Four sessions of Kingdom Train Holiday Club last week - some thoughts and reflections - in no particular order.
Preparation or the week had been done by the time I 'got on board' - after talking with various folk, it seems it was a well used format although the material was new. Organisers had a lot of teaching background - retired teachers - this showed in that whilst it was well organised perhaps some of it was a little formal in structure.
The children were mainly grandchildren of the helpers/organisers, had been to previous holiday clubs, or went to Pilots. It appears that there is an issue regarding publicity and inviting 'new' children - something to look into before next year.
The craft work was a 'big make' which I wasn't used to from previous experiences with Holiday Clubs - it worked well with the older group but in my humble opinion, the younger group would have benefited from more guidance. I wasn't terribly impressed with the quality of 'craft materials' available, some of which seemed to be 'past their sell by date' in a manner of speaking (e.g. flat boxes which smelled musty)
On a positive note, the children were all keen to join in and listened well when adults were talking so they must have been engaged even if I thought it was formal!
On a personal note it was a good time to build up relationships with both the children and adults which I hope will stand me in good stead in the coming months and years.
It was particularly good to be working with my colleague and discover we had very similar views on a number of issues.
Sunday, 26 July 2009
Monday, 13 July 2009
Who are we?
Went to morning worship at W/S yesterday morning - got introduced to more people - Mary, Myra & Walter; Hazel, Edna and Gwen, Doreen and possible Julia! So many new names - and I have such a poor memory for names! I'm sure that next week they will all expect me to remember them and I'll fail!! Hopefully they'll be understanding.
A good service led by a retired minister - extolling us to dance and praise God and David did - both in church and in 'the world' (how I hate that term!)
The setting up of church 'walls' - either actual or metaphorical means that we restrict ourselves from working with God in his world, in his creation and with his all his people. The 'us' and 'them' mentality is responsible for creating a perceived 'elite' which has degenerated into a ghetto mentality for the established church, which is seen as irrelevant to those who have no contact with it.
The big question is - are we prepared to tear down the walls and if we do, are we sure enough of the gospel to not get engulfed by the secular society in which we live?
A good service led by a retired minister - extolling us to dance and praise God and David did - both in church and in 'the world' (how I hate that term!)
The setting up of church 'walls' - either actual or metaphorical means that we restrict ourselves from working with God in his world, in his creation and with his all his people. The 'us' and 'them' mentality is responsible for creating a perceived 'elite' which has degenerated into a ghetto mentality for the established church, which is seen as irrelevant to those who have no contact with it.
The big question is - are we prepared to tear down the walls and if we do, are we sure enough of the gospel to not get engulfed by the secular society in which we live?
Friday, 10 July 2009
Books to read
Just got John Bell's new book - 10 things they never told me about Jesus.
http://www.ionabooks.com/Front-Page/9781905010608-Ten-Things-They-Never-Told-Me-About-Jesus.html
Have read two chapters so far - brilliant - John Bell just sees things from such an 'honest' perspective - the Jesus he describes is one that people would want to follow.
Also bought 'Hit the ground kneeling' - recommended to me by another minister. Need to put JB down and pick this up I'm thinking!!
http://www.chpublishing.co.uk/feature.asp?id=2394577
http://www.ionabooks.com/Front-Page/9781905010608-Ten-Things-They-Never-Told-Me-About-Jesus.html
Have read two chapters so far - brilliant - John Bell just sees things from such an 'honest' perspective - the Jesus he describes is one that people would want to follow.
Also bought 'Hit the ground kneeling' - recommended to me by another minister. Need to put JB down and pick this up I'm thinking!!
http://www.chpublishing.co.uk/feature.asp?id=2394577
'Go West'!
It's Friday of my first week in West Suffolk - to be fair I only started 'work' on Monday, and had a day off on Tuesday, but this is it - not ordained so don't 'feel' like a minister (however that feels) - but have met with my colleague and attended my first Elders meeting, first Wednesday prayers, first coffee morning and done first pastoral visit! So many people, so many names, and so many unknown roads to drive along!
There's also been a lot of 'Admin' stuff to sort out - including setting up a new mobile phone solely for church use - my private number shall remain that! Also finding out best deals for land line and broadband; trying to arrange things for ordination service and have actually been and ordered a cassock.
I have mixed feelings about that - had thought I wouldn't wear one, but after chatting with others have decided it may be a good thing to have for those occasions when it is the best option - e.g. funerals and weddings.
Now have the dilemma about a preaching scarf - what to get and where from!
More importantly is the sense that 'this is it' - I'm very nearly a minister, and as one of the ladies I met on Wednesday said, 'In my opinion, you either are or are not - there's no in between.' It's both scary and exciting though and once I've got to know more people and have led worship (not till 2nd August) I'm sure I'll begin to feel that I'm a minister.
