Between The Stools

We continue our rather alternative trip through Lent into Holy Week via the lens of Korean television drama. I have some honest and uncomfortable questionsText at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2026/04/05/easter-2026-heavenly-ever-after/Back on 17th May Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark our 7th Easter and Birthday at Between The Stools, here is a brief post on Table Turning Tuesday continuing our Korean TV themeText at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2026/03/31/more-beautiful-than-heaven/ released 1956 31st MarchMore on Fri https://play.acast.com/s/between-the-stools/good-friday-the-7-sayings-2021and a new service on Sunday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How else to begin Lent than a quirky Korean drama - I expect there'll be more in coming weeks....Text at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2026/02/22/bts-behind-your-touch/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the Adam West Batman first aired 60 years ago on Jan 12th 1966 and Halle Catwoman Berry turns 60 this year, this month we look at these antiheroesFull text with pics and attributions at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2026/01/11/batman-and-catwoman/Back on 22nd Feb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Christmas, we look at Downton Abbey and Jane Austen as one ends and the other celebrates 250 this yearDo not expect carols and readingsDo expect critique, insight and proclamation of a New EraText at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2025/12/21/downton-austen-christmas-service/Back on 11th Jan for Batman and Catwoman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Advent, we go to the forests of England for inspirationText at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2025/11/30/robin-hood-the-service/Back on 21st Dec Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An All Saints themed meditative service - no sermon, just space, prayer and music (my own composition)Music is my own composition with a nod to Jack Lenz and last Oct's themeNext meeting on the last Sun of Nov (30th) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue an alternative look at the topic of work by considering its oppositesText on elspethr.wordpress.com by 8pm BST on Sun 28th SeptBack at end of Oct and Nov Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full text at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2025/08/28/work-service-this-sun-30th-aug/Next part on last Sun of Sept Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We honour Mary Magdalene, whose saints' day is 22nd, with the anniversary of the TV show whose star was born this week: Lynda Carter, focussing on a season 1 story about being condemned or saved by a wise compassionate alien. Sounding familiar?Text and attributions at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2025/07/20/magdalene-sunday-wonder-woman-at-50/I'm adding an important codaNext month is on Aug 31st but it may be written only or with a short trailer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following our extended Film and TV themed Year of Wonders, we look at a cult show about a trio of good witches who fight evil as a lens to look at the TrinityText, pictures and attributions at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2025/06/15/charmed-the-power-of-three/ from June 15th 8pm BSTOur next service is on July 20th, which is Magdalene Sunday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our final service on the Warrior Princess and her deep themesText and attritbution at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2025/05/24/last-of-the-xenas/Next time is June 15th for Trinity Sunday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our year of wonders winds with the culmination of the Xena plot, the lens through which we look at EasterMusic by Joseph LoDucaText and pictures at elspethr.wordpress.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue our journey through Lent into Holy Week(end) through the lens of Xena Warrior Princess (no affliation with creators of the show)Text at elspethr.wordpress.comEaster Service on Sunday 20th 8pm BST, will appear here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Lent and Easter will be viewed through theTV show Xena, Warrior Princess by UniversalNo infringements intendedThere will be a written mid week post throughout Lent (which starts on Wed) with our next services at Easter (falling on 20th April)See ElspethR.wordpress.com: https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2025/03/02/xena-warrior-princess-introduction/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Film and Television themed Year of Wonders draws to a kind of close with the book and film about rather an unsual woman and a prophetic cowgirl(I gave an opportunity to skip to the spiritual bit, which restarts at 15:00)Text at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2025/01/26/even-cowgirls-get-the-blues/Next service on March 2nd for Lent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We end our film and television-themed Year of Wonders with the movie that began it all for me - all about another alien saviour sent to us from above by his father. This one wears his pants on the outsideText at elspethr.wordpress.comNext service is the last Sunday of Jan 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month of our film and television based year of wonders, we join the Muslim community of Mercy, Canada for a sitcom about their renting a church hallText