It’s an interesting phrase as ‘Out of Kilter’ means a variant of an older English dialect word ‘kelter‘, which means ‘good health; good condition’. Is that how we might feel currently?
Our crafting is fairly central to our routines. Knitting, appears, to be a very focussed routine activity – seen as so many people can knit, watch TV and have a conversation, all at the same time. So with Covid-19 how have our routines been affected by this pandemic?
Routines
Initially discussion focussed upon the routines instigated by the various Governments to minimise the spread of the virus. In recent months of course we have had greater opportunities to travel but with differing rules with respect to wearing masks and separation between people. Given that wearing a face mask is a way fo protecting the other person – not ourselves – it seems odd when some hotel chains were speaking so positively about ‘seeing faces’ rather than increasing ventilation of the premises and advocating wearing face masks. How ‘Out of Kilter’ with Love One Another.
It’s interesting that there is so much difference between the various countries.
Given that countries are divided by a line drawn in the sand by people, we are no different; furthermore, the virus has no understanding of the boundaries.
Perhaps this has been so evident with the outpouring of Afghani refugees in recent weeks. There have been many voices claiming that “we should look after our own” when they, the Afghani, are our own, humans, people made by God, loved by God. How ‘Out of Kilter’ with Love One Another.
Back to Routines
For some we have stuck to our routines especially in the mundane aspects of life. However, we may have found that our routines with eating haven’t gone to plan. The BBC reports that “More than 40% of adults in England have gained weight during the pandemic, a survey suggests, with the average gain being half a stone (just over 3kg)” – no mention of the deep fried mars bar, so Scots are safe. Oh, I spoke too soon, for the head of Food and Standards Scotland said “About two thirds of Scots are currently either overweight or obese“.
For some the use of technology has been a great help, in particular with connecting to other groups or people, and in our reading of the Bible. One said that they were “reluctantly appreciative of Zoom” as they were now able to attend many more groups, keeping safe, without needing to venture out (due to the pandemic).
In terms of Bible Apps here are a few we might consider:
24-7 Prayer, allowing us to pause in the morning and night. It uses a way of reading the Bible called Lectio. This merely means let the passage wash over you and pick up on the word or phrase that strikes or resonates with you.
YouVersion Bible App
Pray as You Go (my favourite)
A daily few minutes meditation where the Bible passage is read out twice to you – great for those commuting – and where we can imaginatively reflect on that passage with God.
What Bible App version do you like using regularly?
Could this restore us from Out of Kilter to back towards normality?
Crafting
Crafting can take on many forms: one is thermofax printing, another is Cyanotype printing. This is truly inventive and creative, where you might wish to dictate the pattern
Here are some of the images of such work from within our own group:
Nature seen within our crafts
We are still very focussed upon the banner for COP26, soon to be held in Glasgow in November 2021. Here again is the Scottish Methodists website: www.scotlandmethodistscop26.co.uk
Latest News
The Glasgow Stitchers have recently reformed – re-threaded? – and have started meeting at St Mary’s Cathedral in Glasgow on a monthly basis. The sessions include space for having a packed lunch together and then hearing a speaker.
Their Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/threadsandfibres16/; and their website is here.
We are keen to find those who might be able to demonstrate how to crochet; how to weave and spin; and how difficult is glass blowing. Please contact Bob if you have any ideas of who might be be able to help us.
We meet again in a fortnight’s time on the 19th Sep – see you there.
I loved the dialogue I like reading from the message
The Message translation is always so different, often bringing a new perspective. I love it also.