Today I visited one of our more eccentric church members - a German lady, 86 year old Gretchen - and her cat Autumn.
I blocked out the whole afternoon in my diary as you can never make a 'quick visit' to Gretchen!
The front door to Gretchen's flat was wide open and although I assumed this was because she was expecting me, I was cautious as I knocked on the door and entered. Gretchen has had some rather unsavoury neighbours in the past and part of me wondered what I would find when I went into the lounge.
But all was well and Gretchen was in the little kitchen which leads straight off the lounge.
It was obvious from the smell - rancid pet food and a cat smell - that Gretchen's cat Autumn was still part of the little family.
The smell together with the fact that Gretchen likes to keep warm and isn't in the least way houseproud - meant that as I was invited to sit down I was having trouble breathing!
'Can you take chives? I have homemade soup', called Gretchen from the kitchen.
My stomach heaved at the thought of eating and I hurriedly said- quite truthfully - that had eaten, and that no I didn't want a drink either!
The flat is to put it politely, cluttered and not particularly clean -there are stacks of papers, magazines and envelopes on every available surface. Chairs are covered with towels - which look as if Autumn has been sleeping on them - but Gretchen appears oblivious to this as is cheerful - although she suffers with many ailments - including her 'water works'
Conversation covered a number of topics connected with Gretchen's 'water works', and I was shown punnets of blueberries and cartons of Blueberry juice which would help with the problem, along with a multi-pack of toilet tissue purchased from Iceland in town as it was cheapest there and would be needed for the 'water works'!
Gretchen doesn't drink much tea but the Ringtons man delivers regularly to her - so I was given 320 tea bags to take to the church along with a large bag of sugar also deemed surplus to requirements!
As Gretchen has been to church on a Sunday for a while she decided that I was a safe person to take her weekly collection envelope with me to put in the offering this coming week - her loyalty and responsibility to the fellowship are quite commendable.
Conversation continued and I heard about Gretchen's nephew who lives in Australia but who is hoping to visit her when comes to Holland on business later this year. He and his friend took Gretchen to Berlin last year - they had a good time even though Gretchen had to be careful not to drink coffee or tea because of her water works! She also told me about ordering what she expected to be mango juice for breakfast in the hotel and being surprised by being served a piece of fruit!
I'd been there well over an hour and was beginning to try to take my leave when a face appeared at the window - it was Autumn wanting to be let in. The window was duly opened and Autumn clambered in to the encouragement of the promise of 'munchies'!
Autumn is a beautiful cat - the colour of autumn - shades of brown, and cream and is obliviously 'co-owner' of the flat.
As I left, Autumn followed me out with Gretchen who walked me to my car - along with the tea bags and sugar and offering money- Gretchen was going to visit an elderly lady in the next block of flats.
As I pulled away and drove home I reflected on this fiercely independent lady and her equally independent cat - they are both content - and OK, the flat is not pristine, but they are both thriving!
Friday, 18 May 2012
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
'Digging a hole....'
What an interesting week last week was! At time I felt as if I was living in an episode of 'The Vicar of Dibley'!
To start with, there was the 'Saga of the Hole'.
My neighbour is having some work done on her house and needed to know where her mains water pipe and stopcock were. When I heard this I thought - 'I'd like to know where mine is too' - as around 5 years ago I'd tried to have a Water Meter fitted and Anglian Water couldn't find the Mains Water Pipe.
So a hole was dug - a large hole - but no pipes were found - although a broken telephone wire was discovered!
The hole remained for around 10 days - until two men and another digger arrived and eventually found the pipe. Bear in mind that we are in a drought at present - and the rain has been raining for a month - the hole was then full of water!
The contractors very kindly found my water main and fitted a stopcock for me too - so good to to discover people using common sense and doing something extra without having to go through a load of extra protocol!
The hole then had to be filled, so in the pouting rain on Thursday, there were two men - a big lorry and a bucket on a pole, emptying the hole of water and refilling it with soggy clay soil! Most amusing - but probably funnier at the time!
Ministry also had it's amusing moments - that sort of 'dark' humour shared by nurses, doctors, ministers ans undertakers!
I was to take a Sunday morning service at one of the village chapels (not originally on my timetable but my colleague had rather spectacularly double booked herself and was going to be in Ireland on Ministers' Spring School that morning).
It wasn't just a 'normal' morning service as immediately after the service we were to bury the ashes of the husband of a church member.
