church unity

Ascension to Pentecost marks a "week" of prayer of Church Unity. I was invited to briefly address the local Roman Catholic Seminary students on this topic this evening, to pray with them for Church Unity. A real privilege, and most interesting that it is the Catholics reaching out to us. My reflection on this issue is available at http://www.twango.com/media/markrdlong.sermons/markrdlong.10066

Rennie D
23 May 2007

the vision is dead?

My Ascention Day sermon can be found at http://www.twango.com/media/markrdlong.sermons/markrdlong.10065

Rennie D
19 May 2007

the vision is dead! long live the vision!

Today's sermon is available at http://www.twango.com/media/markrdlong.sermons/markrdlong.10064

Rennie D
13 May 2007

mystery and certainty

I am in the process of reading John W de Gruchy's book Being Human. de Gruchy reflects on the impact Scripture Union had on his spiritual formation and conversion and compares this experience to "the rather tepid Christianity that many found in their home congregations where the preaching and worship seldom made any connection with our experience" (pg 67). He goes on to say, "This remains true today as many young people - and also not so young - look beyond mainline denominations for a more authentic, lively and meaningful Christian experience. Others again are attracted to more Catholic forms of Christianity, with their apparent certainty of faith and morality, and the mystery and tangibility of their liturgy" (pg 67-68).

If de Gruchy's analysis is correct, then the challenge for the Church is to offer a Faith experience that maintains mystery and certainty in creative juxtaposition. It is this seemingly contradictory mix that develops an environment that is authentic, lively, and meaningful.

Rennie D
9 May 2007

love your neighbour

My sermon for the fourth Sunday after Easter is availalble at http://www.twango.com/media/markrdlong.sermons/markrdlong.10063, and focuses on "love your neighbour as yourself" (Leviticus) and "love one another as I have loved you" (John).

Rennie D
7 May 2007

transfiguration

An interesting poetic perspective on the transfiguration by Edwin Muir: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/archive/poem.html?id=178990

Rennie D
7 May 2007

identity

In my latest "... from the Rector's Desk" in the May edition of our Parish Magazine I reflect on the issue of identity: who I am as a human; who we are in God; who we are as a Parish that uses the word tradition to define a part of who we are. A copy of the article is availalble at http://therectorsdesk.blogspot.com/2007/05/may-2007.html.

Rennie D
4 May 2007

union

Brother James is busy archiving my grandmother's lifetime collection of "snaps". This is an interesting perspective on the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Rennie D
3 May 2006

photos on flickr

Daisies
Originally uploaded by markrdlong.

I have recently added some photos to my Flickr "Creation" set on the theme of flowers, animals and scenery. You'll find them at http://www.flickr.com/gp/61024590@N00/t0ku2a

Rennie D
1 May 2007