International Questions

Teaching at the University Centre in Grimsby brings with it some unexpected but welcome surprises.  I was honoured this last week to be asked by a Lebanese student about my view of his family's considerations concerning a change of name for their family company.  The company had previously been founded in his grandfather's name.  Later "and Sons" had been added to indicate the involvement of the next generation.  The situation now is that the company is beginning to trade globally, including seeking markets in the UK, and they are anxious to present a professional image to potential customers.  Hence his question to me.  Not only that, though, but both his brother AND sisters are involved in the company and they want to convey that to the world.  Could "& Sons" be changed to "& Generations"? Or "& Family"?

Fascinating question and one which suggests Lebanon (or at least this family) may be way ahead of other countries in its inclusiveness!

The photo is totally unrelated but shows our newly installed solar panels!

Reality

Had a good morning today sharing in worship at Beaconthorpe Methodist Church in Cleethorpes.  Made to feel very welcome but we didn't shirk away from the reality of life - we considered the Lectionary Psalm (8) and the day's Gospel reading in the context of the week's news of child abductions and allegations of sexual assault of teenage girls by now deceased celebrities.  Christian worship has to be rooted in the life we share on Mother Earth and not set apart.  So we also celebrated this last week's Feast Day of St Francis.

Afterwards, it was so good to meet the son of the late Colin Carr, a celebrated local artist famed for his depictions of local scenes in North East Lincolnshire & round about.  His son, also called Colin, is giving a talk about his father and his work at the National Fishing Heritage Centre on 1 November.  It promises to be a really interesting evening.