The day dawned and the forecast was for rain - what a surprise! But the sun was making a brave effort as I drove the 30+ miles through Suffolk. When I arrived at the chapel, the hole was dug in the church garden and all was well.
The Funeral Director - a man who wouldn't look out of place in a Dickensian Novel - arrived.
Carrying the Casket - a rather splendid light oak box complete with brass plaque on the lid - and sitting on a red velvet 'cushion.
The widow and daughter hadn't arrived yet and Mr Diggett (sic) was concerned that he hadn't informed them that he would have the casket with him - plus he didn't want to leave it outside.
The question was - where could he put it during the service - and would it matter is Betty saw it?
A good 5 minutes were then spent taking the oak casket around the small chapel trying to find a place where It would be out of sight. Lots of sitting in various pews and working out sight lines ensued!! And then Betty & her daughter arrived - Mr Diggett decided that honesty was the best policy and told them that he couldn't leave Arthur outside, so had brought him into church. 'That's lovely!', said Betty, he can share a service with us for the last time.
'Just as long as he doesn't get up and sing the final hymn - Arthur's hymn - 'Will your anchor hold' ' I thought to myself!
Apart from the organ not working - a suitable piano was employed instead - the service passed without incident - although Mr Diggett fell asleep during the sermon - at least his eyes were closed!!!
So we all went outside, and stood around the hole in the church garden - now surrounded by green astro turf. The sun had been overtaken by clouds and rain wasn't far off. I said the words, the casket was placed in the hole and I read a blessing - or at least I started to read a blessing - for just as I started the sun broke through the clouds and the birds started singing. I've no real idea what I actually said, but it was one of those moments in ministry where God's voice was heard and we all had a real sense of his presence as we said our farewell to Arthur.
There were other moments that week - namely the two old ladies in a home who discovered they'd gained an extra day - but I shall leave this post now - reflecting on two holes in the ground!
To start with, there was the 'Saga of the Hole'.
My neighbour is having some work done on her house and needed to know where her mains water pipe and stopcock were. When I heard this I thought - 'I'd like to know where mine is too' - as around 5 years ago I'd tried to have a Water Meter fitted and Anglian Water couldn't find the Mains Water Pipe.
So a hole was dug - a large hole - but no pipes were found - although a broken telephone wire was discovered!
The hole remained for around 10 days - until two men and another digger arrived and eventually found the pipe. Bear in mind that we are in a drought at present - and the rain has been raining for a month - the hole was then full of water!
The contractors very kindly found my water main and fitted a stopcock for me too - so good to to discover people using common sense and doing something extra without having to go through a load of extra protocol!
The hole then had to be filled, so in the pouting rain on Thursday, there were two men - a big lorry and a bucket on a pole, emptying the hole of water and refilling it with soggy clay soil! Most amusing - but probably funnier at the time!
Ministry also had it's amusing moments - that sort of 'dark' humour shared by nurses, doctors, ministers ans undertakers!
I was to take a Sunday morning service at one of the village chapels (not originally on my timetable but my colleague had rather spectacularly double booked herself and was going to be in Ireland on Ministers' Spring School that morning).
It wasn't just a 'normal' morning service as immediately after the service we were to bury the ashes of the husband of a church member.
The day dawned and the forecast was for rain - what a surprise! But the sun was making a brave effort as I drove the 30+ miles through Suffolk. When I arrived at the chapel, the hole was dug in the church garden and all was well.
The Funeral Director - a man who wouldn't look out of place in a Dickensian Novel - arrived.
Carrying the Casket - a rather splendid light oak box complete with brass plaque on the lid - and sitting on a red velvet 'cushion.
The widow and daughter hadn't arrived yet and Mr Diggett (sic) was concerned that he hadn't informed them that he would have the casket with him - plus he didn't want to leave it outside.
The question was - where could he put it during the service - and would it matter is Betty saw it?
A good 5 minutes were then spent taking the oak casket around the small chapel trying to find a place where It would be out of sight. Lots of sitting in various pews and working out sight lines ensued!! And then Betty & her daughter arrived - Mr Diggett decided that honesty was the best policy and told them that he couldn't leave Arthur outside, so had brought him into church. 'That's lovely!', said Betty, he can share a service with us for the last time.
'Just as long as he doesn't get up and sing the final hymn - Arthur's hymn - 'Will your anchor hold' ' I thought to myself!
Apart from the organ not working - a suitable piano was employed instead - the service passed without incident - although Mr Diggett fell asleep during the sermon - at least his eyes were closed!!!
