What an absolutely amazing night - the day was as busy as Mondays usually are with meetings, home Communions and a funeral and then there was the first 'Dying - in the Ditch' - a totally unknown quantity.
Having spoken to people about their endeavours I soon realised that the stand up and hold court, lecture, and the like wasn't the way forward for this event and so it was a beer a low key start as conversations began. But the place was pretty much packed and the noise of conversation and laughter - the topics and the way that people began to engage - had me leave at the end of the night with a big grin.
And so it's onwards and upwards with some planning to be done for the next one and some thinking about what else needs to be done in such a brilliant venue. Ged and Ade, who run the place, were absolute stars for all their help and hopefully this is the beginning of something really effective in the lives of some of Tamworth's inhabitants.
Wasn't a 'godbothering' event - no prayers, hymns, sermons or collections - but an opportunity to bring some sense of peace and healing into a few lives. And I know who I work for.
So Lord, thank You for a stunning day - for those with whom I have engaged a massive Thank You.
Strengthen my arms that the ministry opportunities in this place might be seen and acted upon. Help me to pastor the flock and to steady the wobbly.
Alleluia or what?
Showing posts with label home communions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home communions. Show all posts
Tuesday, 9 May 2017
Friday, 7 April 2017
Journal: Thursdays? I love Thursdays!
The difference between between having a dogcollar and being a good cleric is very much like the difference between Tarzan and George of the Jungle: It's all about the ability to swing from rope to rope without falling to the ground or face-planting a tree!
The interesting thing for me is the number of amazing face-plants one encounters (at all levels) and the lack of embarrassment attached to them! Every now and then I encounter something that leaves me as embarrassed as if I'd walked on them naked, but the object of my discomfort merely (a la Derek Nimmo in 'All Gas And Gaiters') seem oblivious to the situation. The problem is that I have been accused of training people to be inept in the knowledge that I will always jump in before things go pear-shaped. Where I see concern, others see opportunity: and where I see it a little differently, I do understand what they mean and can see their point.
When I lived in the countryside, there was a certain person who would miss the bus on a regular basis. Many of us, if we saw them would offer them a lift into town - which meant a short detour adding about ten minutes to our overall journey. One day one day I happened to be in the local pub and chanced to hear the frequent passenger talking to a friend and as the conversation unfolded I (naughtily eavesdropping) heard the person tell his companion how, by 'missing' the bus, he not only got into town quicker but was warmer, more comfortable, and didn't have to pay the fare!
So I started going the other way, still giving them a lift if it suited me, but no longer being willing to arrive late at my destination or have to drive like a lunatic to try and make up time lost through them; as did the friends I told the story to. Seems to me that I need to see who is standing at the bus stop and act accordingly.
But today the stop has been empty. It's Thursday so it started with Communion (and of course it's Passiontide, an important period in Lent, which meant I pushed the boat out and (unlike Simon Peter didn't get naked but) wore the chasuble we have had returned to us by the church up the road as they're not into that sort of thing. Now, as a card-carrying evangelical, charismatic, fundamentalist (apparently) I think it's cool to keep the feats, wear the tat and even have a thiruble - so it was a fitting start to the day as we displayed our serious intent on marking the passion of the Christ.
A stop and a chat at the 'drop in' before it was off and out to home Communions and a couple of pastoral additions, a home visit to sort something technical and then into a rather delicate and sad funeral visit. But still a light day which left me feeling chilled and effective even though it weighed in at around fifteen hours (becoming conscious of the hours since doing the numbers).
Lines beginning to be drawn and things hitherto unseen, now seen and noted.
Lord, for all the encounters of the day - I thank You.
For the blessings given and received - I am humbled and blessed.
For the roles others have missed today - help me to know that I served you in rectifying thing rather than was taken for a mug. Give me discernment and courage.
And for the passion of the Christ - give me passion to keep it and courage to live it.
