Yet More Reflections

Yet more reflections today.  I am conscious that I haven't written up my blog since Saturday 26th April when I was on my residential course at Sarum College.  We had a second day on Sunday 27th which ended with lunch that day.  That afternoon Thom and I played some golf - he is getting rather good.  As this week progressed my life has changed irretrievably.  I am currently on self-imposed retreat at Champneys at Forest Mere, near Liphook in Hampshire.  Originally intended as a time for reflection about the way I wanted to see my ministry going. This morning I took Morning Prayer with myself and the words of the psalms and reading were a great help.  It is hard to see where God is taking me at the moment. I also recall the road to Emmaus and continue to hope and pray that God will continue to walk with me through all the times ahead.

More Reflections

Today is the first of two residential days at Sarum College as part of my ongoing Lay Ministry Formation Training.  all the students from all years met in the college chapel this morning for morning Prayer after which we went off into our own individual groups.  Today I spent the whole day on Session 3 of Theological reflection (Level 5) - a subject I really feel draining.  I have never been, by nature, a particularly reflective person but one thing this training has done over the past two years is to turn me into one.  Over the last few weeks I have done a considerable amount of reflection and feel quite drained.  Whilst I think it can be a help in trying to solve problems it can take the problem to a deeper level too and over analysis can be a problem.  Having said that, I think it can also help clarify issues and simplify the problem too - its such a pity that the process is so complicated!  In spending today and tomorrow here at Sarum College, I have missed one of the best football games at St. Mary's this year - Saints v. Everton.  Sara took Thom and his friend Callum into Southampton and Callum sat in my seat.  It was really good for him to take a friend and with a 2-0 win over Everton, it was a really good day out for them.  Tonight I spoke briefly to Sara on the telephone before going down to the bar for a few glasses of wine with fellow students - two of whom are having problems themselves in their parishes.  A good night of chin-wagging which helped us all.  I think that the evening in the bar is, without doubt, the highlight of the weekend and, as Sara has said, where most work gets done!

Al Murray's view on the Sexes!

On duty at Alabare this morning but before going I popped into Parkwood to use the pool and steam room - I had intended to use the gym and swim but time didn't really allow for this.  My time at the Drop-In Centre was a bit restricted today as I had to be back home to change into my dinner suit to attend a Masonic dinner at Highworth, north of Swindon - in fact, Highworth is the most northerly of all the Masonic centres in Wiltshire Province.  The weather today was pretty dire - heavy rain this afternoon and the journey to Highworth was appalling. I was trapped in a long queue (for one mile) entering Marlborough and again at the interchange with the M4.  I have, however, found a way of avoiding that interchange by following some cars which seemed to know a short cut and with helpful confirmation from my SatNav I was able to get onto the A419 with relative ease.  I arrived in Highworth with about ten minutes to go before the meeting but then got hopelessly lost on a housing estate with endless (well in fact they did end!) cul-de-sacs and eventually arrived at the venue five minutes late.  It seemed, however, that two important members of the Provincial Team had also had similar problems and so I was able to enter the lodge room ahead of the main event of the evening starting - the installation of a new worshipful master. The meeting was being held at a Community Centre which was itself a labrynth of rooms and corridors.  A good meeting with an excellent roast lamb dinner to follow.  I sat with a number of other reigning masters and had a good night.  The journey home was quicker than going although I did meet with fog as I got nearer to Andover and arrived home at around 11.15 p.m.  Sara and I stayed up to watch Al Murray sermonising on the differences between women (X) and men (Y).  X apparently signifies mystery, the unknown, etc. whereas for men the Y signifies WHY!!!!!????  Despite the colourful language, I thought his explanation and exposition of the differences between men and women very true (as well as amusing!)    

Food Poverty

I didn't sleep at all well last night - so many things running through my mind - and feeling very under the weather.  I took Thom to The Wallops at the later time of 9.15 a.m. and spent the morning at home doing on jobs like weeding the front drive - the weeds have shot up with the alternating rain and warm weather. Sara went into work for most of the day.  This lunchtime (1pm - 3 pm) I attended a meeting at the Salisbury Conservative Constituency Office with a representative of Church Action on Poverty and representatives of the other faith groups in the city to discuss a proposed Inquiry into food poverty in the UK - to be looked at specifically in various places including Salisbury.  An important event which will need much planning. As the chaplain to the Albare Place drop in centre I have been asked to be involved in the process and will be pleased to help - although today with lack of sleep I do not feel as enthused as I might otherwise have been.  I drove Doug G and myself down to Bournemouth this evening to attend the Sarum Night meeting of Boscombe Lodge No. 2158 where they had a live First Degree Ceremony.  Being the closest meeting day to St. George's Day we had the usual themed dinner (and same food) which consisted of Fiery Broth (oxtail soup with chillis), steak and ale pie, bread and butter pudding with clotted cream and cheese and biscuits.  I left a good deal of the soup and removed the pie crust from the steak and ale pie.  I resisted the clotted cream and didn't touch the cheese tonight. Such a contrast (leaving food) after attending a meeting about food poverty earlier today.  I was so tired this evening that I actually dropped off in the meeting itself.  I arrived back home at 11 p.m. and Sara and I watched a programme on Monty Python during which she also nodded off.  I need to good night's sleep tonight in order to feel better as I really feel tired and low tonight.  

Heavy Workload

Realising the need to complete my funeral assignment by this Friday (three days away) I decided to spend the day at Sarum College working on it  I also took the opportunity to write up this blog as several days were missing and I needed to catch up.  Therefore I worked in the library at the college from about 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. after which I drove to The Wallops to pick up Thom from the Winchester bus.  It was raining when I left the college and any thoughts of perhaps hitting a few golf balls with Thom after I picked him up were lost-besides he said he was very tired when I picked him up. Sara had to go to Porton for some essential groceries this evening (our local village shop being closed) and brought back a Chinese takeaway as she didn't want to cook anything.  It was well received by the kids.  Didn't sleep at all well tonight.  At least I did finish writing up my essay on funeral services and Sara will proof-read it tomorrow so I can send it off one day in advance which will take some pressure off my life.

Back to Work Tuesday

Back to some normality this morning except that Mary is really feeling unwell and did not go to school today.  Thom is back at Peter Symonds College and I took him to the Wallops this morning.  Sara was working after a spell at the gym and I stayed at home today going through a mountain of mail and paying bills.  Over the last few days I have not opened much mail and so set to, with gusto, to see what the postman had brought.  Quite a lot of paper ended up being shredded or placed in the recycle bin and I had a clear out of quite a lot of documents which had been littering my desk. It was a reasonably productive day and I ascertained that it would no longer be possible for Thom and I to have our season ticket seats in the Family Enclosure (Thom having reached 17 but he is still entitled to a concession - albeit it will be twice the price of a Junior's ticket and my ticket will go up by £80 outside of the Family Enclosure.  We would be looking to move to the Chapel Stand behind the goal but need to think seriously whether we can afford it.  Part of me thinks that the club is pricing its fans away but the other part of me recognises that Saturday afternoons at St. Mary's with Thom are incredibly important.  I suspect we will find the money from somewhere for the this year at least but it may be that Saturdays may turn into golf days if Thom can maintain his interest. In fact tonight he and I went back to Grateley to hit a few balls on the driving range - he really is getting the hang of it but needs to slow his swing down a bit. We went for a drink afterwards at the pub in Grateley. It would be really good if he enjoys his golf long term and I am sure the money we could save from the football would easily pay for membership of a club or green fees. Back home I wrote up the minutes from the last Lodge meeting (only two more to write up before I will have handed this task over) and sent out agendas, minutes and dining slips to the members and guests.  Tomorrow it will be a day at Sarum College working on my funeral assignment and writing up my journal which is now somewhat behind.

