It’s not often that Social Workers get immortalised in song but Glasvegas have in their new single ‘Geraldine’.

When your sparkle evades your soul
I’ll be at your side to console
When your standing on the window ledge
I’ll talk you back from the edge
I will turn your tide
Be your shepard and your guide
When your lost in the deep and darkest place around
May my words walk you home safe and sound

When you say that I’m no good and you feel like walking
I need to make sure you know thats just the Prescription talking
When your feet decide to walk you on the wayward side
Up upon the stairs and down the downward slide
I will, I will turn your tide
Do all that I can to heal you inside
I’ll be the angel on your shoulder
My name is Geraldine, I’m your social worker

I see you need me
I know you do

It’s a great song and you can see it here:

Tonight I’ve been invited to be on the panel for an open community discussion at Shawlands URC in Glasgow (map).

The topic is ‘What role can the Church play in the community?’ and I’ve been asked to speak about the church and young people.  There are another two speakers and the local MP was to have been on the panel but has been called away.

The event starts at 7.00pm and you would be most welcome to join us.

I’ve has a busy weekend and in between preaching at Dunfermline (thanks for the tie!) and visiting parents (thanks for a lovely meal!) I rediscovered some things forgotten.

I watched the Masters Golf. I’m not sure I’ve watched it so much as I did this year for ages. For me the Masters seems to hold more appeal than other golf tournaments (except the Ryder Cup where we get to beat the Yanks - in a sporting and fun fashion of course). Perhaps because it is played at the same course each year. Perhaps because the course is Augusta National, perhaps the most beautiful course in the world. Perhaps it is because it never fails to surprise. Well done to Trevor Immelman on winning and to fellow South African Gary Player on his two rounds under 80! Not bad for a 72 year old!

The second thing rediscovered was a musical treat. I found an old CD.

Hats by The Blue Nile. I bought this album when I was at school I think. It is a beautiful collection of angst, hurt and hope. I love it. Perhaps the perfect album for listening to in the dark. The Blue Nile are playing in their hometown of Glasgow soon. I wonder if we could stretch to the tickets. They almost NEVER play and have only produced a handful of albums in 20 years.

Today was a good day.  I was at Priesthill URC in Glasgow.  Priesthill is one of Glasgow’s most deprived areas and is in the midst of a bout of regeneration.  In the middle of the scheme is the church.

As you can see, the church is in very poor condition.  Inside it is damp because of the concrete walls and flat roof.

Today was a good day because I got to share some dreams with the 10 ladies who worship here.  I preached about Nicodemus and Abram, two men who were not scared to take a risk of faith.  The congregation here are about to begin a redevelopment programme which will  result in this building being knocked down and a new building and affordable homes being built in its place.   I’ll hopefully be involved in this project and will try to keep  you up to date with our progress.  It’s such an exciting time for people who have struggled valiantly to keep their church alive and working against all the odds.  This isn’t just a dream for 10 people on a Sunday.  There is a huge Girl’s Brigade company here with over 60 girls meeting every week.  This place is at the heart of the community and they deserve better.  I’m really excited about the future here.

If you are ever in Glasgow I’d recommend a trip to the Burrell Collection housed in Pollock Park.  It is home to over 9,000 items including some truly beautiful Egyptian, Islamic and Chinese artifacts.  It is also home to the guy on the left, ‘The Thinker’ by Rodin and some beautiful stained glass.  I’ve put some more photos in this Flickr set.

We spent a great afternoon wandering around looking at some fabulous things.  And like all of Glasgow’s museums and galleries… admission FREE!