Followers of my diary blog will be aware that I had a free morning. As usual we travelled to Yelvertoft, Northants, where an old friend, the Revd John Harris, took the service. Afterwards the congregation took Doreen and I out to lunch. That's one of the treats that a small village congregation can enjoy. We are a real village church made up of local people serving the local population.
Home after lunch plus a pastoral visit and preparing for the evening meeting at Theddingworth CC, Leicestershire. We are running a series looking at Psalms and share the aspects of the meeting between us. I took Psalm 84 today: a better place to be,a better journey to take, and a better attitude to have. This linked nicely with the three "blessed" in the Psalm. Several of our folk missing but we had sweet fellowship.
Sunday 28 February 2010
Saturday 27 February 2010
The future is not what it used to be
I loved this title which I read in my copy of The Professional Manager which arrived today. It was the heading for an article about change in the world around us and the importance of understanding this and acting accordingly. It's called scenario planning. While the article was in a secular magazine the wisdom it contained was just as relevant for church life. Sadly, there are still some who think that ignoring the changing world around us and keeping our buildings, furnishings, worship patterns, language and meeting times as they were in the past is vital. What folly! Whatever the future will be it certainly not be what it was.
I get the magazine as a Member of the Chartered Management Institute, I did my management studies with the Open University back in the eighties. It was doubly valuable as not only did I learn important stuff it also helped me to reflect theologically on what God expects of us in using all that he has given us for the purposes of his kingdom. We need to learn to manage properly. There is so much in the gospels that bears that out. Anyway, in the same issue of the magazine is a four page main feature on chaplaincy in the workplace, and its value to organisations. It is great to find a secular magazine published by a seriously significant organisation that celebrates the ministry of Christians outside our church buildings! Who might have imagined that? May be even the present is not what it used to be!
I get the magazine as a Member of the Chartered Management Institute, I did my management studies with the Open University back in the eighties. It was doubly valuable as not only did I learn important stuff it also helped me to reflect theologically on what God expects of us in using all that he has given us for the purposes of his kingdom. We need to learn to manage properly. There is so much in the gospels that bears that out. Anyway, in the same issue of the magazine is a four page main feature on chaplaincy in the workplace, and its value to organisations. It is great to find a secular magazine published by a seriously significant organisation that celebrates the ministry of Christians outside our church buildings! Who might have imagined that? May be even the present is not what it used to be!
Shaken and stirred
Before setting off for Nottingham this morning I briefly caught the news that Chile had experienced an earthquake, though I was unaware of details. For the rest of the day I was in committee with no opportunity to catch up on news. The next I heard was more than eight hours later as I drove my car to get petrol and turned on the car radio just in time to hear the tsunami warning sirens in Hawaii start up during a live interview. Obviously some of the effecst of the earthquake was about to be experienced thousands of miles away.
It brought back memories of the time that Doreen and I visited Hawaii on a "once in a lifetime" holiday to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and our birthdays. As part of that incredible experience Doreen and I went whale watching on her birthday, and I flew over the world's most active volcano on my birthday. From the air I could see the devastation steadily caused by the volcano simmering below me pouring molten lava down the mountainside and into the sea. On a separate occasion we had parked our car in an area where a sign told us how an entire school had been swept into the sea by a tsunami. From the helicopter I was shown the bay where hundreds of Hawaiians died retrieving fish left behind by a retreating sea, oblivious of what was about to happen as the sea returned at the speed of a jet plane.
Today tsunami warning systems in the Pacific and intelligent building regulations in Chile will have made living in such dangerous locations more safe. But my thoughts and prayers have been for those caught up in the disaster in Chile especially. Many years ago I experienced an earthquake in Cornwall. It was indeed very unsettling to feel the land move in that way, but I cannot imagine what it must be like to experience that many hundreds time more powerfully.
It brought back memories of the time that Doreen and I visited Hawaii on a "once in a lifetime" holiday to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and our birthdays. As part of that incredible experience Doreen and I went whale watching on her birthday, and I flew over the world's most active volcano on my birthday. From the air I could see the devastation steadily caused by the volcano simmering below me pouring molten lava down the mountainside and into the sea. On a separate occasion we had parked our car in an area where a sign told us how an entire school had been swept into the sea by a tsunami. From the helicopter I was shown the bay where hundreds of Hawaiians died retrieving fish left behind by a retreating sea, oblivious of what was about to happen as the sea returned at the speed of a jet plane.
Today tsunami warning systems in the Pacific and intelligent building regulations in Chile will have made living in such dangerous locations more safe. But my thoughts and prayers have been for those caught up in the disaster in Chile especially. Many years ago I experienced an earthquake in Cornwall. It was indeed very unsettling to feel the land move in that way, but I cannot imagine what it must be like to experience that many hundreds time more powerfully.
Friday 26 February 2010
Great to meet friends from around the world!
I was just 19 or 20 when I engaged in my first efforts in developing a workable constitution that satisfied Charity Law. It seems a long time ago and I am amazed that the finished job was no worse than it was. In fact it served tolerably well for many years but did have at least one serious flaw. But over the years one gets wiser and as a trustee or director of various bodies, and an adviser to others the knowledge and skills developed find good use in the work of God.