Easter Monday - Back on the Golf Course

The weather was quite oppressive today.  Quite a physical day too - Sara and I went to the Fiotness Centre where I walked 2 miles on the treadmill and rowed one kilometre and then went to pool and swam a few lengths.  Sara went off to try and find some shoes to buy and I met up with her later at Waitrose for a free coffee and sticky cake (putting back on all those calories I had burnt up!).  We both went to Matalan where I bought a couple of shirts and some trousers and Sara bought shoes which suited her (having failed to find any others in town).  Back home I mowed the bank which was quite heavy work and afterwards took Thom to Grateley to play a round of golf on the Par 3 course there.  I think he has a natural gift for golf and with some practice think he will be able to play well - certainly much better than me.  I started to play at his age (or a year or so later) when I went to Liverpool and bought my first clubs from Woolworth's - saving up my weekend job to purchase clubs as and when I could afford it.  He seems to really enjoy it and it would be good to get him really interested.  Back home I phoned James to see whether he would like to go for a drink with Richard and myself but he was not available.  I met up with Richard in the Lion's Head at 9.15 p.m. and had a really good talk about quite a number of things which are affecting our lives at the moment - we are both facing some changes ahead especially Richard who will be moving to Poole in a couple of month's time.  I will really miss our Sunday evenings.

Easter Sunday - Farewell to St. Francis's

A joyous yet sad day today - we celebrate the risen Christ but also it is my last day at St. Francis's on placement.  I attended both the 9.30 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. services this morning where I was brought up to the front and interviewed about how my placement had gone. I presented the two humorous books to Paul and Tom who both seemed really delighted with these small tokens of gratitude.  Tom and I have agreed to be friends on Facebook and will keep in touch and I had a pleasant chat with Paul after the service. We shall miss each other's company but life marches on.  James and family attended the 11.00 a.m. service so there were six of us from Winterslow in the congregation this morning. I assisted Paul and Tom with the distribution of the bread and wine (Tom and I distributed the wine) to well over 150 people.  A big service.  I likened the end of the service (and also felt emotionally too) as similar to the last session of Spring Harvest when you have enjoyed the intense spirituality of the event but now know its time to move back to where you come from.  I have quite a few pieces of Academic work to conclude and will spend May concentrating on that.  Tonight the children wanted to go to Poole to the greyhound racing and so I took Thom and Mary down there.  Thom had a winner in the first race (£8.90) and I had a winner in the last (£31.60).  Mary had another barren night and so I shared my winnings with them (£10 each).  That way we all came away feeling that we had had a reasonable night out.  It only cost us £4 to get in (all of us including the purchase of a race card).  Mary is too young to be charged an adult rate and I am too old so we only had to pay £1 for Thom and £3 for the race card.  A  cheap and entertaining night out.  Not sure where a night of gambling stands as far as Christian Ethics is concerned!

Easter Saturday - A Quiet Day

Quite a lazy day today.  Southampton were playing Aston Villa away - it was not possible to get tickets this year because it was necessary to have attended six away matches already to qualify (we have attended none this year) and by all accounts it wasn't the most exciting match of the season - a 0-0 draw.  With Newcastle losing at home to Swansea, Saints remain 3 points above the Toons in 8th position which looks to be where they will end the season. Grimsby managed a draw yesterday away to Alfreton and their position in the play-offs remains uncertain. The weather has remained bright today but we all seem to be suffering from coughs and colds and Sara is feeling quite down at the moment.  Tomorrow sees the end of my placement at St. Francis's and this will be a very sad moment.  I have made some good friends and contacts and really enjoyed my time there.  I went into Salisbury this morning and bought a couple of light-hearted humorous books to give to Paul and Tom - one entitled Rules for Reverends (What theological college didn't teach you!) and the other a book of cartoons by Dave Walker who publishes cartoons in the Church Times.  An example is at the head of this entry. 

Good Friday

This year I joined the procession of the Salisbury Churches Together (St. Thomas's, St. Francis's, St. Paul's, St. Mark's etc.) from the West Front of the Cathedral to the Guildhall via the Poultry Cross - handing our hot cross buns and balloons to passing shoppers with biblical readings and hymns along the way.  A really great witness.  It was amazing just how many people I now know from the different churches and whilst I joined the St. Francis's group I could easily have joined others.  I was actually joined by James from Winterslow who is now regularly worshipping at St. Francis's and we walked from the High Street to the Guildhall and afterwards had coffee together in Costa coffee in the Market Square.  This afternoon I attended the Good Friday service at St. Francis's which was jointly led by the curate, Tom, and the lay minister, Ida.  Following the service I went for a swim and steam room at Parkwood before returning home.

Maundy Thursday

Another very full day today with it being Maundy Thursday - one of the most important in the Christian Calendar - the day in which Jesus Christ celebrated the Last Supper with his friends.  It has, therefore, become a significant Christian Festival and one which I look forward to each year (although last year I felt it had been over-complicated at Farley).  Today is also the day in which all church ministers are invited to confirm their vows in the Cathedral (bishops, priests, deacons, lay ministers, lay pastoral assistants and lay worship leaders).  Salisbury becomes full up with clergy from all over the Diocese.  I drove Cynthia from the Clarendon Team with me and we parked in the Cathedral School grounds (the old Bishop's Palace) and she went off to robe up in the Chapter House.  I joined the curate's wife, Sarah, and Mary from Alabare and sat at the front in the southern aisle from where we had a reasonably good view of proceedings and the pulpit. The service is known as the Chrism Service for the various oils used are consecrated - oil for baptism, oil for the sick and last rights, and oil for ordination.  This ancient rite has its origins in the Catholic Church.  Lay Ministers, not being ordained, re-affirm their canonical vows of obedience but are not blessed with oil. Following on from the service, in which the Bishop spoke in his sermon about the importance of the church's role in a society where food banks are now becoming an important norm, there was coffee at the west end of the cathedral and a chance to chat with fellow students, clerics and tutors.  A really nice service.  I took Cynthia and Judith home afterwards via Waitrose to pick up a pizza for Thom's lunch.  This evening I attended the Maundy Thursday service (the Last Supper) at St. Francis's led by Paul.  A very simple and moving service.  The chairs were arranged in a circle around the altar in the middle of the church.  We shared a granary loaf and real wine and each person read a sentence from John's Gospel.  There was no foot washing but water was poured into a bowl as a symbolic gesture.  We ended the service by going out into the grass area behind the hall where the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane was performed.  We then quietly dispersed just as the disciples would have done after the arrest.  Simple but meaningful.  No vigil.

Ear Piercing

Attended my last staff meeting at St. Francis's today and as usual it was a delightful mixture of bible reading, reflection, reading from Bill Hybel's Axion, further reflection, prayer and finally twenty minutes of business.  There is such a lot going on in this church and a requirement for more and more people to get involved.  I shall really be sorry to leave.  The mixture of prayer and humour makes for a wonderful style of working environment.  I called in at Waitrose after the meeting to pick some stamps, returned home and ate the remainder of my Chinese meal from last night as my lunch.  I took Mary back into Salisbury to have her ears pierced and met Sara at Claire's.  The whole process didn't take very long but I must admit I thought that it must be painful.  We had tea and yum yum cakes at Waitrose before returning home.  This evening Sara and I went to Parkwood to use the pool and steam room - the latter in the hope of clearing our chests as we both have very chesty coughs at the moment.  Now typing up my blog for the last three days whilst Sara watches Rev. and is chuckling at some other comedy programme on the TV.

