DOV2 Portfolio Workshop

Great to catch up with some familiar faces, the time between now and submission is going to fly! Attending the workshop; another gift.

The Advisory Panel Outcome

It's time to cross.

The Advisory Panel

I prepared as best as I could.

DOV1 Retreat Reflections

I'm not quite sure how to respond to the 'headline'. Perhaps with some further headlines. Anyone who is on this path and following this process, will remember the DOV1 Retreat all their life - they just will. It was that impactful. So in no particular order,

The God who has led us thus far will lead us on.

Trepidation, Excitement.  It’s not ‘assessed’, but kind of is, because people are people.  I’ve had some outstanding input, feedback, pearls of wisdom, advice, guidance, thoughts and lists…It probably could all be summed up in one phrase ‘be you’. I remain wholly committed and utterly humbled by the

DOV 1 Meeting 4

There is an energy and enthusiasm about our time together; we were able to share our respective journeys through Holy Week and had much to share, both recognising the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout. We reflected on the ecumenical nature of Holy Week and how rather than labelling by

He is risen. Alleluia.

We are Easter People! I have noticed that I keep describing things as ‘incredible’.  Perhaps that word should be reserved for days like this. 0445 awake and ready to set off on our sunrise hike (Margie had set her alarm at 0545...in the nicest possible way, she was hurried

Easter Vigil

He is risen. Alleluia. (Part 1) Described by the presiding minister as "Anglicanism at its very best", I couldn’t agree more:  Beautifully choreographed, the readings were delivered with a sincerity and clarity fitting of such a cornerstone moment in the church’s calendar. It was a journey

Good Friday

This day is so difficult. There were around 40 of us at the first Walk of Witness. A good number, really. Margie read from Luke—Jesus promising the kingdom to the penitent thief. She read it beautifully. Luke 23:39–43 NIV - One of the criminals who… | BibliaOne of

Maundy Thursday. Footlong Cookies and a Lovefeast.

I found myself in Grange this morning—bit of an unplanned detour while collecting the car from the garage. I’m not sure I’ve ever actually been before. The Methodist Church had its doors wide open, which felt like an invitation. I stepped inside… and straight into the middle

Thanksgiving, Partnerships, Stations of The Cross

A service of thanksgiving this evening to mark the 50th anniversary of the Church Sharing Agreement between the Anglicans and Catholics and their joint use of the building. It was combined with a service visiting the Stations of the Cross. Elements were taken from the service marking the agreement in

Palm Sunday

I continue to be somewhat overwhelmed at the privilege of preaching and today was no exception. I was welcomed at Striklandgate like a well known friend. They were looking forward to the service and I was looking forward to leading them in worship. What I hadn't quite expected

Challenge

Order! Order!

Q: When’s a party, not a party? A: When it’s at your house. It’s one of my favourite quips from the outrageously sweary political ‘fly on the wall’ comedy, The Thick of It. (NOT for the faint hearted or easily offended) But I had one of those

God's Will Be Done.

What an inspirational person. I’m in the Diary!The District Lead for all things vocation and ministries and I are meeting tomorrow evening. I’m looking forward to sharing in fellowship and getting to know each other a little more. It’s been a challenge getting into his diary

Candidating

I'm in the Diary!

The District Lead for all things vocation and ministries and I are meeting tomorrow evening. I’m looking forward to sharing in fellowship and getting to know each other a little more. It’s been a challenge getting into his diary - work rudely putting a sudden halt to my

Candidating

Foundations: Ministry in the Methodist Tradition

I've just applied for this course. The intensive version takes place 14th-16th July as a residential (instead of 10/15 weeks online). The dates seem to fit really well with everything else. Let's see what happens. Applying for the course I have realised my passport has

Reading

Thy Kingdom Come

A superb resource from 'Thy Kingdom Come' Thy Kingdom Come is a global ecumenical prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. What started in 2016 as an invitation from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to the

Reading

Paul's Challenge(s)?

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...

Candidating

It wasn't meant to be.

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...

Preaching

Quality of Preaching. God's Call.

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...:

Candidating

DOV 1 Meeting 3

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

LP&WL Meeting ✅

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

Oh, Frank.

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

3 Services, 20 hymns. Outstanding.

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