The Alpha Course is a good introduction to the Christian faith with Jesus content and relevant topics. I’m always thinking about who to invite. Perhaps what I like most is the format. Pure genius to eat together in small groups each week, watch the video together and discuss together - a great way to taste … Continue reading Alpha – A Beginning →

I'm not much of a believer in making New Year resolutions, having broken so many, even before the end of January! And no, I have no inclination to bungee jump, climb a Munro or swim with sharks in 2023. But I do have some objectives I want to pursue. I don't suppose it's really a … Continue reading Brother Barry’s Bucket List for 2023 – Mine for 2024 →

When I was born my parents named me ‘Ellena’, but 2 year old Barry decided on ‘Lenna’ and it stuck. We had a happy childhood and played a lot together. I was often his sidekick. If he was the Lone Ranger, I was Tonto. If he was Hawkeye, I was Chingachgook. Barry was always starting … Continue reading Barry Led the Way →

Many who died on October 7th in the Kfar Aza kibbutz massacre were peace activists who cared deeply for the Palestinian people, were opposed to the goals of the ultra far right Israeli government, and the systematic injustices and oppression that bred rage in the Palestinian population. Over the years as Hamas encouraged the sending … Continue reading Bring Them Home →

On Friday Julyan and I became first time grandparents. Our daughter-in-law gave birth to a little boy. The joy, the praise and sense of wonder are immense - impossible to keep to myself. After a few texts to family and friends, my phone didn’t stop pinging all day with shared celebration as our news spread … Continue reading Wonderful News →

Today would be my dad’s birthday and I’ve been thinking warm thoughts, remembering growing up in Kirkcaldy and our family visits to Kirkcaldy’s famous funfair. The Links Market is still Europe's longest street fair, stretching a mile along the esplanade. It’s also the oldest in Scotland, having been established in 1304! This annual six-day event … Continue reading God at the Wheel →

Around this time 42 years ago I flew to London from Istanbul. My Yugoslavian airlines flight via Belgrade had been delayed and I missed the last train up to Scotland. It was before we had mobiles and internet, so I asked for directions to a ‘cheap’ hotel and began a half hour walk carrying my … Continue reading A Ram in a Thicket →

When the first OM ship Logos came to Glasgow in 1976 I was a brand new Christian. A Dutchman sent ahead to line-up the ship’s visit humbly joined our church youth group’s summer outreach in the park. When the ship arrived, several of us joined him and became volunteers on board. Passion: During that Logos … Continue reading My Memory of George Verwer →

We have the original, classic, now vintage ‘Dark Shark’ Lego pirate ship. For almost 25 years it has sat on top of a book shelf along with our children’s favourite teddies and toys. Disaster struck when our cat, Sevgi, decided to knock it down, shattering it into almost 1000 pieces. Without the box or instruction … Continue reading Refresh and Rebuild →

Is Easter all about chocolate eggs and cute bunny rabbits? No, surely not! The emoji on my iPhone for Easter is a chicken, so is Easter really about chickens? Maybe, yes!! As Jesus journeys to the Cross in the Gospels he calls us twice to be like chicks with a mother hen. The first time … Continue reading Easter Chickens →