at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2024/11/22/little-mosque-on-the-prairie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Year of Wonders continues with this Hallmark TV/fi'm franchise. Is Good Witch truly good? What does it teach about the world? Text and attributions at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2024/10/27/good-witch/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our continuing screen-themed Year of Wonders, we look at this 1998 cult classic which is still timelyText and attributions at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2024/09/29/the-truman-show/Next month is Good Witch, on 27th October Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ministers in movies, mostly one who changed his messageText at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2024/08/23/come-sunday-2/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An honest delve into a couple of fairly recent films which draw on the gnostic gospel of MaryMore at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2024/07/20/magdalene-service-2024-mary-in-movies/Next time is 25th August Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two shows 30 years apart about the same dynamic and teacher. But how spiritual is Mr Miyagi?Text at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2024/06/22/the-karate-kid-bts-service/Next podcast 20th July Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Continuing our Year of Wonders (Film and TV), we look at three recent comedic TV shows with big themesMusic under fair/religious useText at elspethr.wordpress.comNext service on 23rd June Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As part of the Year of Wonders on film and television, we look at this 25 year old movie about the Bard near his 480th birthday, asking whether the film's central wager should have been won and why Shakespeare is seen as unquestionably popular. Music under fair use. Text at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2024/04/28/shakespeare-service/ Erratum: The town of Stratford Upon Avon has a population of about 30,000Next service is the last Sunday of Mayfollowed by 23rd June Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark the 25th anniversary, our Year of Wonders marks Easter by looking at the Matrix movies...although the rabbit hole I found wasn't about plot or philosophy. What is the message of the Matrix and does it match that of a traditional Christian Easter?Music from the film by Don DavisTranscript and video link/pictures on elspethr.wordpress.comNext service 26th April on Shakespeare (they'll mostly be end of month this year) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our History Year culminates with the two men that began the Tudor dynasty, who share an anniversary today 28th January; what we can learn about God and kingship from them, and how we can subvert their legacy to a new renaissance. Warch elspethr.wordpress.com during Lent for the launch of the Year of Wonders. Easter is March 31st Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One carol and several lessons - not the usual 9See Christmas in at midnight GMT with us!See https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2023/12/24/mediaeval-christmas-at-midnight/ for notes and musicThe song is Cuncti Simus Concanentes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 60th anniversary of the death of president John F Kennedy, we take a candid view of his destiny and legacy. Meditation music from solfeggiotones.com (1565hz Body Healing). Next service on Dec 24th. Text at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2023/11/25/jfk-60-walking-into-your-destiny-ii/. Clarification re my last line: the speech is dated 6/6 but was delivered on 10th Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the shift in the Tudors 20th Nov 1558Music from Martin Phipps and Medieval Baebes (except, fair use for worship)Part 2 of the service is on 26thChristmas on 24th Decwww.elspethr.wordpress.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark Margery's 650th on her feast day, here's a story about when she was on trial in Yorkshire. More about Margery at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2023/11/09/margery-of-lynn/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My jingle for this West Norfolk town. Local marketing, are you interested? My words and pictures will shortly be on elspethsnaughtyguides.wordpress.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was Martin Luther really the Good Doktor?Next services: Nov 9th for Margery Kempe and 19th for JFKChristmas on 17th DecText at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2023/10/29/some-gripes-nailed-to-a-church-door/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special service (note the running time) celebrating (or not) Elizabeth I and my journey with her and into history via the 1998 film starring Cate BlanchettText and musical listing at https://wordpress.com/post/elspethr.wordpress.com/5047Our next service is on Sun Oct 29th at 8pm British time (beware clock changes - ours alter to winter time that day) on the Reformation, this time in [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Title taken from Ellis'Peters novelTV show featured Derek Jacobi and music by Colin TownNext service 10th SeptText at elspethr.wordpress.com from 8pm 20th Aug Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To honour Mary Magdalene's feast day, we have three remarkable and comparable 16th C English women who embodied her spirit:Anne Boleyn, Anne Askew and Jane GreyTranscript