What a busy month we have just had.
I have now finished my Theological Reflection Portfolio; this is about seeing God in everything. I have begun my 'Preaching and Understanding' and 'Leading Sacramental Worship' Portfolios, my aim is to get them both finished by September. This means I am half way through my Portfolios. It is incredible how much I can pull on of my own experiences and how God has been an influence within them. I reflect very naturally now when I am faced with situations in all areas of life and give time to see God in them.
Five of us went to the Living Faith day in Oxford. It was the most amazing day with over 700 Christians coming together. I think we were all very impressed with our Bishops and the encouragement they gave us. For me, it was affirming what we are all ready doing. The word for the day was HOSPITALITY. They talked about coffee shops and sharing meals by coming together with all members of our communities by making friends, it is about what we can do together. It’s good to know that St. Andrew’s is ahead of the game. Bishop Stephen also said that it takes 4-5 years for most people to grow in faith, so we do not need to feel disheartened, it takes time and that is God’s time not ours.
Poppets are now beginning to develop. We have a social committee and the mum’s have now organised a teddy bears picnic, pirates and princesses party, adults BBQ, a day out at Littlehampton and we are having picnic and play days during the summer holidays in the garden. We so often forget that many mums do not have any other children and so lose out when we close for the summer. The social committee are taking responsibility for this so as to give the helpers a break. I am also looking at some sort of church for toddlers, but it is still early days although I like the idea of ‘Messy Church’.
I have also been shadowing Sue a bit more, for me it is a good way of learning. I really enjoyed the two classes of children from Western House coming to visit, allowing Sue to explain all about our faith and church. We also visited the new nursery and 'sure start' services and have made some connections with them. This is the beginning of how those who offer children’s services can all work together for the good of the community, religious and non religious.
I have also taken my first pre funeral with Sue alongside and I was honoured to have been asked by her daughter as she was a friend of mine. It was the most beautiful act that I could have given her. It is amazing how the gift of God’s love encourages you to do things that you never thought you could.
I also went to a BBQ at the Bishop’s house to say farewell to my Director of Ordinands who is retiring. It was sad to say farewell, as he has been a rock for me when I was going forward for selection. It was lovely during the evening to see many faces from the past who are now Priests and Deacons elsewhere.
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