The interesting thing for me is the number of amazing face-plants one encounters (at all levels) and the lack of embarrassment attached to them! Every now and then I encounter something that leaves me as embarrassed as if I'd walked on them naked, but the object of my discomfort merely (a la Derek Nimmo in 'All Gas And Gaiters') seem oblivious to the situation. The problem is that I have been accused of training people to be inept in the knowledge that I will always jump in before things go pear-shaped. Where I see concern, others see opportunity: and where I see it a little differently, I do understand what they mean and can see their point.
When I lived in the countryside, there was a certain person who would miss the bus on a regular basis. Many of us, if we saw them would offer them a lift into town - which meant a short detour adding about ten minutes to our overall journey. One day one day I happened to be in the local pub and chanced to hear the frequent passenger talking to a friend and as the conversation unfolded I (naughtily eavesdropping) heard the person tell his companion how, by 'missing' the bus, he not only got into town quicker but was warmer, more comfortable, and didn't have to pay the fare!
So I started going the other way, still giving them a lift if it suited me, but no longer being willing to arrive late at my destination or have to drive like a lunatic to try and make up time lost through them; as did the friends I told the story to. Seems to me that I need to see who is standing at the bus stop and act accordingly.
But today the stop has been empty. It's Thursday so it started with Communion (and of course it's Passiontide, an important period in Lent, which meant I pushed the boat out and (unlike Simon Peter didn't get naked but) wore the chasuble we have had returned to us by the church up the road as they're not into that sort of thing. Now, as a card-carrying evangelical, charismatic, fundamentalist (apparently) I think it's cool to keep the feats, wear the tat and even have a thiruble - so it was a fitting start to the day as we displayed our serious intent on marking the passion of the Christ.
A stop and a chat at the 'drop in' before it was off and out to home Communions and a couple of pastoral additions, a home visit to sort something technical and then into a rather delicate and sad funeral visit. But still a light day which left me feeling chilled and effective even though it weighed in at around fifteen hours (becoming conscious of the hours since doing the numbers).
Lines beginning to be drawn and things hitherto unseen, now seen and noted.
Lord, for all the encounters of the day - I thank You.
For the blessings given and received - I am humbled and blessed.
For the roles others have missed today - help me to know that I served you in rectifying thing rather than was taken for a mug. Give me discernment and courage.
And for the passion of the Christ - give me passion to keep it and courage to live it.
Monday, 27 February 2017
Journal: Wow!
I think that's the only word I can use to describe the day now past: Wow!
Talk about variety - funeral visits, home Communions, funeral service, pastoral stuff, Kid's Club, bit of time at the Monday drop in, admin (hooray), lunch on the hoof and then there was the usual stuff to add to it as a kind of garnish. If Vicars only work one day - I guess that must be me finished for the week then!!!
Was actually a bit disciplined today as the finish line was drawn and kept to - nothing after 22:00; so feeling a little pleased with myself (is this the sin of pride or the satisfaction of discipline I have to ask?).
It's been a brilliant day as a couple of people have done what they needed at their stage of selection and received a thumbs up. How cool is this - looking forward to seeing them start training in due course and make their formational journey. Another is in the final part of their training and heading towards ordination. Vocations are such a privileged place to be part of at all levels.
Lord, I pray for all who are testing and discerning their vocations - give them clarity of vision and a true self-awareness that they might find that place where the leadedness of life becomes the gold of being the person they have been called, and made, to be. Bring humility and confidence, leadership and the ability to be led by others into their realities and touch their families with your continuing grace I pray.
In a five funeral week, I pray for the wisdom to speak words of life and to reflect the deceased with integrity, compassion and freshness. Comfort those who mourn and help us to be more than just a formality. May those whom I serve in this way hear the words of life in the midst of death and be touched by Your healing hand.
For those I communicate at home, I pray that this expression of true koinonia and Grace. All are on a journey towards the grave, some sooner than later, and all, whether attending or not, are family. Bring me more people to visit and help me never to become like so many careers whose arrival is to perform whatever as quickly as possible and move on. Help me to give the gift of time and the gift of love to all I visit.
And for the pastoral matters I pray that Your hand be seen and You will be done. As You give us our daily bread - forgive our sins and make us new creations - touch the lives of the children we engage with and help them to see something compelling in the love You are.
And for tomorrow? Bring it on Lord!!
