Some psalms are decidedly dark. Here's Psalm 14, which tells us about widespread foolishness, corruption and evil (as if we don't know -- and that hot on the heels of the companion Samuel reading bringing us the Great Psalmist's wicked trick on Uriah, to say nothing of the daily news). It's easy to duck these ones and look for a … Continue reading Psalm 14 or 145, 26 July 2015
Crystal Ball, August 2015
Thanks to the Two Joans and other participants for a great Taizé gathering today. Some lovely singing by all present. Here's the ... I was going to say "plan", but to be honest it's more guesswork than prediction. Thing is, while we have so many different wonderful people leading us in such interesting and inspiring … Continue reading Crystal Ball, August 2015
Psalms 89 or 23 … or maybe 139, 19Jul15
The Vanderbilt Divinity Library tells us: During the Season after Pentecost, the Revised Common Lectionary offers two sets of parallel readings: The first set of "semicontinuous" OT readings follows major stories/themes, beginning in Year A with Genesis and ending in Year C with the later prophets. "Complementary" OT readings follow the historical tradition of thematically pairing … Continue reading Psalms 89 or 23 … or maybe 139, 19Jul15
Psalm 24, 12 July 2015
Lift up your heads O ye gates, and be ye lift up ye everlasting doors and the King of Glory shall come in ... Thus opens this chorus half way through the second half of G F Handel's oratorio The Messiah. Following the structure of the poem, Handel chose to use this text from Psalm … Continue reading Psalm 24, 12 July 2015
Psalm 123, 5 July 2015
Psalm 123 (text here>) is a song of ascent, sometimes called degrees or graduals. These short and hopeful songs are grouped as Psalms 120 to 134. This one, with only four verses, is short and bitter-sweet. Two themes are mingled: the psalmist declares (1) trust in divine love and protection, while (2) hoping for mercy … Continue reading Psalm 123, 5 July 2015
The Theodore Psalter – Medieval manuscripts blog
From time to time -- perhaps too often for everyone's tastes -- these pages feature old manuscripts. These documents are tucked away in libraries and monasteries around the world; previously mentioned examples range from the National Library of Australia to St Gallen in Switzerland and the Humanist Library in Selestat; there are many more. Words, … Continue reading The Theodore Psalter – Medieval manuscripts blog
Psalm 130, 28 June 2015
Life in many places has often been pretty rough over the years; people fight, wars arise over land, resources or power grabs. Days are very dark for ordinary people feeling the consequences of conflict. When things fall apart like that, community rulers try new ways of patching them up and preventing recurrence. The charter shown here is one such attempt. … Continue reading Psalm 130, 28 June 2015
Berlin Bach +
When in Germany one expects to hear a little of Bach's music. It's an added delight when it is beautifully presented by a small group of young Indonesian singers, members of the Martin Luther Church Indonesian community in Neukölln, Berlin. Here they are warming up for the 10 am worship - any congregation would be … Continue reading Berlin Bach +
The Last Post
An anniversary As all Australasian readers will know, it's the centenary of ANZAC Day on 25 April 2015. The Last Post will be played at ceremonies around the world from Tasmania to Turkey. David will lead the Sunday service on the next day, referring to the events of a century ago and the role of faith … Continue reading The Last Post
Psalm 23, 26 April 2015
Well, who needs an intro to Psalm 23 and the still waters? Over the years this Blog has taken several angles, from the quiet waters to the light-hearted. Do you remember Things that comfort me? Two previous entries on this lovely psalm appeared in 2014, and it's tempting on this year's appearance to just say: 'Yep, the post for … Continue reading Psalm 23, 26 April 2015
Psalms in the South 