Ramblings of a pilgrim!

Placement

2009-04-28T22:05:00.003+01:00

Oops its been a very long time sing I last blogged!
Queens continues to be a really good place to live, learn and be! I love it.

So much has happened since I last blogged- Methodist Youth Conference, I was on the worship leading team for Holiness and risk (see more at holinessandrisk.org.uk) and now I've moved to Handsworth for a term. I'm on placement here- living in the vicarage and on placement in the local circuit, you can see more here: http://www.queens.ac.uk/ordination/contextual.php

I will hopefully blog some of my reflections of placement here over the coming weeks.

Time flies when you are having fun!

2008-11-04T19:44:00.005Z

So for news from Queens!
Much has happened since I last blogged! Just a couple of links to share!

Since I last blogged I celebrated my Birthday! It was a rather different Birthday to any before! The night before we had a joint British and Kenyan celebration! (It was another Student-Japhet's Birthday on the same day!) This was fun- having jelly and ice-cream, a Kenyan tradition, (thats hard to put into words!) Its a bit of a dance and a hilililili! Ok so now reading this you'll think I've gone mad! Then on the Friday during the day, I went on a foundation trip. See the link: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/7803
It was an amazing experience, really powerful and challenging. The Prophetic Action that this was, is a requirement for

In the evening it was supper with the president and vice-president of the Methodist Church at the Chair of the Birmingham districts house!

http://methodist-presandvp.blogspot.com/2008/10/grace-of-birmingham.html

So as I say- rather a different way to spend a Birthday!

Coming up, we have the Methodist Youth Conference, this is something I am looking forward to! Before then I have some work to do for a workshop for the weekend. I've been asked to lead a Workshop on vocation, as someone who is eligible to be a Member of Youth Conference and also a Student Minister. The workshop is called: "Too young to serve? You Called?
I shall share in this with Mark Wakelin. Mark is now Connexional Secretary, but I know him from last year at the Guy Chester Centre.

For now back to work! Lots to read and so forth!

Queens!

2008-09-14T01:02:00.002+01:00

Will update about the last few weeks at some point! For now- I've moved to Queens. Term has begun and its fantastic! Thats all I have to say for now as it has been a bit frantic with induction, this continues till Wednesday!

Queens is brilliant!

Quite overwhelming

2008-08-12T23:27:00.001+01:00

Inspired as I stood on Glen Nevis.

Surrounded by the hills,
Enormous,
So high.
All encompassing.
Standing beneath all,
Is me.
Compared to them,
I am tiny!

Yet God almighty,
Who made the heavens and the earth,
Cares for me.
Overwhelmed at the majesty and enormity
of creation.
I stand and cannot really grasp God’s love for me.
Yet God knew me, before I was born.
As tiny as I was.
I stand overwhelmed at God’s love.
God’s love for little me,
God's love for creation.
Then I am reminded:
A child of God, created as were the hills, treasure
And loved today and everyday.

Glen Nevis

2008-08-12T23:13:00.002+01:00

One afternoon we were walking on Glenn Nevis. The experience was quite something- such large hills, made me feel very small! Psalm 8 came to mind:
“3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what are mere mortals that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?”

As we strolled along, I started to think. There are mentions of the “hills” as part of the scenery and setting of the gospels! This was the context in which the journey of discipleship is set. As somebody growing up in Cambridge- hills was not part of my daily experience! Once I was in Lancaster they certainly were. But I found myself reflecting as we walked, about the disciples, journeying through the hill side, travelling from place to place. Sometimes it was uphill and others down hill! For me and my journey of faith- there are ups and downs! It got me to think about, the ups and downs, and the reality of following Jesus. It’s not always easy! What are the up hills and down hills in my life?
I was also eaten by some midgies! Not fun- I wonder what they midgies might be likened to in my journey of faith?
So often having been in the flat land for a while, I forget, the disciples weren’t on a gentle stroll on flat roads! Sometimes such simple things I forget, I need reminding!

Some images

2008-08-12T22:31:00.002+01:00

The first two pictures are from Skye- reflecting the light- reflecting the glory of God! It was quite stunning. The last a wonderful blue- blue is my favourite colour! I thought it was rather nice!

Dolphins and faith! A bit random maybe...

2008-08-12T22:29:00.001+01:00

One of the joys of my holiday was walking on the shore- (as is seen elsewhere!) watching dolphins. The first time I saw them (two years ago) I was just struck at the awesomeness. Whilst we were walking along the beach at Rosemarkie- once again we saw dolphins! AMAZING! The beach was busy with people dolphin watching. As I reflected and watched the dolphins- leaping out of the water and then losing sight of them as they went down- I was inspired to think about the journey of faith.
Our faith can sometimes be like dolphins; sometimes it glides along, it can be seen clearly. With leaps and jumps. At other times it can only be seen slightly- like the tops of the fins of dolphins- breaking the surface. At other times its barely visible or not visible- yet its always there- still moving along, in the depths of the sea. I’m Reminded of those words; “even when we don’t believe in God, God believes in us”. I’m Reminded that at whatever stage of our faith- God sees us and knows us- whether our faith be visible or not. Eventually it surfaces again! Just as the dolphins do- further across the water!

Holiday inspiration

2008-08-12T21:01:00.000+01:00

As dolphins glide and leap,
As seals swim,
So my heart is struck in awe and wonder,
At you God almighty.

As I look at ancient,
High hills,
Massive mountains,
So my hear is struck in awe and wonder,
At you God almighty.

I stand in awe, at you Lord God.
You who created starry hosts,
You who counts the grains of sand on the seashore.
You who stood before ancient hills.
You who knows me,
Who loves me,
Who cares for me,
Who calls me into your open arms.

I stand overwhelmed,
Considering the hills, so big,
And me so small.
Yet you are the God,
Of all creation.
Of all times,
Of all places.

Reflection of the seashore

2008-08-12T20:56:00.001+01:00

Whilst away on holiday, I was walking along one of the beaches of the black isle- above was the scene.
And I was inspired to write the following;

As I look around the shore of the isle,
I see bright blue skies,
I see stormy skies.
So I reflect on the sunny days of life,
The picturesque days of life.
I reflect too on the stormy days of life,
The days that are hard.

As I reflect on the view before me,
I realise that the stormy skies and the bright skies
Sit side by side,
Slowly they merge.

I think of the glory of sunshine, bright days,
I think of the hope of bright tomorrows in dark days.
I think of your promises, your faithfulness O Lord.

Your promises:
“"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
I've called your name. You're mine.
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
it won't be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God.”

I hear those great words of Paul:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future,
nor any powers, neither height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

How amazing are your promises?
How faithful is your love?
How amazing are you?

For you Lord are faithful,
You Lord are the God who merges,
stormy skies and bright skies.
You Lord, merge heaven and earth.
You Lord merge humanity and divinity.

“O Lord how Majestic is your name!”
In all times and in all places.

Prayer of praise for the awesomeness of creation.

2008-08-12T20:55:00.000+01:00

God of swirling seas,
Of rolling hills,
Of stormy skies.

God of majesty,
God of wonder,
God of beauty.

God you are awesome,
God of all creation,
May your name be praised.

May my voice join with all creation to sing your praise.
With the angels of heaven,
With dolphins of the sea.
With young and old,
With rich and poor.

All praise to you,
God of wonder,
God of glory.

Long time no blog!

2008-08-12T20:48:00.002+01:00

I haven't blogged for a while. Its been busy with some work for the local exam board and then lots of time with family in Cambridge. Then have been away with my parents for a week to the highlands. What I share here today, are some reflections of the inspirations I had whilst I was away. The scenery was stunning and amazing!

bits and bobs

2008-07-10T22:17:00.002+01:00

SO I've been in Cambridge for the past 11 days, i've unpacked and had lots of time to relax. At the weekend I had lots of family time which was lovely- I've missed not having lots of family time over the last year. I appreciate having little people in our family again! So playing hide and seek was fun! I always appreciate the time I can spend with family and friends so that was good!

Last week I registered with an agency and am hoping to do some paid work! At the moment that seems to be a waiting game! So in the mean time I've been listening to Methodist Conference and reading! So not alot to report at present... I have been doing some thinking so will write that up, I need to do some clarifying first!

MY reading list arrived from Queens today, I also have some work to do before I go to Queens! So might start that soon- although need to get hold of one of the books first!

Any way, enough rambling!

another order of evening prayer

2008-07-10T18:24:00.001+01:00

When it was evening Jesus came and stood among his disciples and said “Peace be with you”.
Jesus comes and stands among us here tonight and says “Peace be with you”.

Short period of silence.

Tonight we are gathered, as those first disciples were in an upstairs room.
God’s spirit is with us.

So let us pray with confidence, that God hears our prayers, let us know that God is here with us now and shares this time with us together, just as God was with us this morning and will be with us in the new morning tomorrow.

Reading from scripture

Lord Jesus Christ,
As you broke bread,
Your word was revealed and understanding given.
May your word be revealed to us this night.
Speak to us and inspire us by your word.
Amen

Short time for reflection

Prayers for others and ourselves.
God is compassionate,
God cares, so let us pray for the world.

God of peace and justice.
We pray especially tonight for those places that need your peace.
(Names and places can be given here)
Jesus you said “Peace I give to you.”
May they hear your words, may your peace come to them.

God of the hungry,
We pray for those who this night are hungry.
(Names and places can be given here)
Jesus you took bread and broke it and fed the hungry.
May the hungry know your presence, that you hunger with them.

God of the homeless,
We pray for those who are homeless this night.
(Names can be given here)
Jesus you were born, homeless.
May the homeless know your presence with them, that you are homeless with them.

God of tears, of sorrow.
We pray for those who weep this night,
(Names and places may be given here)
Jesus you wept over Jerusalem, as people weep tonight,
May they know your presence, that you weep with them.

God of joy and celebration.
We pray with those who rejoice this night,
(Names and places may be given here)
Lord Jesus, you celebrated with those at a wedding.
May those who celebrate this night know your presence.

God of loneliness,
We pray for those who are lonely tonight,
(Names and places may be given here)
Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, you felt alone.
May the lonely know your presence this night.
May they know your words “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”

God of community,
We pray for all communities this night,
(Names and places may be given here)
Jesus you spent time living in community.
You know the joys and frustrations that this brings.
May your presence be known in communities this night.

God, who calls us by name,
We pray for ourselves this night.
Jesus, you know us, you know the things that trouble us this night.
By your incarnation you know what it feels like to be human.
May we know your presence with us this night.
May we hear you call us by our name.

We offer you our prayers and our lives that your kingdom might come and your will be done. In Jesus’ name Amen

Closing responses:
Paul writes in his letter “Do not be anxious about anything.”
May God’s peace relieve us and this community tonight of anxiety.

Jesus said “come to me all who are tired and weary and I will give you rest.”
May God’s peace give us and this community rest this night.

Jesus said “I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.”
May God’s peace bless, by God’s presence us and this community this night. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

© Karen A Hilsden June 2008 (Student Minister resident in MCH from 2007-2008)

God says "come back"

2008-07-10T18:22:00.000+01:00

“Come back” I call to you.
My arms are open,
Waiting to embrace you,
To hold you.
Come back to me,
I’m calling you,
Yes, you by name.
Come back to me,
I’m your creator, sustainer.

I’m waiting for you,
I’m here,
I’ve never left, I’ve always been here for you.
Come back to me, come home.

I’m not waiting to tell you off.
I’m waiting to tell you, that I love you.
I’m waiting,
whispering and shouting to you of my love.

Yes, I know you may have wandered.
You may have been tempted by the world.
You may have gone for a walk on your own,
in your own direction.
But I’ve still been with you,
I’m longing for you to come home.
Hear me call your name.

I love you, yes you,
Wherever you’ve been,
whatever you’ve been up to.
I love you, I forgive you.
Please come home.
I’m waiting- my arms are open.

I am the God, who created you,
I know your heart, mind and your ways.
I know your longings and your joys.
I know I love you,
just accept my love for you.
Hear these words,
I love you- as you are.
My love to you is unfailing, it won’t run out.

Please come to me,
Come home,
I’m waiting and will wait,
Let’s sit down together,
I’m ready when you are.

I’m ready with my love and grace.
I’ve loved you,
I love you now,
I’ll love you for eternity.
Just let me love you.

