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RuthS56

@ruths56.bsky.social
852 followers 534 following 657 posts

Wife; mum; priest. Team Vicar @ St Columba's, Wideopen. Enthusiasms include: God, social justice, finding joy, cats, and cake. All views my own.

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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Our tiny, modern catholic, mostly older congregation church, has seen roughly 20% growth in the last 6 months. From a low base, admittedly, but the numbers are looking solid, and bringing hope and joy.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Went the day-trip well?
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
And praying the office alone (for practical purposes) is the reality for most parish clergy most of the time, unless you're lucky enough to have colleagues or a very keen congregation.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
I think it depends a bit on what's actually happening when you're sharing the office. It probably wouldn't ever be enough for me, but in the right context could make up a substantial part of the total.
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Kathryn Rose @artsyhonker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Bit of a long shot, but do any of you UK weird Anglican Bluesky folks have a thurible stand that isn't in use and which you would be happy to donate? #CofEPeeps
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Christina Martin @christinamartin.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
If you want a direct crem, arrange one through your local funeral director and crem. This way you can still be visited instead of being whisked off. Most local directs take you through the front door and place you on the catafalque. They may even be cheaper than Pure. metro.co.uk/2026/10/05/a...
metro.co.uk
Mortuary that can hold 700 bodies branded a 'human conveyor belt'
The huge storage facility, which can hold up to 700 bodies in racks five coffins high, is headed by Pure Cremations.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Oh! That's ... an interesting discovery 😧
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
A little bit of random joy on a damp gloomy morning. #TinyJoys
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Congratulations!
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Not judging, but it's incredibly useful material for reflection. Gives you something to work when someone asks 'Can we just try ....(insert offbeat liturgical innovation here)?'
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Fine, thank you. But we had harvest festival, and nothing to do with pets. A lot of us were pretty tired after a joyful wedding yesterday of two congregation members.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
One of mine chewed away at the vicar's service book at their baptism, which was a bit embarrasing.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
I had that last week: today was an 8am re-write. Oh well, it evens out overall.
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Acts 435 @acts435.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
🩵 Can you help this man moving into supported accommodation? Your gift can provide him with some household essentials to start afresh. 👉️ Make a difference today: www.acts435.org.uk/give/R70723
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Acts 435 @acts435.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Can you help this man rebuild his life after experiencing financial exploitation by a family member? 💙 Your gift could provide him with a fridge freezer, so he can store food and keep his food costs down. 👉 Make a difference today: www.acts435.org.uk/give/R70787
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I'm really sorry to hear this 😪💔
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Congratulations!
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
At least two empty walls.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
As adapted by my kids - toasted marshmallows squashed between chocolate digestives.
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entirelygill.bsky.social @entirelygill.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
This really is a great letter, with far too many elegant turns of phrase to single one out. It lays out so clearly the importance of saying what you actually mean. celord.com/2026/09/17/i...
celord.com
Open Letter to William Taylor: Why Does St Helen’s Bishopsgate Stay?
An open letter challenging William Taylor’s use of Scripture, rejection of episcopal authority, and St Helen’s place in the Church of England.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I have a spreadsheet listing every sermon I've preached, the date, liturgical week, location, theme, and notes which include eg it going down particularly well or badly. Sounds insanely nerdy, but it has come in very handy.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The lovely thing about my lot is that, on the whole, they're genuinely happy to learn new hymns. I did say that if they really hate any of the new (to them) stuff the organist and I pick, we won't repeat them, but all I've had so far is requests to have some of the new ones again.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
It comes to us all. I swap betwen varifocals and a fixed-length intermediate pair for use at the altar and when preaching (because I can't find that spot on the varifocals fast enough after looking up)
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
I love the glasses!
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Have a wonderful time!
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Bouba's Delivery Service @fernmonkey.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
'You hear them shouting "Heil, Spode!" and you imagine it is the Voice of the People. That is where you make your bloomer. What the Voice of the People is saying is: "Look at that frightful ass Spode swanking about in footer bags! Did you ever in your puff see such a perfect perisher?"'
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
I'm refusing, and just sitting here revelling in the relative novelty of being a bit too cold for comfort.
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Carlton Reid @carltonreid.com · 05/09/2026
Police are just “engaging” with Nazis? Yesterday police raided the home of 84-year-old climate protestor and retired priest Reverend Sue Parfitt. www.facebook.com/JustStopOil/...
facebook.com
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Kathryn Rose @artsyhonker.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
My little Heilan' Coo fundraiser has reached £1220, and you know what that means... Play us an udder hymn, Dilemma!
A large stuffed Heilan' Coo playing the organ.

