I am writing this post on the morning of Remembrance Sunday and will soon be preparing to share in a public act at the village war memorial and a joint service at the Parish Church in Yelvertoft. But this past week has also been largely about remembrance as Doreen and I spent almost all of it in the south east of England.
Last Monday I attended a trustees meeting for Sunrise Ministries (the charity under which Rural Sunrise - now Rural Mission Solutions operates) in my capacity as company and charity secretary. On Wednesday we both attended the funeral and thanksgiving services for a former member of Herstmonceux Free Church, where I was minister for almost 15 years. By making some diary adjustments we were able to stay in East Sussex from Sunday evening until Friday afternoon and take a few days "break".
This also provided opportunity to visit friends and family in Hastings, Herstmonceux and the surrounding area. Each day was filled with such activity that brought with it precious memories from the past and repeated occasions of thanksgiving for God's faithful blessings. Happily included in this was a brief visit to an elderly aunt whom I had not seen for far too long. She is the last of my aunts and uncles and I had spent many happy days of childhood at play with one of her sons who was the same age as me. Tragically, he died while still a young man.
A busy life (I am often told too busy) has meant that links of family and friends have not always been serviced as I would have desired and I relished all these opportunities for such visits, including an evening with Doug with whom I was at two schools and sang in a semi-professional boy band at one time!
Occasions of remembrance do many things. They can bring sadness as well as joy. They can bring regret. But they can also bring a fresh commitment to the quality of the time remaining. This morning I will be speaking to this theme starting with the words, "Tell them that for their tomorrow we gave our today". In the light of their sacrifice - and that of the cross - what kind of world are we building? Would they be disappointed? Is God disappointed?
Among the past week's many discussions came two comments about this blog. The first was that many friends and prayer partners feel excluded if they do not have internet access and do not receive paper based news. The second was from a regular reader of the blog who expressed appreciation for it. I admit that the relative ease of blogging and sending emails has led to a serious reduction in the number of newsletters that go out in the post. It is, in part, also a matter of time management. So I am wondering whether any reader of this diary blog would be prepared to help by producing an edited version of a month's news that could be contained on two sides of A4. Copy and paste would be possible. Some photos could also be copied. If this was then emailed to the office Doreen and I could mail the letters out. Any offers would be welcome please.
I end this posting by remembering the outside wall of an Anglo-Catholic church in St. Leonards-on-Sea that I often passed as a child on foot, bicycle, and bus. Each time I glanced at the large crucifix and read the words beneath: "Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?" (Lam. 1:12). Remembering the past can be very important.
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Sunday, 7 November 2010
The Archbishop said "Yes"
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| That's him - not me! |
Mine was one of around six questions that had been selected. It asked whether, in the light of the specific tasks given to the disciples to proclaim the gospel and make disciples, the panel wished to affirm the good work done by some rural churches that had discovered how to combine appropriate and effective proclamation of the gospel alongside presence evangelism (i.e. the witness through the life lived). To this the Archbishop said, "Yes" and then went on to speak about the need for it to be appropriate in style.
Of course it is vital that our evangelism is appropriately contextualised and that includes how we engage with people, what and how we say it, and how we encourage a response. There is understandable anxiety about imported evangelists and teams whose personal culture affects the way that they undertake the tasks. Far better would be if those who are part of the community and know how the village ticks had sufficient knowledge of the gospel and sufficient confidence to share this vital story with their neighbours.
Even better is to include evangelism as part of a general programme of mission that expresses God's love and concern for all. This is why we run programmes that help churches to design and tailor mission strategies that are appropriate to themselves and the community in which they are situated. To that end I gave away at the conference around eighty copies of a free CD with a PowerPoint presentation with soundtrack on this very theme.
There was also interest in the "No Ordinary Man" project from a number of church leaders including some bishops of the Church of England.