In my love we can talk,
In my love we can walk,
In my love we can begin again.
In my love we can work together.

I’m ready, waiting.
Are you coming?
Don’t wait till you think you’re sorted and ready.

Come now.
Bring your struggles,
Bring your joy,
Bring your sorrows,
Bring your laughter.

Come now as you are,
In brokenness,
In strength and weakness.

Come, talk to me,
and hear my whisper to you.
“I love you,
I forgive you,
I am with you.”

Evening Prayer

2008-07-03T00:30:00.003+01:00

In MCH, we had evening prayer at 10pm. I was inspired to write some liturgy, so beneath is an Evening prayer written for MCH.

Opening responses
From sunrise to sunset.
God is with us.
In our waking, in our sleeping.
God is with us.
In our working, in our leisure.
God is with us.
In our joy, in our sorrow.
God is with us.
In this moment, in every moment.
God is with us.

From the rising of the sun unto its setting.
May the Lord’s name be praised.

Prayer of praise

Loving God,
To you belong all glory and praise.

In your great power you created the heavens and the earth.
The heavens declare your majesty.
The earth declares your glory.

Holy God,
To you we give all glory and praise.

Redeeming God,
Though we turned from you,
You did not turn from us.
Instead you showed us unfailing love.

Holy God,
To you we give all glory and praise.

Guiding God,
Each day you are with us,
Each new day you stir us with your spirit.

Holy God,
To you we give all glory and praise.

Holy God, creator, redeemer and guider.
May this night our praise be yours.
In Jesus’ name. AMEN

Scripture reading followed by a short time of silence.

God of community,
We bring to you tonight the communities of which we are a part.

We bring to you this community.
We pray for your presence to be realised in this place.
Fill this place this night with your presence once again.

(pause)

Bring your healing to this place.
(Pause)
(Prayers for healing may be offered here)
Bring your rest to this place.
(pause)
(Prayers for those struggling with the strains of life may be offered here)
Bring your love to this place.
(Pause)

May this be a place where your acceptance is known.
May this be a place where your peace is known.
May this be a place where your grace is known.

So as we pray for this place,
We pray to for the local community,
We pray for your presence to pulse.

We pray for those communities we have been a part of today.
For those people who we have seen or heard about that are in need.
(Places, people and situations can be named aloud or in silence)

We pray for those communities we have heard about in the news today.
For the celebrations which we may have seen or heard about.
For the sorrows which we may have seen or heard about.
(Pause)

Gracious and compassionate God,
Accept these prayers,
May your love be known in all places and situations and May your will be done.
In Jesus Name Amen.

May the God who called you from sleep this morning,
Grant you sleep and rest this night.
May the God who holds you in his everlasting arms.
Enfold you this night.
May God’s blessing surround you and those you love, this night and every night.
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen

© Karen A Hilsden June 2008

"Trying to work out what it means"

2008-07-03T00:11:00.005+01:00

Last week within one of the social work projects, I heard some words, which to me were encouraging and a gentle reminder. We were sitting in the garden of the alcoholics residential home.(Me and some of the residents) One of the residents Fred said to me, that another resident Bob was Jesus. Bob is perhaps what a stereotypical Jesus is imagined to be to some- sandals, long hair. Bob replied "I am not Jesus, I am a Christian and trying to work out what it means." This reminded me that we don't have to have everything sorted out, all the answers, we aren't to be a text book, but that we are on a journey of discovery. Sometimes we need reminding.

For me personally over the last few weeks, I have become a bit frustrated! Perhaps its because I like to know the answers. Especially in the context of hospital chaplaincy. Why is this happening, where on earth are you God?

Sometimes its hard, we would like to have all the answers, yet we don't. I needed to be reminded, that actually I don't need the answers, but to try and ask the questions, to think. I guess this last year I've asked lots of questions. I've been frustrated. But yet what I know is that God is there in my questions, that even when I struggle to understand, God is there with me. Plus God's big enough to cope with my silly questions and my bigger questions!

The end of my first year of pre-ordination training

2008-07-02T23:47:00.004+01:00

So I haven't written for a while!

I finished in London on Sunday- I shared my testimony and some reflections on the last year in a lovely morning service. I was asked what reading I'd like for my leaving service, I chose John 15v1-17. For me the last 12 months has been a pruning time. Pruned from Lancaster and pruned theologically. When I begin to reflect on how much I've gained its huge amounts. It hasn't been easy but I hope it has been a fruitful time. It was a Communion Service, led by my supervisor Cathy Bird. There were 9 of us altogether and it was really special. We went out for lunch after worship. Then Mum and Dad arrived to meet me. I was rather tired as I hadn't gone to bed till 3am because we had an MCH gathering on Saturday night! Then I was up again at 7!
Finished packing (Mum and Dad had to bring a 4th suitcase!) and then headed for the station. There was rather a lot of luggage to say the least! Luckily one of my relatives was in London so brought 1 suitcase back! Thanks to David who helped us over to the station to load the luggage on! Then back to Cambridge by 5pm. Unfortunately then the task of unpacking began :(. Trying to find homes for everything is fun and am still finishing off now!

So am now home for the summer, this week I am having the week off. I saw Hazel and Hollie on Monday and will see them again on Friday. I also am hoping to get some summer work, next week, all being well. The weekend looks busy, am off to Sheringham with my home Church family on Saturday and we are having an extended family day on Sunday!
So its quite busy, but nice to be able to relax! As I've unpacked I have looked at all my books I want to read! So am hoping I might do some reading!

Last few days in London

2008-06-25T22:53:00.004+01:00

Well, I am 3 1/2 days away from finishing my year in London. This week there have been several goodbyes already and people have been generous to me. I have some lovely flowers among other bits and pieces at present!
I have the Haven tomorrow and then just my farewell service on Sunday- after which we are going out for lunch.

The last week has been manic, I visited Queens last week which was great. It was great to see where I am going to be, everyone was really friendly and they seem to have really good resources as well! I am going to do an MA in Applied Theological Studies- which is exciting and scary. I have really missed study this year! Which has surprised me! So I will be moving to Birmingham in early September.

At the weekend I had my final Guy Chester weekend, which I was only there for on the Friday. Last week my Grandma (Dad's Mum) was 80 and there was a big family party on Saturday night. It also conincided with Dad's Birthday. It was a great night and to me really important to celebrate life! It was great to be able to be with family again! I will put a picture up at some point! The last song of the night was "You'll never walk alone." It seems to have become our family theme tune, it was played at my cousins wedding (An avid Liverpool fan!) just after Dad had finished his radiotherapy and Grandma said that those words were for him. So it gets a bit emotional now.

Then back to London on Sunday, yesterday it was nice to see Steve (my university chaplain) who was in London and then last night I had my final women's group. Today I finished my time at the Hospital. I plan on reflecting next week on some of the inspirations of the last year, so will write them here!

Steve asked me yesterday what are the two things I am going to take away from this year?! A good question- i've learn't so much but haven't processed it all yet! I do know that part of me this year has been learning to live with tensions. Whether it be the tension of living and working in the same place! The tensions between social work and Church, between Hospital chaplaincy and circuit ministry! The tension of also not always being able to do much, especially in hospital chaplaincy! I can pray, but physically I cannot relieve the pain, I cannot stop the person from dying. Its hard and there isn't much you can sometimes do apart from be alongisde. Which I guess is part of the incarnation. The tensions also of the Criminal justice system.

I am already starting to realise just how much I have gained- now I need some time to process!

Any way, need to get some rest! So will write again shortly!

The last few weeks!

2008-06-09T23:25:00.000+01:00

It’s been a busy few weeks as usual! After receiving the news of where I was going next year I went to Cambridge ready to drive to Cornwall, for Jez and Lois’ wedding! So I then had a 3 day adventure- I drove down to Cornwall on the Friday, spent Friday night in Falmouth and catching up with friends, Saturday was the wedding and then drove back to Cambridge on the Sunday! It was crazy, but great fun! Some of us from Uni and other friends of Lois’ stayed at a Christian retreat centre, just outside Falmouth. It was really cheap and great to stay with friends who I haven’t seen for a while! What was slightly fun was finding the place! Lois’ Dad went and lined the route with balloons! I arrived to collect people staying at the centre and Lois kindly offered for us to drive in convoy! So off we went, the centre was on a farm, so we kept following and following, going down a single track! When we got to the last bit some people had to get out of the cars in order that the cars didn’t scrape on the bottom! It was all good fun! When friends arrived at midnight me and Jon (one of my friends from College) went out to meet them to bring them back! It was easier than trying to work out where they were once lost!
So the Saturday was the wedding itself, it was wonderful and really special to be able to share in such times with friends! It was good to see friends again and catch up! The reception was lovely, after the meal and speeches we all went down onto the beach for a bit- which was fun! Then back to the Hotel for the evening reception which was a Ceilidh! Great fun and a day to remember!
On the Sunday I drove back to Cambridge via Stansted to drop Ali off! (Another uni friend!) It was good to have some company on the long journey back after only about 8 hours sleep over 2 nights- and it wasn’t for not trying to sleep!!!

I love being with my friends! It was good last week to be able to offer hospitality to Adam and Kristi in London. They spent Thursday in London and stayed with me over night before heading to Paris for the weekend. Then today Adam and Kristi came for lunch- we had rolls and cakes from Harrods!

One of the things I really miss about Lancaster is the craziness and fellowship I had there! Friends if you are reading this know that I miss you all!

So its been busy, I have only 20 days before leaving WLM and MCH. We had our MCH leavers BBQ last weekend. Leavers all received Mugs that say “I lived at Methodist Chaplaincy House”! I shall treasure mine. I am visiting Queens next week, which I am looking forward to! Apparently Queens is in the posh part of Birmingham- will suit me very well!

Any way, best go and try and rest. Its extremely hot in my room, so am currently sat on the roof top garden trying to cool down! An early start in the morning!

Hinde Street Sermon

2008-06-07T22:34:00.002+01:00

I am preaching at the 11am service at Hinde Street tommorow, which is quite scary! Here is the sermon.

Sermon for Hinde Street Methodist Church Sunday 8th June
Karen Hilsden
Readings: Genesis 12:1-9, Matthew 9: 9-13, 18-26

Today, after this service, will see the competitive football match between the church and communities! Football was my reason for starting to go to church! I come from a family of football fanatics and started going to church because on a Sunday morning I had the choice of standing on the touch line watching my brother play football in all weathers or going to Church with my Nana and Uncle! Church was a much warmer place and thus won! This was really the beginning of my journey of Christian faith.

Today‟s readings give us the stories of people of faith and parts of their journey. We have Abram: called by God to set out to a new place; to leave behind his home, relatives and so on. We have the call of Matthew: a tax collector. We also have the story of Jesus being touched by a woman who then is healed. This encounter with Jesus brings her a new identity: a new journey. Prior to this, the woman would have been excluded from society because she would have been seen as ritually unclean. Finally, we have the story of a girl being taken by the hand by Jesus and re-awoken.
So today we hear words from Scripture about relationships with God and Jesus: about encounters and journeys of life. Each of us has our own journey and story to tell. Some of us might identify with different characters in our readings for our own journeys. This morning I am going to share with you a part of my story.

For me, hearing the story of Jairus‟ daughter as we have just done brings back memories of a musical that I was in when I was 11. In it there was quite a cheesy song, but it was profound to me and the words were:

Jesus friend of little children be a friend to me,
take my hand and ever keep me close to thee.
Teach me how to grow in goodness daily as I grow,
you have been a child and surely you will know.
Step by step oh lead me onward upwards into youth,
wiser stronger still becoming in your truth
never leave me nor forsake me ever be my friend.
Never leave me from life‟s dawning to its end.

These words for me were words that spoke clearly to me as a child, and I suggest that they were words of commitment. They are also words that are applicable to all of us in our journey of life: the call to follow Jesus is a call to go on a journey with him. Those words “Step by step, lead me onward” are words that challenge us all, whatever stage we are at in our lives to follow where God calls. God‟s call on lives comes in different ways: through religious experiences, other people, situations we find ourselves in and at different times. Abram was 75 when he responded to his call.

