The Port Wine Magnolia

I have a tree in my back garden that was ‘not well’ according to the horticulturalist who came to visit me several months ago. I thought it a spectacular tree - it had glossy leaves, and sometimes flowers. It has the fancy name of a Port Wine Magnolia, though if you know this species you will know that you have to look hard to see the purple flowers. The harsh prognosis from the gardener was ”It has scale and needs to be severely pruned before I can do anything about it.” I was horrified!.....

I don't know about you......

I don’t know about you but when I’m attempting to explain about church to people who haven’t heard of Community of Christ, these days I  include in my explanation the word ‘progressive.’ Very broadly speaking Progressive christianity is characterised  ‘by a willingness to question tradition, acceptance of human diversity, a strong emphasis on social justice and care for the poor and the oppressed, and environmental stewardship of the earth.’