While I was away we heard that Ken Duffield had passed into the presence of the Lord. Ken was one of my members at Yelvertoft and had suffered a stroke two years ago. For the last eighteen months his wife, Joan, had been his primary carer. Thankfully, Doreen and others in the church provided immediate support with me backing that up on the phone. In many ways it is a relief for Ken who is now in the presence of the Lord, as is also Joan Taylor - one of our members from my time at Herstmonceux who has recently lost a six year battle with cancer. Her funeral is on Wednesday in Eastbourne.
I have to be in East Sussex for a Sunrise Ministries trustees' meeting on Monday so Doreen is joining me and we will spend a few days in Sussex to make it possible for us to attend both events. So other activities this week have been cancelled. Next Sunday is a Joint Remembrance Service and I will be speaking at the Parish Church in Yelvertoft.
If you would like a free copy of the CD mentioned above please email me at sunrise@ruralmissions.org.uk.
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Progress! A mountain climbed!
Regular readers of my diary blog (if such exist) might have been disappointed to find that nothing has been entered since 16th of October. The reason for this was the need to keep my nose to the proverbial grindstone (never sure what that means!) and complete some urgent work.
The first major task was an editing job on a report to go to the House of Bishops of the Church of England. The topic is the pastoral care of people in churches who have been sexually abused at some time in their lives (not necessarily in a church context). About eight different people (including me) had been working on this and had written various sections. I offered to do the editing thinking I might have some space during August. Once that opportunity was lost it was impossible to find sufficient uncluttered time to focus on the onerous task of making it into a single cohesive document with appropriate content and style. It was an enormous challenge but one that is of great importance and some urgency.
I had the work finished as far as possible by very late Thursday 21st and emailed copies off to the team ready for our meeting in London last Monday. To my relief my work was well received and no one seemed to be offended by my editing of their material. A mountain had been climbed!
My next task was to give serious thought to undertaking an MPhil research degree. In my immediately previous posting here I mentioned my visit to Winchester University. My original intention back in 2004 when I was accepted at Bangor University was to do a piece of work that was empirical and put stress on data gathering. I only just managed to get started when our lives were disrupted by the move from the SE to the East Midlands, changes of home and office, work, etc. Then the department at Bangor closed! By contrast the Head of Department at Winchester indicated that they would like a slightly different approach. While there were advantages in this my question was whether it was still going to achieve what I had intended.
I have felt all along that there was value in this being a piece of accredited work that would then offer value to others coming after me in rural ministry and mission. Obtaining a Masters - or even a Doctorate - was not the primary purpose. So there followed a lot of heart searching and prayer. Then came revisions of my original proposal, correspondence with the University and a few good friends before submitting my application yesterday morning. I now feel I have a clearer vision of what is involved and its relevance in my life and ministry.
Meanwhile a mail-out to members of the Rural Evangelism Network had been in the queue. A newsletter had to be completed and various other bits and pieces put together ready for the mail-out with copies of "Country Way". With the able assistance of Doreen the task was finished by early yesterday afternoon and then in the post.
There remain other unfinished tasks and my office is in its usual untidy state as I have rushed from one task to the next without properly tidying things away! Also within the work described above there have been meetings, ministry, pastoral visits, all kinds of domestic duties, Doreen and me both having endoscopies, and preparation of materials for the big Conference this coming week. One aspect of that has been the opportunity to get my book on Effective Rural Evangelism reprinted in a better format.
Previously I have asked that friends pray for the Lord to raise up others to whom I can delegate responsibilities - perhaps "apprentices" keen to learn about rural mission work. I am grateful that a friend who is a retired Anglican clergyman has kindly agreed to take some of the work off my shoulders relating to evangelistic articles for Country Way. I am grateful, but clearly need my eyes open to see other sources of assistance. Some of this needs to be local to me but other aspects might be anywhere in a world that has shrunk with modern technology.
So to the week ahead....
Sunday 31st October 9.00 service at Gartree Prison while Dr. Gordon Temple takes the meeting at Yelvertoft.