I stand here this morning as the result of a response to a call. The Methodist Church accepted me to train as a minister as long as I spent my first year at WLM. I first sensed God calling me to be a minister at the age of 16 or 17: it was during a healing service and I sensed a call to celebrate Holy Communion. I thought God must have been having a funny five minutes! A few weeks later however, a minister was talking to me about my future and my University career and said to me, “Have you thought about becoming a minister?” I began to think back to the healing service. I hadn‟t mentioned my experience and what I sensed to anyone, but now someone else‟s suggestion to me made me think twice! When we reflect upon God calling people, we find ourselves looking not as individuals but as communities. People can play a big part in helping people discern what God might be calling them to do. Part of our work is to help one another in discerning this and encourage people! Just remember: you don‟t know what‟s going on in somebody‟s life and your encouragement could help them!

We believe and have faith in the God who calls; but how do we respond? For a while I kept trying to come up with excuses why I couldn‟t be a minister: number 1 I hadn‟t experienced bereavement. How on earth could I cope with doing a funeral or helping people that were bereaved? My answer to God was „I can‟t do it‟ and I continued to argue with God over why I couldn‟t be a minister. This was my excuse and remained my excuse for a while. Meanwhile my Aunt was ill. Eventually she died and I was asked to speak at her funeral. I had just gone on note – that‟s the first stage for those of you that don‟t know! – as a local preacher and hadn‟t yet preached in Sunday worship let alone at a family funeral. I managed to speak at the funeral and the only way I managed, I am quite sure, was with God‟s strength. That night I was at midweek worship: again it was a healing service. This time, during the service I realised that what for so long had been my excuse could no longer be! Now what was my excuse?!

When God calls us, we can sometimes try arguing with God, but actually God can be quite persistent! Eventually there needs to be an active response to a call. I went to University in Lancaster to study Christian ministry, initially as part of my response to my call. I wasn‟t convinced that I would cope being 244 miles away from home, but 2 weeks after I‟d been at University I found myself reflecting back: I was having a great time. Prior to going I thought I would be back, but along the way I sensed that that was where God was calling me to be. As we look at the story of Abram this morning we see God calling Abram to new places. Just as God called Abram to new places, so we can be called to new places: this might be geographically, or vocationally. Is God perhaps calling you to new places? Are you resisting responding?

One of the things I have found with calling is that it‟s always tempting to leave it or for it always to be in the future. For me there was a temptation to leave candidating. When I went to University I thought that beginning the process of offering for Methodist ministry, if that‟s what I was to do, would come much later. However, towards the end of my first term I discovered that my University Chaplain had been in conversation with the Methodist Church who had decided that Foundation Training could be done whilst I was at University! So, instead of beginning to think about doing it all once I‟d finished University I found myself offering for ministry in my final year at Lancaster.

I once heard a sermon on priesthood, vocation and motherhood which was really inspirational and helpful to me! One of the things that the preacher said was that just as you cannot stay pregnant forever with a baby, neither can you stay pregnant, as it were, with vocation! The process can be painful and involve vulnerability. At some point, our response to vocation has to come out: in whatever form that might be. For some people, it could perhaps be asking for a note to preach; for others, volunteering to help out with jobs that need doing in church. Is there an area where you are being nudged to respond?

Our Old Testament reading ends today with us seeing that Abram journeyed in stages. Our response can be made in little steps. “Step by step oh lead me onwards”. Looking at our calling is an ongoing task: we discern the big brush strokes, as it were, but we then have to discern the finer details. Responding to a call is not a momentary action: it‟s a journey, a process. Shortly my journey will move on yet another stage as I move to Queen‟s College in Birmingham for a further 2 years of training.
Abram set out to respond to God‟s call and the following passages show that times were not easy. For my journey there have been some hard times. Half way through my first year at University, my Dad was diagnosed with cancer. Times were hard: I was in Lancaster whilst everyone else was at home, there was nowhere else I wanted to be but at home, yet this wasn‟t possible. There were things that needed to be done in Lancaster.

Trying to work out what we are called to do can be a struggle. For me, whilst I was exploring vocation I used to go down to Manchester every 6 weeks or so for vocational exploration evenings. The number of times I left Hartley Victoria thinking „Can this really be me?‟ or „Has God really got this right? Me a Presbyter?‟ I quite often say to friends that God must have been having a funny five minutes when he called me to be a Methodist minister and that this certainly illustrates God‟s sense of humour!

God calls unexpected people to do unexpected things: Abram at 75 and Matthew, a tax collector, someone not to have been very popular. God calls me, and you, to share in the mission of Jesus Christ: living lives of love in action. Living out the message of the incarnation of the God who dwells among the people. How do we respond? Are we prepared to give our "yes‟?

So to conclude:
Call needs encouragement! We can all encourage one another in helping to discern God‟s will for our lives.
Call cannot be in the future forever: at some point we have to respond actively.
Call isn‟t easy! There can be challenges and it can be hard!
When we make a response to God, to whatever it might be, we make it in the knowledge that the God who calls us is the God who is faithful; and in the promise of Jesus “I am with you always till the end
of the age”. So may we have grace to respond to God‟s call on our lives to follow Jesus but also to tend to those things that God calls us to.

Some resources from hospital chaplaincy

2008-06-06T18:02:00.002+01:00

Here are some prayers written for my hospital chaplaincy placement, to give to someone struggling with prayer and the presence of God.

Lord Jesus Christ your promise is “I am with you always”. Help me to hear these words and to be reassured of your presence.
AMEN

God, in Jesus you became human and experienced joys and pain as we do. Help me to know that in our suffering you are there, that you know what it means to suffer as you journeyed to the cross.
So at this time of pain and suffering, may I know your presence.
In Jesus’ name the suffering servant.
AMEN

God of compassion. You are the God who says:
“Do not be afraid, I am with you. Though you walk through the fire I am with you, you can never be consumed by the fire.”

Right now though I am afraid, life is hard. Feeling your presence is hard.

Reveal yourself to me, in the hands that care, in the cards that carry love. Reassure me of your presence and give me your peace. In Jesus’ name AMEN

Loving God,
As a Mother who cares holds her child.
Hold me in your loving arms.
Help me to know the embrace of your loving arms at this time.

Hold me Lord, hear my cries and help me to know your presence.
AMEN

“Be still and know that I am God”.

Help me to be still.

Call to mind God’s promise “I am with you always”. Help me to reflect on this promise and know own this promise, that you are with me, here and now.

“As a Mother tends her tiny child, so I will care for you says the Lord”

God hear my cry
(take some time to really tell God how you feel).

Know that God hears this,
that God weeps with you as you weep and laughs with you when you laugh.

Lord Jesus Christ, come to me and be with me.
Make your presence real to me.
In Jesus’ name who promises presence.
AMEN

The Verdict!

2008-05-22T18:33:00.002+01:00

Well, well, well! Training allocations pannel met on Tuesday and they didn't confirm what had been discussed previously (see Earlier post about Wesley House!). Instead they have decided to send me to Queens in Birmingham http://www.queens.ac.uk .

Quite a surprise really!

The outcome is a bit frustrating! Whats the point in discussing things, begining to put things into place and then send you elsewhere! I am of course under the discipline of the Methodist Church and thus where they send me I go!

Will post more later.

Next Year......waiting

2008-05-20T22:33:00.002+01:00

Well the decision has been made today for where I am to be for the next 2 years. I don't know yet the outcome but apparently there are 4 new UK based Methodist students for Wesley House. The question is am I one of them?! So I am waiting for an e-mail either tommorow or Thursday when all will be revealed.

finishing in London

2008-05-14T23:53:00.003+01:00

Scarily I finish in London 6 weeks on Sunday- am supposed to be writing reports at present, ready for my end of year review. I cannot concentrate! Possibly tonight because today has been a busy day at the hospital, or possibly because I am easily distracted!

Next week the final decision should be made about where I will be next year- am looking forward to knowing for certain, at present I am not as certain as I was about where I will be. So am a bit anxious at present.

Lots has been happening over recent weeks, it was good to be in Lancaster for Lois' hen weekend and catch up with people. On the Saturday we went to Ambleside and did a walk, then onto Grassmere in the afternoon, for afternoon tea and went rowing on the lake. We then went out for dinner in Kendal at night. I managed to stay longer than originally planned which meant I got to go back to Lancaster Methodist Church. It was great to be back and catch up with people and worship there again. Lancaster Methodist Church has become my spiritual home and thats where I needed to be after a challenging week.
It was a good weekend and now I am looking forward to Jez and Lois' wedding next weekend. The wedding is down in Cornwall so more travelling! It will be the first time I have seen some of my friends since last August! SO am really looking forward to seeing more friends!
Any way ought to go get some sleep- I have a full day tommorow and then a Guy Chester Centre retreat this weekend!

Spring Harvest!

2008-05-14T23:15:00.006+01:00

Life has been hectic and I failed to blog about Spring Harvest!
Sarah Evans (not from Fireman Sam, but my friend Sarah!) has been bugging me to post! SO here goes!

Spring harvest was fantastic. It was great to be able to spend time with friends: Sarah, Kieron, Emma and Tedward (that's Sarah's bear, although apparently his real name is George!). We are all rather crazy when we are together! We began a quote book which is rather entertaining, but probably best not broadcast on here!

The theme for this year was One Hope, with lots of use of the word eschatology! At some point I will get round to writing some of the theology up! It was great- one of the things that frustrates me, is Spring Harvest gets labelled with the type of theology it uses, often misrepresented from my experience.

As well as all the worship and teaching there is plenty of entertainment (provided by numerous people as well as Emma, Sarah and Kieron!) We also were good and even went swimming! I returned from Spring Harvest feeling refreshed and energised but had acquired a cough! Fantastic time and it was great to be able to be honest and open with friends! Sometimes its easy to put on a front! It was rather fun at times to play silly games involving acting! Usually when we were supposed to be going to bed, with me and Emma as children and Sarah and Kieron as the parents! What a way to wind Sarah and Kieron up! hehe

Great week! Thanks Emma, Sarah and Kieron!

Iona

2008-04-14T17:55:00.003+01:00

I travelled up to Lancaster the day before we went to Iona and was taken out for lunch- very nice indeed! Then I went and stayed with the Charman's overnight. Up bright and early on the Saturday morning for catching what was supposed to be a train at 7-10. However on arriving at the station we discovered that we were now being put on Coaches and Bryonny and Becky a taxi (Becky is in a wheel chair). We were already on coaches from Oxenholme- but Lancaster to Oxenholme is longer than 20 minutes by coach! Meaning we missed the connecting coach! So Steve Kay and Steve Charman went and bent the ear of the station manager- meaning they put on the stand by coach to take us to Carlisle. If they hadn't have done this we wouldn't have been leaving Oxenholme till 9am when the train we needed to catch from Carlisle was 9-10 and was the only train to get us to Glasgow to get us up to Oban if we were to get across to Iona on Saturday! So off we went on the coach- but still pushing it to whether we would make Carlisle in time- Steve spoke with Bryonny to try and get the train held up! Eventually they did- but it was a performance! Becky and Bryonny saved the day! Bryonny stood half on and half off the train to make them wait!

So after an eventful start to the journey we arrived at Carlisle Station to have a welcome party to hurry us through to the now delayed train! From then the journey was straight forward, arriving on Iona at 6-10pm! So a very long day! It was good to spend the week with Steve and to be with friends that I had made at University and on Iona last year. The theme of the week was "resident aliens" (which I will blog about later), exploring our place within God's story within the world. It was good! The food was great and it was good to be able to do some walking and splash in the puddles, in an attempt to soak Mr Kay!
It was great to be able to sing lots too! This year I also took part in a sketch as a narrator in the Abbey. We also spent several evenings in the pub! Yes there is a pub on Iona! It was a good week! The week included April fools day which was good fun! I even managed to pull an April fool off without laughing and giving it away! I told Steve Charman (university chaplain) that I thought I should be a deacon rather than a presbyter!

The journey back was straight forward! It was great to be in the company of friends and special friends again! Am hoping to see Steve (Kay!) in a few weeks, I miss not seeing him or talking to him at present!

Back to London!

2008-04-14T17:50:00.003+01:00

Well I am back in London after 2 amazing weeks! I got back on Saturday night and then had a full day yesterday! I finish in London in 11 weeks time- which is scary but exciting at the same time! In a strange way I am looking forward to studying again! The final decision for next year will be confirmed sometime next month- this will be good! Bur for now its back to work!
I seem to have caught a cough whilst I've been away! The people who live on either side of me last night said they thought I was dying from the noise! So am hoping it will shift very soon- its horrid and the last thing I can be doing at the minute is having time off after 2 weeks holiday!

