SPACE IN THE CITY

WINCHESTER

January–February 2014

Four talks from one of the most renowned Christian writers of our time

David Winter

who gives us a privileged glimpse into his latest book

At the End of the Day

Ageing along with the Biblical Giants!
From Methuselah to Sarah, what can they teach us of our own part in God’s story?

22 January Back to Methuselah Photo of book cover‘Age’ in the Bible seems to have been a fascination, but more than that, a mark of honour.  The older you were, the more respect you were afforded.  Yet in this present generation, most people who shape the popular view of ageing are barely past middle-age themselves – celebrities, sociologists, journalists and life-style gurus.
In his first talk, David Winter reflects on how today old age is to be fought off, resisted, avoided – a problem socially and an embarrassment individually – and takes a wry look at the antediluvian ‘mighty men’ of the Old Testament, like the 969 (!) year old Methuselah, and some of the Bible’s other veterans – Abraham, Sarah, and Moses.
The talk is introduced by Debbie Thrower.  To listen again, click the ‘play’ button (white triangle).  The question-and-answer period is not included.  Canon Winter did not use a script, so no text is available.
† For copyright and download information, see below.
29 January Before the day comes Reflecting on the final words of Ecclesiastes in chapter 12, Canon Winter looks, in his own inimitable way, at the truth we try to avoid:  ‘Managing’ the ageing process.  He helps us to consider ageing in a whole-life context;  the notion of being ‘fruitful’ in old age (Psalm 94:14) and living with purpose to the end with the help of Simeon and Anna (Luke 2.25-38).
The talk is introduced by Debbie Thrower.  To listen again, click the ‘play’ button (white triangle).  The question-and-answer period is not included.  Canon Winter did not use a script, so no text is available.
† For copyright and download information, see below.
5 February Across the Generations Eli and Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-9); Elizabeth and Mary (Luke 1:39-45); Paul and Mark (2 Timothy 4:11):  a remarkable feature of church life is its inclusivity in age terms (except, says Canon Winter, when we isolate age groups in packages!).
This week the talk focuses on bridging the generation gap – grandparents and grandchildren (Lois and Timothy – 2 Timothy 1) and how we might better handle generation issues with sensitivity in church and family.
The talk is introduced by Debbie Thrower.  To listen again, click the ‘play’ button (white triangle).  The question-and-answer period is not included.  Canon Winter did not use a script, so no text is available.
† For copyright and download information, see below.
12 February At the End of the Day In his final talk, Canon Winter comes into ‘The departure lounge’ and reflects upon heaven while living to the full on earth – up to the very last minute!  Is Death a terminus or a junction?  David Winter says he speaks from experience on how older people think, and talk about, and in a quiet way prepare themselves for, the next great life event.
So in his last dip into the Bible, we look at Paul (Philippians; 2 Timothy) and King David (1 Kings 2) as he shares his thoughts on supporting people through their final years and months – talking about what lies ahead, praying, and best of all, being there.
The talk is introduced by Debbie Thrower.  To listen again, click the ‘play’ button (white triangle).  The question-and-answer period is not included.  Canon Winter did not use a script, so no text is available.
† For copyright and download information, see below.

Wednesdays at 12:30
at the United Church, Jewry Street, Winchester
Sandwiches are available in the Hall afterwards
Admission is free, but we rely on donations to fund expenses

© Copyright of each recording belongs to Canon David Winter.  Recordings are made available here, by kind permission of Canon Winter, for personal, non-commercial use only.
To download a MP3 file to your computer, click the portico symbol at the right-hand end of the player bar, then “Full Version at Internet Archive“.  This produces a new window with the series’ page on the Internet Archive site.  In the list of files, the link to each MP3 file is the file size (e.g. “10.7 MB”) under the heading “VBR MP3”.  Right-click on that link and choose “Save Target As …”
The series recordings can be provided on two audio CDs on request to St Lawrence Parish Office, Colebrook Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9LH, with a cheque for £10 payable to “Winchester Space in the City”.

Series prayer:
When I am old and grey-headed, O God, forsake me not;
until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation,
and thy power to every one that is to come.
Amen.
(Psalm 71.18 KJB)

The Rev’d Canon David Winter
After five years teaching (English and Religious Studies), ten years in magazine journalism and twenty years as a BBC producer, David Winter became Head of Religious Broadcasting at the BBC.  In 2013 he celebrated 25 years as a Church of England priest.  Over the past forty years he’s published 40 books:  one novel, two biographies, an autobiography, an anthology of poetry about Jesus, The Poet’s Christ, and other books on religious topics.
He counts his main interest now as “unpacking the Bible for modern readers and applying its message to modern life.”  He is a book reviewer and writes a regular diary column for the Church Times and a syndicated monthly column for ‘Parish Pump’ and was a regular contributor to Radio 4’s “Thought for the Day”.  In 2011 he was elected a member of the Society of Authors.  He wrote the course book for the 2013 York Lent Course, Glimpses of God.
David Winter’s new book At the End of the day – Enjoying Life in the Departure Lounge is a personal and wry look at the whole business of being old, from his own experience and drawing on the stories of some of the old people featured in the Bible.


Space in the City is an ecumenical venture organised by lay, licensed, ordained and associate members of Winchester’s city churchesSt Bartholomew and St Lawrence with St Swithun-upon-Kingsgate, St Peter’s and the United Church.


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