Sara's Birthday

It was Sara's birthday today which always co-incides with tragedies - Death of President Lincoln, Titanic sinking, Hillsbrough Disaster (this year marked the 25th anniversary and therefore was a significant remembrance) and the Boston Bombing.  I prepared and took up tea in her special cup as is the tradition on this day and I drank out of my Cunard cup and saucer which I do to remember those who were picked up by the Cunarder RMS Carpathia from Titanic.   Sara was feeling quite unwell today but we ventured out, nevertheless, to Netley Abbey to see the first house she ever bought and to have a look around the ruined abbey (which I read was the inspiration for Jane Austin's Northangar Abbey).  The abbey ruins are significantly extensive and it is easy to imagine yourself in the abbey church surrounded by monks.  I expect that it is a very eerie place at night.  We had a short walk along the edge of Southampton Water picking up a few shells (there are more shells washed up here than at Calshot Point).  Tonight we enjoyed a Chinese meal from the takeaway in Laverstock and watched the long film The Inn of the Sixth Happiness starring one of my favourites - Ingrid Bergman. It seemed to be quite appropriate to be watching this after a Chinese meal! 

Eating Kebabs for Jesus!

Another week - this time Holy Week and the last week for me at St. Francis's.  I will feel extremely sad to be leaving this lovely benefice next Sunday but in the meantime will enjoy this week.  Attended Morning Prayer at St. Francis's and then spent the rest of the morning at Sarum College library which was quite full.  I was going to take out the Book of Mormon for study but found that I could download the whole book as an app. on my iPad so was able to put the book back on the shelf. I did manage to complete most of the text for the Night Sky article for the magazine and completed the map at home this afternoon.  Klynn phoned Sara suggesting that he and I meet up and I rang him back to let him know that Paul, the vicar, Tom the curate, Colin the churchwarden and a few others from St. Francis's were going on a "pub crawl" in Salisbury tonight and he was welcome to join us.  A pub crawl in Lent seems a rather crazy thing to do (Tom and I were both on cokes) but it was being held because the Men's Breakfast had been cancelled for some reason and Tom felt obliged to replace it with something.  In the end there were about 15 of us in all from the church and we joked about being found in a compromising situation by the street pastors for whom we frequently pray! It was good to have Klynn's company after such a long time and we have agreed that we must see much more of each other.  Since leaving the local Anglican church for the Baptists our paths seldom cross now. Klynn also enjoyed the company of the St. Francis's "gang" as did I.  We ended up getting kebabs from Popeye's - the perfect end to a perfect lad's night out.  We are often told in scripture to take risks - I think having a kebab whilst stone cold sober was such. It was good to spend some time with Michael Neave whom Sara had recruited for Friends Provident many years ago and we mused on the fact that Sara was the common denominator which brought us three together here with the St. Francis's gang.   A great night out with no "after-effects" from the kebab!  I ended the night watching the recorded episode of Rev. which seems to be getting darker.

A busy Sunday

I went to the 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion service at St. Francis's this morning which, being Palm Sunday, meant that we were each given a palm as we left the altar rail after taking the sacraments.  I didn't stop for coffee today but drove to St. Paul's to join Sara at their informal praise service where I was given yet another and larger palm cross. There is so much going on in Salisbury this Holy Week that it is very difficult to choose what to do and where to go. Sara zoomed off straight after the service and I stayed behind for coffee (having missed my drink at St. Francis's) and chatted to Ian Cowley (one of my lecturers at Church House) and the former secretary of the Diocesan South Sudan Link, Vere Hayes who has quite a few links as a peace negotiator in the Sudan.  I returned home for a light lunch of spaghetti carbonara before returning to St. Francis's to assist in (by handing our service sheets) and observing a private baptism and to reflect upon why it had been a private affair and not part of the usual morning Eucharistic or praise service.  The reason was really quite simple - there were a large number of people who were not regular church-goers and attendance at either of the usual services might have felt uncomfortable for them.  I had some time to kill before I had to return for my third visit to St. Francis's to lead the Choral Evensong. As it was such a bright and sunny day I used the couple of hours to go up to the castle and cathedral on Old Sarum Hill and wander around enjoying the sunshine and soaking up the historical backdrop to this place.  The car park closed at 5.00 pm. so I drove to Old Sarum Airfield and watched a couple of planes (one of which was practising stalling) take off and return.  Back at St. Francis's for 5.40 p.m. I robed with Ida (one of the other LLMs) and the choir and then led the Choral Evensong with Ida preaching on John 6 (which we had so recently studied in our House Group).  The service seemed to go down well (there were 15 in the congregation) and Paul sent me a really lovely email appreciating the way I had taken the service. It made me feel really good and he is so good at encouraging people.  I ended the day, after speaking briefly to Mum on the phone, having a couple of pints of beer with Richard in the Lion's Head.

Communion Training/Remembering Hillsborough

Quite a varied day today with some disappointment this afternoon.  I was up early this morning and after a breakfast of a bacon roll and tea I drove into Salisbury to Church House where, as part of my ministerial development, I attended a training session on giving Communion by Extension - that is being trained and thereby authorised by the bishop/archdeacon to distribute the sacraments at a public church service without a priest being present. This can be quite useful where, in a multi-parish team like ours in Clarendon, there is a need/desire for several Eucharists on the same Sunday (e.g. Easter or Christmas) but not enough priests to go round.  The idea is that the deacon or lay minister (who cannot consecrate the elements) can attend a service where two sets of elements are consecrated - one set for the church service where it is being done and another set for the deacon or lay minister to take away with him to distribute at another church.  This is why it is called Communion by Extension - the second service is an extension of the first in a different place.  A letter of authorisation will be sent to my Training Incumbent so if the need ever arises and subject to the approval of the various PCCs (it has never happened in Clarendon to my knowledge) I can give public Communion by this means to a congregation within the Team. I found the session really interesting from both a theological and practical aspect especially as I had felt extremely privileged to have given private Communion with reserved sacraments to the folk at Stratford Court with Tom the curate at St. Francis's.  After this training session Thom was dropped off by Sara by Church House and he and I drove to Southampton for the afternoon game at St. Mary's Stadium against Cardiff City - a game we expected to win quite easily as the clubs are at opposite ends of the Premier League table. Today was the closest Saturday to the 25th Anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster and every football game in the major leagues commenced at 3.07 p.m. as the infamous game at Hillsborough (Liverpool v. Nottingham Forest) was stopped at 3.06 p.m. This allowed for a one minute's silence to be observed immediately before games commenced. I also hoisted the Saints flag today (as usual) but with the Liverpool flag below it at half-mast as a mark of respect for those 96 fans who died that awful day in 1989. As for the football game today - Saints started brightly enough but simply couldn't get the ball in the back of the net.  Masses of possession but no results.  With 20 minutes to go Cardiff scored with Southampton all over the place.  The end result - Saints 0-1 Cardiff.  Really poor performance from Saints.  tonight Arsenal beat Wigan Athletic in the first semi-final of the FA Cup on penalties.  Tomorrow sees Hull City takes on Sheffield United.  The winner of the clash is now almost certain to end up in Europe next season.