Fun fun fun technology

2008-03-25T22:19:00.006Z

Well the network has been playing up! So I haven't blogged for a while. Plus its been busy!

Maundy Thursday was different- we didn't have a service as such but were hosting our night for the night shelter. So as I found myself reflecting on not having Communion as I have done previously on Maundy Thursday, I realised that although we didn't have Communion- we were living out the story of the last supper. As we gathered around the table with the night shelter guests and served them. We were offering hospitality which of course is central to the foot washing we see in the narrative of Maundy Thursday.

On Good Friday we had a walk of witness around Kings Cross. This involved the Methodist, Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Salvation Army and the Lutherans. It was a good occasion- at times quite noisy as we stood outside one of the Anglican Churches on the main road opposite Euston Station. It struck me how muck like the first Good Friday this would have been. The way of the cross takes place with the world getting on with life. Not with silence and everyone paying attention- although as people did on Friday I am sure they would glance and watch. Then it was time for hot cross buns and tea- in abundance!

Then in the afternoon there was a three hour service at Hinde St based on 7 words from the cross. It was a powerful service and didn't seem 3 hours at all. There were different reflections from different people. One of the powerful ones for me was one done by a colleague looking the phrase "I am thirsty". Looking at what these words would have meant to Jesus being crucified in Kings Cross. With the longest champagne bar around, with the types of things that go on here. It really made me think. One of the things that struck me about the service was how little it actually dwelt on sin- unlike some services I've previously been at on Good Friday. It made me think about the wider message of the cross. When I am able to access on my laptop I will post some further comments.

I spent Easter Sunday morning in the hospital- having spent Holy Saturday in Cambridge. It was snowy on the journey back. Everything covered in snow and it struck me how that first Easter morning would have been completely covered in the sense of loss from Good Friday.
So I got back to London and headed for the hospital. It was a real privilege to be able to share in the service- it was the first time a Holy Communion had been shared in the Chaplaincy together with Anglicans and Methodists together. It was special to share reflections of Easter with people who I have got to know over recent weeks.

Me and my colleague Mark then shared together as we renewed with the congregation our Baptism vows. At the end we shared "this is the faith of the Church" and of course as we said these words we were expressing the sense of Church in the broadest sense. We were expressing our common unity. My colleague Mark then sprinkled me with Holy Water and I did him, then we both sprinkled the congregation. It really struck home the acknowledgement of "one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins". It was a Special Easter morning. After the service we then did some visits- which again was special but challenging. How do we express the Easter Joy to people who are struggling with pain, suffering and are as my colleague put it, living out the suffering of Good Friday. The following summarises my very short sermon:

One of the things I find so comforting about Holy Week is that God encompasses in Jesus all the human emotions we experience- the heights and depths of humanity. God walked the road in Jesus and God walks the road again with us in our journeys. Therefore although we may not be at the point of the joy of Easter day we can identify with part of the story of the passion and Easter story. Knowing that God shares in this with us can give us joy, hope and peace.

So Easter was very different this year! I remember last year preaching out in the Country- being surrounded by lambs! This year in the capital surrounded by buildings and lots of traffic! in the evening I went to Hinde Street for a Communion Service- that was good and reflective with meditations.
So a very different Easter to last year!

So now I am 1 and a 1/2 days away from finishing work for holidays! I am feeling ready for a break- there has been so much going on. So I head off on Thursday to Cambridge- Friday to Lancaster- where I shall go out for Lunch with Steve, then Friday night I am staying with the Charmans and we shall head off to Iona very early on Saturday morning. I am then back the following Friday to Lancaster and off to Skeggy with Emma, Sarah and Kieron for Spring Harvest on the Saturday! So I shall be without Internet access for 2 weeks! So won't update for a while! Lots of packing to do before I head off! But I am very excited and looking very much to the break!

Its quite scary how little time I have left in London once I am back - my final day in the West London Mission Circuit is Sunday 29th June!

So long, farewell!

A year ago today!

2008-03-18T16:39:00.005Z

It is unbelievable a year ago tonight I was recognised as a Local Preacher in the Methodist Church. I find myself remembering today naturally! It was a very special day and service. So many people travelled from Cambridge, others from Peterborough, York, Kendal and from all around the Lancaster circuit!

Rev Stephen Burgess Chair of the York and Hull District preached(http://www.yorkhullmethodist.org.uk/whoswho.php). In his sermon one of the things he spoke about was the need to trust in God. It was of course just before I went to Connexional level for candidates committee. I find myself remembering today what a year it has really been since then! So much has happened- the journey hasn't been easy but I hope that I have trusted God in all that it has brought! Last year at my accreditation I remember thinking where would I be in a years time! Who'd of thought Kings Cross?!

I find myself today remembering with gratitude a year ago today! I find myself missing the people of Lancaster a lot as well!
Today I am actually beginning to realise how little time I have left in London. I remember how quickly and how short a time left I had in Lancaster after my recognition service!

First Baptism

2008-03-14T19:45:00.004Z

This week I did my first Baptism. It was a real privilege. I had been approached several weeks ago in the Hospital for a request for Baptism for a long term patient. The pastoral situation meant that I carried out the request on Wednesday afternoon. As are many of the occassions in the Hospital, it was a moving occassion. The service was very different to one I will ever do again thats for sure! I had to adapt the service of Baptism as we obviously were not going to have a full sermon at the bedside of the sick. It was also felt that asking for promises to be made was not appropriate in the pastoral context and this was a great reminder of God's unconditional love and unconditional acceptance.

The practicalities of Baptising in a hospital bed were fun, but this didn't detract from the Baptism itself!

As I've said before hospital chaplaincy is a privilege and being allowed to Baptise someone was certainly a privilege, to represent the Church and welcome the individual into the Church through the symbol of Baptism. It was the first time of course filling in the Baptism certificate- this brought home the privilege that we have as Student Ministers and as Ministers. I feel humbled at being allowed to be alongside people at some of the most difficult times of life.

"God believes in us".

2008-03-14T19:33:00.003Z

On Tuesday evening as usual when in London I was helping out at womens group. The Womens group at Kings Cross works with women on the margins of society- some are sex workers, others suffering from drug or alcohol addictions and others with other problems.
As it was Womens world day of prayer last Friday and international Womens day on Saturday, it was decided to do some reflections. So Sister Kay (one of the nunns who leads the work) got out the Womens world day of prayer service booklets. Kay introduced what we would do- using the reading and reflections on the reading- combining us with thousands of women throughout the world. Kay spoke about the difficulties women face and said sharing together was important. Especially across faiths, cultures and so on- the group was very multi-cultural! As Kay finished saying this one of the women- who is struggling with drug and alcohol problems piped up: "Yes because even if we don't believe in God, God believes in us". It was a deep profound reminder of God believing in all of us, no matter our background, past and so on. It was a moving moment too- somebody very much on the edge of society- somebody stuggling with life, speaking the profound truth.

"Even if we don't believe in God, God believes in us."

yet another week over

2008-03-08T21:49:00.003Z

Well I haven't blogged this week! Its been a very strange week, lots going on placement wise and in life in general.

I am looking forward to just under three weeks time when I will have two weeks off! I am looking forward to having some time and space with friends. Going away for both weeks! First week I will spend on Iona (www.iona.org.uk) it is Student week and should be fun. I was there last year for Student week too. So it will be my third time on Iona. I think the contrast between Kings Cross and Iona will be stark. It will be a much needed break and will be good to catch up with people (there is a group from Lancaster going for the same week). I like Iona alot- it gives space from daily life, without internet access and also without much phone signal! The food is always good- lots of home made bread and scones! I really appreciate the worship too- the music is always good- with lots of singing! Who knows how long I might sing Mayenziewe for! It has been known for me to sing it for 4 hours constantly! The fellowship is good too! Last year when I was on Iona it was just before Candidates cttee and I came back refreshed and rested. SO am hoping to come back rested!

The last few weeks have been challenging with work for various reasons, so a rest is needed! The second week I am going to Spring Harvest with Emma S, Kieron and Sarah E! Should be a fun week too! Although much craziness I am sure! This will hopefully energise me! Spring Harvest gives lots of teaching and worship! Catching up with friends there too will be good. At Christmas we got together and it was crazy! Think we will be rationed on sugar- or Skegness may not be able to cope for 5 days!

So three working weeks and then break! Its scary how little time I will have left in London. I am learning soo much, I have surprised myself how much I am actually missing academic work though! Have spoken with Formation in Ministry this week and all things being equal I will be at Wesley House from September as posted previously.

So exciting holidays and times of refreshment coming up with God and friends! One of the lessons I am learning for ministry is that times such as these are much needed! Rest, recharge and the oppurtunity to have space to think and be nurtured.

Next year again- a decision

2008-02-29T22:37:00.003Z

Today I went for a meeting with the Principal at Wesley House- Phillip Luscombe. The States has been ruled out- Phillip is quite firm that I should have two years in one place- he argues that it is vital for my formation and thus ruled out Candler. So if I am to go to Wesley house at all it will be for two years. So in the end the decision has happened quite quickly! There are to be suggestions and feedback to go to Formation in Ministry- so hopefully we will get some agreement of plans for the next academic year in the next few weeks. Any plans made now will be subject to the agreement of the training pannels in May. We are hoping formation in ministry may agree to me doing an MA in pastoral theology over two years at Wesley House (http://www.theofed.cam.ac.uk/mapt.html). This will also allow me to "fill in the gaps" from the Cambridge Theological Federations courses. If this goes to plan I will do a placement from the end of August to the start of term. I would also live in College.

I feel a huge sense of relief that a decision has been made about America and feel that Wesley House would be good! During the meeting we did consider the other two full time training institutions and they don't seem to be appropriate for me. One had previously been ruled out with Wendy and the other was ruled out today, based on the changes that are occuring.

A bad day

2008-02-27T23:56:00.003Z

Have had a bad day today- have been at the hospital. As is the nature of hospital chaplaincy- some anticipated things didn't happen and things that weren't expected did. You never know from one minute to the next in hospital chaplaincy whats going to happen! A hard day- for evening prayer tonight in MCH we had this reading- I found it very moving and emotional. (Probably because I am emotionally drained tonight)

A New Heaven and a New Earth
1 Then I saw "a new heaven and a new earth," for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.

What a day- when there is no more pain, suffering and heartache.
So much news today speaks of heartache, pain and suffering. Can get you down- but the vision from John's Revelation gives hope!

Tommorow will be a long day! Working at one of the social projects and then doing the overnight shift for night shelter.
Another meeting about next year on Friday afternoon!

Sermon- Life Changing Experiences- The Woman at the Well

2008-02-24T00:48:00.001Z

This is the sermon preached at Kings Cross Methodist Church on Sunday 24th February.

For me the 2nd March 2005 is a significant date- a day that I can tell you exactly what I was doing- at between 3-45 and 3-50 I can tell you that I was shopping with a friend in Woolworths in Lancaster- my friend was buying a doll she was needing for teaching practice. I remember because the phone call I received at that time was for me life changing- at least temporarily and even as we move through life now.

It was a phone call from my Mum to say that my Dad had been diagnosed with cancer. Life changing because of the immediate thoughts when the dreaded word cancer is mentioned. Life changing because of the uncertainty, anxiety and sadness- deep desperation that came crashing into my life. So it was life changing for me in the sense that it turned everything upside down temporarily- whilst he underwent treatment. It continued to affect my life for a long time- arriving home from finishing my first year at university to discover Dad thin, frail and really very ill- then continuing to see Dad again after having not seen him for a while – the physical changes of Dad continued to affect me. As I came to the realisation that things were not going to be exactly the same again- the ongoing side affects that I still see today. The struggle to eat particular types of food- the need for plenty of water to be able to digest food at all. The reality that human life is fragile.
The impact of the news on 2nd March changed my life- changed Dad’s life - changed life of a family.
This is an example of a life changing moment in my life- there are plenty of other life changing events that happen in all of our lives- its part of being human and experiencing life. And what do we have in the Gospel reading this morning? The encounter of Jesus and the woman at the well- a life changing experience.

