By the end of tomorrow I will have travelled to and from London four times in a week. I feel I know intimately the wrorkings of Southeastern trains and their network services between the Kent Coast and London. If I'm honest I shall not be sorry to end the weekly commute to London for college lectures which will end in just a dew weeks time. Not that I'm counting but I have two journeys for routine lectures left, one for revision week, two for PMP weeks in June and the finally one for Graduation Day on 23 June.
Of course in addition, there's the delight of a coach trip to London for my Ordination, now less than two weeks away.
This past week's extra travel has been in order to attend the Baptist Assembly Meetings - a very different feeling Assembly perhaps because of its location format and content.
Whilst I have been in Walmer, albeit briefly, there has been opportunity to get out into the community at the Broconte event organised by the Parish Council where our church stall raised over £100 for church funds.
Back in London it was good to reconnect with friends from the American Church, catch up on news and enjoy a delicious italian meal.
Since the last blog we've met in Church Meeting, evicted pigeons nesting in the spire and continued our prparations for our Jubille planting scheme.
This week sees the first of our bring-and-share fellowship lunches - a new venture to build community.
Whilst the journeys to London may soon be over doubtless new journeying opportunities will doubtless present themselves as both Pastor and people continue to discern how best we connect with our community and continue our Kingdom building journey.
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Too much chocolate...
Easter is behind us but my waistline testifies to it having happened and the experience has been good in many ways.
In the run-up to Holy Week we had an industrious time outside the church leveling the former flower bed and gravel path ready for the arrival and laying of new turf. Already the area looks so much better and over the next few weeks our Jubilee planting scheme will start to take shape as plants which will bloom in reds, whites and blues will fill bed and our new wall planters.
Holy Week began with the usual palm waving on Palm Sunday before we began to journey through Holy Week each day with lunchtime reflections. Maundy Thursday was observed with supper and communion at Victoria, Deal and we gathered for sombre reflection on Good Friday to remember the crucifixion.
Chaos, as ordered as possible, ensued on Easter Saturday afternoon when 50+ children and parents came hunting for Easter Eggs - with over 300 eggs of various sizes to give away there was too much chocolate!
Easter Sunday Celebrations began in the open-air with communion in the park followed by breakfast in the hall. Then the 'big splash'! It was great to share with Frieda and her family in the joy of her baptism - her testimony was very moving!
Catching a few days away, it is now back to college for the final round of lectures and the need to write the final assignments. I've had my exit interview with the Principal who acknowledged my 'distinctiveness' had made its mark!
So, plans for my Ordination start to take shape and the good people of Bloomsbury seem to have that under control. The only worry now is what to wear on the day - nothing fits - too much chocolate!!
In the run-up to Holy Week we had an industrious time outside the church leveling the former flower bed and gravel path ready for the arrival and laying of new turf. Already the area looks so much better and over the next few weeks our Jubilee planting scheme will start to take shape as plants which will bloom in reds, whites and blues will fill bed and our new wall planters.
Holy Week began with the usual palm waving on Palm Sunday before we began to journey through Holy Week each day with lunchtime reflections. Maundy Thursday was observed with supper and communion at Victoria, Deal and we gathered for sombre reflection on Good Friday to remember the crucifixion.
Chaos, as ordered as possible, ensued on Easter Saturday afternoon when 50+ children and parents came hunting for Easter Eggs - with over 300 eggs of various sizes to give away there was too much chocolate!
Easter Sunday Celebrations began in the open-air with communion in the park followed by breakfast in the hall. Then the 'big splash'! It was great to share with Frieda and her family in the joy of her baptism - her testimony was very moving!
Catching a few days away, it is now back to college for the final round of lectures and the need to write the final assignments. I've had my exit interview with the Principal who acknowledged my 'distinctiveness' had made its mark!
So, plans for my Ordination start to take shape and the good people of Bloomsbury seem to have that under control. The only worry now is what to wear on the day - nothing fits - too much chocolate!!
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
God is in control
I have to admit that I don't usually read The Sun newspaper. However, this week as I travelled to college I encountered a copy left by another passenger. The headline affirmed 'God is in control'.
As my college journey nears its end with a few essays left still to write it is good to be reminded of who it is who has been guiding the process.
This too is true of church life where clearlyGod is control.
I have met with both my field placement tutor and supervisor and reflected upon the way in which God is blessing both my ministry and the church. The Deacons have met with my supervisor and completed my final apraisal form.
It was good to spend time with my support group at Bloomsbury sharing highs and lows of both college and church life.
College is now over until after Easter. Holy Week and Easter services loom and need to be finalised.
I look at the next three weeks when I shall be busy, busy, busy at church and cling to the essential truth that 'God is in control'.
As my college journey nears its end with a few essays left still to write it is good to be reminded of who it is who has been guiding the process.
This too is true of church life where clearlyGod is control.
I have met with both my field placement tutor and supervisor and reflected upon the way in which God is blessing both my ministry and the church. The Deacons have met with my supervisor and completed my final apraisal form.
It was good to spend time with my support group at Bloomsbury sharing highs and lows of both college and church life.
College is now over until after Easter. Holy Week and Easter services loom and need to be finalised.
I look at the next three weeks when I shall be busy, busy, busy at church and cling to the essential truth that 'God is in control'.
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Keeping in touch with friends on the journey.
It is good that we don't travel our journey alone and it is good that we can connect with friends old and new from time to time. Having taken on the role as East Kent Network Home Mission Champion we took a Sunday to remind ourselves of our wider Baptist family and the partnership that helps us support them and they us. We are grateful to be in receipt of a BU Ministry Grant which supports our ministry and it was good to watch BUGB video clips which showed us of similar work to ours in different parts of the country.
