Can you pray for someone to die?

I thought about doing a SofaChurch meeting to discuss this question, but wondered if there was enough mileage in it. Perhaps we can start the discussion here and see how we go...

On Sunday I led a prayer at St Stephens' church asking for victory for Morgan Tsvangirai in the forthcoming presidential vote in Zimbabwe. When I got home I read in the news that he had been forced to quit from the election due to the violence that his followers have been experiencing. Robert Mugabe said afterwards, "Only God can remove me now".

This got me wondering. Is it ever right to pray for someone to die?

Hybrid embryos and Saviour siblings

This week we'll be discussing some of the ethics of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, recently passed in Parliament. This includes the creation of human/animal hybrid embryos, and selecting IVF embryos to grow into children for the express purpose of being a tissue donor for en existing poorly child. Discussion will be led by our medical correspondent, Andrea.

Kitty's baptism - thank you!

Hi all!

Wanted to drop you a line to thank you all so much for being there at Kitty's baptism service a few weeks ago. I was so touched to have you there supporting us. What a lovely bunch of friends you are.

Thanks too, for all the fab pressies! Claire, your money box has pride of place in her room and if anyone didn't get to see the absolute work of art that Jo created, just ask. It's easily the most lovely thing I own (oops - Kitty owns...) 

The Life of Brian

The next film night (Thursday 12th June) is The Life of Brian. If you've not seen it before, it's a very funny film. If you can handle the strong language and the irreverence, it's also making a serious point or two about human nature and those who follow Jesus the Messiah - not the Messiah himself. "I say you are Messiah, and I should know. I've followed a few". It's still causing arguments even now - see IMDB for the film's entry.

Street Pastors

Something which has been tickling my spiritual fancy for some time is this Street Pastors set up. Stuff having to drag people to church buildings and services on a Sunday morning which just don't cut it for most of our culture these days. Forget having to get psyched up with the warm fuzzies to have 'carpet time' and self fulfilling experiences which do nothing to help the outside world with its needs. This takes faith in a non-imposing way to people where and when it's needed. I think Jesus would be into this. In fact, I am confident he is. I am tired of talking about my faith. How about doing my faith? I feel I need to do something with my faith, or just forget it as a near meaningless charade. (This is my own feeling and not necessarily representative of anyone else in SofaChurch or bodies represented).

Take a look at the website here... what do you think? Could we explore this - or circulate the idea to get together a group of folk?

"Street Pastors is an inter-denominational Church response to urban problems, engaging with people on the streets to care, listen and dialogue. It was pioneered in London in January 2003 by Rev Les Isaac, Director of the Ascension Trust, and has seen some remarkable results, including drops in crime in areas where teams have been working. Each city project is set up by Ascension Trust and run by a local coordinator with support from Ascension Trust and local churches and community groups, in partnership with Police, Council and other statutory agencies."

Pie Rolling

Coming up this Saturday - the Fig Pie Wakes in Wybunbury. Its a great sporting event, you have to bake a fig pie and roll it the furthest distance down the hill. I've entered a couple of times. Let me know if you'd like me to pick up an entry ticket and recipe for you. Its a great day even if you just watch. Rolling starts at 1pm I think.

Songs of Praise - The 60s

This Thursday the Songs of Praise series starts with the 1960s... bring along your mainstream music from that decade which, for whatever reason, makes you think of God. Fancy dress is optional...