Lets look at the context in which it set- the passage comes immediately after Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus- a religious leader- a Pharisee- somebody who was wealthy, educated and highly respectable man. Completely contrasting here we have a woman- coming to the well in the heat of the day in order to avoid meeting anyone- everything about her compared to Nicodemus is against her. Gender- women’s roles at the time, race- she was from Samaria- a place that was not somewhere to be from! Her lifestyle too- as we read she had, had 5 husbands. So in chapter 3 we hear Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus- Jesus’ teaching on being born again- chapter 4 we have Jesus offering “living water”- offering the chance of new life. Just take a moment to look at this- Nicodemus- wealthy, respectable, educated Pharisee, with a woman- not given a name- seen as unrespectable, immoral, from the wrong place. The differences between the two are vast- complete ends of the spectrum! Yet Jesus offers something to both of them- life changing experiences. Jesus spans across the whole spectrum of human experience there in that context and today. In different ways to different people.

In Jesus’ encounter with the woman he offers her “living water”. Water is seen again and again through the Bible- echoing God’s promises- we see the Spirit of God hovering over the waters of creation- the flood- God promising never to flood the earth again and establishing a new covenant with humanity. God leading the people out of slavery through the parted seas, Romans 6v4- Jesus passing through the waters of death and rising to new life. Again and again water echoes God’s promises- of love, acceptance ,of the offering of new life. Echoed through the reading today where Jesus is offering the living water. These all say something of the nature of God and reflect the imagery of water at Baptism. The offering of living water is that which is also offered in Baptism. Baptism- reminds of God’s love and grace and offers new life to us- offering new life, refreshment and cleansing.

Lent has traditionally been a time where people prepared for Baptism. Often during the Easter season there is an opportunity for us to renew our Baptismal vows. Lent is a time to prepare to celebrate in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is perhaps best reflected in some of the letters of Paul- dying to sin and being raised to new life in Christ and also in the service of Baptism- whether it be infant or believers. To share in Christ sufferings and in his resurrection. This season of lent once again sees us preparing to die and be raised with Christ once more- as we hear the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Lent can therefore be a time of preparation for those who have perhaps requested Baptism, but also a time of renewal for the Baptised. Although baptism is a moment- it’s a journey, that can happen at any point in our Christian life.
Jesus offering the woman living water was life changing- and we too can continually receive the living water- water that is fresh! Water that is used as a powerful symbol at Baptism. Not just our own but each time we hear the words of the Baptism service- or think of the power of the story.

The encounter between Jesus and the woman demonstrates as well what happens at Baptism- the acceptance. When we think of Baptism- it’s seen as a “welcoming into the church and to the fold”. At both infant and adult Baptism the Church congregation pledges itself to accept this individual, to encourage support and nurture. This acceptance is something that Jesus offers each and every one of us- here is a woman- not acceptable to society in her life style, not accepted because of her race, not accepted because she was a female! And yet here we have Jesus speaking to her- across the boundaries that were there Jesus offers friendship and acceptance. This acceptance is offered to all people today. It is offered in the sacrament of Baptism so powerfully- a manifestation of God’s acceptance and unconditional love. This manifestation of God’s acceptance and unconditional love should be reflected week by week to all people.
Lent and the story of Good Friday can become a time where we beat ourselves up- reminding ourselves of what we get wrong, of the things we need to sort out in our lives. It can become overwhelming. Yet Jesus calls us- as unacceptable as we may feel, as unworthy we may feel, to life, to living waters. As a Church we need to embody this- accepting each and every one of us- no matter who we are- but accepting each other, encouraging one another and loving each other.

The term living waters which features in our gospel reading, is referring to running water. Not water that is stale and old, but running water that is fresh.
Jesus offers refreshing water- think of a hot day- with a deep thirst. Jesus offers water that quenches such a deep thirst.
This lent may we therefore not be drinking water that is stale, old and out dates but drink water that offers new life, new opportunities. What are the new opportunities that can be offered to us this lent? A new sense of mission? How do we engage with this? The woman was set free from her old life- perhaps we too need to be set free from the past to embrace the future and to look at new opportunities. We need to be prepared to see life changing experiences and enable them to happen.

How do we accept people and embody to people today the life changing experience that Christ can bring? Not as some magical fantasy, but as a reality- as a way that is incarnational- God among us and with us. As Christians as Church- how can we be an environment that enables life changing experiences to take place? Jesus offered refreshment in the living water- how can we offer afresh the Christian faith- the living water of Jesus?

One of the challenges of the church today is that the gospel and person of Jesus is embedded in 2000 years of history. That the gospels were written in particular contexts and particular times. How do we release the message of the kingdom of God today- in ways that make sense that connect with people where they are at? Today’s gospel reading is centred around a well- today of course in this country in our homes, in the places where we stay or the facilities we go to a tap and outcomes the water. For the woman at the well- it was a struggle to get the water- Jesus offering water that’d last when you get the passage in literal sense would have immediately connected- a relief at the thought of not having to trek to the well each day to get water.

The water in the well wouldn’t have been the “living water” or running water as we might say- it would have been stale. Jesus was using imagery that connected with the woman’s experience. Part of Jesus using such imagery would have struck a cord with the woman, causing such a life changing experience for her. What are the images of our culture that’d demonstrate the same significance for people today. The image of the prostitute for Kings Cross is still very relevant- what is it that Jesus if he was here now would use to demonstrate the kingdom and the life that he offers for these women? How would Jesus demonstrate such a life changing experience today? To the women on the street would he perhaps ask “got a drink I can have?”

The encounter of offering water is life changing. The woman at the well became the first to witness and testify to who Jesus was. Not only did the woman find acceptance in Christ, she would have found acceptance among the rest of the Samaritans and she went on to have a ministry. For each of us this is the same. In seeing who Christ is and the difference Christ can make in our lives- we become changed people. People flowing with the love of God and are able to flow with living water. Part of the challenge of our faith is to continually flow with fresh water and not to become stale. The living water that is offered to us- gives us refreshment and allows us to be constantly renewed into the likeness of Christ and to flow with the waters of eternal life and love.

The Samaritans who come to know Jesus- as messiah come into new relationships- both we see with Jesus and one another. The woman would have been socially excluded- yet now through the transformation she is able to experience new relationships and friendships. Probably with people she’d have never expected. As a church seeking to embody the person of Jesus- how are we able to provide people to come to feel accepted and to live in relationships with others. SO often society becomes divisive yet as Christians we need to go against that and live alongside all people. To seek to engage with a wide range of people.
People seeing who Jesus was asked that he might stay with them. This is something too that we need to do- when we look here Jesus stays because he is invited to stay. For to be living water- means never to be stale. We need the Spirit to be constantly renewing us and keeping us alert and active that we might offer refreshment and living water to others.

So this Lent as we prepare to die again and be raised with Christ may we be filled with Living water- water that gives refreshment- this lent may we drink from the living water- giving refreshment to our faith and to our life. That we might offer living water to others- being wells- where others can come and drink. That they too might experience the life changing acceptance and love shown to us in Christ Jesus- being refreshed, renewed and changed that they too might be filled with the living water. AMEN

Jesus changes lives

2008-02-23T23:17:00.000Z

"Jesus changed my life,"
You hear this phrase quite often,
Becomes Christian cheese at times!

Jesus does change lives though,
Why?

Jesus brings a new way of living,
Peace, love, justice.
Things that can make for a better place.

Jesus makes a difference too because:
Jesus accepts us as we are.
Jesus loves us with a love unimaginable.

Jesus changes lives,
Because although we experience hard times,
He weeps with us,
He holds us close,
Jesus whispers the promise “I am with you always”.

Jesus changes lives because,
When it seems there is no hope,
Jesus gives us hope.
In the promise “I am the light of the world.”

Jesus changes lives because:
To those without direction “come follow me”
To the unloved he says “you are my child and loved.”
To the rejected “you are accepted.”
To those without hope- “I will give you hope.”
To all people-“I am with you.”

Dismissal

2008-02-23T22:39:00.000Z

Jesus said “ the water I give, will become a Spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Go now, let the water of Christ spring up within you.
Let the water of the well flow from you,
Sharing the love, grace and acceptance seen in Christ Jesus.
Go in the presence of the Father who created you,
In the presence of Jesus who redeemed you,
In the presence of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within you.
Go in the presence of God who is faithful
AMEN

Call to worship based on John 4

2008-02-23T22:18:00.000Z

Come to the well,
Drink from the well of living water
“Jesus says those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty. “
Come to worship,
To drink from the well.

“Come see a man who told me everything I’ve done.”
The woman at the well came to know that Jesus knew her as a person and accepted her.
Come to worship then,
To hear words of Jesus,
To know that you are known by God,
That you are accepted and loved by God.

“We no longer believe just because of what you have said: now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the saviour of the world.”
Come to worship,
Maybe because someone else has shown you something of Jesus.
Maybe because you know Jesus yourself.
Come to worship,
To know for yourself,
That Jesus loves you.
That today Jesus calls you by your name.

Come to worship for Jesus bids you.
Come and worship,
“Because God is Spirit, and those that worship God,
must worship God in Spirit and truth.”

Come let us worship God.

(Words in italics taken from John chapter 4)

Covenant Prayer

2008-02-23T16:15:00.001Z

Recently we were invited to write our own version of the covenant prayer whilst on a Guy Chester Centre weekend, so thought I'd share it:

God I am your child,
I belong to you.
Give me the tasks that you would have me to do.
Place me with people to share life’s journey,
Help me to love and learn from others.
Let me work for you, for your purposes,
Let me rest with you
Let me walk wherever you lead.
May I hunger and thirst for truth, for righteousness.
Let me offer all that I can,
Let me receive as well as give.
Let me have questions,
Let me have knowledge.
Let me understand,
Let me have faith.
Let all that I m and all that I have be yours.
May it all be to your praise and glory.
Creator, redeemer, transformer.
You are my creator, I am created by you.
You are my redeemer, I am a child loved by you.
You offer new life and transform me.
I am transformed by your love and grace.
I am your child, you are my Father.

another week nearly done!

2008-02-21T19:39:00.003Z

Well I haven't blogged for a few days! Time is going so fast and nearly another week done!
Lots continues to go on- had a good weekend at Guy Chester Centre then a family party! The party was a three course meal and was on the whole very good! All of our family were together apart from 3 members of the 4th generation! Was at home for morning worship on Sunday- a great service. Although a somewhat interesting passage to hear from the lectionary:! "Go from your country"- the call of Abram. Again posing the question- is this what God is calling me to do?! I think I am becoming more clearer on the matter. Then came back to London on Sunday night. Had supervision on Monday morning- was helpful and then had some friends from Cambridge visit in the afternoon. I also saw friends from Lancaster on Tuesday lunchtime and for quite a bit of the afternoon! Was good to catch up- but makes me realise how much I miss Lancaster.

This week some very interesting issues about free church chaplaincy in the Hospital. One of the key issues that has been raised this week has been the issue of ministry to the free church community of the hospital. My Anglican colleagues are high church- Mass is central to there Spirituality. Worship therefore is centred around the sacraments. I have got reserved sacrament that I can use for patients who would like Holy Communion during their stay. For some of the Free Church people who I see Communion is much more about fellowship and the Community to which they belong. So therefore they don't want Communion. So the challenge is what do you offer- what can you offer? Of course there are bedside prayers if requested by the Patient- but what about when they want something a bit more.
Yesterday I was asked what Free Church worship was on offer- the answer is none- I am the only member of the Chaplaincy team that is Free Church- at the hospital for one day a week. So I now have a challenge of creating something that can be used to offer something different to the Free Church patients who would appreciate some kind of substance. I am thinking some kind of reflections on the weeks readings that could be used as part of prayers at the Bedside. Think it'd be good to do and to have something to offer. So I'll post them onto my blogg when I do them!
So much else is happening and perhaps I may be able to blogg eventually on some of it. There are obviously boundaries of confidentiality with some of my work!

With regard to my last post I have been in Contact with the College principal- will hopefully be seeing them shortly. Any way am preaching on Sunday so need to get on with planning worship!

next year again!

