I've been to two of the Ministry to Older People sessions.
The first was OK but- a dreadful presentation by a 'typical' County Councillor - I know there must be good, humble and caring councillors, but this one wasn't!
Somewhat depressing to realise that the people we elect really are only interested in making the books balance - even more depressing to realise that they have no option.
The second session was altogether different and apart from a major hiccough in the timing of the afternoon, was fantastic.
We heard from five people who are really making a difference in their communities through various ways of 'doing' ministry for Older People.
A nurse who is involved with medications, a community scheme in Felixstowe, a community event for a rural village, Parish Nursing in a group of remote rural parishes, and finally, Holiday at Home - a kind of 'Holiday Club' for older people - which sounds amazing, particularly for those of us with aging congregations.
Which brings me to my query about what 'Older' means - I was the youngest one at the session - except for the Nurse - and was somewhat dismayed to discover that the Holiday at Home scheme targets the over 55yr old! And there was me thinking I was still only Middle Aged!
Friday, 24 September 2010
Thursday, 16 September 2010
And so it continues
Yes, really - I'm about to write a rather belated 'next' post!
I've just been on a two night Synod Ministers' 'Get Together'. It was held in a conference centre outside the village where I was brought up - at the venue used to be a girls' boarding school which was run by the nuns from the adjacent convent.
My mum was school nurse/matron there for a few years and when we were yuong my brother and I used to spend half term holiday days at the school.
So not only was this a 'working' conference but it was also a return to childhood haunts - particularly during free time one afternoon when I was part of an expedition to the village and around the local 'heath'.
It was interesting to note how some things seemed to have changed - one lane in particular seemed very much narrower and the houses less grand than I recalled, but the fishing lakes and village post office had hardly changed
As for the conference, I have to confess I was less than whole hearted about attending as a similar one last September had not been a very positive experience. However, what a difference a year makes - to say nothing of different venue and chemistry being produced by those attending. The time was both informative and relaxing and a most positive experience.
Now it's back to the routine (?!) and preparation for Church meeting followed by the first session of a six seek course on 'Ministry for Older People. - should be an interesting course.
Perhaps i'll even get around to musing about it on here!
Who knows.......
I've just been on a two night Synod Ministers' 'Get Together'. It was held in a conference centre outside the village where I was brought up - at the venue used to be a girls' boarding school which was run by the nuns from the adjacent convent.
My mum was school nurse/matron there for a few years and when we were yuong my brother and I used to spend half term holiday days at the school.
So not only was this a 'working' conference but it was also a return to childhood haunts - particularly during free time one afternoon when I was part of an expedition to the village and around the local 'heath'.
It was interesting to note how some things seemed to have changed - one lane in particular seemed very much narrower and the houses less grand than I recalled, but the fishing lakes and village post office had hardly changed
As for the conference, I have to confess I was less than whole hearted about attending as a similar one last September had not been a very positive experience. However, what a difference a year makes - to say nothing of different venue and chemistry being produced by those attending. The time was both informative and relaxing and a most positive experience.
Now it's back to the routine (?!) and preparation for Church meeting followed by the first session of a six seek course on 'Ministry for Older People. - should be an interesting course.
Perhaps i'll even get around to musing about it on here!
Who knows.......
Monday, 12 July 2010
Endings and beginings?
Going to the funeral of Mr Mowles this lunchtime - picking Helen up from her school as she wants to go too.
Cyril Mowles was along with his late wife Agnes, one of the stalwarts of needham Market Methodoist church and was one of the elders of Christchurch when the URC & Methodist cme together. AMethodist lay Preacher of over 50years he was a loyal committed church goer and a gear influence on many he met. He taught Helen in Scripture Exams and she and Lynsey used to enjoy their afternoons with Cyril & Agnes after school.
Latterly Cyril became very set in his ways and found giving up worship leading extremely difficult. After Agnes died he became increasingly frail and tired - and a bit awkward if the truth be told. However - it's an end of an era now - hopefully the service will be a celebration of his life.
Elders meeting this evening is a 'Training' evening - some challenges and hopefully an opportunity to be able to share and reflect on the current state of the church - openly honestly and with respect for each other.