On the subject of leading worship - I'm still waiting to hear from the other churches in the group to get dates in my diary for Sept, Oct, Nov & Dec. But there's time still - it's only the first week!
Better stop this and get on with the study sort out!
There's also been a lot of 'Admin' stuff to sort out - including setting up a new mobile phone solely for church use - my private number shall remain that! Also finding out best deals for land line and broadband; trying to arrange things for ordination service and have actually been and ordered a cassock.
I have mixed feelings about that - had thought I wouldn't wear one, but after chatting with others have decided it may be a good thing to have for those occasions when it is the best option - e.g. funerals and weddings.
Now have the dilemma about a preaching scarf - what to get and where from!
More importantly is the sense that 'this is it' - I'm very nearly a minister, and as one of the ladies I met on Wednesday said, 'In my opinion, you either are or are not - there's no in between.' It's both scary and exciting though and once I've got to know more people and have led worship (not till 2nd August) I'm sure I'll begin to feel that I'm a minister.
On the subject of leading worship - I'm still waiting to hear from the other churches in the group to get dates in my diary for Sept, Oct, Nov & Dec. But there's time still - it's only the first week!
Better stop this and get on with the study sort out!
Monday, 29 June 2009
The wanderer returns
So I've made it back home! The week in the Dales finished with a cloudy day in Leyburn and some shopping there and in Masham.
It's been a good week - time to reflect - time to relax - time to walk and enjoy the freedom of no schedules, deadlines or timetables, no meetings and no 'have to do' reading.
I did read a whole book though - Karen Armstrong's 'Through the narrow Gate' http://www.amazon.co.uk/Through-Narrow-Gate-Memoir-Convent/dp/0006550541/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246264192&sr=8-9
This account of her experiences as a Roman Catholic nun was fascinating and the contrast between the harsh self debasing initiation into the order and my training for URC ministry is stark. She as a novice nun had to attempt to lose all of the self she entered the convent with - had to try to give herself totally to God who her trainers seem to think wanted a totally blank canvas/personality to work with. All of her personality was to be stripped away - all her gifts and talents were to be swept away. I give thanks for the way in which those charged with my training have encouraged me to seek my God given gifts and to use them for his service. Rather than sweeping away the person I was when I started the journey, that person has been built up and strengthened for God's service.
My journey home to Suffolk was punctuated by visits to family in Nottinghamshire - sister-in-law Sandra, brother & his 2nd wife (also my nephew & one of John's step-daughter); and my mother. It was good to see them all.
It's good to be home, but there is a slight sense of trepidation - as if I can't put off those things that need to be done before ordination. Practical things like the service, cleaning the house (especially the study), and meeting new people; and other less tangible things such as a sense of trepidation as I begin to recognise the task God has given me. But unlike Karen Armstrong, I know that I will be supported by colleagues and friends and will hopefully be able, with God's help, to undertake all he requires of me.
It's been a good week - time to reflect - time to relax - time to walk and enjoy the freedom of no schedules, deadlines or timetables, no meetings and no 'have to do' reading.
I did read a whole book though - Karen Armstrong's 'Through the narrow Gate' http://www.amazon.co.uk/Through-Narrow-Gate-Memoir-Convent/dp/0006550541/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246264192&sr=8-9
This account of her experiences as a Roman Catholic nun was fascinating and the contrast between the harsh self debasing initiation into the order and my training for URC ministry is stark. She as a novice nun had to attempt to lose all of the self she entered the convent with - had to try to give herself totally to God who her trainers seem to think wanted a totally blank canvas/personality to work with. All of her personality was to be stripped away - all her gifts and talents were to be swept away. I give thanks for the way in which those charged with my training have encouraged me to seek my God given gifts and to use them for his service. Rather than sweeping away the person I was when I started the journey, that person has been built up and strengthened for God's service.
My journey home to Suffolk was punctuated by visits to family in Nottinghamshire - sister-in-law Sandra, brother & his 2nd wife (also my nephew & one of John's step-daughter); and my mother. It was good to see them all.
It's good to be home, but there is a slight sense of trepidation - as if I can't put off those things that need to be done before ordination. Practical things like the service, cleaning the house (especially the study), and meeting new people; and other less tangible things such as a sense of trepidation as I begin to recognise the task God has given me. But unlike Karen Armstrong, I know that I will be supported by colleagues and friends and will hopefully be able, with God's help, to undertake all he requires of me.
Friday, 26 June 2009
Friday already?
It's a cliche I know, but this week has flown by. I suppose that at the start I was slightly concerned that it would drag - what with being on my own with just Norma for company! But suddenly it's Friday morning and whilst we've not walked miles or scrambled over rocks and through stiles, I think we've had sufficient walks and mini-adventures! We'll go out today - but not far as I've to drive 'south' tomorrow as we head back home via Bawtry and Retford.
