Chaplains Latest Reflection
Thoughts and reflections from the University Chaplain
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Look for the best wardrobe
So, we are halfway through Lent. How’s it going for you? I am always vulnerable to becoming a bit demoralised at this point. Either because good intentions have not been realised or not even started! There is great danger that...
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Does the 'failure of the task' lie with us?
My teenage son is a fan of The Apprentice, a format that has been repeated for 18 seasons in the UK with more-or-less the same challenges each year. For all the time it has been running, it’s never a surprise...
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Lent: Preparing for renewal
I wonder what you think about Lent? For many of us it has a slightly grim image. It’s often spoken about as a tine for “giving things up”. This could make it a useful period of self-discipline, and - there’s...
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Pioneer Saint
Let me tell you about a woman born in 1194. She was a young woman from a wealthy, possibly aristocratic Roman family. She was well educated and well read. She is known as ‘Clare of Assisi’ and was an early...
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A personal lesson: The journey of faith is a life-long relationship
Have mercy on me, O God, in your great goodness; according to the abundance of your compassion blot out my offences. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Give me again the...
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Baptism and new blessings
In the Church's year events move along. Two weeks on from the wonderful celebration of the birth of Jesus, and one week after imagining New Year's Eve and the arrival of the wise men, we fast forward 30 years to...
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John the Baptist - Clearing the Path
O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts...
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Bikers, Babies & Good News
Earlier this month I had a surreal experience. I was visiting my son and his wife in a small village near Bristol. Having enjoyed a frosty walk over misty winter fields we were sitting drinking coffee warming ourselves in front...
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Advent Calendar
There is a poem by Rowan Williams, much used in Advent Services and quoted in Advent reflections. You can read the poem here: Rowan Williams: Advent Calendar The poem is so evocative of the Advent season - with its sense of...
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The Perfect Gift
Last Saturday I had the joy of doing five ‘shoppers’ carol services at Bath Abbey. The Abbey is situated in the heart of our city. Shoppers’ carols are put on when the Christmas Market is open. For three weekends, we...
