It is not always easy to have hope. First we have to work out what it is we have hope in. Hope is quite rational if the thing we have hope in is solid. If we trust that there is goodness in the creation of the world (and maybe the creator of the world), and that we are also created good; then we have every reason to hope to share in that goodness. We can look back at our history and realise that our hope is not blind, but based on experience. While there may be ups and downs, highs and lows along the way, but our experience is one of hope.

HOPE. What do you think when you hear the word hope? Last week we hoped it might stop raining. We hoped we might see ourselves on national TV. But hope is much deeper than this. It is something we share with the whole of humanity.
People hope for peace in time of war; food in time of famine; justice in time of oppression. No matter what happens, while there are still people hoping, there is still the opportunity for things to be better.
Hope generates energy and sustains people through difficult times. For some people, hope is so strong that it inspires self-sacrifice to turn hope into reality.
What do you hope for? Where does your hope come from? This week we are building a display of hopes in the square, please come and share your hopes and help to make our picture grow.

Thought for the week, 29th June 2009

This week we reflect on our learning.
This is a famous sculpture by Rodin called "The Thinker". How often do you stop to think and reflect?

This weeks news story is about Cumbrian D-Day veterans wish to return to Normandy on the 65th Anniversary. It can be read here. Why is remembering an important part of learning?

Who am I? Picture of the week 22/06/09.

How have you got to where you are now? Sometimes its good to stop and reflect on you life's journey so far.

Cuthbert brought good news.

Cuthbert visited Carlisle in 685AD (the foundation stone by the Carliol door has this date on it!). He is well known as being a missionary...sharing the good news about the story of Christ. He is also credited with founding the first school in Carlisle. Since that date there has always been education in Carlisle.
Cuthbert also spread good news when he was chosen to be the person that would help the church of the day go through a difficult period of change.

The picture shows Cuthbert visiting Carlisle.

(Jesus said) “God's Spirit is on me he's chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the burdened free, to announce, "This is God's year to act!"”

Luke 4:18

Reflection…
What do you think it means to share the good news?
Where in today’s world is, or should there be, good news of release from burdens?
How do we prepare for change?

Thought for the week 11th May 2009

Cuthbert means 'brilliant light'.

One night in August, 651, the shepherd boy Cuthbert was praying a hillside near Melrose monastery which lies at the heart of the Scottish Borders. He saw "a great light and a choir of angels” descend from the night sky. The next day he learned that St. Aidan, Bishop of Lindisfarne, had died the previous night. Cuthbert believed he had witnessed St. Aidan's soul being carried to Heaven and took this as a sign of his calling to missionary work.

“But you are God's chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done.” 1 Peter 2:9

Reflection….
Have you ever considered you have been chosen?
What special thing might you be “chosen” to do?

Ablaze 09

THEBANDWITHNONAME are booked to perform at Ablaze 09. Details to be confirmed, but keep uptodate on http://www.ablaze.org.uk/. Ablaze 09 is an all night youth event at Carlisle Cathedral. Starting mid afternoon of 30/10/09 with workshops and bands, open mic etc, it goes through the night. First 100 tickets are just £10 (normal price £20). See PWE for details.

First Post

Hello
Welcome to the Trinity School Chaplaincy blog.
This is a good way to keep in touch with what is going on.
If you have any ideas or what should be here, or events etc related to the Chaplaincy, please let me know.

Paul Wheelhouse