Sign in

Jill Baker

@ejillbaker.bsky.social
49 followers 28 following 9 posts

Retired (whatever that means) but still part of the Methodist Church in Scotland. Local preacher. Special love for Andrew, Tim, Hannah & Martha, missing Peter always. Gardener & occasional writer.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Sunday thought (from Jenn) Libraries are full of stories. So too are films and other forms of media. Some will be familiar, but we might find others more challenging. How can we remain open to the presence of God as we learn?
A mock road sign, a warning triangle containing a silhouette of a domestic roof topped with an angel holding a book. It reads "Caution Mind-expanding stories ahead." The actual building behind it - Dennistoun Library.
021
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Sunday thought (from Jenn) Diversions can be disorienting, making us late, stressed or even lost. Often we have to trust the signs or hope that the satnav can find an alternative. How do you stay connected with God when unexpected things happen?
Photo roadworks on an urban street. Signs declaring "Road Ahead Closed" and "Diversion" with lots of arrows pointing left. Ahead, part of the road is fenced off and decorated with "no entry" signs.
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Sunday thought (from Jenn) Transport in a city comes in many different forms, to suit the different needs people have and enabling everyone to get about. How does your community make space for people to participate in different ways?
A photo of a busy junction with provision for lots of different modes of transport - a van and a bus in the road, wide pavements, cycle hire and a train station.
022
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Sunday thought (from Jenn) We set aside places to wait for buses – with shelter from the rain and somewhere to sit for as long as needed. How do you make space to hear God’s voice in your life?
A close up photo of a bench inside a bus stop, with a view down the road to see what is coming (no bus... yet).
012
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
Sunday Thought (from Val) Making peace How can we live as peacemakers in a disordered world? There are just six places left on the Community five-day retreat at Cuddesdon in July. Could you come and create community with us?
A view of the inside of the chapel at Ripon College, Cuddesdon looking towards the altar.
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Sunday Thought (from Val) Community/Hospitality ‘When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.’ (Acts 2:1) Who have you got together with this week? What happened?
A photo of a cafe with big windows and painted green. The cafe is called Neighbourhood and is on a street called Market Place. There are chairs and tables outside and the windows advertise 'local produce' and 'great coffee'.
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Sunday Thought (from Val) Learning Jesus said: ‘The words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you.’ (John 17:8) What have you learned to know in truth this week?
A photo of candles burning on a prayer stand.
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Thought (from Val) Silence Jesus said: ‘On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.’ (John 14:20) Pause for the space of 3 deep breaths; it could be in a cathedral, or in the corner of your living room. In that silence, can you sense Christ in you, and you in him?
An interior photo of Trinity Chapel at Salisbury Cathedral. It is in darkness with the altar lit from below and two large candles on it. The large gothic windows behind are lit in white.
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
Sunday thought (from Val): Worship/Prayer Jesus said: ‘If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’ (John 14:7) Pause for a moment by something very down-to-earth. Can you see God in this?
A photo of a single daisy in some grass.
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Thought (from Niall) - Sheep are often seen as symbols of calm and peace. Pastoral scenes are hopeful. Jesus comes as a shepherd who can be trusted. In a world where peace and trust are hard to find, why not join the next 5-day Community 'Practising Peace'? www.communitysf.org.uk/index.php/20...
A flock of sheep in a field with grasses, trees and a house in the background
012
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
Sunday thought (from Niall) - Resurrection appearances - the road to Emmaus Two downtrodden disciples walk home together but a stranger joins them and they see the world differently. Later, when he breaks bread they recognise Jesus. When has a stranger helped you see the world differently?
Two people walk together along a path beside a canal.
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
Sunday thought (from Niall) - Resurrection appearances - the upper room The disciples meet together - in a locked room for safety - and Jesus meets them anyway and blesses them. Thomas misses out and needs to see for himself. What blessings do you need to let in through a door you have shut?
A close up of an old wooden door with several handles and keyholes.
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
Sunday thought (from Niall) - In our Morning Prayer, prayers for others are held 'in the light of God’s sunrise.' On this Easter Sunday morning many places celebrate communion outdoors, remembering the women who discovered the empty tomb early in the morning.
Photo of a sunrise over Backwell Lake (North Somerset) with a table laid for holy communion superimposed in the bottom left-hand corner.
021
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
Sunday thought (from Jill): * Give thanks for the time you have been given today - even though it is only 23 hours! * If you need to take some time for retreat and reflection, consider booking for 'Practising Peace' in Oxford in July. www.communitysf.org.uk/index.php/20...
Black & white photo of part of a watch face with some reflective words alongside, including an invitation to 'Practising Peace' in Oxford in July.
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Sunday thought (from Jill): * Buds are beginning to burst into life after the nurture of winter dormancy... * What might our spirits need to help us flourish? * Consider coming to 'Waiting and Wondering' - an online retreat at the end of March: www.communitysf.org.uk/index.php/20....
Photo of willow branches in bud alongside reflective text.
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Sunday thought (from Jill) * Today we celebrate St David, the patron saint of Wales who died on 1 March 589. * Words from his final sermon have become a mantra in Wales - and are sound advice to all: 'Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd' 'Do the little things in life.'
A picture of a bunch of daffodils with text about St David's Day.
032
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Sunday thought (from James):
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
Sunday thought (from James):
033
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Sunday thought (from James):
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
Sunday thought (from Sheryl): Through complex and patient communication, bees work together to ensure that their colony thrives. To ponder… In God’s community, how does ‘complex and patient communication’ feature? What can we learn from bees?
012
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