All Clear at the Dentist's

Up early this morning as I had to attend a dentist's appointment at 8.30 a.m. at their new premises in the refurbished Old Manor Hospital (the old asylum hospital) which still raises titters when you say you are going there!  The new premises are really lovely and reminded me a little of the new law courts.  They have exposed the old roof beams and the inside is very spacious and open plan.  I was delighted that this was only a routine examination and my teeth - those I have - are in good condition - all Grade 1 whatever that means! It did mean that I didn't need to concern myself with having to half any fillings or other treatment.  Having paid my £15 NHS examination fee I left feeling rather good.  I drove to Waitrose where I bumped into Zoe again who wanted some advice about a service she is leading at Whaddon on Sunday. It seems strange to be advising her; but with having no services myself to take for the Clarendon Team.  I met up with Mike from St. Pauls and we had coffee and a cake together and a chat and he asked about my work as chaplain with Alabare.  I invited him to come along this morning to see for himself and he stayed with me throughout my turn of duty.  Mo, the chaplain from Barnabas House, also came and joined me as she was interested in learning about the work of a chaplain with the general homeless and seeing how it compared with her own role with homeless/abused women. At the end of the session one of the service users found that he had left his room key at the hospital where he had been having an x-ray.  Mike and I offered to go up to the hospital and retrieve it - I drove and Mike went in to the x-ray department to get it.  We returned to Alabare Place with it to much appreciation.  After having dropped Mike off at Waitrose to regain his bicycle, I drove back home and mowed the bank.  Sara took Mary and her friend Izzy into Southampton to do some shopping in West Quay and they arrived back just as I started on the mowing. It was tough work as the grass had grown up quite considerably with the rain and sun and was still quite damp.  I detached the grass box and left the clippings on the grass. I'll let them die and then rake up when they are more like hay.  That way I will be able to get them into the already quite full garden refuse bin.  After all that exertion I went to Parkwood and spent some time in the pool, steam room and spa and after a nice warm shower treated myself to a Chinese meal which I brought home.  Sara is feleing really unwell tonight and spread herself out on the sofa watching some dreadful horror/thriller called The Elevator which I chose to leave her watching when blood seemed to be spraying everywhere.  not my type of film.

Border Chapter Installation at Ludgershall

After my day off yesterday I spent this morning in the study writing letters, paying bills and generally working.  There was no morning Office at St. Francis's this morning as both Paul, the vicar and Tom, the curate are on holiday.  I had a text message at lunchtime from a former colleague at work wanting to discuss a personal issue and so I arranged to meet him in Waitrose's café for an hour or so in the early afternoon.  This also gave me an opportunity to go to the Halifax Bank to bank a cheque received for the supply of  bible study books for the local church which I had obtained at a discount through my student membership of Sarum College. We sat and talked about hid issue over a couple of free cups of coffee and afterwards he left seemingly much happier for the opportunity to discuss his situation.  I raced back home and changed into my Masonic clothing and drove to Ludgershall for the Installation meeting of Border Chapter.  It was a good meeting with many senior Freemasons from the Province in attendance.  I sat on a table at the Festive board with other members of my Wiltshire chapter (Stonehenge) and we all had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.  I was the guest of the incoming Z (Dave Henery the former Provincial Grand Registrar) who I learned owned a race horse which will be running at Cheltenham next week.  I will look out for it with a view to, perhaps, having a little "flutter".  Fantastic evening in good company.

Back to the Rose (sorry Ageas) Bowl

I treated myself to a day off today and decided to spend it watching the last day of the four-day County Cricket Championship game at the Ageas (Rose) Bowl - Hampshire v. Worcestershire.  Firs ball was at 11 a.m. so I set off just before 10.a.m. for Southampton with a packed lunch.  I called in at the Tesco Metro at West End for some additional items before arriving at the Bowl and parking in the members' car park. The weather was bright and Worcestershire resumed on 103-1 in their first innings. Being the last day of the four (two almost complete days being ruined by rain) there could be no other result than a draw so it was really only a question of how many extra points could either side get.  Hampshire's bowling and fielding was poor and Worcestershire managed to finish the day on 350-7 in answer to Hampshire's 263 all out.  Mitchell of Worcestershire managed a 172 not out - a really good score.  After I left, Hampshire batted for a further 17 overs to increase their points (Worcestershire declaring as they couldn't get any more points) and finished their second innings on 27-1.  Carberry has not had a good start to the County season - out for a duck in the first innings and being bowled for 6 in the second.  On the way back home I drove through the city and stopped at Mayflower Park just in time to see the cruise liner Saga Sapphire depart for Lisbon. With her dark hull she remains one of the few classic looking liners left.  I mowed the lawns this evening leaving them looking very tidy. Went to bed quite early tonight - feeling tired having done not too much today and having mowed the two inner lawns.  Sara and I watched the film Heat and dust in bed together. 

Magic and Mystery

A fairly leisurely morning which I spent at Parkwood Fitness Centre in the gym (where I tried out the rowing machines for the first time) and on then in the sauna and pool.  Feeling refreshed I returned home - Sara was working again up at Fuggleston Red.  After a light lunch I drove to St. Michael's Church, Bemerton Heath and joined the Bishop of Salisbury together with Alan Jeans, our Archdeacon who is also providing technical advice for the TV programme Rev., the Bishop's Chaplain, Canon David Durston who is one of my tutors (for theological reflection) and Paul, the Vicar of St. Francis's.  We walked across the Avon Valley through to Stratford-sub-Castle and then using more footpaths which necessitated climbing up to the top of Old Sarum, where we visited the remains of the old cathedral, and then down again to Castle Road which we walked along partly on the pavement and partly on Hudson's Field. We were each of us provided with a good opportunity to chat on the way and there being only six of us there was a great feeling of togetherness and comradeship. The Bishop is an extremely approachable and interesting person who takes a keen interest in all around him. Arriving at St. Francis's we were provided well received cups of tea and coffee and biscuits.  We held a small evening prayer service led by the Bishop in the Youth Lounge.  Some continued on to the cathedral via St. Thomas's and St. Martin's but Sara came to pick me up and drive me back to St. Michael's to pick up my car from where I drove straight home. Mary and Maya had been to the gymnastic's class at Wilton and so Sara had to take them back to Maya's.  Tonight Thom and I drove into Southampton to see Derren Brown Infamous  at the Mayflower in one of his amazing mind-bending shows.  We first of all parked in Morris Road, which is free parking in the evening and went to Café Italia where we enjoyed a new dining experience - Italian style buffet with the waiters constantly bringing freshly broiled meats on a spit - as much as you like - unlimited food.  We left, feeling quite stuffed, to go to the theatre. A wonderfully entertaining evening.  We are so lucky to have Southampton on a doorstep - a large city with so much to offer in the way of entertainment, sport and shopping. I am back here tomorrow to attend a firs tclass cricket match at the Rose Bowl.

A visit to Old Sarum

The morning started again with Morning Office at St. Francis's and then I went to Waitrose for a free coffee in their restaurant.  Whilst in Waitrose I met Sara B from Pitton and Zoe from Whiteparish so we had a short Clarendon "team meeting" in the aisle of Waitrose!  It was a very quick chat just bringing each other up to date with our news and Zoes was particularly interested to know how things were going with me at St. Francis's.  After my free coffee and bun I spent the rest of the morning with Penny at the Old Sarum Community Rooms meeting some of the people off the estate and having a look around their facilities.  Penny and I had a good chat about pioneer ministry and I intend to make the coming of the new Mormon church the subject of my theological reflection from my placement.  I have to confess that I didn't do much this afternoon - watching a Poirot episode which I hadn't seen before - "Evil in the Sun" only I did vaguely recall some of it and wonder whether I have seen parts of it - epscially as I did work out who did it but couldn't remember how!  Tonight I attended St. Francis's APCM which was a really joyful occasion.  We started with a hymn and prayers and the meeting went very smoothly.  The church is clearly growing with about 165 on the electoral roll and many many children now coming along.  Indeed, the church is now becoming so full that the proposed extension is going to be essential. It is lovely to see so many people from a spread of ages - toddlers to 90 year olds.  I managed to get details of the service I am leading on Sunday and, unusually for St. Francis's, I shall be robing.  They have chosen a new youth leader who is Dan - the chap from Sheffield who supports Huddersfield Town.  I had a long chat with him and his wife, Rebecca, on Sunday after the 11 a.m. service.  A really nice couple.  Another nice surprise for me today was the marking sheet for my Intercessions essay - 65% - well into the "good" category.  I am really pleased with that and feel I am now back on the academic track again. I was expecting something more like 58% - 60%.  Sara and I watched Rev. together tonight which had much sadness about it - certainly black humour. 