Monday 1st November The monthly 9.00 Communion Service for the staff at Torch Trust for the Blind. (This is where Doreen works part time and we have very good relationships with them)
Monday and Tuesday will also be final preparation for the Conference.
Tuesday 2nd My afternoon at the prison. In the evening (if my work is completed) a Church Meeting at Theddingworth.
Wednesday to Friday "Faith & the Future of the Countryside" Conference at Swanwick, Derbyshire. During this Conference I have an information and resource stand and will be leading a fringe meeting on "Appropriate Evangelism" on Thursday.
Sunday 7th I will be at Yelvertoft once more and facing a busy week that includes a Sunrise Ministries trustees' meeting in East Sussex.
Those good friends who urge me to do less will be glad to know that Doreen and I hope to take a few days break in November and that much of December will remain clear. Regular fixed holiday periods will go into the 2011 diary. I do appreciate the concern shown and realise that postings like this must make it look as if I have no spare time. However, I can only do one day's work in a day, and I do allow time for fellowship with the Lord and with my wife. In the past both Doreen and I had health problems because of a work regime imposed upon us by the director of the mission in which we once worked. That has made us more sensible - though, together, we continue to want to live this life in the service of one who never makes tyrannical demands of us.
Thank you for your love and fellowship.
Barry
The first major task was an editing job on a report to go to the House of Bishops of the Church of England. The topic is the pastoral care of people in churches who have been sexually abused at some time in their lives (not necessarily in a church context). About eight different people (including me) had been working on this and had written various sections. I offered to do the editing thinking I might have some space during August. Once that opportunity was lost it was impossible to find sufficient uncluttered time to focus on the onerous task of making it into a single cohesive document with appropriate content and style. It was an enormous challenge but one that is of great importance and some urgency.
I had the work finished as far as possible by very late Thursday 21st and emailed copies off to the team ready for our meeting in London last Monday. To my relief my work was well received and no one seemed to be offended by my editing of their material. A mountain had been climbed!
My next task was to give serious thought to undertaking an MPhil research degree. In my immediately previous posting here I mentioned my visit to Winchester University. My original intention back in 2004 when I was accepted at Bangor University was to do a piece of work that was empirical and put stress on data gathering. I only just managed to get started when our lives were disrupted by the move from the SE to the East Midlands, changes of home and office, work, etc. Then the department at Bangor closed! By contrast the Head of Department at Winchester indicated that they would like a slightly different approach. While there were advantages in this my question was whether it was still going to achieve what I had intended.
I have felt all along that there was value in this being a piece of accredited work that would then offer value to others coming after me in rural ministry and mission. Obtaining a Masters - or even a Doctorate - was not the primary purpose. So there followed a lot of heart searching and prayer. Then came revisions of my original proposal, correspondence with the University and a few good friends before submitting my application yesterday morning. I now feel I have a clearer vision of what is involved and its relevance in my life and ministry.
Meanwhile a mail-out to members of the Rural Evangelism Network had been in the queue. A newsletter had to be completed and various other bits and pieces put together ready for the mail-out with copies of "Country Way". With the able assistance of Doreen the task was finished by early yesterday afternoon and then in the post.
There remain other unfinished tasks and my office is in its usual untidy state as I have rushed from one task to the next without properly tidying things away! Also within the work described above there have been meetings, ministry, pastoral visits, all kinds of domestic duties, Doreen and me both having endoscopies, and preparation of materials for the big Conference this coming week. One aspect of that has been the opportunity to get my book on Effective Rural Evangelism reprinted in a better format.
Previously I have asked that friends pray for the Lord to raise up others to whom I can delegate responsibilities - perhaps "apprentices" keen to learn about rural mission work. I am grateful that a friend who is a retired Anglican clergyman has kindly agreed to take some of the work off my shoulders relating to evangelistic articles for Country Way. I am grateful, but clearly need my eyes open to see other sources of assistance. Some of this needs to be local to me but other aspects might be anywhere in a world that has shrunk with modern technology.