Watch this space!
Cyril Mowles was along with his late wife Agnes, one of the stalwarts of needham Market Methodoist church and was one of the elders of Christchurch when the URC & Methodist cme together. AMethodist lay Preacher of over 50years he was a loyal committed church goer and a gear influence on many he met. He taught Helen in Scripture Exams and she and Lynsey used to enjoy their afternoons with Cyril & Agnes after school.
Latterly Cyril became very set in his ways and found giving up worship leading extremely difficult. After Agnes died he became increasingly frail and tired - and a bit awkward if the truth be told. However - it's an end of an era now - hopefully the service will be a celebration of his life.
Elders meeting this evening is a 'Training' evening - some challenges and hopefully an opportunity to be able to share and reflect on the current state of the church - openly honestly and with respect for each other.
Watch this space!
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Tearful Farewells
Have just taken Mary Jane to Cambridge to pick up her coach to Oxford.
Mary Jane has just spent a month with the West Suffolk Group of URCs as part of her field placement.
She's been like a breath of fresh air as her infectuous enthusiasm and unique way of seeing things has inspired, challenged and affirmed every church group she's been in contact with.
As an American ordinand and an educationalist Mary Jane has seen things from the outside and very quickly recognised some of our strengths and, dare I say, weaknesses.
At worship this morning she has challenged the Whiting Street congregation to be bold in their working out of their Christian faith. After the service there were many fond farewells and a number of folk with tears in their eyes.
I just give thanks that Neil had the vision to ask Sam & me to think about hosting Mary Jane for this placement - we have all been truly blessed.
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you
wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness
protect you through the storm
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors
(Northumbria Community)
Mary Jane has just spent a month with the West Suffolk Group of URCs as part of her field placement.
She's been like a breath of fresh air as her infectuous enthusiasm and unique way of seeing things has inspired, challenged and affirmed every church group she's been in contact with.
As an American ordinand and an educationalist Mary Jane has seen things from the outside and very quickly recognised some of our strengths and, dare I say, weaknesses.
At worship this morning she has challenged the Whiting Street congregation to be bold in their working out of their Christian faith. After the service there were many fond farewells and a number of folk with tears in their eyes.
I just give thanks that Neil had the vision to ask Sam & me to think about hosting Mary Jane for this placement - we have all been truly blessed.
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you
wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness
protect you through the storm
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors
(Northumbria Community)
Sunday, 20 June 2010
Summer sun where have you gone?
Back in Suffolk after a really good week in Yorkshire - the weather last Sunday was the worst of the week and apart from some morning rain on the Monday where we sheltered in the ruins of Jerveux Abbey until the shower passed, the weather was fabulous.
Hot and sunny until Friday morning when it was cooler and cloudier, but got out nice in the afternoon - as they say!
A brief run down of the week then:
Sunday - a lazy day, reading newspapers in morning and then a trip to Bedale in the afternoon - a pleasant riverside walk and we missed the rain when we walked!
Monday - a walk around Jerveux Park and then into the abbey where it rained! Not the most pleasant visit there - but much was put right by cheese scone & coffee and a read of the paper in the cafe.
Then on to Leyburn and the customery walk along the Shawl - the sun was now breaking through and the temperature was rising - most pleasant and the views were glorious.
Tuesday was warm and sunny and just right for a trip to Studley Water Gardens & Fountains Abbey. The Seven Bridges walk with its return to via fantastic views Ripon was a good way to work up an appetite. Picnic lunch close to St Mary's church - and then an afternoon spent in the Water Gardens & Abbey. Bright blues skies, vibrant green grass, sparkling water and solid soaring walls - a most enjoyable afternoon.
Wednesday was spent in Masham - browsing the market - purchased some small binoculars - looking in the shops - bought lovely book of paintings of Fountains Abbey; and drinking coffee with the Methodists! A good riverside walk with Norma and then a lazy afternoon reading book in courtyard
Thursday was a very hot day and not good for Norma walking too far - so lots of short walks! Ilton Druids temple http://www.heritage.co.uk/follies/ffny18.html
Middleham Castle, Aysgarth Falls (where Norma had a good paddle!) and a return to Jerveux Abbey - this time in the sunshine!