The hymnal isn't easy to make out but it is open to "God moves in a mysterious way", by William Cowper.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Yes, that's what came with mine, but I think it depends on the model.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Fair enough. When I got mine I was a semi-professional cake maker, so different priorities, gadget-wise. My Kenwood also has a dough-hook and a whisk, but they get far less use.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Just looked, and apparently it's now called a flexi-beater (and no longer K-shaped). It's also not dishwasher proof, but that's outweighed by the usefulness
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
It's a K-shaped beater, but with a silicone coating, so better for cakes etc. I use the metal one for drier mixes, like scones.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Mine does, and a blender. 20 years old now and going strong, except for the silicone beater, which I've had to replace 2 or 3 times now.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Three men on a trip have a problem, go home again.
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Kathryn Rose @artsyhonker.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Another £80 until the next picture of Dilemma, the Heilan' Coo www.justgiving.com/page/whatsacoo
justgiving.com
What's a Coo to Do? for St John the Evangelist, Brownswood Park
Help Kathryn Rose raise money to support St John the Evangelist, Brownswood Park
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Not In Our Name (NION) Women @nionwomen.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Maybe you've watched the debate about trans people and quietly thought: “this doesn't represent me!” If you believe in fairness, treating people with kindness, and don't think making life harder for trans+ people makes life better for women - that's a voice worth hearing too. ✍️ notinourname.org.uk
"I want to help platform voices of all those women who do not wish to see trans people segregated in our society and who believe in kindness and human rights for all." 

#WhyWeSigned

NION logo

Image of two women clapping
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
I am, and am terrified of mucking up the wonderful mix of powerful readings and context. So much potential: 'Let love be genuine'
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I remember being told in school that Britain had a woman prime minister. First memory of seeing something on the news myself is probably Mt St Helens.
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Kathryn Rose @artsyhonker.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Good morning weird church Bluesky! This fundraiser for admin support for my lovely church has stalled a bit. We have a PCC meeting tonight, and one of the agenda items is how much support we can afford. If you can, today would be a great day to contribute. ✝️⚓ www.justgiving.com/page/whatsacoo
justgiving.com
What's a Coo to Do? for St John the Evangelist, Brownswood Park
Help Kathryn Rose raise money to support St John the Evangelist, Brownswood Park
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FT @fucktheory.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Imagine being talented and beautiful and rich and famous and still the most noteworthy thing about you is how good a person you are.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Thanks - I knew I'd read something like that somewhere.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
A small but friendly community of people who love Jesus and their neighbours, and who gather to worship God and to share time with each other. A pretty typical smaller Anglican church, I'd hope.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
And the finished product
Six assorted jars of bottled plums.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
All chopped ready - a few hard or squishy bits, but no grubs, which was a relief. Looking good so far.
A very large bowl of quartered plums, ready for bottling.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Just a few vicarage plums this morning! Good thing it's my rest day so I can try to bottle them. #TinyJoys
A plastic bowl, about 3 pints in size, overflowing with ripe red and orange plums.
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I think your cat has melted!
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Kathryn Rose @artsyhonker.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Many thanks to everyone who has contributed so far to my rather whimsical fundraiser for admin and maintenance support after I leave St John's in (gulp!) three more Sundays. When we get to £1200 I will post another picture of Dilemma, our Highland Coo. www.justgiving.com/page/whatsacoo
justgiving.com
What's a Coo to Do? for St John the Evangelist, Brownswood Park
Help Kathryn Rose raise money to support St John the Evangelist, Brownswood Park
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hilaryonline.bsky.social @hilaryonline.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Repost if your account is a safe place for the trans community
Inclusion
Solidarity
Equality 
NION notinourname.org.uk
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RuthS56 @ruths56.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
I love this time of year in friendly churches. I took a bowl of plums, and came home with cooking apples, a jar of jam, and another bag of jamjars for the blackberry jam I'll be making soon. And with a heart full of joy and love at the wonderful people who make up our (small but growing) family.
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