So to the week ahead....
Sunday 31st October 9.00 service at Gartree Prison while Dr. Gordon Temple takes the meeting at Yelvertoft.
Monday 1st November The monthly 9.00 Communion Service for the staff at Torch Trust for the Blind. (This is where Doreen works part time and we have very good relationships with them)
Monday and Tuesday will also be final preparation for the Conference.
Tuesday 2nd My afternoon at the prison. In the evening (if my work is completed) a Church Meeting at Theddingworth.
Wednesday to Friday "Faith & the Future of the Countryside" Conference at Swanwick, Derbyshire. During this Conference I have an information and resource stand and will be leading a fringe meeting on "Appropriate Evangelism" on Thursday.
Sunday 7th I will be at Yelvertoft once more and facing a busy week that includes a Sunrise Ministries trustees' meeting in East Sussex.
Those good friends who urge me to do less will be glad to know that Doreen and I hope to take a few days break in November and that much of December will remain clear. Regular fixed holiday periods will go into the 2011 diary. I do appreciate the concern shown and realise that postings like this must make it look as if I have no spare time. However, I can only do one day's work in a day, and I do allow time for fellowship with the Lord and with my wife. In the past both Doreen and I had health problems because of a work regime imposed upon us by the director of the mission in which we once worked. That has made us more sensible - though, together, we continue to want to live this life in the service of one who never makes tyrannical demands of us.
Thank you for your love and fellowship.
Barry
Saturday, 16 October 2010
The Weekly News
In the TV programme "Dad's Army" Private Pyke was often addressed as "You stupid boy!" That's what I called myself on Friday after receiving a phone call from a company based in India with links to Microsoft. The caller (from India allegedly) was able to prove his credentials and then showed me that there were many faults on my laptop. I then signed up to what I thought was a Microsoft sponsored package and parted with some cash via a credit card.
What then followed was about 20 minutes of activity remotely on my laptop during which a number of files were deleted (all of which I could have deleted), a couple of alterations were made to the appearance of my "desktop", a couple of files were added (one of which was a freeware programme), he tweaked a couple of items in the registry, and scanned the laptop for malware (which I am also able to do). I became suspicious as none of this justified the money I had spent or addressed the alleged problem on my laptop. I proceeded to check it out and discovered that the company "Comantra" was mentioned in articles about a scam! So I had to restore the laptop to a time before they fiddled with it.
As far as I can tell there are no serious or on-going consequences, other than a bruised ego. Wouldn't it be great if we could reset our lives to a point before we messed up? Well, God does do something similar. A friend who I consulted stated, "Be very careful who you hand over remote control of your computer to". Similarly, we do well to act wisely as to who we hand over control of our lives to!
Past week's work etc
On Monday my visit to Winchester University went well. There is now a stronger possibility of doing my MPhil with Winchester. I need to get a move on if I am to hit the deadline of the end of October to start in February.
On Tuesday it was back to prison to work with the choir, only to find that two more choir members have been moved to other prisons. We are shrinking rapidly which makes it all the harder to prepare for the concert.
On Wednesday Doreen had to prepare for her hospital visit (internal examination) on Thursday. We were at the hospital for four hours. Nothing alarming was discovered and the probable cause of her problem (that was discovered) is manageable.
Coming Week
Sunday 17th. Morning taking the service at Yelvertoft and, in the evening, the service at Theddingworth.
Tuesday 19th. Afternoon at Prison and the evening at a Farm Crisis Network Harvest Supper.
Wednesday 20th. My annual check-up on my "Barrett's Oesophagus" as part of the national cancer trial. Barrett's is pre-cancerous in a small percentage of cases and the hospitals are trialling medication they hope will prevent this.
Sunday 24th. Yelvertoft with a special guest from Christian Aid to talk about a project we sponsor.
