I'm in the Diary!

The District Lead for all things vocation and ministries and I are meeting tomorrow evening. I’m looking forward to sharing in fellowship and getting to know each other a little more. It’s been a challenge getting into his diary - work rudely putting a sudden halt to my holiday last night focussed the mind.

In Methodism we only ever seem to be about 1.5 degrees of separation from someone else ‘known’, rather than the usual six:

Six degrees of separation - Wikipedia

Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.Contributors to Wikimedia projects

It’ll be interesting to share stories of our time in Cumbria and obtain some clarity re: the dreaded C2...

DOV 1 Meeting 3

Incredible meeting with Mark. I went well prepared after he suggested the topics for conversation in advance. We went through the competencies framework, (G.6) we were both surprised/encouraged by the evidence against most. There was some conversation about my ‘tigger’ like mood. That’s not to say lots of

Holy ShiftMatt

Superintendent Prep, Training Options, Margie

I prepped for a meeting with the Circuit’s Superintendent this week. Anticipating discussion re: C2 Candidating Context Form: Please do not make this application unless you have first met with your Superintendent Minister and your Chair of District to discuss your calling to an already identified circuit or district or

Holy ShiftMatt

C2...

I received a somewhat mysterious email from our Superintendent re: C2. I think there’s been a misunderstanding along the way with what I mean by ‘local context’. I’m thinking this. I’ve sent the draft form to a few folk (as suggested in the guidance) and wait to hear...will nudge

Holy ShiftMatt

A simply superb visit yesterday with a very learned, kind and encouraging person who has known Margie for many years and was a missionary in India. She'll be there on Sunday too...I was gifted the most incredible NIV concordance. It’s utterly addictive - even from a very basic ‘I wonder how many times word X appears...’ It’s become the new coffee-table book. If it were any bigger and had legs it could become a coffee table, it’s massive!

I told LRGM the word 'no' appears over 1700 times in the NIV; she doesn't need to start every sentence with it!

A rather engineered afternoon tea in the yard with Margie’s mum yesterday afternoon and she’s now fully up to speed; as predicted she wasn’t surprised but she will reflect deeply and ask questions as they arise. There will be plenty. It’s comforting to think she will be praying both for clarity and support.

Nighttime sermon writing for Palm Sunday at Stricklandgate. I’m pleased with the outcome. I had a run through with Margie, including a play through of the hymns to ensure flow. I cracked and had tears and Margie wobbled. Probably a good sign of a strong and hopeful message. I am struck by the paradoxical nature of the events building up to Holy Week. The celebration of Passover whilst under Roman occupation. The cheering of the crowds welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem only for those cheers to change to cries of “crucify him”. The interaction of the Pharisees with Jesus, and his assured, snappy response! Like my sermon on the first Sunday of Lent, there is a certain ‘punch’ to this one as we march into Holy Week.

I’ve sensed, and it’s been suggested that, a ‘trad’ service will be welcomed. I’m including a hymn from 1664; the third verse is incredibly challenging:

Sometimes they strew His way,
and His sweet praises sing;
resounding all the day
hosannas to their King.
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
and for His death they thirst and cry.

Traditional is ok.

Although the morning was at work, my focussed mind-set continued for the afternoon and I spent the most glorious time with my beautiful, beautiful family. Thank you Lord, today has been a good day.