Quartz
One of the earliest records of music we have in Europe – released on bandcamp with a fresh remix. This seemed apt for anyone following the winter Olympics and enjoying the mountains as well as the sport. Apparantly written for pilgrims holding a vigil and feeling the need to dance to stay awake. O Virgin […]
Why is it a familiar experience for many that when Jesus is brought into a chat the conversation often stops? It is true that in the stories of the early church, and the gospel themselves, Jesus is not always welcomed by the people he talks to. However he was also followed by crowds into hills, […]
When I say grace before or after eating and am being thankful for having food to eat. More than this, as well, I am pausing to be thankful that food has flavour, and as human beings we are able to sense this and delight in the experience. Followers of the Way can describe this as […]
Tuesday the 13th of January is a day to remember the life and witness of St Kentigern. Also known as Mungo, his two names are a good introduction to his story. Kentigern is a princely name. A path he could have chosen to follow as the son of a princess. It might mean something like […]
Quartz has a WhatsApp group where members share “Glimmers” moments when they recognise the presence of God in their daily lives. This can be a picture, or text, and it helps us keep in touch even when we are not in the same place for a while. When we share pictures though, are we simply […]
Today is David Bowies Birthday. This post is inspired by one of the songs he wrote. In Quartz we have practiced techniques known as Lectio Divina, and Terra Divina. These inform contribute to various attempts to increase the practice of the presence of God. Music is important in the life of many worshiping communities. I […]
The cosmos is pregnant. It’s a secret hidden in plain sight. Don’t you sense the pangs and frustration? The glimmers of joy? Come with me if you want to live…
How long does it take to unlearn a cultural inheritance that dominates you? The Israelites spent decades in the wilderness, and only a few of the original adult generation who left Egypt entered the promised land. This is often understood as a punishment, but what else was going on? (Joshua chapter 5 vs 1-8) Wilderness […]
For Quartz it is a time of lent. We follow the journey of Jesus towards the cross. we have done this before, and we will do it again. Each time is new though, and the pattern is one of resistance and growth. Resistance can be dynamic, creative, full of life. Just as trees grow from […]
(Forest Church in October will meet at 2pm on the 19th) I’ve posted about Hildegard before, and the healing power of the green. As we are moving into a time of year where trees prepare for winter we will see all the other colours in their leaves. Perhaps a walk in the woods would be […]