Together with friends from the churches of our community we shared the story of the Christian women of Malaysia when we hosted the annual World Day of Prayer service.It was good to have almost every church represented and members taking part.
Another friendship grouping is our local Deal Area Churches Together fraternal. It was good, as always, to meet with clergy colleagues to chat, laugh and plan together.
Interspersed with this was the visit to a care home resident who had been moved to Walmer to be nearer her family but whom friends in the West Country where anxious about. It was good to assure her others were caring and concerned - friends on her journey taking an interest.
Finally, it was good to catch up with old friends passing through the UK on a grand tour of the World - next stop Paris.
So it has been a week of making connections, reminding ourselves of those who take an interest in us as individuals and as a church.
By the time I post the next update, I will have met with my Supervisor and Field Placement Tutors for the final time and also with my Support Group at Bloomsbury. Their friendships, support and interest is greatly valued.
So I, personally, thank God for friends who keep in touch with me on my journey.
Together with friends from the churches of our community we shared the story of the Christian women of Malaysia when we hosted the annual World Day of Prayer service.It was good to have almost every church represented and members taking part.
Another friendship grouping is our local Deal Area Churches Together fraternal. It was good, as always, to meet with clergy colleagues to chat, laugh and plan together.
Interspersed with this was the visit to a care home resident who had been moved to Walmer to be nearer her family but whom friends in the West Country where anxious about. It was good to assure her others were caring and concerned - friends on her journey taking an interest.
Finally, it was good to catch up with old friends passing through the UK on a grand tour of the World - next stop Paris.
So it has been a week of making connections, reminding ourselves of those who take an interest in us as individuals and as a church.
By the time I post the next update, I will have met with my Supervisor and Field Placement Tutors for the final time and also with my Support Group at Bloomsbury. Their friendships, support and interest is greatly valued.
So I, personally, thank God for friends who keep in touch with me on my journey.
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
D'oh I'm a Simpsons expert?
Amazingly my assignment on The Simpsons for the Cultural Hermenuetics module has been marked and returned with a mark beyond my wildest expectations. Similarly my reflections on the Thailand Trip have been marked and so all the assignments for Semester 1 have been completed.
Having taken a break for half term in Berlin - cold and snowy - its back to college for the final round of lectures and their associated assignments. Colleaugues are sharing joys and frustrations experienced as part of the Settlement process and I'm glad not to have that added stress.
In Walmer we continue our planning for the Jubilee and Olympics. This week sees the resumption of Friday Night Pizza with our two teenage girls. The Sunday Club team are preparing worship for Mothering Sunday.
The local paper has printed a photo and article on our new Badminton Group and, this week, should feature the knitters and photos from the Ukraine where the latest shipment of jumpers etc went.
Lent has begun and with our Anglican friends we are running a series of studies exploring the theme: 'Finding Welcome'.
Life therefore remains busy and full of challenges with little time to watch anything as trvial as The Simpsons.
Having taken a break for half term in Berlin - cold and snowy - its back to college for the final round of lectures and their associated assignments. Colleaugues are sharing joys and frustrations experienced as part of the Settlement process and I'm glad not to have that added stress.
In Walmer we continue our planning for the Jubilee and Olympics. This week sees the resumption of Friday Night Pizza with our two teenage girls. The Sunday Club team are preparing worship for Mothering Sunday.
The local paper has printed a photo and article on our new Badminton Group and, this week, should feature the knitters and photos from the Ukraine where the latest shipment of jumpers etc went.
Lent has begun and with our Anglican friends we are running a series of studies exploring the theme: 'Finding Welcome'.
Life therefore remains busy and full of challenges with little time to watch anything as trvial as The Simpsons.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
The Home Run....
So the final semester of my degree course begins. Two assignments from the previous are still being marked but assuming they make the grade it is just the assignments for my last three modules and the dreaded PMP folder that remain to be completed. Guidelines for the arrangements of the forthcoming Graduation Day in June have been circulated.
Today, compulsory modules on Early Baptist Church History and Encountering World Faiths have begun. Tomorrow, my option of Module Exploring Spiritualities will round off my college days for the week.
The last two weeks at home has seen further planning for our grounds project to mark Olympic and Jubilee year. We've marked education Sunday with a visit from Ruth Gouldbourne, braving a heavy snow fall which gave Ruth and Ian a challenging journey back to London.
We celebrated a blessed Church Year in 2011 at our AGM on Saturday acknowledging that together we had achieved such a lot and that our finances were in a healthy state.
This week sees us host the rehearsal for the forthcoming Womens World Day of Prayer Service and the first of our fun Games Evenings for this year is scheduled for Friday.
I've rashly booked a holiday in Berlin for the Half Term break where I will meet up with an old friend who is a Lutheran Pastor.
The next update is likely in two weeks ... watch this space!
Today, compulsory modules on Early Baptist Church History and Encountering World Faiths have begun. Tomorrow, my option of Module Exploring Spiritualities will round off my college days for the week.
The last two weeks at home has seen further planning for our grounds project to mark Olympic and Jubilee year. We've marked education Sunday with a visit from Ruth Gouldbourne, braving a heavy snow fall which gave Ruth and Ian a challenging journey back to London.
We celebrated a blessed Church Year in 2011 at our AGM on Saturday acknowledging that together we had achieved such a lot and that our finances were in a healthy state.
This week sees us host the rehearsal for the forthcoming Womens World Day of Prayer Service and the first of our fun Games Evenings for this year is scheduled for Friday.
I've rashly booked a holiday in Berlin for the Half Term break where I will meet up with an old friend who is a Lutheran Pastor.
The next update is likely in two weeks ... watch this space!
