The Handshake

The handshake is a Presbyterian ritual, as sacred as Psalm singing, sermon preaching and offering collecting. Each Sunday morning with the Benediction proclaimed, I make my way, accompanied by a grand organ voluntary, down one aisle to the vestibule. Then the quick...

Rhythm and Blues

Who would have thought that walking is almost as good for depression as taking an antidepressant?  As we all now know from the Government’s Coronavirus advice, exercise is not just good for our physical health but also for our mental health.  And not just any old...

A TIME TO BE INSTRUCTED BY OUR HEARTS

A few weeks ago I went to church on Sunday evening. The format of the service was different from the usual pattern insofar as instead of a conventional sermon, there would be an open time of sharing. Anyone could get up and speak about what God was doing in their...

Four Corners and Envisioning the Future

  A few days ago I had the very real privilege of speaking at the prayer breakfast, which marked the start of the 2018 Four Corners’ festival, and am glad to have been given the opportunity to share the essence of that talk.  I sought to explore two main themes:...

Facing our Fears- A Gospel Imperative?

Last year I was involved in facilitating an introductory peacebuilding course in a Protestant church in Belfast. We invited members from other churches to come to a meeting that did not involve worship and share their experiences in building peace. I later found out...