2008-02-14T09:59:00.005Z

Its been a busy few days but good! Yesterday I met with someone from Formation in Ministry who sorts out training! It was a really good meeting and I felt positive about it! Having realised last week that conversations had been happening about America without me really being aware I wanted to talk through all the options! Any way- the choices for next year have been narrowed down considerably at the moment. With only 3 full time training institutions in the UK and one of them having been ruled out- we are down to 2 real possibilities in the UK! So am waiting to hear from a College principal to go and talk further about training with that particular training institution! Although the final decision is not made till the 20th May when the training allocations panel meet.

Something I do really feel at the minute is I'd quite like some stability for a bit! Having been in Lancaster last year, London this and another next- the States would mean yet another and back to Cambridge! Then God willing another the following year when I am due to be stationed. I am not quite sure that I want all of my training to be in year blocks- which aren't actually years- september- may! I am not focussed here at present- am being distracted by next year! I thus feel it would help to be in one place for a couple of years to at least be focussed or a year before looking at stationing! However I haven't ruled out the states yet!

So its all go! Am off to Guy Chester Centre tommorow for one of our weekends there! Saturday's are quiet days! So I'm hoping for some space to pray and reflect about the decisions! Am home late on Saturday afternoon for a big family party on Saturday night! Then back to London on Sunday night! Time is going really quickly at the moment! I'm half way through my time here now!

a reflection and prayer

2008-02-11T12:34:00.000Z

Holy God,
Creating the world,
With potential and possibility,
You took a risk.

Coming to earth as a human,
You didn’t take the easy route.
You came, helpless as a baby,
In vulnerability and fragility.

You didn’t take the easy route,
You spoke out against injustice,
You challenged people,
Not speaking just what they wanted,
or doing what they wanted.
You sought to do the will of God the Father.

You didn’t take the way of living for self,
But you took the way of self denial,
Seeking to serve others and loving them.

You didn’t take the easy route,
Comfortable and pain free.
But you took the way of suffering and pain,
The path you walked was hard.

So as disciples today, we make choices and decisions.
May we seek to respond not just to our own wishes and desires.
May we seek to do the will of you God.

Remind us that you too took a risk- so sometimes too we need to risk.
Help us to remember, that you took the path of vulnerability and weakness.
Help us to remember that the call to follow Jesus is not easy, but that you promise to be with us.
Help us to remember that we are parts of the body of Christ. May we look to do what is best for the body- in developing the kingdom.
Help us to know- whatever decisions we make we are children of God, held by God and loved by God.

God of adventure,
You call people to adventure and journey with you.
A journey that may seem crazy or impossible.
May I know that you are Immanuel- God with us.
Help me as a follower of Jesus, as a pilgrim to follow where you call.
Knowing that where I am- you are too.
Help me to know- to seek and do your will.
In Jesus’ name, who walked the path of humanity as we do.
AMEN

Thursday Tea Time

2008-02-10T22:57:00.001Z

I spoke this week at a mid week fellowship meeting at Hinde Street. The title given to my talk by the organiser was "Why I want to be a Minister".... mmm an interesting title- sounds as if being a minister was something that I decided I wanted to do! Well yes I had a choice in my response- but it was a sense of call not just a what shall I do with my life! It was interesting for me to talk through my sense of call and journey. With candidating it became a regular feature but to look back now 9 months since the last time I spoke publically about it, its very much a continuing sense of call. Its now 6 and a 1/2 years since my first initial sense of call and in fact 6 years ago today was Youth Sunday. This particular Sunday became of significance- one of my ministers at the time asked after me being involved in leading worship- have you thought about full time ministry as a possibility?! Until that point I hadn't spoken to anyone about it and even then kept quiet! How did he know the journey that I was on internally!
Any way I could write my full testimony here- but not tonight it'd take a while. Have been thinking that it might be a good idea- some people who were around at my initial sense of call probably haven't heard the story because it wasn't really till I went to Lancaster that I spoke publically to circuit meetings etc about my sense of call!

Chinese New Year

2008-02-10T21:55:00.000Z

Have spent today celebrating the Chinese New Year- firstly with the Brothers and Sisters of Kings Cross Chinese Methodist Church then with those that I live with in MCH. The celebrations with the Church began with a celebration service- was really good to share with them. Very kindly somebody interpreted the whole service- prayers the lot. As well as the service being translated into English- it was also translated from the Cantonese to Mandarin. Quite an experience! Some of the hymns as well were well known such as To God be the Glory! So we could all join together in different tongues. Was good to share in the celebration and to hear the sermon as well. Was interesting to ponder upon some of the challenges placed by the Minister Rev John Yapp. He was exploring some of the superstition that goes along with the Chinese New Year.
The service was followed by a wondeful meal! The Malaysian Methodist minister's wife here says that the Chinese live to eat rather than eat to live! There is always plenty of food! Its been a good day- although tonight I am very tired!

A great occassion! Its also been good today to be invited to do some more teaching of the British Born Chinese teenagers. I taught the group for January and they'd like me to do some more. So have accepted the invitation. We had some great times in January- the Chav version of the Lord's prayer and questions about images of Jesus and Why all angels are white, blue eyed and blonde haired? One of the teenagers replied what about the Chinese angels? Good question?? Why do we always westernise things?? The Minister who oversees the Chinese church has a picture of a Malaysian Jesus! So am waiting to see it! They are a great bunch so look forward to sharing again!

"SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO??"

2008-02-09T17:36:00.000Z

Well yesterday I met with my supervisor and my accompanist from Guy Chester Centre to discuss the possibility of Atlanta for the next stage of my pre-ordination training. Its an exchange that Wesley House in Cambridge (www.wesleycam.ac.uk) have with Candler School of theology (http://www.candler.emory.edu/)

I am being very indecisive- mainly apprehension. I would be initially applying (so may not get to go- if there were other applicants) any way, but am aware last year as soon as the person on the exchange at present expressed interest he went! Talking to Mark who is there at present he said he would recommend it! Everyone else is saying its a good oppurtunity and an oppurtunity I won't get again! Which of course is true. I think much of me being unsure is apprehension. Speaking to one of my university friends this afternoon though she said- you were aprehensive prior to university, the whole candidating process and so forth. Its clearly part of who I am looking back now- I have no regrets about going to University. I'd be a very different person today having not been. Although a bit cliche God was faithful through University and if I appply and go then there is no reason why that wouldn't be again! And indeed continuing to be in the mean time. I think being abroad would be good for me- something that I do have little experience of. So I am certainly open to the idea- there are a few things that I need to look at and questions to ask. Looking at what I need from my training and how that can be best fulfilled.

I would be doing modules which would be transferable to the UK (Wesley House) for an MA and would be doing any classes offered that I wanted. One of the things about Candler as I understand it is that it is lots of people my age training for minstry- very different from anything offered in this country for pre-ordination training.

So an exciting time, whilst being quite scary too!

Blood tests- urgh

2008-02-01T12:57:00.001Z

I went back to my own Dr this morning- my glands are still swollen and I'm tired still! So he decided to do some blood tests- 5 in all- not quite sure what they are all for. He was slightly concerned about my thyroid not working properly- leaving me succeptable to infections. I asked about going back to work and he said I can go back on "light" duties! An interesting question- what are light duties for a minister?! Guessing it probably doesn't endorse the long days I sometimes do! Any way- I now have to wait for the results. They won't all be back for best part of two weeks- so unless anything abnormal is traced before then I won't hear anything till then.
I don't do ill very well and am quite determined to go back to London over the weekend! I am certainly not being off sick until the blood tests come back!

the Language of Blessing

2008-01-30T22:57:00.000Z

Recently I have been doing some theological wrestling! Back in September/ early October an encounter started me out on a journey. Two years ago whilst I was in Lancaster I was given a car. It came from the family of a supernumerary- who had recently died- they had no use for it and said to the Superintendent to give it to someone whose ministry it’d enhance. So the Superintendent asked would I appreciate it- it was a great gift and I saw it as a blessing from God and God providing for my needs. Indeed it did help with foundation training and with my preaching appointments. As some people know I am not the worlds best passenger in the mornings, this was sometimes a challenge- arriving after having been driven round the twists and turns out into the Lune Valley! So having a car meant I didn’t arrive at preaching appointments feeling sick and also meant that I was able to have freedom on my placement- especially with visiting in Silverdale. So I saw my car as provided by God- providing for my needs.

Any way so back early in my time in London, I was asked one night if I would sit outside the shower room in MCH whilst a homeless person used the shower. The woman clearly hadn’t had a shower in weeks and asked was it possible to have one. So without any time to prepare I was sitting outside one of the bathrooms. If I had known in advance I would have had a book to read. But the experience made me stop, think and be challenged.
I had, had 2 showers on this particular day. I began by looking at how fortunate I was- how blessed by God I was. I’d had 2 showers that day and had access to clean water, to showers without having to ask anybody, I could use them with dignity- not having to plead with someone to use their shower. As I sat, I thought- however if I am blessed by God then why should I be blessed by God and not others- EVERYONE ever created I believe is made in the image of God and is a child loved by God. So why therefore do I have the basic necessities that I need to live and not others- ok some people would say well you don’ t need a shower to survive- well no- but at the same time- people are actually dying on the streets of London because they have no shelter.
So I was challenged how do I handle my experience of God as provider and loving all people side by side? Especially in the light of this experience. I wrestled and asked lots of questions- at the moment I conclude that God provides for the world in the widest sense of the word- it is thus important that Christians engage seriously themselves and encourage others to consider what they have, how they steward it and share with those less fortunate, as well as engaging politically with social justice campaigns- to create change. Stewardship is often spoken of- that we might be a blessing to others.
(At some point I’ll add the flow chart I made to work through the issue).
So yes God blesses- but not in some kind of magical way! For too long I think I’ve been in fantasy land! God blessed the world- in creation, in his omnipresence- but God also gave stewardship and free will to humanity. I think there is also the bigger question of how we look at blessing- here its been very focussed on the material things needed for life. Yes perhaps this is wrong- but there are certain things that we do need for life, that a lot of people don’t have.

Following this and being aware that often in the congregations I am in there is the presence of those less fortunate materially- I have also been challenged on the language used about blessing in worship. Especially with reference to the offertory prayer: So often these are done extemporarily and make sweeping comments about God giving us all that we need. How when we make such sweeping comments do we include those who are on the margins of society? This is part of a much wider debate on language and inclusion- it isn’t just masculine/feminine language that is an issue!

As well as developing my understanding on Blessing, the experience has challenged me on a number of areas-
A) to be more aware of sweeping comments we make- they can sometimes be excluding and don’t necessarily express what we really mean when considered in depth.
B) To ask the basic questions of things!
C) Rather than just inheriting and excepting lots of teaching and theology- that what I believe is made my own- that is specific rather than so sweeping and broad!

it's back AGAIN

2008-01-30T21:45:00.000Z

Well after being back in London for 7 day I was signed off ill again on Monday. Last week was busy and emotionally draining. I went for my Guy Chester Centre days on Friday and Saturday. Didn't feel great whilst I was there- put it down to tiredness- but I felt quite uncomfortable and in pain. On Sunday night I really felt lousy again-looked at my throat and some white lumps had begun to appear again. Was set to work on Monday but when I got up on Monday morning felt lousy. With a lot of pain in my throat- so torch out again- could see lots more white lumps. So I went to the Dr's on Monday morning- she looked and said "that's the most spectacular sore throat I've seen in weeks." So she gave me another lot of antibiotics for tonsillitis and signed me off for at least a week and said I need to see a Dr again if I don't improve. Had spoken to Mum before she went to work- she said if I was signed off to come home. So I came home to Cambridge on Monday afternoon- have laid on the sofa and barely moved since. Am feeling very tired and still don't feel great- but today can at least move my arms and legs without them hurting too!
My main diet this week has consisted of trifle, ice cream and lucozade!

Any way a mid this- I've received an e-mail from connexion to talk about next academic year. So they are asking me to consider applying for the Candler School of theology exchange in Atlanta. This had been mentioned before. I have some questions and uncertainties- but connexion think it'd help my experience of multi-culture. So we will see, am hoping to talk to my supervisor and accompanists at Guy Chester centre soon. Its all a bit crazy- lots of people are saying great opportunity- I say I'd like some continuity in my training! Other wise I will have had four years in four places. The final decision won't be made till 20th May which seems a long way off! Guess I'll see where God leads!

any way, need some more rest

another prayer

2008-01-24T22:25:00.000Z

Am back in London- its been a busy week.
Yesterday the hospital was a difficult day but it was a privilege at the same time. One particular verse of a song has come to mind as central to the role of the hospital chaplain and yesterday seemed to me to be a reality, holding hands as a reassurance as comfort is something that happens quite often in chaplaincy and they are special moments and are a real privilege.

