Challenge
Like radical hospitality, the love of God is extravagant, excessive and reckless by our standards. It is not sensible. It is not cautious. It is not concerned with reputation. It risks the raised eyebrow, the criticism, the whisper of disapproval.
Faith
The spontaneous sigh towards heaven and the carefully crafted liturgy. The 2am outpouring and the service book handed down through generations. There's room for both.
Faith
From Henley Festival to Cliff College via Chesterfield. It's been a bit 'full on'. But the 'God moments' just keep coming. Oh, and I 'flicked through' John Wesley's Prayer Book...and saw a crooked spire.
Services
My service themed around patience went well. Is there any such thing as a perfect formula for such things? No.
Challenge
Writer's block is definitely a 'thing'. Overcoming the same when crafting a whole service and creating a portfolio...urgh.
Preaching
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
Candidating
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
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
So I have been matched by the Connexional Team with Deacon Mark. and just as I was re-reading my email to him with introductions - he rings: Dear Mark, Well, this is exciting. We've been matched as part of DOV1. I understand the process of becoming an accompanist