General: More writing/editing for the guidance notes on the care of those who have been victims of sexual abuse. Also following up the recent rural mission consultation, and sending out the periodic newsletter for the Rural Evangelism network.
As always - a real thank you for your prayers and (as you are led) practical support.
Barry
What then followed was about 20 minutes of activity remotely on my laptop during which a number of files were deleted (all of which I could have deleted), a couple of alterations were made to the appearance of my "desktop", a couple of files were added (one of which was a freeware programme), he tweaked a couple of items in the registry, and scanned the laptop for malware (which I am also able to do). I became suspicious as none of this justified the money I had spent or addressed the alleged problem on my laptop. I proceeded to check it out and discovered that the company "Comantra" was mentioned in articles about a scam! So I had to restore the laptop to a time before they fiddled with it.
As far as I can tell there are no serious or on-going consequences, other than a bruised ego. Wouldn't it be great if we could reset our lives to a point before we messed up? Well, God does do something similar. A friend who I consulted stated, "Be very careful who you hand over remote control of your computer to". Similarly, we do well to act wisely as to who we hand over control of our lives to!
Past week's work etc
On Monday my visit to Winchester University went well. There is now a stronger possibility of doing my MPhil with Winchester. I need to get a move on if I am to hit the deadline of the end of October to start in February.
On Tuesday it was back to prison to work with the choir, only to find that two more choir members have been moved to other prisons. We are shrinking rapidly which makes it all the harder to prepare for the concert.
On Wednesday Doreen had to prepare for her hospital visit (internal examination) on Thursday. We were at the hospital for four hours. Nothing alarming was discovered and the probable cause of her problem (that was discovered) is manageable.
Coming Week
Sunday 17th. Morning taking the service at Yelvertoft and, in the evening, the service at Theddingworth.
Tuesday 19th. Afternoon at Prison and the evening at a Farm Crisis Network Harvest Supper.
Wednesday 20th. My annual check-up on my "Barrett's Oesophagus" as part of the national cancer trial. Barrett's is pre-cancerous in a small percentage of cases and the hospitals are trialling medication they hope will prevent this.
Sunday 24th. Yelvertoft with a special guest from Christian Aid to talk about a project we sponsor.
General: More writing/editing for the guidance notes on the care of those who have been victims of sexual abuse. Also following up the recent rural mission consultation, and sending out the periodic newsletter for the Rural Evangelism network.
As always - a real thank you for your prayers and (as you are led) practical support.
Barry
Sunday, 10 October 2010
The last 48 hours
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Salvation Army Group |
Spending a day looking at how sexual abuse can happen within Christian organisations and churches is neither easy to teach nor to listen to but I find there is such a good attitude within the SA that they cope very well, though no doubt we were all feeling tired by the end of the day. I took the morning prayers and then had three sessions to teach through the day. We finished up with some role play which really drove home the various aspects we have been teaching.
I'm very sorry to learn that "Time for Action", the book I co-wrote in 2001 about the care of victims of sexual abuse, is out of print and unlikely to be re-printed. I know that there is a real need to get many more copies out as it remains the best source of quality relevant information for churches and Christian organisations. Certainly every trainee minister/ordinand ought to have and read a copy. So I'm going to do my best to see if there is a way around it.
The journey to Newark that evening was very tiring. I arrived at 9.30pm and fell into bed at 11.30 - but did not arise until 9.00 this morning! I needed that! I took the morning service for London Road Congregational Church, Newark and used a mixture of Christian songs and teaching from scripture using story-telling techniques. I was well looked after by Val and Phil who put me up and the breakfast I was given should keep me going for two days at least!
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| Part of the Theddingworth congregation |
Then tonight we shared in the harvest service at Theddingworth where Mr Christopher Jones, President of Farm Crisis Network and an old friend was our speaker. It was a good turn out for a small village. Tomorrow - off to Winchester University then back home again (by train).