at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2023/07/23/magdalene-sunday-2023-anne-anne-and-jane/Next service 20th AugustSept is a special service Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the Isle of Ely, the 7th C in England and a woman, aka Audrey, whose saints say falls today. Is she someone to celebrate, as Ely is this weekend?Transcript and any pictures of the party at elspethr.wordpress.com from 8pm BST 25th https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2023/06/25/etheldreda-of-ely/Next service 23rd JulyArtwork by Lisa Gifford Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My thoughts at the end of Julian weekThese are presented as is without a transcriptIncludes summary of Parallel Shewings lecture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This same weekend, the first in May 2023, Britain sees two very different commemorations. One is new history in the making - the first coronation in many people's living memory; the latter is the 650th anniversary of mystic and author's Mother Julian's visions. (She was 30 when she had them, not a crone, but contemplated them until her years of maturity). As ever, this is an alternative take, and an invitationNext service on 25th June on another East Anglian contemplative woman with a special birthdayThe picture is mine: She Is Our Clothing, about Julian's visionsI am seated on what I always thought looked like the Westminster chair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 111th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, and the first anniversary of the publication of my novella/play, I offer a recording of the bookThis may only be here a short time as otherwise it'll be for subscribers and those who by the bookAct 2 will followI hope to be able to offer a full professional recording https://www.blurb.co.uk/b/11113693-the-jury-in-my-mind-colourhttps://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/392318/The-Jury-In-My-MindNo downloads please - it deliberately has issues to prevent that Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seeing the heart of the Christian faith through the prism of Anne Boleyn, who we met during Lent and Holy Weekhttps://elspethr.wordpress.com/2023/04/10/easter-service-2023-esther-not-jezebel/***My Titanic play performance available here from next weekend 14/15th April 2023 to mark the 111th anniversary****Please email [email protected] for detailsSee https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2022/04/10/the-launch-of-the-jury-in-my-mind/ - also on this showNext service is 7th May on Coronation and Julian of Norwich Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Tudor season continues as we look at Easter 2023 through the lens of Anne Boleyn. Mostly quiet, it has a little music based around Anne's last poemI felt Jesus. Anne and the other women say: sit with us because we’d like to sit with you so you feel the loving presence of God and those that have gone beforeText at www.elspethr.wordpress.com (goes live at 930pm BST) Join us for our Easter service at 8pm BST - please email for link ASAP Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our second service of the history year, we look at two 16th century royal women who share a name and ask what we learn about their king and their God - it may not be the one with a capital GNext services are Th 6th and Sun 9th of April for Easter - see end of below for more detailsTranscript and pictures at elspethr.wordpress.com/2023/03/19/a-queen-and-a-duchess/A 111th anniversary of the Titanic performance is also coming up - check above blog for more details Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the anniversary of 4 16th C royal deaths, I introduce my view of history and take a spiritual view of Mary Stuart's life and her two greatest rivals*Correction: Annet House in Linlithgow is no longer a museum and was not the site of Moray's murderIncludes a prayer for healingText at https://elspethr.wordpress.com/2023/02/11/mary-queen-of-scots-service-a-lady-in-a-tower/Next service on March 19thwith weekly Lenten reflections from 22nd Feb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A full but radical Bible study on the book of Job (read aloud by me in the previous post) on the birthday of Elvis Presley...but how can I link them?I do!Next service on12th Feb: a Lady In A Tower Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The whole biblical book with different voices for use with the service on Jan 8th 2023Forgive the rustles - it's mostly pages of the BibleI used the New International Version Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My own composition Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Between The Stool's 2022 alternative Christmas service...don't expect carols and cute crittersWords at www.elspethr.wordpress.comVideo at https://www.brighteon.com/channels/elspethrNo downloading please, streaming only Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celebrate an 1000th birthdayMeet king, martyr, former national patron saint who gave birth to England’s greatest abbey and inspired its greatest charter...and meNext service on 18th December: Creature Christmas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We mark John Lennon's birth and peace messages with a Bed-In, asking what his life might mean from a spiritual perspectiveThe text (not exactly what was broadcast) is herehttps://elspethr.wordpress.com/2022/10/09/lennon-service/The guitar is me, improvising and with part of my own songNext month is Nov 20th, on Edmund Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.