Talk about variety - funeral visits, home Communions, funeral service, pastoral stuff, Kid's Club, bit of time at the Monday drop in, admin (hooray), lunch on the hoof and then there was the usual stuff to add to it as a kind of garnish. If Vicars only work one day - I guess that must be me finished for the week then!!!
Was actually a bit disciplined today as the finish line was drawn and kept to - nothing after 22:00; so feeling a little pleased with myself (is this the sin of pride or the satisfaction of discipline I have to ask?).
It's been a brilliant day as a couple of people have done what they needed at their stage of selection and received a thumbs up. How cool is this - looking forward to seeing them start training in due course and make their formational journey. Another is in the final part of their training and heading towards ordination. Vocations are such a privileged place to be part of at all levels.
Lord, I pray for all who are testing and discerning their vocations - give them clarity of vision and a true self-awareness that they might find that place where the leadedness of life becomes the gold of being the person they have been called, and made, to be. Bring humility and confidence, leadership and the ability to be led by others into their realities and touch their families with your continuing grace I pray.
In a five funeral week, I pray for the wisdom to speak words of life and to reflect the deceased with integrity, compassion and freshness. Comfort those who mourn and help us to be more than just a formality. May those whom I serve in this way hear the words of life in the midst of death and be touched by Your healing hand.
For those I communicate at home, I pray that this expression of true koinonia and Grace. All are on a journey towards the grave, some sooner than later, and all, whether attending or not, are family. Bring me more people to visit and help me never to become like so many careers whose arrival is to perform whatever as quickly as possible and move on. Help me to give the gift of time and the gift of love to all I visit.
And for the pastoral matters I pray that Your hand be seen and You will be done. As You give us our daily bread - forgive our sins and make us new creations - touch the lives of the children we engage with and help them to see something compelling in the love You are.
And for tomorrow? Bring it on Lord!!
Thursday, 2 February 2017
Journal: More miles than a London bus
Well that's how it seems some days as I find myself on the road and delivering God's love on the streets and clocking up the miles, but I wouldn't have it any other way :-)
It's odd how the miles clock up each day as I visit people in their homes, turn up at hospitals and stuff like that - but it allows me to listen to Women's Hour, plays and other great radio between the visits - which is kinda cool.
So it's been visits and more visits - the simple stuff that makes the day go quickly in a most enjoyable way - and getting sermons written and revisiting the material for the first session of the Bishop's Certificate course. The latter being something of a challenge from the fact that you never know who will actually turn up on the night, but we had nine of us around the table with the promise of a couple more next week, and it seemed to go well.
Sadness came in the shape of people I know entering that last phase of life, the fact that for one of the people it is far too early and this makes it all a lot sadder than it would usually be. Another, although having reached a good age still clings to life - and we cling to them, reluctant to let them go.
Tonight, as the day is gone and the new entered into, I find myself unnaturally tired and my emotions flip from one state to another as that tiredness, aches and pains and frustrations and joys collide - and yet, beyond it all, there is an inexplicable joy and sense of a good day done.
Lord, reach out Your hand and strengthen those whose life is coming to its close and in doing so comfort those who prepare to lose their loved ones.
Be with those whose needs are many and whose strength is low; help those with broken bodies, minds and spirits to withstand the storm before them.
For those who are far off, I pray that You would be their rock and shield and that they might come to see Your presence in their lives.
And for me, my daily bread consumed and my sins forgiven, help me to live as you would have me live - to live like You and to love all before me regardless of the their their situation or state.
Lord, graciously hear my prayer.
It's odd how the miles clock up each day as I visit people in their homes, turn up at hospitals and stuff like that - but it allows me to listen to Women's Hour, plays and other great radio between the visits - which is kinda cool.
So it's been visits and more visits - the simple stuff that makes the day go quickly in a most enjoyable way - and getting sermons written and revisiting the material for the first session of the Bishop's Certificate course. The latter being something of a challenge from the fact that you never know who will actually turn up on the night, but we had nine of us around the table with the promise of a couple more next week, and it seemed to go well.
