Preparing for London

A long time without blogging again!

Much has gone on over the summer, family things, visiting friends, weddings and trying to sort everything out for London.
I have seen alot of some of my Lancaster friends- Jenny and Matt (Jenny was my house-mate for 2 years) got married 10 days ago in Loughborough! It was a lovely couple of days, with dutch blitz and time with friends. The wedding service was one of the best I have been to, it reflected very much who Jenny and Matt are and had tears and laughter!

Last week I then went to visit London, to visit University College Hospital. If all works out then part of my placement will be being a Hospital Chaplain for a day a week. This looks to be good, part of an ecumenical team. I had the opportunity 15 months ago to be part of a Pastoral Care team in a hospital for 4 weeks. This was an interesting experience, some of the time I felt a bit isolated. The meeting I had, was positive and very much pointing to me being supervised, giving me people to reflect with as well as be responsible too. Part of the conversation involved some discussion of wearing a clerical collar. In the Methodist Church, Student Ministers are able to wear collars when on pastoral placement. It was agreed that for parts of the placement I should wear a collar. I haven't yet worn a collar (other than to try my shirts on!) so I think perhaps I ought to try wearing it. People assure me you get a different response in the collar! So I look forward to begining my trial period of placement in October.

After visiting London I went to Lancaster for 2 days! This was primarily for Adam's (a friend from uni) bon voyage party. It was good to be down by the river for a BBQ at Kirby Lonsdale. I was able to catch up with 1 or 2 friends in Lancaster, sadly I didn't have time to see everyone. It was good to share a meal with The Charman family (Steve was my chaplain, Jennie the Junior Church superintendent and their Children were in the Junior Church class where I taught). It was good to have a chat about some of next year and some pointers for things to think about linked with ministry. It was then back to Cambridge ready for London again on Sunday!

Yesterday (Sunday) was exciting, challenging and probably many other things too! In the morning I worshipped at Kings Cross Methodist Church, it is a small English Speaking congregation with an average attendance of 7, I very much appreciated the service. Whilst the English speaking service is going on, in the next room is a Chinese service in Mandarin. This is a much bigger congregation. In the afternoon there is a further service in Cantonese. Yesterday I attended this as it is thought that I maydo some work with the British Born Chinese Teenagers. I was in the first part of worship and then joined the children and young people in the basement. It was interesting and I don't think I will ever receive Holy Communion in the same way again. We all went into the service to receive Communion at the end, this apart from a few Hallelujah's and Amens, was the part of the service that I could connect with directly. The symbols of bread and wine going across the barriers of language. As I received it, I was led to think about the boundaries that celebrating communion crosses. One's of time, race, language, culture and so on. An interesting experience, which I am sure is sparking off new thoughts and questions!

Any way, enough for tonight and I will blogg again soon, It's only 11 days till I move to London, at the minute I feel excited. I have felt a little apprehensive but I know that London is where I am being sent! Whilst I was in London yesterday I felt a deep sense of peace, of contentment with God that London is the right place at the minute! Which is no doubt why the Methodist Church are sending me! I think the transition could be a bit hard, but already I have been welcomed in London by the People. I remember preparing to go to Lancaster, fearing I wouldn't be able to cope. When I get the same feeling now, I look back and see God's faithfulness and strength to me there, and am certain that God will continue to do the same as I move to London.

Prayers would be appreciated though!