What have we been doing since I last updated this? Well, Wednesday saw us go to Patley Bridge where we did a super walk with fantastic views and then a stroll along the river. Lunch in the park in the sunshine and then I thought we'd walk up the High Street. Now that was my first mistake, it is narrow, busy with traffic and has crowded narrow pavements. It also has the only Tourist Information office I've come across which has asked me to take my dog out. We'd both been in the offices in Masham, Ripon and Leyburn so I saw no reason to scour the door for a sign, saying 'guide dogs only' - but as I deliberated over a purchase I was told in a none too friendly voice to take my dog out as they were not allowed! I have to confess that I did question why and remonstrated that we'd been welcome in the other Tourist Information offices. But to no avail - we had to leave, and I couldn't even tie Norma's lead to a hook as there wasn't one - something about the landlord not providing one. I must confess I was not only annoyed, but upset at the way in which the, what I can only call a 'jobsworth' woman, spoke to me particularly as there were other people in the Office. Needless to say I swiftly returned to my hot car and we left the town. I don't think I'll be back!
On the way back we called in to Brimham Rocks - and what a wonderful find they were - and a real antidote to the bad feelings I'd left Patley Bridge with. Norma enjoyed clambering on the rocks (low level only I hasten to add) and led us on a meandering route through bracken and rocks back to the car park (eventually!)
So a mixed day - but one where the scenery and geology far out weighed most of my contact with people!
Yesterday was spent in Ripon, Wensley and looking for Ilton! We had a lovely river and canal walk in Ripon where it was Market Day. I called into the cathederal where the shop volunteer resored my faith in human nature as she chatted about this and that as I browsed (mind you, Norma was safely in the car at the time - not even I would have considered that she'd be welcome in a cathederal - I wonder why not though??)
After lunch I set out to find the Druid stones at Ilton but faled miserably - we did find Leighton Resevoir though and had an 'interesting' drive through, round, up and down some tiny Dales roads!
I then thought we'd do a walk at Wensley village, only to curtail it when I heard what sounded like a pack of dogs barking - two dogs rushed from a house and one (small actually, but why let the facts get in the way of a good story) came charging after us - I have to confess that I turned round and walked back to our car - around 800yds away! After this there was only one thing to do - go for afternoon tea somewhere. So we headed to Jerveaux Abbey and I treated myself to a Yorkshire cream tea! There was some amusement when the young lady serving me presented me with a cup of milk and an empty milk jug!!
After I'd had my fill, we set off down the bridleway at the Abbey only for Norma to refuse to take that route! She wanted to return to the Abbey ruins - and I was happy to oblige her!
So a couple of great days all in all -weather wonderful - Patley Bridge High Street doesn't need to be visited again, but Jerveaux Abbey does and hopefully will be before too much longer.
And as for today, well it's time to go for a local walk before perhaps heading to Leyburn - or not!
What have we been doing since I last updated this? Well, Wednesday saw us go to Patley Bridge where we did a super walk with fantastic views and then a stroll along the river. Lunch in the park in the sunshine and then I thought we'd walk up the High Street. Now that was my first mistake, it is narrow, busy with traffic and has crowded narrow pavements. It also has the only Tourist Information office I've come across which has asked me to take my dog out. We'd both been in the offices in Masham, Ripon and Leyburn so I saw no reason to scour the door for a sign, saying 'guide dogs only' - but as I deliberated over a purchase I was told in a none too friendly voice to take my dog out as they were not allowed! I have to confess that I did question why and remonstrated that we'd been welcome in the other Tourist Information offices. But to no avail - we had to leave, and I couldn't even tie Norma's lead to a hook as there wasn't one - something about the landlord not providing one. I must confess I was not only annoyed, but upset at the way in which the, what I can only call a 'jobsworth' woman, spoke to me particularly as there were other people in the Office. Needless to say I swiftly returned to my hot car and we left the town. I don't think I'll be back!
On the way back we called in to Brimham Rocks - and what a wonderful find they were - and a real antidote to the bad feelings I'd left Patley Bridge with. Norma enjoyed clambering on the rocks (low level only I hasten to add) and led us on a meandering route through bracken and rocks back to the car park (eventually!)
So a mixed day - but one where the scenery and geology far out weighed most of my contact with people!
Yesterday was spent in Ripon, Wensley and looking for Ilton! We had a lovely river and canal walk in Ripon where it was Market Day. I called into the cathederal where the shop volunteer resored my faith in human nature as she chatted about this and that as I browsed (mind you, Norma was safely in the car at the time - not even I would have considered that she'd be welcome in a cathederal - I wonder why not though??)
After lunch I set out to find the Druid stones at Ilton but faled miserably - we did find Leighton Resevoir though and had an 'interesting' drive through, round, up and down some tiny Dales roads!
