What is in Kelvin's Head?

  • Press Release – Nigerian Air Crash

    PRESS RELEASE

    Prayers will be said at St Mary’s Cathedral in Glasgow this week remembering those who have died in Sunday’s plane crash in Nigeria.

    People in the Cathedral are directly affected, as Nigerian members of the congregation are discovering today that they know friends who have lost family members in the tragedy.

    Speaking after the disaster, Nigerian priest, based at St Mary’s, the Rev Chukwuemeka Iwuagwu said, “Our hearts go out from Glasgow to Nigeria and our thoughts and our prayers are with those who have lost family and friends. We are saddened by this loss of life. Nigerians at St Mary’s Cathedral are remembering all those affected and offer support to all Nigerians in Scotland at this time.”

    “We grieve with all who suffer and weep with those who are sad. We are fortunate to have friends from the Christian Community here in Scotland who can share our grief”.

    The Provost of St Mary’s, the Very Rev Kelvin Holdsworth added, “Nigerian Glaswegians offer so much vibrant life to our community here at St Mary’s. Just last week, many celebrated Pentecost day in colourful Nigerian national dress. As we celebrated together a week ago, so we mourn together in the face of sudden tragedy.”

    St Mary’s Cathedral belongs to the Scottish Episcopal Church and has an international congregation drawn from all around the world, many of them from Nigeria.

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5 responses to “Sermon preached on 8 January 2012”

  1. Mimanifesto – Jaye’s weblog

    […] on Sunday, Fr Chucks celebrated his first Holy Communion and Evensong as a Priest. Provost Kelvin preached a delightfully personal sermon addressed to Chucks in which he drew some parallels between the season of Epiphany and […]

    Reply
  2. DementedBonxie Avatar
    DementedBonxie

    It’s not really so hard to pronounce Chukwuemeka. Divide it into 2 parts: Chukwu / emeka
    You can surely manage ‘chook – woo’
    and ‘ay – may – kah’ (maybe the ‘ay’ should be ‘eh’ ?) Stress on ‘may’ I think.

    Even doing him the honour of saying one or other half of his name would be something! I believe its meaning is ‘God has done something great’ . Chucks seems somewhat undignified by comparison. So we might at least do something decent and make our muscles work a little differently.

    But then, I’m an enthusiast for the idea that the learning to use muscles differently is an important part of a process of getting to appreciate another person & culture.

    All that aside, a fine sermon, thanks.

    Reply
    1. kelvin Avatar
      kelvin

      Thanks DementedBonxie

      I don’t really have trouble with his name – I’ve got used to baptising lots of babies with Igbo names in recent years.

      Chucks is the name that he is happy to go by amongst both Igbo and English speakers.

      We did decide the other night that Bishop Gregor did need to use Chukwuemeka in full at the ordination.

      Reply
  3. Jaye Avatar
    Jaye

    I found both Friday and Sunday very emotional. Occasions like these days affirm my own belief in God. It was wonderful to see Chuks ordained by the Bishop but the huge hug you gave Chuks and your smile as you were doing it said it all for me 🙂 He’s a treasure, and such an amazing addition to our clergy team-truly a God-given gift to us. It just speaks volumes for inclusion, diversity, tolerance, and all those other qualities I feel are so lacking in other denominations ( including the one from which I come).
    I thought your sermon was wonderfully moving and I don’t mind admit to shedding tears as you spoke, and as Fr Chuks gave the blessing at the conclusion of the service, and at Evensong too, but I’m like that over things I really care about in this world.

    I know it’s been a journey requiring patience, application, and negotiation. Thank you Kelvin for your part in making this wonderful thing come to pass.

    Reply
  4. Kimberly Avatar
    Kimberly

    The middle part of the sermon was dedicated, I presume, to Tilly, of blessed memory.

    Reply

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