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Semester end looms...
Ok, so Christmas happened, and although it already seems a distant memory it needs to be recalled. Having hoped for snow, which never came, the week before Christmas saw time spent decorating the church for the season - battery operated (health and safety compliant) candles flickered and our alternative Christmas Tree reminded us that a story beginning with a baby in a manger leads to a man dying on a cross and more...
Our all-age Nativity saw everyone get involved in re-telling the familiar story despite the wise men's enthusiasm to get to journey's end without following the star on the 'long' journey around the church!
Traditional readings from the King James Version of the Bible (acknowledging its 400th year) were well by a group of new readers at our Carol Service. The families kept coming and coming for our Family Carols on Christmas Eve which filled the church and was a great encouragement. Christmas Day saw another full church of young and old.
Between the holiday weekends there was time to write an assignment - a further achieved in the first week of the new year!
The pressure is on to write 3000 words on my specialist subject - The Simpsons - D'oh, why did I opt for Cultural Hermeneutics?
We are preparing for a busy church year and our AGM is in three weeks time when we will reflect on our finances and our life together in the past year, dreaming dreams together for 2012 and seeking to discern God's will and plans.
The Vicar comes to preach this Sunday as part of Christian Unity Week and we anticipate Ruth Gouldbourne's visit on Education Sunday in a few week's time.
With the deadlines looming for the end of the penultimate semester, the pressure is on but updates will come here even if regular readers may need to prompt me.
Our all-age Nativity saw everyone get involved in re-telling the familiar story despite the wise men's enthusiasm to get to journey's end without following the star on the 'long' journey around the church!
Traditional readings from the King James Version of the Bible (acknowledging its 400th year) were well by a group of new readers at our Carol Service. The families kept coming and coming for our Family Carols on Christmas Eve which filled the church and was a great encouragement. Christmas Day saw another full church of young and old.
Between the holiday weekends there was time to write an assignment - a further achieved in the first week of the new year!
The pressure is on to write 3000 words on my specialist subject - The Simpsons - D'oh, why did I opt for Cultural Hermeneutics?
We are preparing for a busy church year and our AGM is in three weeks time when we will reflect on our finances and our life together in the past year, dreaming dreams together for 2012 and seeking to discern God's will and plans.
The Vicar comes to preach this Sunday as part of Christian Unity Week and we anticipate Ruth Gouldbourne's visit on Education Sunday in a few week's time.
With the deadlines looming for the end of the penultimate semester, the pressure is on but updates will come here even if regular readers may need to prompt me.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Cant's avoid Christmas!
Its the day of the college Carol Service an event I have excused myself from in past years but this year I'm a Wise Man reflecting on my experiences to the assembled company. Malcolm and his team of college caterers are preparing a seasonal buffet so I guess there's no escaping Christmas celebrations.
On Saturday we hosted our church Christmas dinner a jolly event at which we sang our first carols of the season in the building although not yet in the Sanctuary.
That will change this week as we share together in the fun worship of our All-age Nativity and then the round of Carol Services begin in earnest.
Hopefully, I trust, we have done justice to the 'waiting' of Advent by resisting the move to Christmas too soon although with the distribution of Hot Cross buns to everyone last Sunday you could be forgiven for thinking we had fast forwarded straight to Easter.
Anyway, the sobering thought as Christmas is now less a fortnight away is that I have three assignments to wrtite over the holiday season which will ensure I don't go overboard on the celebration and remain focussed on the priorities of study!
On Saturday we hosted our church Christmas dinner a jolly event at which we sang our first carols of the season in the building although not yet in the Sanctuary.
That will change this week as we share together in the fun worship of our All-age Nativity and then the round of Carol Services begin in earnest.
Hopefully, I trust, we have done justice to the 'waiting' of Advent by resisting the move to Christmas too soon although with the distribution of Hot Cross buns to everyone last Sunday you could be forgiven for thinking we had fast forwarded straight to Easter.
Anyway, the sobering thought as Christmas is now less a fortnight away is that I have three assignments to wrtite over the holiday season which will ensure I don't go overboard on the celebration and remain focussed on the priorities of study!
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Sssshh! It's not Christmas yet!
I'm resisting the whole Christmas thing as hard as I can, as usual. There are still 18 days of Advent to enjoy - waitin, reflecting, anticipating, hoping...
That said, we had our Easter Tree at the local Christmas Tree Festival last weekend and this weekend we have our church's Christmas Dinner with obligatory carols afterwards.
College has gone all Christmassy too with decorations up and rehearsals for the Carol Service underway.
Our church Carol Service requires readers and the arm twisting has begun.
The list of the sick, recovering and hospitalised seems ever longer this year and with the colder weather finally with us after a long unseasonally warm autumn, doubtless other will succomb to colds and flu.
Having successfully despatched an assignment to college last week, it was pleasing to receive it back with a good mark.
One more week of studies for 2011 remain a hopefully amidst all the festivities there will be time to update the blog before Christmas.
That said, we had our Easter Tree at the local Christmas Tree Festival last weekend and this weekend we have our church's Christmas Dinner with obligatory carols afterwards.
College has gone all Christmassy too with decorations up and rehearsals for the Carol Service underway.
Our church Carol Service requires readers and the arm twisting has begun.
The list of the sick, recovering and hospitalised seems ever longer this year and with the colder weather finally with us after a long unseasonally warm autumn, doubtless other will succomb to colds and flu.
Having successfully despatched an assignment to college last week, it was pleasing to receive it back with a good mark.
One more week of studies for 2011 remain a hopefully amidst all the festivities there will be time to update the blog before Christmas.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Editted Highlights
Its 'Retreat Day' today in college's Reading & Reflection Week so I should perhaps be being contemplative as I sit here in the college cloister rather than updating my blog?