I then thought we'd do a walk at Wensley village, only to curtail it when I heard what sounded like a pack of dogs barking - two dogs rushed from a house and one (small actually, but why let the facts get in the way of a good story) came charging after us - I have to confess that I turned round and walked back to our car - around 800yds away! After this there was only one thing to do - go for afternoon tea somewhere. So we headed to Jerveaux Abbey and I treated myself to a Yorkshire cream tea! There was some amusement when the young lady serving me presented me with a cup of milk and an empty milk jug!!
After I'd had my fill, we set off down the bridleway at the Abbey only for Norma to refuse to take that route! She wanted to return to the Abbey ruins - and I was happy to oblige her!
So a couple of great days all in all -weather wonderful - Patley Bridge High Street doesn't need to be visited again, but Jerveaux Abbey does and hopefully will be before too much longer.
And as for today, well it's time to go for a local walk before perhaps heading to Leyburn - or not!
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Sunshine and solitude
What glorious weather! After the luxury of a slow start to the day, Norma & I headed to Jerevaux Abbey where the car was left in the shade of a tree and we set out on walk through the Park where I was struck by the variety of trees - solitary sycamores, groups of pines, ancient gnarled and thickened roots sprawling above ground, young spindly trunks stretching skywards. Perhaps trees are a metaphor for churches - or perhaps not. Maybe this is something to come back to - perhaps after the scores of photos have been added to this blog!!
A quiet half hour was spent sitting in the shade of a tree at the Abbey reading a book on the Psalms and basking in the beauty of the surroundings - an exquisite juxtaposition of nature and human endeavour and artistry.
As we returned to the car I was looking forward to lunch in the Tea rooms - so I was pretty disappointed to find it was closed! However, we swiftly returned to Masham and got a sandwich in the baker's which was consumed in the courtyard in the sunshine! Bliss!
An afternoon walk around Masham was as much as Norma could take in the heat - although she enjoyed meeting a black lab and a black & tan daschund - both of whom were most friendly! Many more trees were spotted, particularly in the church yard where yews and holly seemed to abound. I wonder whether there's any significance in this.
A quiet half hour was spent sitting in the shade of a tree at the Abbey reading a book on the Psalms and basking in the beauty of the surroundings - an exquisite juxtaposition of nature and human endeavour and artistry.
As we returned to the car I was looking forward to lunch in the Tea rooms - so I was pretty disappointed to find it was closed! However, we swiftly returned to Masham and got a sandwich in the baker's which was consumed in the courtyard in the sunshine! Bliss!
An afternoon walk around Masham was as much as Norma could take in the heat - although she enjoyed meeting a black lab and a black & tan daschund - both of whom were most friendly! Many more trees were spotted, particularly in the church yard where yews and holly seemed to abound. I wonder whether there's any significance in this.
Hello hello hello!
Hello this is my first entry on a blog of my own!
Right now I'm on holiday in Yorkshire - taking some time out between finishing at Westminster College and starting to get to know the people and places of West Suffolk as i prepare to serve there as part of the URC ministry team.
Ordination's on 5th September - so plenty to do before then.
But right now it's a time to relax and try to prepare for this next change in my life.
So far this week, the weather has been great - Sunday was spent 'lazing' in the courtyard of the cottage in Masham and the afternoon was more energetic as I walked up on Leyburn Shawl.
The view was tremendous and Penhill looked very high on the other side of the valley!
Yesterday was spent following in the footsteps of the Cistercians at Fountain's Abbey. A walk through and around Studley Water gardens was just taxing enough for Norma & I and was made more pleasant by one of the NT wardens and her spaniel walking with us for part of the way.
The ruined Abbey buildings are truly magnificent - a testimony to the inginuity and skill of humanity as it seeks to worship and serve God. A humbling thought as I consider my inadequacies as I prepare for ordination and comitment to serve God.
Right now I'm on holiday in Yorkshire - taking some time out between finishing at Westminster College and starting to get to know the people and places of West Suffolk as i prepare to serve there as part of the URC ministry team.
Ordination's on 5th September - so plenty to do before then.
But right now it's a time to relax and try to prepare for this next change in my life.
So far this week, the weather has been great - Sunday was spent 'lazing' in the courtyard of the cottage in Masham and the afternoon was more energetic as I walked up on Leyburn Shawl.
The view was tremendous and Penhill looked very high on the other side of the valley!
Yesterday was spent following in the footsteps of the Cistercians at Fountain's Abbey. A walk through and around Studley Water gardens was just taxing enough for Norma & I and was made more pleasant by one of the NT wardens and her spaniel walking with us for part of the way.
The ruined Abbey buildings are truly magnificent - a testimony to the inginuity and skill of humanity as it seeks to worship and serve God. A humbling thought as I consider my inadequacies as I prepare for ordination and comitment to serve God.
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