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BlogHere are the thoughts and news of the people in our community. Leave a comment as you wish. If you want to join the blogging ask Mark.
Wednesday, December 24, 2003From www.licc.org.uk The Return of the King The Lord of the Rings continues to sweep all before it. Already the biggest selling novel of all time and recently voted Britain’s best loved book, Peter Jackson’s final episode of the film trilogy is a work of such breathtaking genius that it will surely only serve to deepen the story’s hold on our hearts. Jackson’s achievement is not only to bring alive a mythic world, not only to make us feel the depth of courage needed to fight a war against a genocidal foe but most pertinently to make Frodo’s invisible mental battle against the power of the ring seem as heroic as any visible feat of arms. Indeed, part of the story’s appeal is that Tolkien knows that there are many ways to be a hero: by military prowess like the Princess Éowyn, by doughty service like Sam, or by some instinctive reflex of love that overrides fear – like Pippin. We can all play our part. Similarly, the joy of victory is not just expressed in the coronation of a high King but in the preservation for ‘ordinary’ people of life’s ordinary but splendid pleasures – flowers outside a home, a little girl running into her father’s arms. Nevertheless, The Lord of the Rings resists a one-dimensional triumphalism. Many die, and not all those who survive to tell the tale live at peace in the world they have saved. As Frodo leaves Middle Earth he says: “I tried to save the Shire, and it has been saved, but not for me. It must often be so, Sam, when things are in danger; some one has to give them up, lose them, so that others may keep them.” There is a terrible cost to saving a world from evil, as Tolkien, a veteran of World War 1 and a Catholic, knew. A terrible cost. Do we not have cause to weep, as well as rejoice, for those prepared to pay it? And do we not also yearn for the return of the King, for a world made fair again? It will be. It will be. Christmas reminds us of that. Rejoice. Mark Greene Posted by: Mark | 4:35 pm |
Tuesday, December 09, 2003Phew! Finally we have managed to get the More about us section populated. Thanks to my brother, Jonny. Have a look around when you have got time. You will also notice that this page has been modified a little. The Community Cafe now has two zones the Tag Board and the Blog [cf smoking and non-smoking?]. Click on the tabs at the top to switch. Posted by: Mark | 9:58 am |
Monday, December 08, 2003Advent A good point was made yesterday by Dave Hill in our Home church. We were talking about Isaiah 64 and the Jews desparation for God's intervention in their situation. Dave mentioned that we are so comfortable that we very rarely get to that point of desparation. I gues the reality that we can manage through life not actually needing God. In fact we can get through life without needing each other too. It made me think that I hope that I decide to need God, before he decides to bring me to a point where I have to need him. As one African famously said: "I didn't know Jesus was all I needed until Jesus was all I had". Labels: advent Posted by: Mark | 10:34 am |
Friday, December 05, 2003Received an e-mail from Vic Gledhill yesterday asking if we would be interested in sponsoring an Indian chruch planter to unreached people groups in India. The idea is hands-on support and a financial commitment of £80-£100 per month. I think it is just ideas stage right now, but worth seriously considering. I have really being praying for an opening into international missions, so I am really keen. What about you? Posted by: Mark | 3:37 pm |
Thursday, December 04, 2003This is a bit of fun and psychoanalysis?!?!?!. Simple word association: LunaNiña.com | Unconscious Mutterings
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