So, this week just some editted highlights of the past week...
Friday: Decorated the church for Advent - the sense of anticipation begins.
Also guided ladies (reps from local churches) through next year's WWDofP Service - all responsibilities assigned and a good meeting.
Saturday: Table-top sale attracted a good crowd - treasurer very happy with financial result.
Sunday: Toy Service went well. John, LCM missionary was great and left with his car boot crammed with toys.
United Service with local Anglicans was a great success. Advent has begun! They've agreed to host next year.
Monday: Dentist visit a nightmare! One of two teeth pulled but not easily so number two has to wait for next week.
Meeting with local Baptist leaders to plan Baptists Together programme for 2012.
Tuesday (today) : Up early to get the High Speed train in order to get to college in time for all that today has offered.
More detail next week, time, weather, assignment deadline permitting!
So, this week just some editted highlights of the past week...
Friday: Decorated the church for Advent - the sense of anticipation begins.
Also guided ladies (reps from local churches) through next year's WWDofP Service - all responsibilities assigned and a good meeting.
Saturday: Table-top sale attracted a good crowd - treasurer very happy with financial result.
Sunday: Toy Service went well. John, LCM missionary was great and left with his car boot crammed with toys.
United Service with local Anglicans was a great success. Advent has begun! They've agreed to host next year.
Monday: Dentist visit a nightmare! One of two teeth pulled but not easily so number two has to wait for next week.
Meeting with local Baptist leaders to plan Baptists Together programme for 2012.
Tuesday (today) : Up early to get the High Speed train in order to get to college in time for all that today has offered.
More detail next week, time, weather, assignment deadline permitting!
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
The Countdown begins....
So, another Christian year ends. We rewind back to the beginning next Sunday and start once again lighting Advent candles week by week as we journey towards the retelling of the story of the Incarnation.
We rounded off the old year still with our thoughts upon the needs of others as we gathered together a wide variety of items collected by British Humanitarian Aid for shipment to the Ukraine. Bedding, knitting, tools, sewing machines etc were all loaded into the van, gratefully received by the local charity.
Toys are starting to come in for our Advent Sunday Toy Service. We look forward to welcoming London City Missionary, John Hamilton, from Dagenham, to share with us something of his work.
The Jardine family are working hard at sorting the gifts for our Christmas Parcels to the lonely, housebound and care home residents.
This week we meet too in Church Meeting to makeecisions about finance and fabric after everyone was encouraged to participate in a Day or Prayer last Thursday.
Most of our neighbours in the locality will have received an invitation to our Advent and Christmas services. Sales of tickets for our Christmas dinner are brisk and we've sold every available table to stallholders for our Table-top sale on Saturday.
Pastorally, a number of folk are recovering from, treatment, awaiting test results or surgery and for them it is an anxious time. For others, with less than 30 shopping days to Christmas adds its own pressures.
The countdown begins and all too soon we will be underway within a new Church Year!
We rounded off the old year still with our thoughts upon the needs of others as we gathered together a wide variety of items collected by British Humanitarian Aid for shipment to the Ukraine. Bedding, knitting, tools, sewing machines etc were all loaded into the van, gratefully received by the local charity.
Toys are starting to come in for our Advent Sunday Toy Service. We look forward to welcoming London City Missionary, John Hamilton, from Dagenham, to share with us something of his work.
The Jardine family are working hard at sorting the gifts for our Christmas Parcels to the lonely, housebound and care home residents.
This week we meet too in Church Meeting to makeecisions about finance and fabric after everyone was encouraged to participate in a Day or Prayer last Thursday.
Most of our neighbours in the locality will have received an invitation to our Advent and Christmas services. Sales of tickets for our Christmas dinner are brisk and we've sold every available table to stallholders for our Table-top sale on Saturday.
Pastorally, a number of folk are recovering from, treatment, awaiting test results or surgery and for them it is an anxious time. For others, with less than 30 shopping days to Christmas adds its own pressures.
The countdown begins and all too soon we will be underway within a new Church Year!
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Choir, Silence and Reflection
The past week has been dominated by the vicit by the Ukrainian Choir beginning their UK tour with us last Friday. They spent 3 nights with hosts here and we offered them the usual high standard of Walmer hospitality. After a 'warm-up' performance at The Downs School they performed their 'WOW factor' concert to a packed church and raised in excess of £800 for Hope Now International which works to support the underprivelaged and needy in the Ukraine an who organise the choir's tour.
Amidst all that activity it has been Remembrancetide and, in the unseasonably mild weather, twenty of us gathered to pay our respects to Pte William Bennett, aged 17, who died in the Great War. On a sunny morning too we gathered in church to reflect and remember in silence the cost of conflicts past and present and rededicate ourselves to uphold the cause of peace and freedom.
Amongst friends old and new it was good to both enjoy a Thai meal and to relive my own Thailand experiences at Bloomsbury as I spoke on my recent travels with the college team sent overseas by BMS.
I should not forget to record here too, the privelage of partnering with our local Vicar in presenting 60 new bibles to the year three children at the school funded by donations from our respective churches.
Its been a busy week and the coming weeks look likely to be as busy which has the potential to crowd in on the necessary study time to get assignments done.
Without the choir, there remains the need for silence and reflection!
Amidst all that activity it has been Remembrancetide and, in the unseasonably mild weather, twenty of us gathered to pay our respects to Pte William Bennett, aged 17, who died in the Great War. On a sunny morning too we gathered in church to reflect and remember in silence the cost of conflicts past and present and rededicate ourselves to uphold the cause of peace and freedom.