Friday - Ripon in the morning, and a riverside & canal walkand then Brimham Rocks in the afternoon - where we had a good walk around the stones - plenty of rabbit smells for Norma!
Evening football match - an abysmal performance from England!
Saturday - home via Mum's where John called in for a coffee - and then home. A good journey - but cold in Suffolk and rather breezy!
And so to today - Sunday - catching up with washing, emails etc. Back to 'work' tomorrow. Can't quite believe that my summer holiday is already over!
Hot and sunny until Friday morning when it was cooler and cloudier, but got out nice in the afternoon - as they say!
A brief run down of the week then:
Sunday - a lazy day, reading newspapers in morning and then a trip to Bedale in the afternoon - a pleasant riverside walk and we missed the rain when we walked!
Monday - a walk around Jerveux Park and then into the abbey where it rained! Not the most pleasant visit there - but much was put right by cheese scone & coffee and a read of the paper in the cafe.
Then on to Leyburn and the customery walk along the Shawl - the sun was now breaking through and the temperature was rising - most pleasant and the views were glorious.
Tuesday was warm and sunny and just right for a trip to Studley Water Gardens & Fountains Abbey. The Seven Bridges walk with its return to via fantastic views Ripon was a good way to work up an appetite. Picnic lunch close to St Mary's church - and then an afternoon spent in the Water Gardens & Abbey. Bright blues skies, vibrant green grass, sparkling water and solid soaring walls - a most enjoyable afternoon.
Wednesday was spent in Masham - browsing the market - purchased some small binoculars - looking in the shops - bought lovely book of paintings of Fountains Abbey; and drinking coffee with the Methodists! A good riverside walk with Norma and then a lazy afternoon reading book in courtyard
Thursday was a very hot day and not good for Norma walking too far - so lots of short walks! Ilton Druids temple http://www.heritage.co.uk/follies/ffny18.html
Middleham Castle, Aysgarth Falls (where Norma had a good paddle!) and a return to Jerveux Abbey - this time in the sunshine!
Friday - Ripon in the morning, and a riverside & canal walkand then Brimham Rocks in the afternoon - where we had a good walk around the stones - plenty of rabbit smells for Norma!
Evening football match - an abysmal performance from England!
Saturday - home via Mum's where John called in for a coffee - and then home. A good journey - but cold in Suffolk and rather breezy!
And so to today - Sunday - catching up with washing, emails etc. Back to 'work' tomorrow. Can't quite believe that my summer holiday is already over!
Sunday, 13 June 2010
Here we are again
Back in Yorkshire - back in Masham and back in Dairy Cottage!
Almost a year has past since Norma and I waere last here,and only slightly less time since I last posted on this Blog. I have tried to keep a reflective journal but confess I've been lax in keeping that up to date.
I won't attempt to fill in the gaps on here - suffice to say this is a welcome holiday after almost a year in ministry in West Suffolk.
This is Sunday - Norma is snoring gently on a chair next to me - rain is softly falling and the radio is playing in the background. I've had a leisurely morning and am contemplating lunch - a filled roll from the Deli - and then heading out for an afternoon's drive. However, if the rain increases that drive may not happen and the Sunday paper will be read! I'm on holiday after all - a time to relax and not feel I 'ought' to be 'doing' things!
Hopefully this will be the worst of the week's weather - but time will tell!
Almost a year has past since Norma and I waere last here,and only slightly less time since I last posted on this Blog. I have tried to keep a reflective journal but confess I've been lax in keeping that up to date.
I won't attempt to fill in the gaps on here - suffice to say this is a welcome holiday after almost a year in ministry in West Suffolk.
This is Sunday - Norma is snoring gently on a chair next to me - rain is softly falling and the radio is playing in the background. I've had a leisurely morning and am contemplating lunch - a filled roll from the Deli - and then heading out for an afternoon's drive. However, if the rain increases that drive may not happen and the Sunday paper will be read! I'm on holiday after all - a time to relax and not feel I 'ought' to be 'doing' things!
Hopefully this will be the worst of the week's weather - but time will tell!
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