Sunday thought (from Sheryl): 'For you shall go out in joy and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (Isa. 55:12) How might these words encourage our solidarity and advocacy for those in exile?
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
Sunday thought (from Sheryl): Reflect on the image and words below... Do you have somewhere equivalent to a ‘lovely wild place’ where you listen to the silence? Could you discover or create such a place? What does the silence say to you?
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
Sunday thought (from Sheryl): '...they knelt down and paid him homage...' (Matthew 2:11) ‘homage’, from Old French meaning "allegiance to a feudal lord.” How does that relate to what we seek to offer God in worship? Three Kings, wood engraving by David Jones (Methodist Modern Art Collection)
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
Sunday thought (from Kristin): “May we see your light in this world of ours…” from “Come, Lord Jesus, Come”, Francesca Leftley.
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
Sunday thought (from Kristin): “In the bleak mid-winter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone. Snow had fallen, snow on snow… In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.” What can we give Him? (Christina Rossetti)
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
Sunday thought (from Kristin): “Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim, one more light the bowl shall brim, shining beyond the frosty weather, bright as the sun and moon together!” (“People, Look East”, Eleanor Farjeon)
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
How can we live as peace-makers in a disordered world? The Community offers a five-day retreat to explore this in July 2026. Speakers: Barbara Glasson & Steve Radley with weaving opportunities facilitated by Ruth Sprague. More details on the Community website www.communitysf.org.uk/index.php/20...
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
Sunday thought (from Nicola): Belo we see St. Luke writing his Gospel... Who would appreciate receiving a message from me today?
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
Sunday thought (from Nicola): 'I was glad when they said to me: “let us go to the house of the Lord.” ' – Psalm 122 vs 1 The church at Taizé
021
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
Sunday thought (from Nicola): What have I heard today that I want to remember? (Listening circles at Taizé)
021
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
Sunday thought (from Nicola): . ‘O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia, Alleluia!’ – Singing the Faith 745, verse 4 A Community of sunflowers
021
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
Sunday thought (from Val): In what ways are we all the same? In what ways are we all different?
021
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
Sunday thought (from Val): What have you learned this week that has become scaffolding for new growth?
021
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
Sunday thought (from Val): How does silence give you a different perspective on the world?
021
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Sunday thought (from Val): What lights up the dark corners of your life?
011
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
Sunday thought (from Andrew): A stranger sets the table An open invitation is given All are welcome To share, to learn, to wonder To discover, to find companionship and growth To be fed, blessed Image- Bardsey free art (cropped) 7/4/25 11:21
021
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
Sunday thought (from Andrew): Pacing, wishing I could be somewhere else Longing to be in community I stop and notice the Wicklow mountains as the sun sets I realize I am in community already gathered Not bound by distance but held in heart. Image- Revealing sunset Bardsey 6/04/25 20:03
021
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
(Belated) Sunday thought (from Andrew): The gulls gathered where the river joined the sea, to drink the fresh water. Life sustaining. May we drink deep of The Living Water. (Image- Gulls at Aberdaron 13/04/25)
021
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
Sunday thought (from Kristin): “For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms, So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations…” (Isaiah 61:11, The Message)
031
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
Sunday thought (from Kristin): “Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?” (Robert Lowry)
021
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
(Belated) Sunday thought (from Kristin): “I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewellery, Moon and stars mounted in their settings.” (Psalm 8:3, the Message)
021
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
Sunday thought (from Kristin): "Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.” (from the prayer of St. Francis)
021
Jill Baker @ejillbaker.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
In today's YouTube service for @methodist.org.uk in Scotland, Andrew & I reminisce about 34 years of his active ministry on the day he sits down... youtu.be/JxmEpC04P2o?...
youtu.be
Stories and songs along the way
YouTube video by Pollokshaws Methodist Church
010
Jill Baker @ejillbaker.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
'Time to sit down'... a little blog on the day Andrew retires from active ministry... northoftheborderblog.wordpress.com/2025/08/03/t...
northoftheborderblog.wordpress.com
Time to sit down
Time to ‘sit down’ As you may know, when it comes to retirement, the Methodist Church uses the rather quaint term of ‘sitting down’.  This comes from the sense of journey (or pilgrimage) which…
120
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
Sunday thought (from Sheryl): What does it mean to be a community?
011
Jill Baker @ejillbaker.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
A few further reflections on 'Peace be the journey' northoftheborderblog.wordpress.com/2025/07/13/p...
northoftheborderblog.wordpress.com
Peace be the journey
Peace be the journey  One of the happier outcomes of predictive text is that now, when I type ‘Peace…’ on my phone or tablet, it offers me ‘…be the journey’…
000
Jill Baker @ejillbaker.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
Fun to relive some Caribbean experiences to explore the story of the Samaritan who helped in today's YouTube service from @methodist.org.uk in #Scotland youtube.com/watch?v=LWce... #PeaceBeTheJourney
youtube.com
Peace be the journey
YouTube video by Pollokshaws Methodist Church
000
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
Sunday thought (from Sheryl): “Let me seek then the gift of silence… where the sky is my prayer, the birds are my prayer, the wind in the trees is my prayer, for God is in all Thomas Merton
022
Reposted by Jill Baker
The Community for Spiritual Formation @communitysf.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
Sunday thought (from Sheryl - for the evening): Lord our God, at the ending of this day, and in the darkness and silence of this night cover us with healing and forgiveness, That we may take our rest in peace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
021
Jill Baker @ejillbaker.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
Always glad to commend the wonderful Community for Spiritual Formation... visit www.communitysf.org.uk for more information
communitysf.org.uk
The Community for Spiritual Formation
000