Amongst friends old and new it was good to both enjoy a Thai meal and to relive my own Thailand experiences at Bloomsbury as I spoke on my recent travels with the college team sent overseas by BMS.
I should not forget to record here too, the privelage of partnering with our local Vicar in presenting 60 new bibles to the year three children at the school funded by donations from our respective churches.
Its been a busy week and the coming weeks look likely to be as busy which has the potential to crowd in on the necessary study time to get assignments done.
Without the choir, there remains the need for silence and reflection!
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
'We' say thank YOU!
The pressure of the third year's college schedule continues and shows no sign of letting up as assignment deadlines loom and word counts seem to be targets beyond achievement. But the focus today in this blog update is not on studies but upon church life.
Even through the semester break (half-term) life has been busy!
'We' - the royal we - have boxed up just over 50 shoebox gifts for 'Love in a Box' Christmas Appeal. 'We' have been industrious outside the church laying concrete to improve our paths. We have fed 70 guests at our (now) Annual Spuds 'n' Sparklers evening. To all who have made this possible - 'thank YOU'.
Our thoughts begin to turn to Advent & Christmas. Cards for distribution to our friends and neighbours with details of our services and activities have been order, printed and received and will be bundled for distribution soon. In advance of those who will sign-up to pound the pavements of our community - 'thank YOU'.
This week 'we' (again) prepare to host young Ukrainian visitors who begin a national concert tour here in Walmer. To those who will accommodate them and look after them - thank YOU.
It is Remembrancetide and we will gather at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in the cemetery beside the graveside of Pte William Bennett and on Sunday stand in silence in church and in these solemn acts will say - thank YOU.
Over the next couple of weeks we will be preparing Christmas gifts for local shut-in folk and also collecting new toys for distribution by the London City Mission. Whilst we may not know the recipients of these gifts in our community or in London we are confident that each will bring a smile of happiness and love to the recipient, and for that - thank YOU.
Personally, I have the opportunity to speak at Bloomsbury next week about my travels in Thailand with BMS and it is encouraging already to hear of a goof number of friends who have committed to attend and share the Thai meal and hear my ramblings - thank YOU.
Finally, for your patience with my erratic attempts to blog and your continued interest in reading what I write, in an attempt to inform you of both my college and church experiences - thank YOU.
Even through the semester break (half-term) life has been busy!
'We' - the royal we - have boxed up just over 50 shoebox gifts for 'Love in a Box' Christmas Appeal. 'We' have been industrious outside the church laying concrete to improve our paths. We have fed 70 guests at our (now) Annual Spuds 'n' Sparklers evening. To all who have made this possible - 'thank YOU'.
Our thoughts begin to turn to Advent & Christmas. Cards for distribution to our friends and neighbours with details of our services and activities have been order, printed and received and will be bundled for distribution soon. In advance of those who will sign-up to pound the pavements of our community - 'thank YOU'.
This week 'we' (again) prepare to host young Ukrainian visitors who begin a national concert tour here in Walmer. To those who will accommodate them and look after them - thank YOU.
It is Remembrancetide and we will gather at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in the cemetery beside the graveside of Pte William Bennett and on Sunday stand in silence in church and in these solemn acts will say - thank YOU.
Over the next couple of weeks we will be preparing Christmas gifts for local shut-in folk and also collecting new toys for distribution by the London City Mission. Whilst we may not know the recipients of these gifts in our community or in London we are confident that each will bring a smile of happiness and love to the recipient, and for that - thank YOU.
Personally, I have the opportunity to speak at Bloomsbury next week about my travels in Thailand with BMS and it is encouraging already to hear of a goof number of friends who have committed to attend and share the Thai meal and hear my ramblings - thank YOU.
Finally, for your patience with my erratic attempts to blog and your continued interest in reading what I write, in an attempt to inform you of both my college and church experiences - thank YOU.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Pressure builds...
So, at week three the enormity of the challenge which is the third year assignment schedule kicks in. Today, I post this update from the library having taken time to extract from the bookshelves sufficient commentaries, I hope, of John's Gospel to enable me to write my first assignment in next week's mid-semester break.
College life falls into a routine pattern of listening to lecturers, participating when prompted in group discussions and the experiencing the diversity of expressing which is Chapel worship.
In Walmer pressure builds as a busy programme of Autumn events loom. This week sees our monthly Quiz Night, I'm speaking about Thailand to a group that meets at the church, we have two teams entered in the area Christian Aid Quiz Night and we have our monthly Table-Top at which I will be serving Bacon Butties as usual.
We are starting to plan for Spuds & Sparklers - our Indoor Firework Party - the visit by a Ukrainian Choir performing the first concert of their UK tour with us.
Last Sunday we celebrated Baptists Together at the Deal Church along with our friends from Mongeham and that ended a busy week when I attended a Womens World Day of Prayer Conference and a SEBA-run Conference on Homosexuality and the church's response.
The diary continues to fill up - today the Headteacher of the local primary school has booked an assembly when the Vicar and I will present Bibles to 60 year 3 children purchased from donations by our church members.
Thanks to our 'new' industrious fabric team members work whould start on concreteing paths around the church which have until now been problematic gravel beds.
So with Christmas looming around the corner, the pressure builds... bringing excitement, anticipation and challenges.
College life falls into a routine pattern of listening to lecturers, participating when prompted in group discussions and the experiencing the diversity of expressing which is Chapel worship.
In Walmer pressure builds as a busy programme of Autumn events loom. This week sees our monthly Quiz Night, I'm speaking about Thailand to a group that meets at the church, we have two teams entered in the area Christian Aid Quiz Night and we have our monthly Table-Top at which I will be serving Bacon Butties as usual.
