So Ordinary. . .

We didn't even mention it!

Despite the triumphalism, the ordination (which many claim clearly demonstrates that any former ordination was 'invalid'), the mass (sic!) exodus to the ordinariate didn't get a mention in our service yesterday. It wasn't even brought up in conversation during the tea, coffee and biscuits afterwards! The reality is that for our little church, this is essentially a non-issue!

We see transfer growth within the churches, groups and fellowships in Tamworth all the time, it's what they do! The majority of the transient sheep group move from place to place in search of something or other that will excite and 'bless'. A few move with pointed toes and a point to make and here's the sadness, for they are rarely missed and the point they seek to make rarely finds flesh being added to the bones of their discontent. All too often it is little more than a few toys thrown out of the pram and the damage is always slight and felt only by those who seek to inflict it.

The assessment of this by one leader sums it up nicely, "Thank goodness they've gone - they're someone else's problem now, and they're welcome to them!" Harsh words, but often words that are also true, regardless of the skills, gifts or money they might be taking with them.

I'm happy to send anyone who wishes to leave with a blessing. It's been said that as we don't lose that many this is an easy position to take, which might be true, but it is also a biblical position too (and that's what matters)and so pray that God will bless the Walsingham three as they enjoy their promised land.

Here, this week, our focus turns to five funerals this week, cancer, strokes, depressive illnesses, debt, broken families and nations at war (civil and other), natural disasters,starving children, homelessness and so many other important issues that a few people leaving for their 'True church' isn't even an issue.

Here we struggle to support families and discern just which challenges we engage with (so much work, so few workers) as the new year unfolds.

Swimming the Tiber means nothing outside either, the people outside our door are struggling with debt, addictions and the effect of them (alcohol, drugs, sex and gambling all feature large). The ordination of women, homosexuality and disaffected clergy hold no attraction or concern. They struggle with the real issues (for them) and perhaps this puts the posturing and posing into perspective - seems many of us dog-collars have lost the plot and made the calling about us and what we want rather than the calling that brings us cure of souls!

Pax