Lynne Gardiner

Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18: 19,20) “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:21) This week, I had another one of ‘those’ conversations with a colleague.  You know ‘those’ conversations; the ones where they … Read more

Accountable

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.  James 5:16 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  (Hebrews 10: 24,25)   When I was still studying theology, and taking a class on church history, I spent some time studying John Wesley, the … Read more

Who am I, that you are mindful of me?

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,  What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. (Psalm 8: 3-5)   (First of all, I need to apologize for my late blogging this week.  I know a number of you have said that this is your ‘church’; and so I know that this has been an inconvenience to you.  Really, … Read more

Social Determinents of Health.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25) Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:11) The following list provides examples of the social determinants of health, which can influence health equity in positive and negative ways:   Income and social protection Education Unemployment and job insecurity Working life conditions Food insecurity Housing, basic amenities and the … Read more

Gluey Hands and Honking Horns

“to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God,” (Micah 6:8) “seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, [and] plead the widow’s cause” (Isaiah 1:17). So today, as I was driving up to the church two things happened.  The first was that I hit and killed a chipmunk.  I had swerved to try and miss the little creature to no avail.  When I pulled over to see if there was anything I could do, it was really obvious that a chipmunk competing for road space with my car, as little as it is, meant … Read more

Image Bearers of God

So God created humankind[a] in his image,     in the image of God he created them;[b]     male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)   To turn and to turn will be our delight, ‘til by turning and turning we come ‘round right.  (Old Shaker Hymn “tis a Gift to be Simple’)   God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. (Genesis 1: 31)   All this week I have been surfing the news and shaking my head at what I’m hearing.  Covid … Read more

Couches and Contentment

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. ( Philippians 4: 11-13) 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can … Read more

Meet me in the tombs

26Then they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27As he stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. 28When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him and shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me”— 29for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the … Read more

Are we there yet?

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (Romans 12: 10-14) “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”( James 1:2-4) “Are we there yet?” (Every child, on every … Read more

Equal in God’s Eyes

There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28) A few months ago, I was having a conversation with a young person who was part of a sports team at school.  This young person described a team mate who struggled with anxiety and depression and the team mate’s parent had confronted the whole team on some of their language and inclusion, saying that the team was ‘bullying’ this team mate.  The young person I was talking to … Read more