We are starting to plan for Spuds & Sparklers - our Indoor Firework Party - the visit by a Ukrainian Choir performing the first concert of their UK tour with us.
Last Sunday we celebrated Baptists Together at the Deal Church along with our friends from Mongeham and that ended a busy week when I attended a Womens World Day of Prayer Conference and a SEBA-run Conference on Homosexuality and the church's response.
The diary continues to fill up - today the Headteacher of the local primary school has booked an assembly when the Vicar and I will present Bibles to 60 year 3 children purchased from donations by our church members.
Thanks to our 'new' industrious fabric team members work whould start on concreteing paths around the church which have until now been problematic gravel beds.
So with Christmas looming around the corner, the pressure builds... bringing excitement, anticipation and challenges.
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
New Year, New Semester, New Experiences
I guess that technically the new year began with the Trans Cultural Mission Trip to Thailand in September. With seven fellow students and our lecturer, Peter Morden, we had a challenging and enlightening experience on our Short-Term BMS Mission Trip. (I've begun a round of presentations on the trip locally and this will extend to London next month.
Now back at college the Semester proper has begun - the start of my final year - and the assignment list for the January deadline is quite demanding. That said, it is good to be back in the routine of study, interacting with fellow students and making the most of enforced travel to London.
Pastorally, the return to London has thrown up some unexpected challenges but it has been a privelage to, in some small measure, be a support to friends.
Life in Walmer remains busy. We've celebrated Harvest as a fellowship and with childen and parents from The Downs School. Our new Badminton Group continues to flourish. Although we've received planning permission for our kitchen project, funding issues have arisen along with the stipulation we install a Fire Alarm system.
So, the Autumn continues with new challenges expected or unexpected... watch this space.
Now back at college the Semester proper has begun - the start of my final year - and the assignment list for the January deadline is quite demanding. That said, it is good to be back in the routine of study, interacting with fellow students and making the most of enforced travel to London.
Pastorally, the return to London has thrown up some unexpected challenges but it has been a privelage to, in some small measure, be a support to friends.
Life in Walmer remains busy. We've celebrated Harvest as a fellowship and with childen and parents from The Downs School. Our new Badminton Group continues to flourish. Although we've received planning permission for our kitchen project, funding issues have arisen along with the stipulation we install a Fire Alarm system.
So, the Autumn continues with new challenges expected or unexpected... watch this space.
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
I'm alive!
OK, I realise that in this cyber world it is difficult to prove but I am alive. I am here - in the College Library - typing this long overdue update to my blog. I know many of those who are kind enough to follow the thread of my ramblings here have missed me. The e-mails building up in my in-box are testament to your concern.
What I have discovered, much to m frustration, is that I seem only to update my blog from my notebook pc rather than conveniently from my desktop pc in my study.
This is a feeble excuse, I know, but the effort of finding the notebook at home and firing it up just to update the blog constantly slips down the order of priorities especially when the pace of life changes in the summer college break.
But, here, finally, I am and on my notebook in the peace and calm of the College Library having come to London to hand in my freshly completed, bright yellow, Professional Ministry and Practice folder. In order to complete the final piece of work for year two, my Reflective Journal I need a couple of quotes from some learned scholars so after posting this blog update I need to hit the books.
So, NEWS, I hear you cry...
1. The church remains in good heart. We've had a busy summer - with me around more it means we can do more. Here's what I can remember we've done...
Coach trip to Cite Europe & Boulogne
Entered a float in the town carnival
Held a Strawberry Tea
Hosted a two-day Nostalgia Exhibition (old photos of church events since 1940's)
Continued Knitting for the Needy
Started a Badminton Group
Run a series of Hymn-sings on Thursday afternoons.
Welcomed friends from Bloomsbury their summer outing and served them tea.
2. The future: I have agreed the Settlement terms offered by the church when college studies end and will remain here on a 70% stipend. We await to hear whether Home Mission will help us with our finances. We continue to work with our architect through the complexities of the planning process to relocate the kitchen.
3. Pastorally, with an older congregation we have found a number of folk laid low, with a couple currently in hospital. The untimely death of my father's friend/companion of 30 years+ and conducting both her funeral and memorial service was emotionally draining.
4. Thailand: My College Team trip looms ever closer - I will be away 1 - 19 September - and the recent vaccination crippled me for almost a fortnight with sickness and diarrhoea! Packing must start in earnest next week to ensure I can get all I perceive I shall need to take into my case.
So, an update, such as it is, is now typed. an hour or so of serious study lies ahead.
Thank you for your patience in bearing with my tardiness in not blogging more over the summer. I'll endeavour a new update when I'm back from Thailand but failing that college resumes at the beginning of October and hopefully I can return to my usual irregular discipline of weekly updates - ha, ha!
What I have discovered, much to m frustration, is that I seem only to update my blog from my notebook pc rather than conveniently from my desktop pc in my study.
This is a feeble excuse, I know, but the effort of finding the notebook at home and firing it up just to update the blog constantly slips down the order of priorities especially when the pace of life changes in the summer college break.
But, here, finally, I am and on my notebook in the peace and calm of the College Library having come to London to hand in my freshly completed, bright yellow, Professional Ministry and Practice folder. In order to complete the final piece of work for year two, my Reflective Journal I need a couple of quotes from some learned scholars so after posting this blog update I need to hit the books.
So, NEWS, I hear you cry...
1. The church remains in good heart. We've had a busy summer - with me around more it means we can do more. Here's what I can remember we've done...
Coach trip to Cite Europe & Boulogne
Entered a float in the town carnival
Held a Strawberry Tea
Hosted a two-day Nostalgia Exhibition (old photos of church events since 1940's)
Continued Knitting for the Needy
Started a Badminton Group
Run a series of Hymn-sings on Thursday afternoons.
