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.
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Time flies when you are having fun!
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!
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!
Sunday, 14 September 2008
Queens!
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!
Queens is brilliant!
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Quite overwhelming
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.
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
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
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...
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!
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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!
Thursday, 10 July 2008
bits and bobs
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!
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
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)
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"
“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.”
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.”
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Evening Prayer
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
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"
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!
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!
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
The end of my first year of pre-ordination training
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!
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Last few days in London
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!
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!
Monday, 9 June 2008
The last few weeks!
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!
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!
Saturday, 7 June 2008
Hinde Street Sermon
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.
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.
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