Sadness came in the shape of people I know entering that last phase of life, the fact that for one of the people it is far too early and this makes it all a lot sadder than it would usually be. Another, although having reached a good age still clings to life - and we cling to them, reluctant to let them go.
Tonight, as the day is gone and the new entered into, I find myself unnaturally tired and my emotions flip from one state to another as that tiredness, aches and pains and frustrations and joys collide - and yet, beyond it all, there is an inexplicable joy and sense of a good day done.
Lord, reach out Your hand and strengthen those whose life is coming to its close and in doing so comfort those who prepare to lose their loved ones.
Be with those whose needs are many and whose strength is low; help those with broken bodies, minds and spirits to withstand the storm before them.
For those who are far off, I pray that You would be their rock and shield and that they might come to see Your presence in their lives.
And for me, my daily bread consumed and my sins forgiven, help me to live as you would have me live - to live like You and to love all before me regardless of the their their situation or state.
Lord, graciously hear my prayer.
Thursday, 12 January 2017
Up and at 'em
Well there wasn't a fag packet of space between anything today - the best laid plans all went awry and there was just enough time to travel where it was needed such that I left home first thing and managed to be back with three minutes to spare before the music practice (which finished with fifteen minutes to spare for the final meeting of the day) - Phew!
The day had some highs and lows (hence the posting it late as I have 'sanitised' it to save reflecting on those who cause me to struggle in the wrong way - always good to scribble, reflect, pray - walk away - return, pray and post).
The highs were found in the pastoral engagements and the taking Communion out to people in their homes. The lows were found in people who feel the need to 'big' themselves up and look at ways they can appear to be so very much more than they really are - the biggest frustration coming in the shape that some work so hard to look goon and yet would look so much better if they just did stuff! There is a lesson to be learned here I guess :-(
But all in all - those with whom I engaged were a blessing and those who obviously weren't going to be I refrained from engaging with; after all no point volunteering to be wound up or wounded is there, especially when the pepsin before you is a brick wall with no ears and a very loud speaker. better to seek blessing in the Lord and leave them to bless themselves for I'm sure they believe the PR they are preaching about themselves.
There is a call for us to restore those caught in sin and we need always to do this in our own lives first and to do it in the same way we would counsel others. That's been today's lesson - appearance: Of evil, of ability, of folly and of Christ as seen is us.
Lord, may You be seen in all I am and do; make me a blessing; give me the patience to make time to listen and the wisdom to help where I can in the ways that matter.
It is so often easy to find the first idiot of the day by simple looking in the mirror when one gets out of bed ;-)
I look forward to another day and pray for those whose autographs I failed to ask for today!
Pax
Running total
Comm: 58
Hrs 33
telephone: 93
Texts: 89
Email: 108
The day had some highs and lows (hence the posting it late as I have 'sanitised' it to save reflecting on those who cause me to struggle in the wrong way - always good to scribble, reflect, pray - walk away - return, pray and post).
The highs were found in the pastoral engagements and the taking Communion out to people in their homes. The lows were found in people who feel the need to 'big' themselves up and look at ways they can appear to be so very much more than they really are - the biggest frustration coming in the shape that some work so hard to look goon and yet would look so much better if they just did stuff! There is a lesson to be learned here I guess :-(
But all in all - those with whom I engaged were a blessing and those who obviously weren't going to be I refrained from engaging with; after all no point volunteering to be wound up or wounded is there, especially when the pepsin before you is a brick wall with no ears and a very loud speaker. better to seek blessing in the Lord and leave them to bless themselves for I'm sure they believe the PR they are preaching about themselves.
There is a call for us to restore those caught in sin and we need always to do this in our own lives first and to do it in the same way we would counsel others. That's been today's lesson - appearance: Of evil, of ability, of folly and of Christ as seen is us.
Lord, may You be seen in all I am and do; make me a blessing; give me the patience to make time to listen and the wisdom to help where I can in the ways that matter.
It is so often easy to find the first idiot of the day by simple looking in the mirror when one gets out of bed ;-)
I look forward to another day and pray for those whose autographs I failed to ask for today!
Pax
Running total
Comm: 58
Hrs 33
telephone: 93
Texts: 89
Email: 108
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