Welcomed friends from Bloomsbury their summer outing and served them tea.
2. The future: I have agreed the Settlement terms offered by the church when college studies end and will remain here on a 70% stipend. We await to hear whether Home Mission will help us with our finances. We continue to work with our architect through the complexities of the planning process to relocate the kitchen.
3. Pastorally, with an older congregation we have found a number of folk laid low, with a couple currently in hospital. The untimely death of my father's friend/companion of 30 years+ and conducting both her funeral and memorial service was emotionally draining.
4. Thailand: My College Team trip looms ever closer - I will be away 1 - 19 September - and the recent vaccination crippled me for almost a fortnight with sickness and diarrhoea! Packing must start in earnest next week to ensure I can get all I perceive I shall need to take into my case.
So, an update, such as it is, is now typed. an hour or so of serious study lies ahead.
Thank you for your patience in bearing with my tardiness in not blogging more over the summer. I'll endeavour a new update when I'm back from Thailand but failing that college resumes at the beginning of October and hopefully I can return to my usual irregular discipline of weekly updates - ha, ha!
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Busy Days...
A blog update is long overdue - sorry to regular readers who feel neglected!
Since my last blog - assignments have been written and marked, the Doctrine exam sat and marked too and the two 2-day Professional Ministry and Practice weeks have begun.
I am amzaed that the marks have come back as well as they have and that it has been possible to match the grades of year 1.
Around this, life has been busy in church as we have prepared for and celebrated the Big Lunch. Although it was a very wet day the Jardine's did a marvellous job with the barbecue and the fifty or so people who filled the hall had a great social time. It was good to have so many family members joining regular attenders for the day.
We have also gathered with friends from local churches for a united evening service to recognise the value of paticipating in the Lent Course 'Confident Discipleship'.
Pentecost afforded the opportunity to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Version and we had Danielle lead us in the Lord's Prayer in Afrikaans (appreciated by Dutch visitors that morning).
Thoughts are turning towards the summer, our hymn-sing programme, our outing to France and entering the local carnival.
Thailand with BMS in September looms large too not least since the days training in Birmingham last Saturday. Having found the necessary funds to pay for flights and accomodation as requested by BMS some additional effort will be needed to fund the necessary supplies - mosquitto net, repelent, vacinations, etc that are required and which don't come cheap.
This weekend we celebrate our Church Anniversary with our Regional Minister Team Leader Stuart Davison leading worship. Hopefully whilst he is with us it will be possible to inform the church of my response to their Settlement proposal of a Part-time (70%) appointment from next summer after their unanimous call. This is now possible having successfully received the Commendation of the College Principal a necessary step in the acreditation process as a Baptist Minister.
So in many ways it has been a busy time and promises to remain so for the forseeable future. Watch this space.
Since my last blog - assignments have been written and marked, the Doctrine exam sat and marked too and the two 2-day Professional Ministry and Practice weeks have begun.
I am amzaed that the marks have come back as well as they have and that it has been possible to match the grades of year 1.
Around this, life has been busy in church as we have prepared for and celebrated the Big Lunch. Although it was a very wet day the Jardine's did a marvellous job with the barbecue and the fifty or so people who filled the hall had a great social time. It was good to have so many family members joining regular attenders for the day.
We have also gathered with friends from local churches for a united evening service to recognise the value of paticipating in the Lent Course 'Confident Discipleship'.
Pentecost afforded the opportunity to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Version and we had Danielle lead us in the Lord's Prayer in Afrikaans (appreciated by Dutch visitors that morning).
Thoughts are turning towards the summer, our hymn-sing programme, our outing to France and entering the local carnival.
Thailand with BMS in September looms large too not least since the days training in Birmingham last Saturday. Having found the necessary funds to pay for flights and accomodation as requested by BMS some additional effort will be needed to fund the necessary supplies - mosquitto net, repelent, vacinations, etc that are required and which don't come cheap.
This weekend we celebrate our Church Anniversary with our Regional Minister Team Leader Stuart Davison leading worship. Hopefully whilst he is with us it will be possible to inform the church of my response to their Settlement proposal of a Part-time (70%) appointment from next summer after their unanimous call. This is now possible having successfully received the Commendation of the College Principal a necessary step in the acreditation process as a Baptist Minister.
So in many ways it has been a busy time and promises to remain so for the forseeable future. Watch this space.
Monday, 23 May 2011
I don't believe it!
It can't be true! Tomorrow is the last day of lectures for the second year of this process. Next week is revision week when the last assignments need to get to college by Friday. After that 1 exam and four days of specialist training on Conflict Management and RE in schools and that will be it. (Of course there remains the summer project of the PMP folder but from here on in the pressure is off until October.
I don't believe it!
Looking back over the last couple of weeks since my last update there is little to report beyond the usual. Walmer life continues in the same vain, everyone in good heart and blessed by the gorgeous summer weather.
We have marked two special Sundays, one recognising the work of Christian Aid, the other the work of the London City Mission. We've begun to watch 'The History of Christianity' series in our Manse homegroups and held another successful table-top sale which attracted many new and familiar faces into the building.
Kids Kingdom, our Parent & Toddler group flourishes with 24 tots 'running riot' last week!
With sadness we will be remembering an elderly member who died recently at a memorial service this week. This will be the first such remembrance of my pastorate.
On a practical note, the new loo is installed and operational at the front of church which is already proving to be useful. Our architect hopes to have draft plans for us for the kitchen very soon. All very exciting!
Details of the arrangements for Thailand are emerging from BMS Headquarters. It sounds as if our trip will be busy, demanding and challenging and - I hope - fun. More of this later.