Greyhound Racing with Mary

I spent the morning at St. Francis's attending first the 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion service and then the 11.00 a.m. informal praise service.  Sara had planned to go to St. Paul's this morning but turned up at the chapter room at St. Francis's for coffee before the beginning of the 11.00 a.m.  Afterwards she left before coffee in order to stop off at Tesco's for some essential foodstuffs for lunch - roast chicken with all the trimmings.  I returned home at around 1 p.m. before Sara and put the oven on.  We planned to eat around 4.00 p.m. but there is clearly something wrong with the main oven as the chicken was still not completely cooked by the time 4 p.m. arrived.  I had agreed to take Mary greyhound racing this evening with the firs trace at Poole beginning at 6 p.m.  We had to leave at 4.30 p.m. before the dinner was cooked and so, arriving at Poole Stadium at 5.30 p.m. we had a portion of chips each.  We stayed for ten races and although I had a winner in the second race it only returned £2.75 and Mary had no success at all.  I think this is the first time she has been either dog racing or horse racing and not won anything.  We arrived back just before 10 p.m. a bit lighter in the wallet but having had a good night out - some valuable quality time with my daughter.  We so rarely get the opportunity to spend time on our own together. From that point of view it was money well lost!

Then there were two!

I hoisted the Union flag this morning to mark the 26th anniversary of the death of Sara's Mum. This was followed really lazy day today - a day off and after such a hectic week I deliberately decided to spend some time "chillaxing".  It was also Grand National Day so Mary and I went into Amesbury to visit William hill and between the four of us we chose 6 horses to back - each way of course.  After I had placed the bets we went to Costa Coffee on Solstice Park to find all the car parks full - we noticed a long traffic jam of cars going westwards (presumably on their way to Devon and Cornwall) and so quite a few had decided to make a break at Amesbury where there are many food outlets - costa, KFC, Pizza Hut, Harvesters, MacDonald's etc.  On our way back we listened to the football match at the Etihad Stadium between Manchester City and Southampton.  City were awarded a penalty in the second minute.  Back home I watched the rest of the match with Thom - it ended 4-1 to City with Rodriguez being stretchered off.  This could mean the end to his hopes of playing for England in Brazil in a few months' time.  We watched the horse racing from Liverpool (Aintree) and particularly the gruelling Grand National.  Only two of our six horses finished - Thom's came in fifth and mine was fourteenth. The winner was the 25/1 horse Pineau De Re. Of the 40 horses that started, only 18 finished.  No requirement to go back to Amesbury's William Hill branch!  This evening I finalised my Intercessions Assignment and it was emailed to my tutor with two and a half hours to spare (it is due in today).  This is very good for me as my assignments are usually in late.  Jennifer who is marking it is a very tough marker so I don't expect anything great.  Feeling a bit down this evening as still uncertain about my ministerial future and tomorrow Sara and I will be going to different churches which I always find a bit difficult.

Just a Minute

Up early this morning and off to the Grasmere House Hotel for the Ambassadors' Business Breakfast at which we had a very good presentation from Simon Ward, the photographer.  Following this I visited the Boundary Coffee Shop in Alderbury as I was conscious that I hadn't seen some of my old friends from there to whom I have, until recently, been preaching and leading in worship.  I did get an opportunity to speak briefly to Elizabeth, the Team Vicar, who seems very busy at present and also quickly to Anne T.  Mike M (who had been at last night's House Group) joined me for coffee and we chatted until about 11.30 a.m. when I went off to Alabare Place to undertake my chaplaincy duties.  I had a long private session with one of our newest residents who has a faith and with whom I was able to share some prayer with.  The usual "suspects" were in today and the time passed very quickly.  Confidentiality prevents me from saying any more in this blog.  I called in at Parkwood on the way home and spent an hour there - partly in the gym where I watched the end of the film "Porridge"  whilst on the treadmill - it's a great idea to watch a film as you are constantly doing exercise without really realising it! - and then down to the pool where I used the sauna, steam room and spa.  I didn't use the pool today as it seemed to be filled with children with their parents and it would have been difficult to do any serious swimming. Back home I was given a showing of Thom's JAM video which is his entry for a college competition.  It is truly excellent and can be viewed on YouTube. Here is the link to it : http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=just+a+minute+thom.  I challenge you not to cry!  This evening Richard and I decided to go for a drink outside Winterslow.  We called in, first of all, at the Black Horse in West Tytherley which was crammed full and so we went to the pub in Lockerley (the King's Arms). There was plenty of room to sit in the restaurant area (the bar was again full) but shortly after we arrive a live band struck up.  I had one pint of lemonade and lime (Richard was pleased to see that they had Doombar) and we drove back into Winterslow and finished the evening at the Lord Nelson.

Keeping it Simple

A really enjoyable and rewarding day again today.  Thom didn't need to go into college today - he is working on a 48 hour project for his media class which involved his cousin, Harry, as an actor and Sara's help.  I look forward to seeing the result.  For me the day started at St. Lawrence's Church in Stratford with the curate, Tom and I, hosting the primary school children from Stratford-sub-Castle with a visit to the church to hear the story, again, of Peter from call through his denial at Jesus's trial and ending with the talk with the resurrected Jesus on the beach. Tom used the font at the beginning of the story - representing the Sea of Galilee and the cross in the chancel to represent the crucifixion and resurrection.  Again it was brilliantly executed by Tom and the children asked some really testing questions at the end which Tom and I tried to answer.  It was so good to see 7 year olds so engaged with the Easter story.  Following this, which lasted an hour, Tom and I attended Stratford Court residential home for the elderly (many of whom are suffering from advanced stages of Alzheimer's Disease) and we gave them a service of Holy Communion with me distributing the bread and Tom the wine.  I felt a great privilege to be doing this and it was a joy to see some clearly pleased for us to be there administering the sacraments to them and treating them in a special way.   Once again I felt a really strong call to pastoral ministry and Tom did remark that he could see why I was a chaplain.  I likewise praised him for his wonderful manner with both the children and the elderly this morning. It's a real pleasure to work with him - a truly gifted clergyman with a great ministry ahead.  It's going to be a great wrench to leave St. Francis's when the placement ends. The afternoon was taken up with finishing off my assignment on Intercessory Prayer at Sarum College and I was feeling really satisfied to leave the college this afternoon having completed the first draft with just some Harvard referencing to add.  This evening our Ecumenical house Group met at our home.  Sara had to take Harry back after Thom's filming and so missed some of the session.  Tonight we, looked, rather ironically, at "decisions" as we continued our examination of the film "Touching the Void".  There were six of us this evening - again a broad spread of three Winterslow Methodists, two from St. Paul's and James and me from St. Francis's.  Another really good session.  We ended the meeting with a short service from the Lent course book and shared bread and wine Agape-style in the manner which would have occurred in the early church.  Today the book "Beautiful Outlaw" arrived for me at Sarum College and I look forward to reading this, as recommended at our New Wine Ministers' meeting the other week.   Today I once more reflected on the richness of the simple Christian message as epitomised by the two services we conducted this morning.

