Findings from a dig in Dumghie, south of Crossmichael, Castle Douglas, Dumfries. Balmaghie Possibly a Viking hoard. Silver armbands, gold pin, and a pot containing various other objects. The findings are currently at AOC awaiting conservation.
In what ways might a treasure hidden in a Galloway field for around 1000 years be linked with gifts given in Bethlemhem 2000 years ago?
What could this mean for us in the present moment?
Find out some answers and more questions by coming along to the contemporary service in St John’s church 6pm of Sunday the 9th.
… you could also find more about the treasure – and particular the pot – by visiting the National Museum of Scotland website (or the Hoard exhibition in Kirkcudbright)
(Covid precautions will be in place, but please do a lateral flow before you go…)
There is a story told of an estate owner. He managed his land by letting it out to tenants. Each one held a plot, and they had freedom to develop it as they saw fit. The story doesn’t say how much help each of them got in establishing themselves, but other stories let us assume that the owner was generous. They knew they were tenants, and that the owner would one day decide to collect the return on his investment.
However, when the owner sent other servants to claim the rent, the tenants had changed. Some had sublet the property, others had automated production. All of them had forgotten the owner of the land. the servants were abused and sent back empty handed.
The estate owner sent out more servants to remind the tenants and collect the rent. This time the tenants abused the servants and filled social media with posts to sway public opinion. The servants’ reputations were attacked and they were portrayed as foolish idealists.
So, the estate owner sent his son and heir. The reckoning was that this would remind the tenants of how it had been in the beginning, and give them one last chance. Like going himself, but leaving an opening to show leniency.
Even then, however, the tenants closed their minds to the reality of the situation. They killed the child and claimed that the land was their freehold. Confident in their control of the narrative they edited the owner out of the story, and sought to continue their lifestyles in comfort for perpetuity.
How do you think the landowner acted?
Of course he kicked the tenants out, their anguish and frustration was epic. They were in the wrong though, and once this came into the light no amount of PR or spin could cover up their treachery.
This is the way it is with all political and religious leaders who forget where authority lies. This is the message of Saturnalia, or the baptism of John and something Dickens tried to tell his readers. Those who seek to gain the world will lose it, but those who are willing to be broken will find life. It is a story for those who are in positions of privilege, may all of us be given the grace to see ourselves as we really are.
There is another story though. This is a story for those who are broken, all who seek, and everyone who wanders with their eyes open.
Even in the mirk there is light. This light has always been here, and it distinguishes those who have their eyes open from those who choose the wrong pill. This light is a seed at the beginning of time. It is God herself pregnant with creation. The quantum of solace that links heaven and earth. Not everyone recognises it, and those you might expect to get it, are often the ones who find it hardest to adapt their lives to this deep old magic in the present moment.
For those that can though, it is the baby’s cry at the birth of Love itself. It is the light from a star formed by the conjunction of heavenly bodies becoming visible in the humblest of places. With even just the smallest amount of humanity shared in a relationship, many frustrations can be worked through. This story is the good news that God shares humanity with creation, and has placed the seed potential to become children of God within the womb of time. The most ordinary thing we know of can become divine.
So today is an invitation to co-create. Follow the star, and see where it leads.
It’s the week before Christmas and the canopy of Angels is almost complete. I’m writing on the sunny side of the solstice having just installed many Angels made at Dumfries High School.
This has been a collaborative work! We have had angles made in pubs and cafes. Angels sent in by post and online. Angles crafted from exquisite origami paper and precious thoughts folded into Angels made from scraps.
All symbols have many meanings. It is as much their vagueness which makes them powerful, as is the particular meaning they carry for a particular person. The rainbow represents hope, inclusive society, beauty seen in nature where sunlight and rain mingle and a link between heaven and earth. I could continue, but as I continued I would move from the public sphere into my personal views and story.
Each Angel has been made by a person folding paper. Some have written their thoughts, hopes, or prayers on the Angels. Others have simply let the folding mark the moment. All these moments have been gathered into one work of art that is bigger than any of us could have managed on our own. All those moments and meanings mingle and are lifted up. Now we can sit back, and become aware of something bigger.
Perhaps when people look at the canopy they will wonder about what each angel could mean for the person who made it? Some will pray, and some won’t. But here is a symbol within which, for this Christmas, we have all met and shared some space.
Hopefully as the sun returns we will soon be able to share physical spaces again! When we do, hopefully we will remember to respect and value each persons particularity, and take time to discover the language that let’s us live diverse lives in unity. A glorious rainbow of life.
There is still time to get involved and contribute your Angel!
Due to Covid precautions the building is open to walk in less often than usual, but we will arrange some times for people to view the canopy during January. You are, of course, also welcome to the services – details here
This video clip has been made for the Sunday before Christmas. The canopy is almost complete – and just waits for a star to appear for Christmas day.
The development of the canopy
Angels have been contributed by individuals and groups throughout Dumfries, as well as the community of St John’s. They have been folded in homes, cafes, coffee shops and pubs around the town. There is still time to contribute, A batch is being prepared in Dumfries High School, and we can collect the Angels to hang them for you.
The canopy will be installed throughout January, please look at the St Johns website diary to find out when you can view it in person. We would usually have the building open for you to drop in during daylight hours, but Covid conditions mean that this may not be possible.
This seemed like just the sort of event that could be a shared spiritual space. It explores themes of light and darkeness that are core to the Christmas story. It is a public artwork that many would classify as “Secular” – and as it is one night only, it is certainly tied to the present moment!
