Thursday 29 October 2009

Knowing what day it is

Well now, here I am on Thursday doing what I normally do on Tuesday, and writing the blog. That's because Tuesday felt like Monday, and Monday was bit like a Wednesday - and now I don't really know where I am, because the rhythms have got a bit muddleed this week. And so, apologies to those of you who read this regularly (if there are any of you!)
It has been an odd feeling, this muddled week; it's caused by all sorts of things, none of them really important, but it has highlighted the importance of the rhythm and the calendar, in giving a sense of place in the world, and structure to life.
Baptists have not always been very keen on regular rhythms, and the calendar of the church. Dorothy Hazzard, one of the founder members of one of our earliest churches, Broadmead in Bristol, was known for keeping the shop she ran open on Christmas day, because she insisted, all days are the same, and the keeping of "holy days" was a theological practice she rejected.
In her time, there may have been something important in that witness. Now, I am not so sure.
The Christian calendar, moving us from Advent through Christmas, through Lent and Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, contemplation of Jesus' ministry and the life of the Christian church and culminating in remembering the communion of Saints (All Souls day is this Sunday), before leading us back into Advent, is an important way of keeping us in touch with the whole of our Christian story, and the presence of God in every part of our day, week, month and year.
As we move through the season of remembrance and into Advent, why not join us in reflecting on God's presence here and now, and through history, saving, loving and calling.
And next week, I may be on time!

No comments: