Importance of a good connection

There has been a considerable gap since my last posting on this blog.  The main reason for this has been difficulty in getting a good connection to the Internet.  It's a bit like prayer in a number of ways.  But communication with God is certainly something that works better where there is a good connection existing.  My mobile occasionally informs me that no connection is possible but apparently I can still use it for emergency calls.  That's like prayer too.  God is always ready to hear the "save me" call even when it comes from someone who has never previously had a connection.

Anyway, time to desist from preaching and share some news instead.  Easter Sunday at Yelvertoft was manageable as far as my health was concerned.  It was also disappointing with most of our regular folk away and no visitors.  Normally I would have been able to get posters and leaflets around but my emergency operation had interfered with those plans.  We used some short clips from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as parables of the heart of the gospel.

Monday 5th was used to catch up on more admin jobs and then we set off for the Congregational Federation's annual Ministers' Conference; held this year at Willersley Castle, Matlock, Derbyshire.  We had some interesting sessions and some excellent Bible Studies.  Our good friend, Suzanne Nockels, led some lively worship times. For me the best element was the opportunity for relaxing fellowship with colleagues and the opportunity to catch up on their news.  I'll probably add one or two photos to this posting but I will put a selection on my Facebook page.

Gradually I found I was experiencing less discomfort.  I had managed the drive from Market Harborough to Matlock OK.  On the Friday we bade farewell to one another, and Doreen and I set off on a week's break.  We were heading for Llandrindod Wells in Powys but planned to break our journey in the Shrewsbury area. On enquiring from the Pontesbury Church Secretary (I had led an away day for them recently) I discovered that they had members that provided B&B.  We arrived late afternoon to discover that their home is a fabulous Elizabethan property.  It had been acquired as a derelict and oft-flooded building but hard work and wise development had rendered it dry and restored it to much of its former glory.

Knowing that I was going to be staying with them I had been asked to conduct the morning services at Pontesbury and Minsterley in  order to support a visiting preacher, Mr John Butterworth, who was represeneting the European Christian Mission.  I offered to include a solo and chose to sing "Thank you for giving to the Lord".  It proved incredibly apposite as it precisely picked up on the preachers final point.  I had not been informed what he would say and he had no idea what I would sing.  But both parts fitted perfectly without any need for adjustment.  It was a happy Sunday morning with both services taken.

Sunday afternoon saw us on our way into Wales.  Today we drove around the beautiful Elan Valley.  Do go to the facebook page and look at the photos.  Hopefully, you will be able to see these even if you are not on Facebook yourself (try googling facebook and Barry Osborne".  If you are on Facebook, hopefully you are already on my friends list.

So there we are up to date, though I have missed out some interesting parts rather than take up too much of your time.  We are able to post once again - and do much more beside - as a reasonably decent connection now exists.  Note to self: ensure communications with Heavenly father are OK!