However, a theme in #SensingSpirituality is recognising the potential for experiencing sacred moments in ordinary events. This blurs assumed boundaries, and breaks social rules. This also makes #SensingSpirituality a dangerous activity and so the way in which it is carried out, and talked about needs tui be rooted in love and carried out with care.
Light sources, however, illuminate rather than demanding that people look straight at them. The theme of becoming people of light in the gospel affirms a confidence that people know how to act, and can have the grace to be gentle in their actions. It may be difficult to find words, and that is one of the reasons Quartz uses the visual arts to communicate, but as a wider community we need to learn how to do this in way that can include everyone.
We will meet again outside the front door of Crichton church for a 2pm start, (The Crichton, Dumfries DG1 4ZZ) Find it on google maps
Please dress for the weather, and don’t rely on there being any indoor (or any other) facilities available. Once we meet we will walk to an appropriate location depending on the weather and the abilities of those who turn up. If you want us to wait for you, please let us know that you are coming!
So that you know what to expect – a rough order of service will probably include:
Meeting in Christ’s name and sharing the peace
We meet in Christs name – whether you consider yourself close friends, or are just curious, all are welcome – we share his peace.
A chant to set our minds
Behold the night,
There are gifts here in the dark,
and soon the Sun returns.
Learn it here…
Reading the book
(and Mary sang)… ” and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’
This might be round a fire, bring a percussion instrument if you have one. Or you could pick up a stick and find something to make a noise if you have confidence in the environment to provide.
This is an activity of listening, participating. Sensing the rhythm of the whole and contributing to it.
We will head over to the Crichton central cafe for a cup of something warm.
And to finish…
At 5pm Dumfries museum is being lit up as a tower of light. It seemed very appropriate to be there, socially distanced, so all who wish can round the day off with a visit.
This is, of course, subject to Covid regulations in Scotland, but we will be outdoors and can limit close contact. There is no need to book, but if you’d like to let us know that you are coming we can keep an eye out for you.
If you sign up for the mailing list you’ll find out when the next one is happening.
You can also subscribe to the Quartz weekly newsletter/e-mail.
Please send a message to introduce yourself, – and let us know what interests you in particular!
This Angel flew in from Fife. You can take part in the #canopyofangels by sending folded paper to St Johns, in person when the building is open, or online…
This year, we are folding Angels. Angels are often described as messengers of God. In Nativity plays children will dress up as Angels and sing songs of good news. They will represent a message of peace and hope.
For some, this will be enough. For others there is a need to think more deeply about it.
Do Angels carry messages both ways, are they looking out for us? When Jesus is recorded scolding his followers for turning away parents with their children, he is also recorded as saying “…For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven…” Matthew 18: 10
To me, that sounds like Angels are holding open a hotline to God, and guess who gets priority?
Perhaps people are more used to the idea that we can all communicate with God directly, or that we should be able to. Political terms such as ‘kingdom’ are often used to describe concepts like heaven, and God is often described as something like a king. Our politicians are in our houses on TV screens, we can e-mail them and vote for them or not. They want to create an image of accessibility. How many people seriously think that they could have a direct line to the UK prime minister though? Or that if they did, that the occupant of that office would take time to listen to them?
Pause for a moment and imagine a world where such access is possible and think about what that would be worth. Is this what Jesus is saying Angels provide with the creator of the cosmos?
There is an obvious gap between our experience of life and what we hope the ideal life would be like. Heaven to come, and the life we experience now. This difference has been described as the presence of sin. You have read this far, so take a moment longer while I explore this technical term. I’m not going to try for a definition, but in order to better understand this, both intellectually and emotionally, here is a medieval thought experiment.
Imagine a person in Hell for committing one sin. A criminal in prison for one crime, or a person knotted up in their mind with regret for a mistake. Then contemplate the many things we have done wrong in thought word and deed, and in what we have failed to do. As your awareness increases, remember that this what you have been set free from. The purpose of the experiment is not to beat yourself up, or wrap yourself in guilt – rather it is to remind you of the value of forgiveness and freedom.
As an artist, in the course of folding angels, and teaching others to do so I have discovered that this is helping me examine my life through the frustration involved in creating. This is less about personal guilt and more about the creative process. The canopy of Angels bulges, pregnant with the potential of creation – but in any birth there is a messy time of frustration. (here is a passage you may not have connected with childbirth before)
There is an obvious gap between a sheet of paper and a folded angel. If you want the angel you need to fold some paper. As you fold you become aware of the gap there is between where you are now and where you want to be. If you are teaching someone, especially with reduced physical contact to to Covid, then you become aware of the desire to reach over and just fix it for them.
…You knew how to do this last week! how can you have forgotten… How can I make this symmetrical? … I can’t do this!… crafts are not my thing …
When you fold, fold the feelings and prayers you have for people into the paper. If learning the origami and following the instructions fristrates you in this simple task, let that become awareness of the feelings we all experience in the complicated task of living well. When you teach allow your awareness of your frustration, and desire to make things right, to help you imagine God’s desire to make things right. Let yourself imagine and feel the frustration in creating humans who can find their own way, rather than just being playthings.
If it all gets too much, rest. Humans are far more precious to God than paper Angels, and yet all of these are numbered and identifiable in the level of detail at which God is creating. Let yourself become aware of the experience of God carrying you when you can’t walk. Or sitting with you if you don’t even have the energy to be moved. You have a hotline to heaven.
As the motley crew of folded angels spread along the net in the roof of the St Johns building many small moments are becoming a rainbow of colour. The thoughts, frustrations, hopes and prayers of many people with different political views, metaphysical beliefs, and approaches to spirituality are combining to make something memorable.