A "Back to Basics" Day

A really interesting and different day today.  After taking Thom to the Wallops I drove to Leehurst Swan Private School (ages 2-16) to join Tom, the curate, in his leading the end of term Easter service. The headmaster of the school is a regular attender at St. Francis's and had prepared the service. We had two hymns and two anthems sung by the school choir.  A school orchestra provided the music and Tom gave a brilliant homily on Peter - telling his story from being called as a fisherman (and not a very good one at that!) to his denial and subsequent gracious restoration on the beach.  I have to admit that I had a tear or two in my eyes and realised that it is sometimes good to get down to the basic story - as told to youngsters - to re-engage as Christians.  We can get so bogged down with religiosity (this is becoming one of my favourite words) and lose sight of the basic messages of the Gospel. My period of placement at St. Francis's is teaching me this.  I gave Tom a lift back to St. Francis's Church and then spent a couple of hours with Paul and the children's workers at the special pre-school Easter bonnet competition and fair (I was placed in charge of the cake stall which raised some funds for the pre-school).  I really enjoyed it and had the opportunity to meet quite a few parents and grandparents as well as pre-school leaders and helpers.  Following this I called in at Alabare's headquarters on Churchfields and used the chaplains' facilities to catch up on my emails and write up my journal.  After an excellent lunch of  cold pork and coleslaw sandwich from the café run by Salisbury Citygate Church on Churchfields, I returned to St. Francis's to join Paul in the balcony to observe Tom carry out his first funeral - somebody only three years older than me who had died after a very short illness.  Paul had decided to keep his distance to ensure that Tom was seen to be in complete control of the event which I thought was a really nice touch. Tom did exceedingly well and I was pleased to convey to Paul that I thought he was an exceptional asset for the Church.  Back home by mid-afternoon, I had a cup of tea with Sara before going out again (picking up Doug G in the village) and taking him with me to Sarum Lodge meeting.  A wonderful meeting with 20 people attending (a good number for April) and three new members joining. It pleased me to announce two promotions (including my own to Past Provincial Grand Chaplain to take on the role of deputy chaplain to all the freemasons in Wiltshire) and one first appointment.  Things are really looking up in the lodge.  A really good day.  I am now feeling much clearer as to where God is leading me - the type of ministry he wants for me - and it's exciting.

Finances

A day almost exclusively at home today - quite a rare event especially as I cannot remember a day in recent weeks where I have remained in the village all day.  In fact today wasn't an exception as I did go into Salisbury this evening to attend a meeting of Stonehenge Chapter - but more of that later.  I took Thom to the Wallops this morning in very thick fog - you could hardly see 50 yards in front of you - but the news on the car radio promised a hot sunny day later - as it turned out.  I spent the morning dealing with finances including putting in my ministerial expenses to the Clarendon Team - I still need to do those to the diocese for my St. Francis events and to Alabare for my chaplaincy expenses.  I also did my mileage returns and paid a few bills.  I went over to the Truffles Coffee Shop for a meeting with the Parish Clerk on Council business and we spent an hour together working through some papers. Sara spent the morning chairing her business women's group - Ladies who Latte at the Milford Hall Hotel.  This afternoon I resumed my attack on paperwork in the office - especially preparations for tomorrow evening's meeting of Sarum Lodge.  I had half an hour this afternoon to mow the lawn - this is always good thinking and praying time - with the weather warm.  The back lawn had grown substantially in just a few days and I filled the green garden refuse bin to the top quite easily.  Fortunately they are coming to collect it on Thursday.  I also bought and sent a card to Auntie Mim who is currently recovering from an operation for ovarian cancer.  She is doing well according to Ann who has put a bulletin and photograph on Facebook.  After a quick shower and change clothing I drove into Salisbury for a meeting of Stonehenge Chapter.  It being the Installation Meeting there were several quite senior Freemasons present including the Provincial Grand Chaplain who has asked me to lead the Church Service at Calne in October (he will preach and the local vicar will give the absolution and blessing). I have suggested to him that we should arrange a meeting for all the lodge chaplains somewhere central in the county - probably Devizes - to emphasise the importance of the role of the chaplain in the lodge and to give them encouragement to work beyond just saying the prayers and grace at meetings. He was very open to this idea which we must pursue. Now to bed, but must watch Rev first. Another busy day tomorrow with quite a bit of time at St. Francis's - morning school assembly, Easter bonnet parade and a funeral in the afternoon.  Then Sarum Lodge.  At present, Sara and I spend about two conscious hours a day together!

Chaplaincy Conference

Another week begins - my fourth one in my placement at St. Francis's. As usual, after taking Thom to the Wallops, I drove over to St. Francis's for Morning Office with the other ministers.  This also gave me an opportunity to write up my diary of forthcoming events this week - St. Francis's Benefice is such a busy place.  After this I spent a couple of hours at Sarum College where I managed to write up about 400 words of my next assignment - on intercessory prayer - before then spending the afternoon at Alabare's head office at Churchfields at a Chaplain's Conference.  I had the opportunity to meet some of the other volunteer chaplains and in particular my opposite number at the women's refuge centre and the Oasis Project in Romsey - which is to close.  She is an ordinand at STETS who has discerned her own ministry to be outside parishes.  We agreed to keep in contact in case there is anything I can do to help persuade the powers that be not to close her project.  We had an industrial chaplain from Cambridge speak to us and show us a film on some of the chaplaincy work which has been done as part of the industrial chaplaincy project in Cambridge - e.g. a couple of large manufacturing companies, a laundry and Cambridge United FC.  It really did bring home the relevance and importance of chaplaincy in today's world.  After this I had a coffee at the Boston Tea Party before attending a committee meeting and rehearsal of Sarum Lodge at Freemasons' Hall. I stayed for about an hour before it was then back to Winterslow for a two-hour meeting of Winterslow Parish Council. Tonight we were each given hi-vis jackets for our work in and around the village.  They are lovely and warm and will be great for going out for walks and cycling when on Council business.  Just need the hard hat and pneumatic drill now!  Went to bed early and challenged myself to more Candy Crush and word games on the iPad.  Tomorrow I will have a look at Rev as tonight Mary was intent on watching the dreadful Dancing Moms on TV.

Mothering Sunday and Mouldy Bananas

A bright sunny day today to accompany having to get up much earlier today due to the clocks having been put forward last night.  I didn't sleep all that well - my mind full of all sorts of things coupled with a fear of over sleeping as I had agreed to take Thom up to the shop to begin his paper round at 6 a.m. (only that is now 5 a.m.). Sara normally does this but as it is Mothering Sunday it is traditional to allow her a lie in.  After taking Thom I made us both tea and we went back to sleep.  Eventually we both awoke but the somebody had already used all the hot water (Mary) so I could only have a tepid shower - not a pleasant experience.  Sara, Mary and I went to St. Francis's this morning for the special All Age Mothering Sunday service with Paul leading and Tom preaching on mother eagles and likening them to the way God lets us try to fly and take risks but is always there to catch us.  The small children enjoyed it. After his sermon/talk we sang "Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord".  Time and time again this song has appeared in worship at times when my life is about to change significantly.  It was shortly after signing this that I felt a strong call to ministry - now I am awaiting another call as to what God wants me to do now I'm admitted and licensed.   We were introduced to Dave and Emily, the new worship leaders who officially begin on Tuesday.  We also saw our old work colleague, Hilary, who was delighted to see us - this is her church.  I told her I would be leading the Palm Sunday evening service and hoped she could make that one.  We slipped away without a coffee this morning as we had to take Mary to the city Hall for the Salisbury Dance Studio bi-annual show.  Mary didn't like her costume which she likened to a  mouldy banana - I found out later that she meant a ripe banana - one with speckled black spots.  She was in a piece called "Let it Grow" dressed as a sunflower.  After parking the car at the railway station (having dropped off Sara and Mary by the City Hall) I met up with them at Boston Tea Party for drinks and a sandwich.  We met Richard's daughter, Helen, in there as she has now finished university for the Spring term. The show was magnificent - there really is some great talent at the Dance Studio.  Mary wants to do modern dance as well as ballet and I think she will be really good.  We finally ended the day with a Chinese takeaway.  I spke briefly to Mum who seems in good spirits and is seeing a pain management consultant at her GP's on Thursday.  so pleased that this is, at last happening. Learned this evening that Auntie Mim has had an operation for ovarian cancer and must send her a card tomorrow.

