Category Archives: From the vicarage

Broken (an advent lament) updated

Posted on December 14, 2018 by neilrobbie

Our A&E groans like a gangrenous laugh, satisfaction now far from both patients and staff. An NHS ward makes up the next bed, as suffering souls become targets instead. Consultants are drawn by satisfaction and pay,  and the mind stretching … Continue reading →

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My immediate response to the Manchester terrorist attack.

Posted on May 24, 2017 by neilrobbie

I am writing on the morning after the bomb in Manchester which killed 22 people, injured another 59 and we are waiting for news of those who are still missing, including an eight year old girl. The nation and the … Continue reading →

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Fake news and the influence of the powerful has been around since the first Easter morning.

Posted on April 18, 2017 by neilrobbie

This is the text for my letter from the vicarage for May 2017. I am writing this on the day when Theresa May announced a snap general election. Already I am feeling, “No! Not another election!!” We’ve had the Scottish … Continue reading →

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How should I respond to sub-Christian mottos like “Good Disagreement” and “Radical Inclusion”

Posted on March 21, 2017 by neilrobbie

What follows is taken from my letter to Holy Trinity Church in our April magazine in response to the mottos “Good disagreement” and “radical inclusion” which are being banded about in Church of England circles at present. Dear brothers and … Continue reading →

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From the vicarage March 2017 – post synod reaction

Posted on March 9, 2017 by neilrobbie

“You never listen to me.” “He never listens.” Have you ever used one of these phrases? Has someone ever spoken to you that way? These words slip out when I am angry or frustrated, but do I really mean what … Continue reading →

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Holy Communion in a Venn Diagram

Posted on November 2, 2016 by neilrobbie

My sabbatical studies this summer focused on the theology and liturgy of the Communion Service in the Book of Common Prayer. One of the books which I found most helpful was Michael Horton’s A Better Way – rediscovering the drama of God-centred … Continue reading →

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Sabbatical Day 82: Reflection time and a sabbatical in numbers

Posted on September 9, 2016 by neilrobbie

In a scene of one of my favourite films, Gregory’s Girl, Clare Grogan (Susan) asks John Gordon Sinclair (Gregory) why boys are obsessed with numbers. He denies the charge until she shows him what he’s like and then he replies … Continue reading →

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Sabbatical Day 81: Project complete

Posted on September 8, 2016 by neilrobbie

I have finished (woop-woop) the three parts of my study guide, “Why should I go to church?” My aim is is to give people an understanding of God’s part and our part in the service of holy communion. The guide sets out the way … Continue reading →

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Sabbatical Day 80: Jet lag in Darkest England

Posted on September 7, 2016 by neilrobbie

The Robbies got back a week ago from Singapore. My jet lag has just ended so I have the energy to blog. It was far more exhausting coming this way round the world, back to darkest England. Since returning, we’ve … Continue reading →

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Sabbatical Day 72: Christ Church Singapore and leaving SE Asia

Posted on August 30, 2016 by neilrobbie

There are times in the Christian life when various things fall in place and the Lord’s love and will is revealed in unexpected ways. The past week has been one of those times. Through two books, a whole Sunday at … Continue reading →

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