Of course, apart from having to ensure compliance with the law, the most important thing is to develop a constitution or other governing instrument that enables the work of God rather than inhibiting it.
I am confident that the business skills are part of God's gifting in my life but I'm not quite sure where they fit in Roman 12 or the passages in 1 Corinthians 12-14. Is it "administration"? Whatever it is, I have yet another Committee meeting to go to tomorrow, this time in Nottingham where the Congregational Federation's Mission and Society Committee will meet. But... when we are prepared to welcome him in, God can also turn up in some surprising places!
One final note, just to remind myself (and anyone reading this in time) that Steve de Gruchy's funeral in South Africa is at 17.00 GMT Saturday 27th February (i.e. tomorrow). Steve died very tragically in a rafting accident recently. I mentioned more details in yesterday's posting - you can see all by clicking on the name of the month.
Thursday 25 February 2010
A pastoral day
It's a Thursday so it's Yelvertoft, Northants. Bible Study/Fellowship Group this morning followed by a Lent lunch (and very nice too) and then a couple of pastoral visits. One to an older lady with a bad back who is waiting for an X-ray. The other was to the sister (living in Rugby) of our oldest lady member (nearly 89) who has been in a care home for several years but more recently in hospital. She has had dementia for some time. Funeral will be next Thursday late morning so the Fellowship Group will give up their meeting to support it.
It's amazing how much older people appreciate even a brief visit. Caring a little costs very little but is good medicine.
Spent the evening on admin trying to catch up with my expenses claims.
Off to London tomorrow morning to advise on constitutional issues for the Theological Commission of the International Congregational Fellowship. One of the Congregational Theologians from South Africa has very recently died in a tragic rafting accident so I have also been busy sending emails all around the world to ICF members and updating the website at www.intercong.org. Praying for his family; funeral is this saturday at 17.00 GMT.
It's amazing how much older people appreciate even a brief visit. Caring a little costs very little but is good medicine.
Spent the evening on admin trying to catch up with my expenses claims.
Off to London tomorrow morning to advise on constitutional issues for the Theological Commission of the International Congregational Fellowship. One of the Congregational Theologians from South Africa has very recently died in a tragic rafting accident so I have also been busy sending emails all around the world to ICF members and updating the website at www.intercong.org. Praying for his family; funeral is this saturday at 17.00 GMT.
Wednesday 24 February 2010
And...Out of Prison!
Well, what an evening. Before an audience of some 36 visitors, chaplaincy staff and an officer plus about 20 inmates at Gartree Prison the choir did me proud. Not bad considering we have not had every choir member present for each of the last three or four practices. We sang six items in pairs: Love Changes Everything & My song is love unknown, Love Hurts & I can't help falling in love with you, and Here is Love vast as the ocean & What a wonderful world. The concert ended with calls for an encore which we were unable to oblige, but 30 minutes of happy mixed up fellowship over coffee and biscuits followed. During this I heard lots and lots of lovely compliments that justify the choir's hard work.
In addition we had a piano solo (self composed by a clever inmate), a short clarinet solo and a comedy drama.
This afternoon I managed to include a visit to nearby Hothorpe Hall where the officers of the Eastern Division of the Salvation Army were assembled. I met with Major Betty Jones who represents the SA to the Rural Evangelism Network, and also met the Divisional Commissioner who seems supportive of Betty. Among other things we made plans for the publication in hard copy of the Workbook on County Shows alnd Similar Events. It's already on the website at ruralmissions.org.uk.
Another long day, but great to finish with such a sense of good outcomes.
You are welcome to comment - ask questions etc to any of these postings.
In addition we had a piano solo (self composed by a clever inmate), a short clarinet solo and a comedy drama.
This afternoon I managed to include a visit to nearby Hothorpe Hall where the officers of the Eastern Division of the Salvation Army were assembled. I met with Major Betty Jones who represents the SA to the Rural Evangelism Network, and also met the Divisional Commissioner who seems supportive of Betty. Among other things we made plans for the publication in hard copy of the Workbook on County Shows alnd Similar Events. It's already on the website at ruralmissions.org.uk.
Another long day, but great to finish with such a sense of good outcomes.
You are welcome to comment - ask questions etc to any of these postings.
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Into Prison
Today was the final day of practice for the Choir at HMP Gartree. Only nine men able to attend as two or three had visitors and one was unwell. But it was a good practice and the sound was excellent. The choir has come a long way considering we only have 45 minutes a week and almost all do not read music.
Concert tomorrow evening.
The therapeutic benefits of the choir are obvious not only to me but to others in the Chaplaincy and to those who attend these concerts. There are usually 30 to 50 from outside and 15 to 25 inmates. Those from outside are people associated with the prison such as Visitors. Last concert brought a stream of encouraging comments from them.
This evening our Home Group (in the village of Theddingworth) got together with a bring and share meal. It has been good to see some on a real spiritual journey over the past year or so. Much to praise God for.
Admin work today focused on the Rural Evangelism Network.
Concert tomorrow evening.