Saints thrash the Toon

An early start again today and  off to St. Paul's to join the Men's Group, Bacon Butties and Bibles, for the Precept bible Study on Abraham.  We studied Genesis 11 and 12 - Abraham being called away from his home to travel to Canaan.  I found the bible study quite basic but sometimes it is good to get "back to basics" and the story really did resonate with me.  In fact, I reflected on it on and off for most of the day.  After St. Paul's I met up with Sara in Waitrose for a coffee and it was good to see a member of our Christianity Explored Group serving at the cafeteria - and so we exchanged pleasantries.  I spent about half an hour with Sara before coming back to Winterslow where I wrote up this blog for the previous two days.  Thom and I left for Southampton at 12.30 p.m. to attend the big match against current rivals Newcastle United.  Just before going I had a phone conversation with my friend John C who lives in Chandlers' Ford but comes originally from Newcastle.  He joked that he was also going to the match where we would see Newcastle thrash Southampton.  Nothing of the sort!  Saints confidently won the game by 4 goals to nil!  Saints are now in eighth place in the Premier League tonight and with Manchester city drawing against Arsenal and Chelsea losing, Liverpool have a real chance tomorrow of going top! I really do hope that they pull it off and win the League this year.  It's about time.  I came home elated but feeling quite tired.  Mary has had a hectic tiring day - more so than me - today.  She had ballet training this morning and performed in the dance school's bi-annual concert at the City Hall.  She was dancing therefore until quite late this evening and Sara had to go and pick her up at 9.30 p.m. She has to do it all again tomorrow for the Sunday matinee in the afternoon.  tomorrow we shall be going as a family to St. Francis's short mothering Sunday service (it is deliberately short so that mothers can be taken out for lunch etc. - so thoughtful) then lunch before the matinee which Sara and I are attending to see Mary and her colleagues perform.  Thom, naturally, has no interest in dance even if it does involve his sister and would prefer to spend the day on his computer. 

The Causes of the Great War - at Westbury

I took Thom to the Wallops again this morning and called in at the shop on the way back to pick up a baguette for breakfast.  I had a meeting at Church house this morning with my portfolio mentor to discuss and issue I needed to identify at St. Francis's as part of my theological reflection exercise.  I was in  a panic as I could not find my car key and house keys (they later turned up at the bottom of the cavity which holds the handle for office case) and so poor Sara had to drive back home so   that we could lock the house.  I arrived 10 minutes late for my meeting with Stella although I had phoned in to say I would be 15 minutes late - manage expectations!  We had a good natter over coffee and Sara's homemade biscuits and identified two issues - the use of open prayer as a means of supporting community or the issue of the building of a Mormon Tabernacle in the middle of Old Sarum.  Stella has suggested that I reflect on both of these issues over the next couple of weeks.  The next priority is for me to complete and submit my assignment on intercessory prayer. I then did my three hour stint as chaplain, after a little essential shopping, and was so pleased to find that an elderly man who had come in off the streets last week - a kindly soft spoken gentleman who is often hard to understand with his Wiltshire burr - is now staying as a resident in his home room with us at Alabare.  He has a faith and we discussed this for a short time.  After my duty I met up with Ashley, my fellow student, at Waitrose where we had a coffee and shared a sandwich - I had had no lunch.  He invited me to a lecture tonight at Westbury all Saints Church on the cause of World War I and so, after I had been home for a short while, I drove over to Westbury for a really excellent presentation given by a former officer in the army and now churchwarden and an army lay minister.  He was absolutely brilliant.  He, apparently, is helping Ashley on his ethics portfolio and I know he will make a good impression.  Stopped off at Larkhill for a Chinese takeaway (still hungry as Thom had eaten my supper!) some of which I ate and the rest I shared with Sara on my return.  A really packed day but with some issues cleared up in my mind and an enjoyable end a very long day. 

The Tale of Three Bishops

I have the feeling that today was a very important one for me and one I will look back on with knowledge of just how important it was.  I took Thom to the Wallops today and then on to Parkwood for a session in the gym and a swim afterwards.  I had originally intended to go to Morning Office at St. Francis's but the need to drop Thom off at the later time of 9.15 a.m. meant this would not be possible.  I stayed on at Parkwood until about 10.50 a.m. and then went to see Nils at the Rectory for our pre-arranged informal meeting halfway through my placement at St. Francis's.  we brought each other up to date with what had been going on in our respective parishes and in particular in the Clarendon Team where I am still licensed. I found the meeting most helpful as it seemed to be answering one half of the prayers I have been sending up in recent weeks. I came away feeling that our hour together had been well spent. This afternoon I journeyed over to Stratford-sub-Castle to a special Evening Prayer service with all three bishops at St. Lawrence's - Bishop Nick leading.  I had an opportunity to speak with each bishop in turn.  It was a really lovely service with great refreshments and a warmth and love which seems to permeate that church.  The sun shining and the relative warmth was also conducive to the ambience of the event. Photos were taken of the St. Lawrence congregation and ministers with the bishops and it was insisted that I join in with the group photograph.  Many of the congregation thanked me for my sermon last Sunday which they had enjoyed and found thought provoking.  Because Sara and I had left quite early in order to catch the Archdeacon's sermon at St. Francis's some had not had a chance to talk to me earlier. This evening I was persuaded by Mary and her friend to take her to a gymnastic's social event at Andover.  She and her friend Izzy put on make-up so I was a bit suspicious!  It turned out to be more of a youth club style evening with about 100 youths - including lots of boys!  I think sometime they think we were born yesterday or weren't teenagers ourselves!  Our house group this evening (Lent Study) continued the theme of following the film "Touching the Void" and tonight we talked about "breaking away".  Quite an apt topic today.  There were six of us this evening - no one currently at the Clarendon Team churches.  We have two from St. Paul's, one from St. Francis and myself on placement at St. Francis and two Methodists.  Were are truly a mixed Ecumenical Group.  Everyboidy enjoyed the evening and found it extremely thought provoking - especially on the question of ethics. Today I was reminded of Genesis 11 and 12.

Taking the High Road

There was no school or college for the children today because of the national teachers' strike which meant that we were able to have a bit of a lie in this morning - which was extremely welcome.  I attended a meeting of the St. Francis's Staff Team at the Youth Lounge at St. Francis's - there being only four of us with Toby having left for his new role in Cornwall.  We reflected on Bill Hybel's passage on "Taking the High Road" - in other words when we find ourselves in adversity we should show great grace although we shouldn't treat ourselves as doormats and should have courage to say things honestly.  I see this in the words and actions of my spiritual director whom I chose because of his "graceful bluntness".  It is so easy for us to take the "low road" - blame others and act ungraciously, and so hard, at times to take the high road.  I pray that I will take the high road especially with my own discernment of my ministry.  Following my meeting at St. Francis's I spent an hour at Sarum College library - the car park looking as though a Lambeth Conference was in session which necessitated me parking in the multi-storey car park.  I also quickly visited the bank.  After my spell in the library I drove to St. Paul's and had one of the best soups ever (carrot and ginger) with a crunchy roll at SP2.  After a brief stop-off at Waitrose to deposit some glass jars and bottles for re-cycling I returned home where I mowed the back lawn and bank - absolutely back-breaking work which certainly replaced going to the gym.  Tonight I attended a meeting near the Salisbury City football ground with Penny, the Pioneer Minister and the chair of the Community Trust to learn of the issues and initiatives in the Old Sarum estate.  We chatted over coffee for about an hour and prayed afterwards.  More open prayer which is so prevalent at St. Francis's benefice.  It took me about twenty minutes to find the house which is right opposite the site of the new Mormon Tabernacle which is being built.  Another meeting which left me feeeling very spirit-filled.  It's wonderful so see so much happening in one benefice.

