Flannel: n./adj., a fabric of various degrees of weight and fineness, made usually from loosely spun yarn.

Christian: n./adj., (1) a disciple or follower of Jesus, (2) a person who struggles to lay their life alongside the life, ministry and mission of Jesus, (3) me.

Flannel can be lots of things. It can be soft and warm - perfect for pajamas on Autumnal evenings, with hot cocoa and a fire. And it can be a work-shirt - a traditional and utilitarian piece of clothing come to symbolize a gritty working class. And, of course, it seems particularly associated with the Pacific Northwest (of the US). Interestingly, the origin of the word is uncertain, but the roots of the material reach back to a kind of coarse flannel with a long nap which is said to have been first introduced to England about the middle of the 16th century by refugees from France and the Netherlands. At once a comfort and also the attire of workers and refugees, and made from loosely spun yarns - perfect. I wish Christianity could be so described.

This is my attempt to document a developing Christian ministry.

And my attempt to wear lots of flannel.