Reading
A mini reflection on the use of Paul's writings* as a directing challenge at the end of some of my sermons. My pattern lends itself to: Old Testament > Gospel > Then... Anyway, Paul's books* are featuring a lot. He's like a biblical Churchill.
Candidating
In a call with Janice there was some anecdotal feedback that the reason I didn't get a recent role I had applied for was because the panel had concluded that my future was in ministry. Erm. What!? We also discussed holidays and courses at Cliff College. Her pastoral
Preaching
Interesting conversation with Margie who highlighted the broad type and quality of preaching and how as I become more exposed to it, it may be difficult to worship as I used to. I said that: ...those preaching are responding to God’s call - we should probably start there and
Candidating
Incredible meeting with Mark. I went well prepared after he suggested the topics for conversation in advance. We went through the competencies framework, (G.6) we were both surprised/encouraged by the evidence against most. There was some conversation about my ‘tigger’ like mood. That's not to say
Preaching
Lots of comparisons of LP training and holding down jobs at the same time...Yes, but 20 years ago without 13 hour days and 160 emails? I am tired. There’s been a lot of over sharing of todo lists and busyness today (not in this meeting, just generally and
Services
I think every church, every circuit, every gathering of people probably includes 'a Frank'. My Frank is an incredible man; self-confessed grump, stoic, deeply interesting with a fascinating, encyclopaedic knowledge - of almost any subject. Frank likes things Frank's way. And that's ok. There&
Preaching
I started the day with the family at Cornerstone, and nervously paced around the House for 30 minutes before setting off to Garsdale Low Smith for an 'assessed service'. Wow. The first Sunday of Lent, I'm not exactly short of material! I Was expecting 6 or
Preaching
I led a service and preached at the wonderful Brough Sowerby. A small dales chapel. Why use 2 readings...when you can use 3! The Gospel is alive. I love that I was advised in a service some months ago that I shouldn't choose 2 readings because I
Candidating
I had my second DOV 1 meeting with the wonderful Mark. We shared in God-centred fellowship and sought further clarity re: calling and vocation. It was superb. Our match is a blessing and a gift in itself. I come away with further clarity, affirmation of call and supportive guidance. Further
Candidating
I received a somewhat mysterious email from our Superintendent re: C2. I think there's been a misunderstanding along the way with what I mean by 'local context'. I'm thinking this. I've sent the draft form to a few folk (as suggested in
Faith
As part of a ‘developing a social media campaign’ assignment I’d arranged to meet my boys for coffee in town. All the town's cafés were shut. (But it’s not a Tuesday!!) We ended up at St Andrew’s Coffee Morning. Incredible, warm, welcoming and God-led fellowship.
Candidating
Margie sent me a link to a house. It wasn't serious, the last time she did that we bought it! She's open to options though - the house we're in now is spectacular, too big, too expensive...but lovely. I'd like to