Beautiful Outlaw

Another full day today.  I took Thom to the Wallops this morning and worked at home until about 11.00 a.m.  This morning the outside door handle fell off as Sara was going out and, fortunately, I was able to get Geoff G to come by and have a look at it.  Fortunately it didn't require a new lock and Geoff came back this afternoon and fitted two new brass handles.  It did mean, however, that nobody could either leave the house or enter it by the front door for several hours.  As Sara was out and I went out at 11.00 a.m. it was no major problem - we simply used the back door.  I stopped off at Parkwood and had a swim, steam bath and spa and then drove to St. Francis's to attend a meeting of New Wine leaders.  It was good to see several people I already knew well (and knew me!) - Gale Hunt, Ian Cowley, Andrew Robertson, Tessa, Penny and some I knew only by sight.  We ate picnic lunches and listened to a presentation by a priest from Canford who spoke about his forthcoming sabbatical and his Spanish pilgrimage - Camino de Santiago - which he undertook over 4 weeks.  He also referred to an excellent book by john Eldredge - "Beautiful Outlaw" which looks closely into the personality of Jesus and his breaking of laws based on religiosity - I introduced that word to the group and it found much approval as a word to describe how some churches and Christians can behave - very much like the Pharisees.  Some wonderful reflection here and interesting to talk about such things amongst the more Charismatic ministers.  I really did enjoy the session.  Afterwards, Paul, Andrew (Robertson) and I prayed together as a trio.   Tonight Sara and I were the guests of Andrew (Fergusson) and his wife at their home near the Godolphin School together with all the other members of the Christianity Explored group.  We ate a wonderful beef pie cooked by Betty together with baked potatoes and cabbage and leaks followed by chocolate and orange tart (from Linda) and lemon mousse (from Sara).  Keith, as usual enjoyed the food as much as anything else.  At the end of the meal we reflected on our journeys through the course and had a time of open prayer.  We prayed especially for one member who has made leaps and bounds with their faith.  We also prayed for me as I seek to discern where God is currently calling me in my ministry.  I did have some great news today - my theological reflection of the ethics course had pulled my marks up from 55% and 56% for the assignments to an overall 60%.  A real achievement for a Level 5 piece of work which I did find quite hard. Now on with the assignments for intercessory prayer and funeral ministry. I think that "beautiful outlaw" sums up well my vision of Jesus after so much prayer and reflection over the past few days.

Evening in Bournemouth

It was Sara's turn to take Thom to the Wallops as I would be picking him up this afternoon from Stockbridge.  I attended Morning Office at St. Francis's at 9 a.m. and there were six of us present today - three ordained and three lay ministers. We read, again, from Celebrating Common Worship.  I do like this book and think that I actually prefer it to Common Worship Prayers we use in the Clarendon Team.  I bought a copy of the smaller compact version of Celebrating Common Worship after I was recommended it as a small resource by the Alabare Senior Chaplain and I always carry a copy with me when I am on chaplaincy duty.  After Morning Office I called in at Parkwood and spent an hour or so in the gym and swim - 35 minutes in the gym and a short time in the pool and steam room.  Back home I worked for the rest of the morning and early afternoon and by the time I went to Stockbridge to pick up Thom I had a handful of about six stamped envelopes to post in the red letter box by the Co-Op.  As I crossed the road the Rector, Nils drove along and gave me a wave and a call and I also later saw his wife in the Co-Op where I was unable to get any cash from the machine because it was under repair. After picking up Thom and taking him back home I then drove through the New Forest to join the A31 down to Bournemouth to attend the Installation Meeting of Bournemouth & District Installed Masters' Lodge where Mike Codd was installing his successor.  I always enjoy going to The Knole and tonight was no exception.  A perfect ceremony followed by a wonderful dinner - mushrooms in cream sauce, roast lamb, New York cheese cake and cheese and biscuits.  I sat with the Senior Warden.  The meeting and dinner went on until 10.30 p.m. and I didn't get home until 11.30 p.m. I was looking forward to watching "Rev" which I found, much to my disappointment and despite a reminder earlier in the day, Sara had not recorded.  She had, in fact, set the Skybox to record "Rev" next week!  Finally went to bed at 1 a.m. and I am taking Thom to the Wallops in the morning.

 

 

Preaching Again

A really bright day - the mornings are now quite bright and the daylight is very much extended.  I woke at 5.45 a.m. to find that the sky was already brightening.  Had quite a few weird dreams involving funerals - must be the effect of all that study on funeral ministry yesterday.  Sara and I drove over to the sweet little church at Stratford-sub-Castle.  It reminded me very much of Old Clee, Grimsby as we walked up the path.  It's in a beautiful setting right on the outskirts of the city of Salisbury. A village church right on the boundary of an urban area.  Tessa and the wardens were already there and I again experienced that feeling of warmth which seems to exude throughout the St. Francis benefice. Tessa introduced herself to Sara and they spoke for quite a while whilst I robed up in the tiny "cupboard" which serves as a vestry. The service this morning was Matins which I really enjoyed - it took me right back to my days as a chorister at Old Clee and it was interesting how I so easily could remember the BCP words for that service. I preached on "living water" and the Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4) and the congregation appeared to like the sermon - even the little jokes/anecdotes I had added.  Sara and I stayed a short while and then zoomed off to St. Francis's where we wanted to hear the Archdeacon preach.  Quite a contrast - very lively music, a buzzing church with many children.  From robes to open-neck shirt - although the Archdeacon did retain his collar he was in jacket and trousers.  I had been fully robed at St. Lawrence's.  Sara and I had an opportunity to chat to the Archdeacon and to Penny.  It was Toby's (the worship leader) last day at St. Francis before he takes up his new job down in Cornwall and he was determined to go out with quite a loud bang.  He and Sophie (who is also the chaplain at the school where Mary attends and upon whom Mary has had occasion to call) are clearly well loved and will be missed.  Toby has been replaced and we await the arrival of Dave with great anticipation.  Back home, Thom and I watched Southampton on TV lose 3-2 to Tottenham Hotspur.  A really sad result - Saints were winning 0-2 at one time and the score was 2-2 right into injury time.  Spurs snatched victory at the very last minute - so unjustified.  Still that's football. Southampton play Newcastle (currently their great rivals) next Saturday at home.  I'm really looking forward to that game.  It will also soon be the start of the cricket season.  My membership card has been renewed and I am really looking forward to spending quite a number of hours down at the Rose Bowl.  spoke to Mum tonight - she was in very good spirits - so very pleased.  She is feeling very positive at the moment which is a good sign and realises that she is in a better situation, especially mentally, than many others. I really do feel as though God is answering prayer at the moment.  I am feeling much more "spiritually connected" than I have for a long time.   hope that isn't the wine talking - this Lent I am allowing myself a glass or two of wine on Sundays - after all, I do take communion wine then!.