"I will hold the Christ-light for you
in the night-time of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
speak the peace you long to hear.

I will weep when you are weeping;
when you laugh I’ll laugh with you;
I will share your joy and sorrow
till we’ve seen this journey through." (Richard Gillard )

Here is a prayer too, which I was inspired with yesterday and used,it will form part of a resource pack I'm doing for my hospital chaplaincy placement.

Hold our hands Lord,
Walk with us Lord.
Hold our hands Lord,
We’re walking in uncertainty,
Hold our hands Lord,
This time is hard.
Hold our hands Lord,
Reassure us of your love.
For all of us at this time.
Hold our hands Lord,
As we journey on through the coming hours and days,
Let us know you are here with us.
Hold our hands Lord,
Through the darkness of night,
Bring us the light of your hope.
Hold our hands Lord,
For you are faithful and promise to be with us always,
Whatever happens.
Hold our hands Lord.

“Who do people say I am?”

2008-01-19T20:23:00.001Z

To Simon and Andrew, the fishermen.
Jesus was the man who called them to follow him and he would make them fish for people.

To the paralytic man brought to Jesus on his mat.
Jesus was the man who forgave his sin and told him to get up and take his mat home.

To the Phoenician woman who pleaded with Jesus to heal her daughter.
Jesus was the challenger, challenging the barriers within the society.

To Jarius’ daughter who was dead.
Jesus was the hope and life, calling her back to life.

To the boy in the crowd at the feeding of the 5,000.
Jesus was the acceptor, accepting what he could offer and transforming it.

To the deaf and mute man.
Jesus was the liberator, enabling him to hear and speak.

To the children brought to Jesus.
Jesus was the acceptor in accepting who they were, as they were

To Zachaeus the tax collector.
Jesus was the only person who would be his friend.

To all Jesus made a difference and was significant.
Today Jesus can make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us, will we help demonstrate the significance of Jesus today?

They all came

2008-01-19T19:31:00.000Z

A call to worship I wrote a while ago, but thought I'd share it here.

“The Bible is full of stories and narrative where people came to Jesus for different things, to be healed, to be fed, to be taught. This mornings theme is thinking about coming to God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Coming to God from where we are to share with God the way we are feeling and where we are at. I want us to begin just by hearing some words, reflecting on the scene at the feeding of the 5,000. It was here that people had to come to hear the words of Jesus and were fed spiritually and physically. “

They all came,
Flocking in their thousands.

They all came,
Young and old.
Men and women.

They all came,
Looking up to Jesus.
An example,
A way to live.

They all came,
To listen,
To learn.

They all came,
To be taught,
To be challenged.

They all came,
To be comforted,
To confront.

They came as they were.
They offered what they had.

They came, they were fed.
They came, they were filled.

They came sharing in fellowship,
They cared for each other.

They came in their thousands,
They left changed people.

They all came,
They were fed,
Fed spiritually,
Fed physically.

They came to see Jesus,
Jesus met them there.

We now come,
Old and young.
Men and women.

We now come,
Looking for Jesus,
An example,
A way of life.

We now come,
To listen,
To learn.

We now come,
To be fed,
To be nurtured.

We now come,
To share,
To care.

We now come as we are,
To offer what we have.
That it might be transformed.

We now come,
Jesus meets us here.

Tonsilitis and a long journey home

2008-01-17T14:42:00.000Z

Well a good week back in London, Monday morning I wake up with a sore throat! Great- tuesday wake up and feel even worse, sore throat, neck, glands up so I decided I didn't think i'd manage a day at the day centre. Spent until 5 in bed- don't think i've ever quite done this before. Late on Tuesday night I found my torch- looked in my throat and decided perhaps I ought to see a doctor. SO I found a local Dr on NHS direct website and phoned them yesterday morning. Went and saw the Dr, he took one look told me to close my mouth, not to speak and gave me some strong antibiotics. Apparently I am highly contagious. He said I'll give you a sick note- didn't think that was neccessary but suffice it to say I am off ill. Working with people who are vulnerable means they are probably even more seceptable to illness!
When I spoke to Mum she said it'd make sense to be at home. So yesterday evening- once the trains are usually quieter from Kings Cross to Cambridge, I went to get a train to discover there was signal failure at Kings Cross. So people were being sent to Liverpool St- great apart from the Underground was so overcrowded the police had closed it off. Didn't feel like the underground and thought well if need be I can go home tommorow. Trains eventually started again, but only 3 trains coming in per hour. They couldn't guarantee when another train would go to Cambridge- if it would even be last night. So after 2 1/2 hours of waiting I rang Mum and Dad and agreed if I got to Stevenage they'd fetch me from there! Thank God for parents like mine! 4 1/2 hours it took from leaving my room to getting home! On a journey I can usually do in an hour.
So am home now, drugged up and resting. Don't know whether my voice has improved from yesterday- no one to talk to at present. So it maybe a quiet household again tonight! Am hoping when Mum gets home from work She will make me some triffle! A regular food for when I have tonsilitis! This bout of tonsilitis is my second since November. Its crazy I've had more time off between November and now than in my entire degree.

One of the questions asked often in theological training is where is God in all this... currently thinking on where God was in all the chaos of last night! Will blog about it soon.

Back to Work!

2008-01-13T17:58:00.000Z

This week has been I think one of the busiest weeks I have had in London!
Last Sunday morning it was great to share in the Annual Covenant Service. It was here at Kings Cross- there were only 4 of us- but I was reminded how what we are doing is part of the much bigger picture- we can say it here with just a few of us- yet there are thousands of Methodist's (and others!) who say the words of the Covenant Prayer at the begining of the New Year. For me I found myself reflecting upon the words and the impact they have upon our lives a weeks prior to this- remembering the commitment I had made last year- which were still coming into completeness as 2007 drew to a close.

"I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;
Put me to doing; put me to suffering;
Let me be employed for you or laid aside for you,
Exalted for you, or brought low for you;

Let me be full, let me be empty;
Let me have all things, let me have nothing;
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal.

And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
You are mine and I am yours. So be it.

And the covenant made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen."

Before Christmas sometimes being in London was challenging- yet I had pledged myself to go where God sent! SO as I said these words this year I was aware that in just 5 months time- God willing the Methodist Church will send me to theological college- I was looking ahead to that, as well as being aware of the more immediate commitment I was making.

The words are powerful, demanding and challenging!

The week continued to be busy, I started work in another of our social projects with alcoholics, I was at the hospital for my day a week. Also helped with the Night Shelter which is hosted at Kings Cross one night a week during the first 3 months of the year.

I had missed not working in my two weeks off and am pleased to be back again. Part of my placement this year that has been helpful in my discernment is working as a hospital chaplain one day a week. Having not been at the hospital for several weeks I was shattered by the end, but gain so much. Its a privillege to be able to take Holy Communion to people (its reserved sacrament). I receive so much from what people share within the hospital. Part of this discernment is helping me to think about where my longer term ministry may lie. One of the good things about Methodism is the way that it can combine circuit work and chaplaincy together!

Has been a really good week- I went home for just over a day too! Then have led worship today at Hinde Street and taught the Senior School Children of the Chinese church today. Was great to be with them- we are looking at prayer during January. so today we looked at the Lord's prayer- the teenagers then wrote some of their own! Including a chav version! Very interesting.

Any way, tonight there is a house meal and meeting! So best go! Will update soon!

New Year!

2008-01-13T17:38:00.000Z

It's been a while since updating my blog- So HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Part of the reason that I was away for a week and then in at the deep end with work!
Last time I posted I had just arrived home for Christmas. Christmas was good- Church in the morning and then 15 people at my parents house for dnner! Was good fun and great to all be together! Even if I had only had 4 hours sleep! I still get excited at my age!

Any way just after Christmas I headed up to Lancaster for 6 days, for new year. It was great to see people and catch up with people. New Years Eve itself I spent with some university friends- we gathered, ate, played games, shared favourite moments of 2007 and hopes for 2008. I miss my university friends! New Years day morning (as in 5:30am!) some of my friends decided it would be good to climb a hill in the Lake District- so after 3 hours sleep we all got up, sorted and headed for the Lakes! It was dark and rainy. The hill that my friends Jez and Adam had thought we would climb turned out to be impossible because of poor visibility. So we chatted for a bit and then instead we drove down to Lake Windermere and walked around part of that- still crazy o'clock in the morning! We also prayed for one another and for 2008. Although it was extremely early, grey and drizzly it was good to start the year this way. The picture here was taken on our walk! Then it was back to where Lois and Ali's (friends who I stayed with for 4 nights). There we played DUTCH BLITZ! A favourite card game of mine! I hadn't played it for a while, so it was good to play again.
I spent an evening with some other friends! How crazy they are! We were all very hyperactive on sugar and am looking forward to seeing them all again at Spring Harvest! Five days of complete craziness!
I finished off my time in Lancaster by visiting the Charman family- Steve was my mentor last year, Jennie was a colleague in Junior Church and Hannah and Peter were both in my Junior Church class.
Was great to be able to catch up with people again, I miss Lancaster very much.

Another great thing whilst I was in Lancaster was the air! Over the past few months I have had a cough- a result of my asthma- whilst in Lancaster my asthma seemed to be really good. Back in London- it seems to not be so good again!

So it was back to Cambridge on the Saturday, out for a meal with a friend then back to London early on Sunday morning!

Ready for work!

famous people!

2007-12-23T22:57:00.000Z

Over the last term I have seen various well known people! Living directly opposite St Pancras, me and a friend went across when the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh came! So I saw the queen- she also went by recently as I was arriving at the WLDC!
Earlier in the term I had seen Cardinal Murphy O'Connor, I was due to see the Archbishop of Canterbury but was ill!

Preaching in London

2007-12-23T22:54:00.000Z

Going from the setting of rural Lancashire to the inner city of London was a shock for preaching! My first preaching appointment in London was at a Church very very close to the Emmirates (Arsenal’s ground!) it was a half past eleven service and Arsenal were playing Sunderland at twelve o’clock. As I began my sermon so did the football match, I found myself competing with the crowd, and I could tell you when the goals went in! This was a very different setting to Lancashire, I found it a bit distracting I must say!
Reflecting back- this setting is the back drop to all Christian preaching and speaking today- a busy noisy world! The challenge is to make the Gospel heard in a relevant way and in a way that can be heard.
Since then I have preached several times- most recently I preached an evening service at Hinde Street- technology permitting the sermon may soon be heard on the Churches pod cast. Preaching and leading worship is very different in London- the congregation make up is drastically different,its amazing how people drift in throughout services! It means progression in worship is hard to create! One of my experiences has been that rather than being in the majority I am sometimes in the minority- makes me stop and think about cultural relevance and how we seek to be inclusive and culturally relevant.

A full update!

2007-12-23T22:53:00.001Z

My work in London is varied, this term I have done 2 days volunteering at the day centre see information at: http://www.wlm.org.uk/wldcent.htm I also work as a Free Church representative as a Hospital chaplain 1 day per week, I also help out with a women’s drop in group hosted at Kings Cross. As well as some of the other usual tasks of a presbyter- meetings, leading worship and preaching. When I write this down it doesn't seem that I do that much- part of my time in London is theological reflection. There have been many challenges which I will share later- they will be quite lengthy!
http://www.wlm.org.uk/documents/Report07_001.pdf
The circuit has recently had its annual review so much of the work I am involved in can be seen! The observant among you may even find a couple of pictures of me!