The therapeutic benefits of the choir are obvious not only to me but to others in the Chaplaincy and to those who attend these concerts. There are usually 30 to 50 from outside and 15 to 25 inmates. Those from outside are people associated with the prison such as Visitors. Last concert brought a stream of encouraging comments from them.
This evening our Home Group (in the village of Theddingworth) got together with a bring and share meal. It has been good to see some on a real spiritual journey over the past year or so. Much to praise God for.
Admin work today focused on the Rural Evangelism Network.
Monday 22 February 2010
School today
The long hours worked just before and during the weekend are catching up! But it's been a good day.
The significant activity today was taking a Primary School Assembly at Lubenham. The prescribed topic was the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. I thought how can I make that (a) interesting and (b) relevant.
Since I love story telling and often do that with them I resorted to doing a one man piece of drama, and played the devil. I explained that I had been asked to come and talk about my biggest failure, though why I don't know because I have had many successes (scanned the audience and identified several success stories!). I then explained my general three areas I exploit: desires of the flesh (greed), desires of the eyes, and pride. I gave illustrations of these appropriate to the age range and then told them how I tried hard to mess up the work Jesus came to do - but failed. I finished by hearing a far off call (a bit like superman) and told the children the bad news: someone who was being tempted had decided to pray to God for help! Oh No! Exit off stage.
Came back as me and we prayed together.
Only other activity relates today was setting up a new business bank account. Have just discovered the need for this as processing work expenses (e.g. Rural Sunrise, church etc) and channelling donations through my personal bank account is actually illegal!!! I wonder how many other ministers and church leaders use their personal bank accounts to move money on items they purchase for a church or charity and then claim reimbursement. I guess it runs into thousands.
The significant activity today was taking a Primary School Assembly at Lubenham. The prescribed topic was the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. I thought how can I make that (a) interesting and (b) relevant.
Since I love story telling and often do that with them I resorted to doing a one man piece of drama, and played the devil. I explained that I had been asked to come and talk about my biggest failure, though why I don't know because I have had many successes (scanned the audience and identified several success stories!). I then explained my general three areas I exploit: desires of the flesh (greed), desires of the eyes, and pride. I gave illustrations of these appropriate to the age range and then told them how I tried hard to mess up the work Jesus came to do - but failed. I finished by hearing a far off call (a bit like superman) and told the children the bad news: someone who was being tempted had decided to pray to God for help! Oh No! Exit off stage.
Came back as me and we prayed together.
Only other activity relates today was setting up a new business bank account. Have just discovered the need for this as processing work expenses (e.g. Rural Sunrise, church etc) and channelling donations through my personal bank account is actually illegal!!! I wonder how many other ministers and church leaders use their personal bank accounts to move money on items they purchase for a church or charity and then claim reimbursement. I guess it runs into thousands.
Sunday 21 February 2010
A busy weekend
It has been busy. On Friday Doreen and I were finishing off sending out the Rural Evangelism Network newsletters and enclosures. Then I got down to preparing for Saturday, finally finishing around 11.30.
On Saturday I set out at 7.45am to get the train to Nottingham where I was to work on the Integrated Training Course Foundation weekend. I gave a presentation on the next steps for students who want to take their studies further, then did two and a half hours of interviews (five in all), and two lots of one and a half hour long presentation on the Module on Church Management. I finally got home at 11.00pm.
Before going to bed I finally had a sense of what I was to speak about at the morning meeting at Yelvertoft. I woke on Sunday and started working prayerfully on the theme, which was confidence in the gospel. Bible base was the story of Naaman (and a bold servant girl who had confidence in the good news she shared), and 1 Corinthians 1: 18 onwards. Putting it into practice proved a blessing.
The afternoon included writing a piece for the Yelvertoft Parish magazine.
Then this evening happy fellowship at Theddingworth and then home by 7.45 and cracking on with writing up the report of the Federation's Inter-Church Board and sending it off by email to go out from the Nottingham office on Monday.
Bed around 11.30pm. 45 hours work in three days!!! less the odd meal time etc. Who said ministers only work one day a week!
On Saturday I set out at 7.45am to get the train to Nottingham where I was to work on the Integrated Training Course Foundation weekend. I gave a presentation on the next steps for students who want to take their studies further, then did two and a half hours of interviews (five in all), and two lots of one and a half hour long presentation on the Module on Church Management. I finally got home at 11.00pm.
Before going to bed I finally had a sense of what I was to speak about at the morning meeting at Yelvertoft. I woke on Sunday and started working prayerfully on the theme, which was confidence in the gospel. Bible base was the story of Naaman (and a bold servant girl who had confidence in the good news she shared), and 1 Corinthians 1: 18 onwards. Putting it into practice proved a blessing.
The afternoon included writing a piece for the Yelvertoft Parish magazine.
Then this evening happy fellowship at Theddingworth and then home by 7.45 and cracking on with writing up the report of the Federation's Inter-Church Board and sending it off by email to go out from the Nottingham office on Monday.
Bed around 11.30pm. 45 hours work in three days!!! less the odd meal time etc. Who said ministers only work one day a week!
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