So as I prepare to upload this to the web I return to my initial thought...I can't believe it - but it's true.
I don't believe it!
Looking back over the last couple of weeks since my last update there is little to report beyond the usual. Walmer life continues in the same vain, everyone in good heart and blessed by the gorgeous summer weather.
We have marked two special Sundays, one recognising the work of Christian Aid, the other the work of the London City Mission. We've begun to watch 'The History of Christianity' series in our Manse homegroups and held another successful table-top sale which attracted many new and familiar faces into the building.
Kids Kingdom, our Parent & Toddler group flourishes with 24 tots 'running riot' last week!
With sadness we will be remembering an elderly member who died recently at a memorial service this week. This will be the first such remembrance of my pastorate.
On a practical note, the new loo is installed and operational at the front of church which is already proving to be useful. Our architect hopes to have draft plans for us for the kitchen very soon. All very exciting!
Details of the arrangements for Thailand are emerging from BMS Headquarters. It sounds as if our trip will be busy, demanding and challenging and - I hope - fun. More of this later.
So as I prepare to upload this to the web I return to my initial thought...I can't believe it - but it's true.
Monday, 9 May 2011
The countdown...
Well there are three more teaching weeks left of year two and four weeks to get assignments written and submitted so the pressure builds. That said I'm on target - I think -assignment 3 of 4 is taking shape in my mind and may well be completed by the end of this week. It has been good to be back in college to catch up with news from fellow students on their experiences over Easter and the last two weeks.
It has been good too, to have time to reflect upon the positive experiences of Baptist Assembly - the worship, Pat Took's sermon, Wale Hudson-Roberts' Bible study, the countless opportunities to fellowship with friends and the innovative way communion was presented on Sunday morning.
Back in Walmer it has been a time to reflect as I received the call from the congregation to prayerfully consider becoming their Minister (70%-time) when my studies are completed in 2012.
We received encouragement from our Home Mission visitors who will seek to support our Ministry Grant application for 2012 and unsolicited encouragement in practical terms has also been offered from friends in London.
Work has begun on installing a new toilet at the front of church - a project muted around 25 years ago!! With the plumbers we have spent some time last week trying to understand the drainage system of the church and with the architect we've started on the 'kitchen project' by drawing up the plans we need to submit to the local authority.
So, the countdown to the end of year two has begun, we have begun the countdown to completing some fabric projects and the settlement process countdown is also underway.
It has been good too, to have time to reflect upon the positive experiences of Baptist Assembly - the worship, Pat Took's sermon, Wale Hudson-Roberts' Bible study, the countless opportunities to fellowship with friends and the innovative way communion was presented on Sunday morning.
Back in Walmer it has been a time to reflect as I received the call from the congregation to prayerfully consider becoming their Minister (70%-time) when my studies are completed in 2012.
We received encouragement from our Home Mission visitors who will seek to support our Ministry Grant application for 2012 and unsolicited encouragement in practical terms has also been offered from friends in London.
Work has begun on installing a new toilet at the front of church - a project muted around 25 years ago!! With the plumbers we have spent some time last week trying to understand the drainage system of the church and with the architect we've started on the 'kitchen project' by drawing up the plans we need to submit to the local authority.
So, the countdown to the end of year two has begun, we have begun the countdown to completing some fabric projects and the settlement process countdown is also underway.
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Bloggiog from Blackpool
It is Baptist Assembly weekend and I am sunning myself 'up north' in Blackpool. The weather is warm and sunny and the opportunities to network with friends past and present is great as well hearing inspirational addresses from notebale leaders in the Baptist Union.
Reflecting back on the last few weeks it is clear I am a bit behind with updates!
Holy Week saw us at Walmer prepare for Easter with reflections each lunchtime that attracted 10+ people each day. Good Friday was appropriately reflective and everyone left with both a hot cross bun and a hand crafted 'cross in my pocket'.
Easter Saturday saw the fun and chaos of our Easter Egg Hunt with a good number of children trying their hardest to claim the 500 egg prizes we had available. The creativity of our ladies who entered our bonnet parade was great - not least the winning bunny design.
Easter Day saw an early start with sunshining as we celebrated Easter Communion at 8am in the park. We shared breakfast together in the Hall before joining with Celia in celebrating her baptism with a much bigger than usual congregation.
Before heading here to Blackpool on the day of the Royal Wedding I took a few days holiday seizing the opportunity to finish and submit two of the remaining four outstanding assignments of this semester. Hopefully the last two will be completed in the next few weeks well ahead of the June deadline.
Blogging should return to normal next week and will doubtless include a further update on the Baptist Assembly experience!
Reflecting back on the last few weeks it is clear I am a bit behind with updates!
Holy Week saw us at Walmer prepare for Easter with reflections each lunchtime that attracted 10+ people each day. Good Friday was appropriately reflective and everyone left with both a hot cross bun and a hand crafted 'cross in my pocket'.
Easter Saturday saw the fun and chaos of our Easter Egg Hunt with a good number of children trying their hardest to claim the 500 egg prizes we had available. The creativity of our ladies who entered our bonnet parade was great - not least the winning bunny design.
Easter Day saw an early start with sunshining as we celebrated Easter Communion at 8am in the park. We shared breakfast together in the Hall before joining with Celia in celebrating her baptism with a much bigger than usual congregation.
Before heading here to Blackpool on the day of the Royal Wedding I took a few days holiday seizing the opportunity to finish and submit two of the remaining four outstanding assignments of this semester. Hopefully the last two will be completed in the next few weeks well ahead of the June deadline.
Blogging should return to normal next week and will doubtless include a further update on the Baptist Assembly experience!
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