Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

I’m intrigued by what causes controversy and confusion – particularly amongst those who call themselves Christians… Reverend Wendy Dalrymple is the newly appointed precentor at Canterbury Cathedral. A photograph of her in a short-sleeved, dog-collared dress, that revealed her tattoos, led to online accusations of ‘pride, narcissism, mental illness, being an idiot, not believing inContinue reading “Tattoos, Sculptures and Christian Confusion”

Four recent deaths… Tony Bennett sung many memorable duets… Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland… Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga… I remember him singing ‘I left my heart in San Francisco’… Sir Elton John said: ‘So sad to hear of Tony’s passing. Without doubt the classiest singer, man, and performer you will ever see.’ Trevor Francis will beContinue reading “Measuring Greatness”

On the night of 14th November 1940, the Luftwaffe bombed and devastated the city of Coventry. Hit directly by several incendiary bombs, the Cathedral burned with the city. The next morning, they decided to rebuild the Cathedral as a sign of faith, trust and hope. An altar was made out of the rubble, a crossContinue reading “Unconditional Forgiveness”

Tell me it’s not trueSay it’s just a storySomething on the newsTell me it’s not trueThough it’s here before meSay it’s just a dreamSay it’s just a sceneFrom an old movie from years agoFrom an old movie of Marilyn Monroe’s  ‘Blood Brothers’, my favourite musical, tells the story of twin boys who are separated atContinue reading “Tell Me It’s Not True”

Bob Dylan sung ‘The Times they are a-changing’. The teenage me learnt the song and played it on my newly-purchased guitar. I sort of understood it. Nearly sixty years later a-changing times haven’t stopped a-changing. There’s continuing concern for our a-changing climate. Already this summer we’ve had the hottest day on record, the hottest JuneContinue reading “A-Changin’ Times”

A headline in yesterday’s local paper: ‘Sewing silk knickers and a drop of Baileys help Madge hit a century.’ Madge Baldock has been celebrating her hundredth birthday: ‘A glass of Baileys a day is the secret to a long life – at least that has been the case for a centenarian from Norwich… Born inContinue reading “Silk Knickers and a Drop of Baileys”

I was brought up listening to sermons. I learnt that good sermons had stories to keep the interest, three clear points to focus the mind, and alliteration to aid the memory. When I started preaching in my early twenties, I often followed that pattern… This morning I read Jesus’ words in Matthew 10. It’s hardContinue reading “What’s in a Good Sermon?”

I was chatting to my friend Alan. Alan’s brother Ron is very well-organised. I commented that Ron ‘liked to have his ‘ducks in a row’. Alan sighed. His life isn’t as well-organised as Ron’s. He expressed concern that some of his ducks had swum away, some were lost, and those that were assembled certainly wouldn’tContinue reading “Orderly, Assembled, Well-Aligned Ducks”

Last weekend was filled with the sweet smell of success… On Saturday we watched successful, talented children singing in the final of The Voice Kids – and 11-year-old twin sisters Andrea and Shanice winning. On Sunday many of us watched the long, hard fought, entertaining Wimbledon final. Novak Djokovic was gracious in defeat; Carlos AlcarazContinue reading “Success – Smelt, Seen and Tasted”

On Saturday we visited Shawsgate, a local vineyard. Les, the owner, explained carefully the process of growing and training vines. We walked around the vineyard… saw grapes growing… learnt about the process of producing wine from grapes… tasted seven of their wines… enjoyed a lunch provided by Les and his team. Beth Moore, in ‘MadeContinue reading “Made to Flourish”