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Working in Norfolk
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| Sally doing her part |
I am writing this from Ditchingham in Norfolk. Yesterday I led a day for a dozen rural church leaders assisted by the Revd Sally Gaze. The response was so encouraging and the leaders in this area have given a strong request for us to repeat something similar. There may well be a number of invitations to work with local churches as a result.
Today (Saturday) I am staying on at the Conference Centre to work with the Salvation Army teaching on their "Safe and Sound" programme. Later this evening there is a 3 hour drive to Newark where I shall be taking the morning service.
Last Wednesday I spoke and sang at a small fellowship meeting for the Methodist Church in Market Harborough. It was a sweet time focusing on the Lord's faithfulness. I followed this with a meeting with the Leicester Diocese Rural Group.
The previous day had been spent in London working with Child Protection Officers from across Britain and representatives from the Churches Safeguarding Agency and CCPAS , helping them to refocus on the structure and work of the group.
After I get back from Newark on Sunday afternoon Doreen and I will be sharing with others at Theddingworth Chapel's Harvest Thanksgiving.
Next Monday I will value your prayers as i travel to Winchester to meet with faculty members of the University to explore the research programme exploring the most effective ways of contextual evangelism in rural areas.
Doreen and I are so grateful for the prayers and practical support we receive from friends. Your prayers are so important to us. C.H. Spurgeon used to have a team of men who prayed in a room below the place where he stood preaching in London, such is the importance of prayer.
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Up to some good!
Here we are at the end of another week and time to share some headlines and list some things for prayer.
Last Sunday we joined with the Parish Church at Yelvertoft for their Harvest Service. The welcome was warm and genuine, and it remains my hope that we might see more balanced inter-church relations within the village. In the evening Doreen and I went to Theddingworth - numbers small but fellowship good.
On Monday I took part in the Country Way Editorial Group meeting. The current issue looks splendid and we continue with the vexed question as to why something this could and so affordable has not yet achieved a wider readership. It is now more than 17 years since I helped to launch it. After the Editorial meeting I attended the Rural Theology Association meeting (both events being at the Arthur Rank Centre).
On Tuesday I had submitted apologies to two London-based meetings I should have attended - though being at two places at once would have been difficult! The primary reason for this was the importance of being in the prison in the afternoon but it also gave me the opportunity of taking a school assembly in the morning. In both of the schools I serve assembly themes seem to have been set by people who have little or no idea of how a meaningful and enjoyable Christian assembly could be conducted. What would you have done with "What If?" as part of a series on this school has enterprise? But I often find the Holy Spirit can be very creative!
On Friday we had a special Area Executive meeting for the Congregational Federation when we were due to discuss the possibility of appointing an Area Children's Worker. I had been charged with the task of going with another colleague to meet with the Federation's Nation Children's Officer on the Wednesday to explore this from his position. It proved a useful time and on return I prepared the papers for the Friday meeting where a positive decision was made. Now the challenge is to get the churches (34 of them) all to think about how such an investment might best be used. At times like this George Bernard Shaw's famous comment comes to mind, "Some men see things as they are and ask why. I dream things that never were and ask why not". Too many churches accept the status quo resignedly.
So what about this week?
Sunday morning at Yelvertoft we were missing several of our regulars who were away at another event but had the joy of two folk from the Parish Church joining us. We had a useful meeting and it was good to hear the comments afterwards. In the afternoon we joined with others for an Area Assembly at Clarendon Park Church, Leicester. This was the church i looked after for two years recently. Their new minister has settled in well and the church continues to move forward.
Monday gave an opportunity for an Assembly at another school, and on this occasion I was able to draw on the story of Ruth and speak about God's plan and provision for us.
Tuesday - the day I am finally getting round to writing this - I am off to London to facilitate a discussion among those responsible for Child Protection issues within the main denominations. I am doing this as someone who is independent but informed and sympathetic. The purpose is to explore the future ways of working.
