It's the party season!

I love this photo sent from the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). A lovely image of the deer gathering together. It is the party season. Today is Hogmanay here in Scotland. A time of celebration and gathering of friends and family. In many of our towns and cities folk gather in the centres to 'see in the New Year' as 'the bells' go at midnight. Gathering to say farewell to the old year and welcome in the new. 


As part of saying farewell to the old year it can be good to stop and look back. One tenet of Ignatian Spirituality is the of the Daily Examen. The Daily Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern his direction for us.


Today, on the last day of the year, I'm going to take some time to 'Examen' my past year - to look back, to see where I have been and what I have done looking through God's eyes. Then I will be ready to see in the New Year as I gather with my family and friends.

Beach Hut Advent Calendar

Throughout December, beach huts along Hove seafront will be opening their doors to reveal a festive display as part of a giant seafront advent calendar

Even though, like me, you can't travel to the south of England to experience this first hand - you can 'visit' each hut by going to their blog:-  http://www.beyondchurch.blogspot.com (Doors can be opened via the blog link on My Blog List on the right of my blog page).

What is BEYOND?

BEYOND is an opportunity for people to explore spirituality through a variety of creative approaches.

The aims of BEYOND are:
• To help people to a deeper understanding of spirituality
through the arts and other creative activities.
• To explore non-traditional ways of being Christian.
• To be a resource for church people who wish to further
explore their relationship with God.

Using art, poetry, philosophy and theology, BEYOND curates provocative spaces in order to inspire and =stimulate discussion.The installations and events create environments for questions and grappling with ideas about God without signing up to an established line of dogmatic thought.

BEYOND creates around 10 events a year and everyone is welcome to any event. 

http://www.beyondchurch.co.uk/