Rev Matt iBlog

I have just finished reading ‘where is God in a coronavirus world?’ by John C. Lennox. This is a short yet profound book, Lennox examines the coronavirus in light of various belief systems and shows how the Christian worldview not only helps us to make sense of it but also offers a sure and certain hope to cling to. The book explores the following  - Feeling Vulnerable  - Cathedrals and Worldviews - Can Atheism Help? - How can there be Coronavirus if there is a loving God? - Evidence of love - The difference God makes I recommend this book.  We are living through a unique and yet challenging time and many of our old certainties have gone, whatever our views of the world and whatever our beliefs. The coronavirus pandemic and its effects are unsettling for all of us. So, where is God in all of this? It’s a good question… Every day we hear sad stories of people losing a loved one, funerals done differently and foodbanks rising. Som...

Here are some initial thoughts on what Holy Week/ Easter 2020 looked like during the coronavirus pandemic. We have already become 'a different sort of church' during  these unprecedented times.  This picture is from last years Maundy Thursday at Holly Park. We sat in a circle for foot/ hand washing and shared communion (this year we find ourselves washing our hands to Happy Birthday). Reflecting on my first year of ministry, Holy Week was one of the standout moment as a minister within the Methodist Church. I had the immense privilege to journey with the congregation through lent, the upper room, calvary, and the empty tomb. Maundy Thursday 2019 was special for me because it was the first time in my ministry that I washed feet/ hands and shared the Lord's Supper.  'The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me....

Firstly, how are you and your family? I hope you are well and keeping safe. I send my best wishes and prayers to you and those you love at this time of uncertainty, unprecedented in modern history. We are living in challenging times and as such are called to live as the Church in a different way these days. As you may be aware the Methodist Church in Britain has made the decision to suspend regular services and gatherings on its premises. This has been done to ensure that we are compliant with the UK Government's guidance during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. This means that everything in my diary is cancelled and all my Holy Week and Easter services will have to be done differently. It also means that Helen and I are unable to visit our family and friends in Hull. However, we have been contacting our family via FaceTime and HouseParty. Houseparty is a social networking service that enables group video chatting through mobile and desktop apps. Many countries have g...

A local charity contacted the church to see if anyone could visit an elderly housebound gentleman. I left the house knowing more about this person... …The gentleman is a Hungarian Baron whose family was killed by the Nazis. He fled with his mother from Hungary to London following the 1956 uprising after years of persecution at the hands of first the Fascists, and then the Soviet regime. I was fascinated to hear his story and I look forward to visiting him again. I didn’t know where this pastoral visit would lead me, but I am glad I went to visit this gentleman. Just shows the importance of pastoral visits especially during this period. This reminds me of God calling ordinary people in the Christmas story.  The angel tells Mary not to be afraid and that all things are possible to God. We live in a society struggling to come to terms with youth culture. So many young people are crying out to be accepted, to be loved, and to be recognised. And God invites all t...

It was my day off and Helen was away for her Ministerial Training, so I wanted to do something. I ended up going to the Everyman cinema to watch The Joker.  The plot: Arthur Fleck is a party clown who lives with his  mother in the famous Gotham City. Gotham is realistic because like the majority of cities it's high with crime and unemployment, leaving segments of the population disenfranchised and impoverished. Arthur suffers from a disorder that causes him to laugh at inappropriate times and depends on social services for medications. Society judges Arthur on his outward appearance. I don't want to spoil it for you! My view: Joker was brilliant but disturbing. Joaquin takes the Joker to the next level. The film paints a dark and necessary view of mental health.  The Joker is a complicated character. His terror is ideological and his motivations are philosophical. However...

Helen and I have recently joined our local Slimming World because we both felt like we needed to lose weight. Slimming World is a weight loss organisation that provides lifestyle weight management programmes for people of all ages. This year Slimming World is celebrating 50 years since it was founded in Derbyshire in 1969 by Margaret Miles-Bramwell.  This is only our 5th week and we are both doing very well. I've lost one stone and Helen is 0.5lb off losing her first stone. The Lunn house is very competitive at the moment, but all in love. We are both enjoying the new recipes especially cooking with fresh ingredients. However, what caught my attention was how the group look out for each other. Members have group support through shared experience with other slimmers to encourage behaviour change. Looking out for each other is evident when members clap an achievement or support a member when feeling down. Accountability is de...

“We are pilgrims on a journey, and companions on the road; we are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load’ (StF 611 Brother, sister, let me serve you) On Thursday 30th August 2018, Helen and I arrived at Muswell Hill Methodist Church for my welcome service. While it doesn't seem possible, over one year has passed and so much has taken place. When I reflect back over my first year in ministry, I can only thank God for all that's happened.  It is such an honour to minister to God's people. I have encountered God in worship, conversations, services, communion, home communion, meetings, days off with Helen and my study day. What I love about doing pastoral visits is that we come as guest into another person's house. We bring church to the person! How would I describe my first year in ministry? Reassuring  Privilege  Scary Tiring  Worthwhile  All of the above rolled into one. ...