So we all went outside, and stood around the hole in the church garden - now surrounded by green astro turf. The sun had been overtaken by clouds and rain wasn't far off. I said the words, the casket was placed in the hole and I read a blessing - or at least I started to read a blessing - for just as I started the sun broke through the clouds and the birds started singing. I've no real idea what I actually said, but it was one of those moments in ministry where God's voice was heard and we all had a real sense of his presence as we said our farewell to Arthur.
There were other moments that week - namely the two old ladies in a home who discovered they'd gained an extra day - but I shall leave this post now - reflecting on two holes in the ground!
Back Agin!
I can't believe that it's been so long since I posted on this Blog! Over a year - how awful!
But not really - it's been a good year - plenty of learning - plenty of hard work and loads of fun.
It's been a year in which I have really begun to grips with what it means to be a Minister - have grown in confidence and I hope, humility.
Being a Minister isn't about 'Me' but is about serving God. Now, at present that means in the West Suffolk Group of URCs - a great bunch of people (oh, they all say that about their church members don't they!) - and with a great colleague.
During the year, one of my colleagues retired and so there are two of us now - me at 50% and Sam 100%. With hindsight, we rather foolishly decided that we'd try to cover as much of David's 'work' as possible, and that together with some redistribution of the churches within the group has meant that 2012 is proving to be a testing year.
For me it means that instead of one service a month in Bury St Edmunds and one else where, I can be anywhere in the group I can be anywhere - and am! This means that my Sunday 'commute' is averaging 65miles and I'm afraid to say it's getting me down.
The distances, early starts and feeling that I'm 'just a visiting preacher' mean that this year is tough and not fulfilling - certainly from the worship leading point of view.
Last year - 2011 - I focused on two churches and really got to know the congregations - so much better for me - and for the congregations.
This frustration together with an appalling case of bullying in one of the churches (two Elders involved - resulting in three resignations and the 'bullied' Elder being fearful of the 'Bully')- means that this final year of my time in the WSG isn't particularly enjoyable.
I'm really not enjoying all the travelling and if I never had to travel on the A14 again that would be fine by me!!
If I was able to, I'd leave today - that sounds strong - but it's how I feel right now.
However, I have a commitment - particularly to my colleague - and I will stay until my time is up at the end of August - albeit with a heavy heart.
The only thing keeping me going is the prospect of a new appointment and a new start in September - at Christchurch (URC/Methodist) - which will have its challenges - but is only 5-6 miles down the road!
Well, that's enough of my moans - the next Blog will be a little more upbeat!
But not really - it's been a good year - plenty of learning - plenty of hard work and loads of fun.
It's been a year in which I have really begun to grips with what it means to be a Minister - have grown in confidence and I hope, humility.
Being a Minister isn't about 'Me' but is about serving God. Now, at present that means in the West Suffolk Group of URCs - a great bunch of people (oh, they all say that about their church members don't they!) - and with a great colleague.
During the year, one of my colleagues retired and so there are two of us now - me at 50% and Sam 100%. With hindsight, we rather foolishly decided that we'd try to cover as much of David's 'work' as possible, and that together with some redistribution of the churches within the group has meant that 2012 is proving to be a testing year.
For me it means that instead of one service a month in Bury St Edmunds and one else where, I can be anywhere in the group I can be anywhere - and am! This means that my Sunday 'commute' is averaging 65miles and I'm afraid to say it's getting me down.
The distances, early starts and feeling that I'm 'just a visiting preacher' mean that this year is tough and not fulfilling - certainly from the worship leading point of view.
Last year - 2011 - I focused on two churches and really got to know the congregations - so much better for me - and for the congregations.
This frustration together with an appalling case of bullying in one of the churches (two Elders involved - resulting in three resignations and the 'bullied' Elder being fearful of the 'Bully')- means that this final year of my time in the WSG isn't particularly enjoyable.
I'm really not enjoying all the travelling and if I never had to travel on the A14 again that would be fine by me!!
If I was able to, I'd leave today - that sounds strong - but it's how I feel right now.
However, I have a commitment - particularly to my colleague - and I will stay until my time is up at the end of August - albeit with a heavy heart.
The only thing keeping me going is the prospect of a new appointment and a new start in September - at Christchurch (URC/Methodist) - which will have its challenges - but is only 5-6 miles down the road!
Well, that's enough of my moans - the next Blog will be a little more upbeat!
Friday, 24 September 2010
Older than......
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!
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!
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)
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