field of Miracles’. This is the name of the site on which the Leaning Tower of Pisa is built.

There is great controversy about the tower. Architects and historians have been debating the issues surrounding the leaning tower for centuries. Some have argued that it is folly. A tower built without counting the cost. Others of-course take another view all together. They argue that the clue is to be found in the name “Field of Miracles” On this site all three buildings are leaning one way or another to a lesser or greater degree, so perhaps the architects were saying something about perpendicular buildings?

They argue this was all intentional. No medieval mason would have continued building a slanting tower unless he was making a point.

They continue to argue this is more than a site showing off the cleverness of human ingenuity. It is seeking to point the human mind to the God who can do things off the wall – the God of miracles.

Could the architect be saying here is a kind if miracle – a tower leaning some 17 degrees yet still standing. Like the God who says here is a ‘burning bush still burning’

The thing is believers and non believers all come. They come from all over to see something different. To see a folly but perhaps to return home believing a miracle!

I guess the builder would identify with the quote. ‘ You build it; they will come. Yes they still come after 700 or 800 years. So do they come to see a folly to look at an architects mistaken enthusiasm or do they come to wonder?

Could it be the same intrigue that continues to attract men and woman to Jesus Christ? Is he the folly or is he more?

Is it not that he refuses to conform to what we think God should be. He offers an alternative narrative to life. He says “try to keep it – you lose it. If your prepared to lose it you find it. Do the unthinkable therein lies the miracle.

It’s interesting why people come to look on the folly of the cross to wonder at the point of such amazingI can never forget the picture that I saw on a Mega Church wall on one of my visits to the United States. It simply read ” You Build It : They Will Come.” Underneath was a picture of Noah waiting for he animals to arrive. It has stayed in my mind because I fear that too often we all play safe we want the people to come to whatever, before we’ve built the Ark. However we know it doesn’t work like that . People only come when they know there is a place for them. The quote of course comes from the film ‘Field of Dreams’ Why am I thinking about all this well yesterday I visited the ‘Field of Miracles’. This is the site on which the Leaning Tower of Pisa is built. There is great controversy about the tower. Architects and historians have been debating the issues surrounding the leaning tower.

Some have argued that it is folly. A tower built without counting the cost. Others of-course take another view all together. They argue that the clue is to be found in the name if the field on which all three buildings are leaning p
one way or another to a lesser or greater extent.

They argue this was all intentional. No medieval mason would have continued building a slanting tower unless he was making a point.

Come here is a miracle a tower leaning some 17 degrees yet still standing. It’s a miracle and they come from all over to see something different . To see a folly but perhaps to return home believing a miracle. I guess the builder would identify with the quote. ‘ You build it; they will come. Yes they still come after 700 or 800 years.

It’s interesting why people come to look on the folly of the cross ? In the Kelvin Hall Glasgow the most viewed exhibit is Salvador Dali’s St John if the Cross. It has been reviled even slashed yet many return believing the miracle. God has redeemed a lost world and in Christ he has reached out to touch people like you and me.

There is a distinct history in belief being connected with follies. The Pisa Tower shed light on another meaning of miracle for me.

There is a distinct history in belief being connected with follies. The Pisa Tower shed s light on another meaning of miracle for me.