I am also fortunate to have the opportunity to go to the Guy Chester Centre each month to share with other students training for ministry. This is highly valuable, the friends I have made there are great and there is usually a lot of laughter! The Friday's we spend doing a variety of things. Friday mornings begin with Morning Prayer, coffee and biscuits! Then we continue working through a pastoral care course- this helps us in developing our pastoral skills but also to help in caring for one another. Friday afternoons are spent theologically reflecting together- different members of the group share something of their work/life and then together we reflect. Recently one of the group led us in a Boys Brigade session! This was great fun- making paper aeroplanes, figure marching, team games! It was a fun session- some of the group acted just like Boys! We then have a psychology kind of person come in and look at scenarios in ministry and placement. She leads us in reflecting and looking especially at the deeper things and unconscious at work!
After our evening meal we then have a time of "Cell Church", this follows through a series on "Our Calling" of the Methodist Church. (http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.content&cmid=11)
After this we follow in good Methodist tradition and retire to a pub in Muswell Hill.
Its then back to GCC for Hot Chocolate, people begin to retire to their beds- although some of us sit talking till the early hours. Saturday is an early start for breakfast, some more people arrive- the Saturday incorporates EDEV (extending discipleship, exploring vocation) people. The day is a “QUIET” day, but with some of us around- quiet is fun! We are led in a variety of different ways to pray and are following- Margaret Silf’s book Wayfaring. The book I would recommend to people strongly- I have found it renewing and find GCC as a whole a place of nourishment. It’s good to be able to share with others, feeling a sense of isolation and considering ministry and discerning ministry. I am the only pre-ordination training student- discerning ministry for me is discerning the type of Presbyteral I feel I am called to and where my gifts and weaknesses lie. Any body offered the opportunity to go to Guy Chester centre- take it! The centre runs a variety of quiet days and courses: See the website for more details!

Home for Christmas!

2007-12-23T22:51:00.001Z

So finally I am home for Christmas! Its been a long and busy term, but have finally written an update!
To those who read: May you have a happy Christmas and good new year!

I am in Cambridge for the first week of 2 for festive holidays and am then heading north to Lancaster for my second week! Am very excited to see friends and catch up! I miss Lancaster!

Long time no blogging....

2007-11-09T21:03:00.000Z

whoops, I haven't blogged for a very very long time! so now lots to catch up on!

Preparing for London

2007-09-03T23:51:00.000+01:00

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!

The end of an era in Lancaster

2007-08-07T12:52:00.000+01:00

I left Lancaster for the final time a fortnight ago! There were so many goodbyes, when I was at Junior School I remember a child writing a song about saying Goodbye. The line I remember in particular is "Saying goodbye is never easy, saying goodbye can make you cry". He had written this on the experience of both of his parents being killed in a road accident. The line was going round in my head recently- preparing and having so many goodbyes.

MY first Goodbye was acknowledged in April at one of my placement churches Annual Church Meeting,(at this point I didn't even know what I would be doing next year!). From this point on I seemed to have endless numbers of goodbyes, from every meeting that I have belonged to in Lancaster, worship consultation, leadership teams, circuit meetings etc, I began to be able to predict what was about to be said! The main final goodbyes were the hardest, I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Lancaster Methodist Circuit and Lancaster Methodist Church. On the final Sunday morning that I was in Lancaster, I was presented in worship with numerous gifts which I will treasure. I still have some of the book vouchers to spend. I was then given a send off downstairs with a party to wish me all the best from the younger members of the church. What a privilege it has been to share with so many people from young to old in the church over the year. Lancaster Methodist Church has been a very special place and is the church in which I was accredited in as a local preacher in March.

It was in the week following that I graduated officially. It was a very long ceremony and an early morning start! Although in a sense this was the end of my ST Martin's phase, it wasn't goodbye! I have seen many of my friends since at Jon and Amy's wedding, Jenny's hen weekend and will of course see many again at Jenny's wedding. In a sense Goodbye's from St Martin's friends haven't happened! It was good to graduate with so many friends. The photo's of the day are quite amusing! Some of which thank goodness are not on the Internet!

I was then back home for a few days after emptying my house in Lancaster! Already previously 3 car loads of stuff had come home and we packed 2 cars full to bring the remainder! I have an awful lot of stuff!

I was then back in the North West for the weekend for Jenny's hen weekend in Kendal, and then the final farewell- at Hedley's retirement and farewell service. Hedley has been my placement supervisor this year. At the end of worship there were numerous presentations made, I was very humbled to receive a framed picture of the Sunset across Morecambe Bay with Ashton Memorial in. I was speechless! What a change there, but I found goodbyes very hard here, although not as bad as I thought. The picture now hangs in the living room for now! It will remain there until I eventually have my own manse!

So lots of Goodbyes, but lots of memories to be thankful for. I hope that I will return to Lancaster in the not too distant future! However I must also get used to moving on and begin to look to London for the next phase of my journey!

I loved Lancaster and have made many friends there! I shall miss Lancaster muchly!

Longtime no blogging!

2007-08-07T12:48:00.000+01:00

The last few weeks have been manic! I have travelled nearly 2000 miles in the last 4 weeks which has meant that I haven't really been in one place for very long! I have had graduation, I don't know how many goodbyes, a hen weekend, a wedding, a holiday and so on! So I am going to try and blog more often now I am in one place for a while!

Theological Type!

2007-06-14T23:55:00.000+01:00

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan, You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists.

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

71%

Emergent/Postmodern

61%

Classical Liberal

54%

Neo orthodox

50%

Charismatic/Pentecostal

46%

Modern Liberal

43%

Roman Catholic

32%

Reformed Evangelical

25%

Fundamentalist

What's your theological worldview?
created with QuizFarm.com

My visit to West London Mission!

2007-06-05T14:33:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I had a visit day to where I will be next year! It was very exciting despite the 7-45am train that I had to catch from Cambridge! Thank goodness it wasn't Lancaster that would have been even earlier!
So I arrived at Kings Cross at 8-45 and was met by the deacon who lives at Methodist Chaplaincy House- where I will be living. We walked to Hinde Street, which is where the other church of the circuit is. There I met all of the staff- apparently everyone being at Staff Meeting is a very rare occassion- so I was privilledged. The staff team is quite big: The superintendent- Geoff Cornell, two presbyters Cathy and Leao, Janet who is a deacon, John who is the chinese congregations minister and the social work director Paul. A great bunch- who I look forward to working with.
West London mission has two churches with many different social work projects alongside them. There is so much going on and plenty for me to choose from for what I am going to be doing. The four areas currently being explored are:
West London Day Centre- working in the drop in centre for probably a day a week which is about 4 hours- they are not open all of the time. This will perhaps include as well looking at an educational and explorational class there.
Also some work with the prostitutes- every night of the week people go out from Kings Cross Methodist Church as part of an ecumenical project to talk to the prostitutes on the street. I will hopefully be involved in going out onto the streets with people.
hospital chaplaincy- explains itself!
Chinese youth- this is work with the BBC (British Born Chinese) this will be looking at youth work and worship with the young people on a Sunday afternoon.

I will also be going onto the WLM preaching plan- lots going on.
Whilst I was in London yesterday I went to see where Charles Wesley lived!
I also ventured the London transport system using the bus, the underground and used my feet! It was a good day and looks to be an exciting year.
I shall post again in more detail about the work of WLM itself.

Where is God when it hurts?

2007-05-27T22:55:00.000+01:00

On the 2nd March 2005 my Dad was diagnosed with throat cancer. What followed was a journey that was hard and painful for our family. So often people ask the question, how do cancer and God exist. Below is a reflection I wrote during Dad's illness, where is God in cancer? God is there, its not always easy but if we look we can see the presence of God in it all. This is part of my testimony and part of a personal journey of where God was for me and my journey with my family facing cancer.

Where is God when it hurts people ask?He is there, I know for myself.
But how can God be there if he loves us they ask?
Well let’s take a look at what Jesus, God made man experienced himself in his journey to his death.
In the garden of Gethsemane he suffered mentally, as he took up his cross he suffered physically, through this suffering he died and returned. Resurrected giving hope, the message of salvation.

Where is God now when life really hurts?
He is there, I know for myself.
Let us open our eyes to see, it may not be easy but when you look you will see God is there.
God is there in the hug of a friend, as you sit and sob, as others comfort you.
“I don’t know what to say” they say.
A hug and the presence is enough, there is God, in others and through the comfort of the Holy Spirit, sharing in the tears with you.

Where is God when it hurts?
He is there, I know for myself.
In the phone calls, conversations, in the visits, greeting cards and the prayers.
In the hands of those that give the treatment, the doctors, surgeons, nurses, radiotherapists and the support groups.
In the hugs and tears shared with one another.
Just when you begin to look God is everywhere in the cancer, in the courage and battle of it.

God is there in it all,
In the pain, tears and courage.
In the past, in the present and future.
Jesus is the alpha and omega.

God is there, faithful and true,
He’s a beacon in the night.
God is there in his promises,
“I am with you always”
“Nothing can separate us from the love of God”
“His rod and staff they comfort me”.

God is here and there.
God has shared from the beginning,
The words he speaks through his Spirit,
“I am with you always”.
God is here in the comfort from the Spirit and those around us.
Through the hugs and tears.

In these days we trust in God’s unfailing goodness and love he offers us.In the everlasting hope he offers, whatever happens.

Rob Bell: Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith

2007-05-27T22:26:00.000+01:00

As part of my candidating process I had to read a theological book. It was suggested to me that I tried Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis Repainting the Christian Faith as a good book. So I did! I found it to be a brilliant book, energising and inpspiring! So thought I would share some of my thoughts on the book.
Bell uses the metaphor of a painting that has become redundant and no longer used or seen to look at the need for "repainting the Christian faith".
Bell looks at the need for exploring our faith, he speaks about how in the Bible Jesus demonstrates what it means to explore faith, to ask questions and calling the disciples to rethink the Christian faith. I love the challenge that it brings: "The challenge for Christians then is to live with great compassion and conviction, remaining open and flexible, aware that life is not the last painting."
I think that sometimes for people today, Christianity has become a painting that is no longer relevant or seen as representing something important to them. Yet what Bell highlights clearly is the challenge and task that Christians need to engage in, asking questions, rethinking and redefining our faith today.
The book looks at Church history, engaging with reformation and reforming! Looking at how the tradition that Martin Luther was a part of not just the reformation as a period in history, but as a reforming task, continuing to go on. A great book and not a difficult read!
I think Rob Bell engages with issues that are a problem today, when we think about updating our faith, how often do we think of updating it in technology! Ensuring the Church has a good technology system, yet what Bell challenges people to think about is the need to reform theology. as Bell writes: " We must keep reforming the way the Christian faith is defined, lived and explained." So the question for me personally has been, how do we define our faith today in 21St Century, in a culture that is rapidly changing. How do we define faith, live it out today and explain it in a way that expresses and demonstrates the relevance to lives today?

Some reflections!

2007-05-21T16:15:00.000+01:00

I finished my degree on Friday, handing my last 2 essays in. Its a bit weird this afternoon! I don't have essays to write, this is the first time really since starting my AS levels 5 nearly 6 years ago! Since when I finished my A-levels I immediately started my Faith and Worship: Local Preachers course. So now I am left with some time to relax- I find that hard! Today feels very weird because usually I feel I shouldn't have an afternoon nap because I have things to do, yet today I can!

Anyway so what is next? Well I am off to London to do my first year of three as a pre-ordination student, I am currently only doing one year in London and then will go elsewhere for two further years. People keep asking what will I be doing! Well at the minute I am not too sure of that either- apart from working with people on the margins of society. What I do know is that I shall be living at Kings Cross in the Methodist Chaplaincy House. I shall be visiting London in a couple of weeks time to find out more! So then I will know and be able to share with people! So at the minute its a bit of a waiting game! I find this frustrating! I need to learn patience! I look forward to visiting London. One or two people have said how scary London is to live- especially Kings Cross! Thanks for the encouragement and reassurance!

The past few weeks have been a bit strange, having been busy writing essays (as any students have been!), going to candidates committee etc.
What I think I find very strange is candidates committee has HAPPENED! Its finished! For 5 1/2 years it was always something of the future yet it has happened! Not sure that everything has really sunk in! I am wondering when it will actually sink in! Initially I thought it had but now I am not quite sure! I think with all the essays that needed to be written and the stresses of them and then preaching twice yesterday, things have been quite hectic!
I guess this week now essays are finished that things might have more time to sink in!
Any way, enough rambling for now!

New to blogging!

2007-05-21T15:58:00.000+01:00

Have decided that blogging seems like fun and means sharing things quickly and easily! So will hopefully begin to use it more!
May take me a bit of time for getting use to it though!