All posts by Lesley Crawley

I am a fully trained counsellor and psychotherapist and currently teach on a counselling degree course. I have an MSc in Therapeutic Counselling from the University of Greenwich. I am also a priest in the Church of England. Although faith and spirituality inform my practice, my training is based on secular models. I am not a Christian Counsellor, but rather a counsellor who is a Christian. I enjoy working with people from all faiths and none. I value working with people who desire to grow, find purpose, and find freedom from unresolved issues. I have expertise in working with trauma, particularly adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I work with adults and currently, my practice is online.
Social Events, St George's Church

Parish barn Dance 2018

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Was there something particularly depressing about January this year? We always hold our parish barn dance on the nearest Friday to Candlemas (2nd Feb.). However, this year we sold far fewer tickets. Instead of 80 – 100 attendees, as was the norm for the previous seven years, we had 30 – 40. I don’t think we publicised any less than normal, so it’s a bit of a mystery.

It’s not the only event I’ve been involved in recently that’s been poorly attended or cancelled through lack of interest. I think there’s a general feeling of depression and uncertainty across the country at the moment, leading to an all-pervading apathy.

Anyway, those who did attend enjoyed themselves and we had some good dancing and an excellent supper (thank you Alison and Matthew).

After deducting all expenses, we contributed £233 to parish funds. Last year we managed £688. Quite a contrast. However, it’s never been about making money, but about having an event to bring the parish together.

My thanks to all who attended and helped. I think it may have run its course at the moment and it’s time to try something else next year.

Bob Shatwell

 

Lent, St Mark's Church

Black Sheep and Prodigals

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Religion poses many questions that have troubled theologians through the ages. “Is there a God?” “What is the nature of God?” “What is the Trinity all about?” “Why is there a sheep on a skateboard at the front of St Marks?” [1]

A partial answer to this last imponderable was that we had a well-attended talk last night (4th Feb.) from Dave Tomlinson, promoting his latest book, “Black Sheep and Prodigals”. As for the others, and similar questions, Dave’s main theme was concerned with avoiding black and white answers. Most of us do not experience the blinding light of revelation on the road to Damascus. At best we may experience an unreliable, intermittently flickering bulb, more often off than on. Indeed, it’s a good idea to be wary of those who purport to have all the answers. This instantly creates a divide: you can’t belong to our club unless you believe what we do.

Dave was at pains to stress that none of us have exclusive access to “The Truth”. We should encourage doubts and tolerate dissention, for that is how new insights may emerge.

We had forty minutes or so of these and many other thought provoking ideas, followed by an extensive question and answer session. I’m not going to deal with all the ideas here – buy the book, it’s the one we will be using for Lent discussions anyway!

Dave finished his talk by quoting my other favourite writer on religious topics, Karen Armstrong, “Jesus did not spend a great deal of time discoursing about the Trinity, or original sin…. He went around doing good and being compassionate.”

Or, to paraphrase Dave:- there is little point in asking what Jesus would do if he was around today – discover Jesus within yourself and act on it!

“Live passionately, believe sceptically, Love extravagantly”

 

Bob Shatwell 5th Feb 2018

 

 

[1] It’s to look as equally cool as the sheep with sunglasses, grazing nearby.

Lent

Lent Groups

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Lent groups will be running again this year, studying Dave Tomlinson’s book “Black Sheep & Prodigals”. First meetings will be in w/c 19/2. Sign up sheets are at the back of church or email revd.hannah@badshotleaandhale.org. Remember that Dave will be visiting the parish on 4th Feb at 6:30 to talk about the book (and give an opportunity to buy it).

 

Lent

Count your Blessings for Lent

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Lent starts this year on Valentines Day – 14th February. Lots of people choose to do something special for Lent. In this parish one of the charities we support is Christian Aid and for Lent they are encouraging us to count our blessings each day with these special reflections and actions. Click on the below links to find out more:

Count Your Blessings 2018 adult

Children’s Count Your Blessings