On Wednesday I am taking a small afternoon fellowship meeting for a Methodist Church then taking part in a meeting for the Leicester Diocesan Rural Group.
On Thursday I hope to squeeze in a meeting of my local management committee before setting off for Ditchingham on the border of Norfolk and Suffolk. On Friday I will be leading a day of reflection on rural mission for local church leaders in that part of the world assisted by the Revd sally gaze who wrote "Mission Shaped and Rural". I stay on at Ditchingham for Saturday's work with the Salvation Army teaching on their Safe & Sound Course. The travelling on in the evening to Newark where I will be taking the Sunday morning service.
If all that seems busy then do support me with your prayers as I also have to find time to complete the editing of an important guidance paper for the Church of England on the care of those who have been sexually abused. Words such a quart, pot and pint come to mind!
Last Sunday we joined with the Parish Church at Yelvertoft for their Harvest Service. The welcome was warm and genuine, and it remains my hope that we might see more balanced inter-church relations within the village. In the evening Doreen and I went to Theddingworth - numbers small but fellowship good.
On Monday I took part in the Country Way Editorial Group meeting. The current issue looks splendid and we continue with the vexed question as to why something this could and so affordable has not yet achieved a wider readership. It is now more than 17 years since I helped to launch it. After the Editorial meeting I attended the Rural Theology Association meeting (both events being at the Arthur Rank Centre).
On Tuesday I had submitted apologies to two London-based meetings I should have attended - though being at two places at once would have been difficult! The primary reason for this was the importance of being in the prison in the afternoon but it also gave me the opportunity of taking a school assembly in the morning. In both of the schools I serve assembly themes seem to have been set by people who have little or no idea of how a meaningful and enjoyable Christian assembly could be conducted. What would you have done with "What If?" as part of a series on this school has enterprise? But I often find the Holy Spirit can be very creative!
On Friday we had a special Area Executive meeting for the Congregational Federation when we were due to discuss the possibility of appointing an Area Children's Worker. I had been charged with the task of going with another colleague to meet with the Federation's Nation Children's Officer on the Wednesday to explore this from his position. It proved a useful time and on return I prepared the papers for the Friday meeting where a positive decision was made. Now the challenge is to get the churches (34 of them) all to think about how such an investment might best be used. At times like this George Bernard Shaw's famous comment comes to mind, "Some men see things as they are and ask why. I dream things that never were and ask why not". Too many churches accept the status quo resignedly.
So what about this week?
Sunday morning at Yelvertoft we were missing several of our regulars who were away at another event but had the joy of two folk from the Parish Church joining us. We had a useful meeting and it was good to hear the comments afterwards. In the afternoon we joined with others for an Area Assembly at Clarendon Park Church, Leicester. This was the church i looked after for two years recently. Their new minister has settled in well and the church continues to move forward.
Monday gave an opportunity for an Assembly at another school, and on this occasion I was able to draw on the story of Ruth and speak about God's plan and provision for us.
Tuesday - the day I am finally getting round to writing this - I am off to London to facilitate a discussion among those responsible for Child Protection issues within the main denominations. I am doing this as someone who is independent but informed and sympathetic. The purpose is to explore the future ways of working.
On Wednesday I am taking a small afternoon fellowship meeting for a Methodist Church then taking part in a meeting for the Leicester Diocesan Rural Group.
On Thursday I hope to squeeze in a meeting of my local management committee before setting off for Ditchingham on the border of Norfolk and Suffolk. On Friday I will be leading a day of reflection on rural mission for local church leaders in that part of the world assisted by the Revd sally gaze who wrote "Mission Shaped and Rural". I stay on at Ditchingham for Saturday's work with the Salvation Army teaching on their Safe & Sound Course. The travelling on in the evening to Newark where I will be taking the Sunday morning service.
If all that seems busy then do support me with your prayers as I also have to find time to complete the editing of an important guidance paper for the Church of England on the care of those who have been sexually abused. Words such a quart, pot and pint come to mind!
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