It’s taken us five years to do it, but this year we celebrated bonfire night together round a fire, with mulled wine, winter punch and parkin. We had  sparklers and plenty of laughs – especially when Jon’s ‘noiseless’ fireworks proved ear-splittingly loud (that salesman really saw you coming Jon!) and we sat around the fire sharing poignant thoughts, images, poems and  blessings. We also watched Rob Bell’s Nooma DVD ‘Breathe’ in a brief foray indoors to another real fire – which combines the story  of the burning bush with the idea that we are always on holy ground as each of us breathes God’s name YHWH…

Here are some images of our evening together and a couple of the prayers:

I live today Through the strength of heaven; Light of the sun, Splendour of fire, Swiftness of wind, Brightness of the Moon, Firmness of Earth.

I live today Through God’s strength; God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s hand to guard me.

Afar or near, Alone or in multitudes.

May Christ always light my way.

I live today and everyday Through the mighty strength Of the Lord of Creation. Amen.

(attr. St. Patrick)

May the blessing of light be on you – light without and light within.  May the blessed sunlight shine on you like a great peat fire,  so that stranger and friend may come and warm themselves at it.  And may light shine out of your two eyes, like a candle set in the window of a house,  bidding the wanderer come in out of the storm. And may the blessing of the rain be on you,  may it beat upon your Spirit and wash it fair and clean, and leave there a shining pool where the blue of Heaven shines,  and sometimes a star.  And may the blessing of the earth be on you,  soft under your feet as you journey along life’s road.  And may the Lord of Creation bless you, and bless you kindly. Amen.

A great evening! Thanks everyone!