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!. 

Funerals, Roses and Friends

A long and very busy day today.  Thom was up at 7.30 a.m. for his paper round and I also got up early as I knew I had quite a busy day ahead of me.  Today saw the end of my Spring Term academic classroom work with all day tutorials at Sarum College - in the morning we completed the Funeral ministry module and in the afternoon the one on Intercessions leaving me to write up two more essays (one for each subject) by 5th April (Intercessions) and 25th April (Funerals).  Although this may seem extremely strange, I have really enjoyed my training for funeral ministry - something I suspect I will need to do quite a bit of if, as anticipated, I become the Freemason's chaplain for Wiltshire.  Tom Clammer, the Precentor of the Cathedral, has been excellent tutor and I really do enjoy his down to earth, practical and at time very humorous style on what could be a very dour subject.  So many useful tips.  I now need to gain some practical experiences of dealing with real live funerals as part of the "on-the-job" practical training.  The afternoon session was taken up with the theology of Intercessions and we looked closely at the opposing views of two well known theologians - Nicky Gumbel and Mike Higton (Mike had actually been one of my "inquisitors" at Alresford on Tuesday!). Interesting discussions but not quite as interesting as funerals!  I decided that after such a heavy day I would end my stay in the Cathedral Close with attending Evensong at the Cathedral. Before this I quickly called into  the Pound Shop and bought a few climbing roses which Sara had seen and wanted to plant in the garden. I arrived at the Cathedral early and managed to secure a place towards the front.  The service was taken by the same Tom Clammer as had been my tutor in the morning.  After the service, and I was gathering myself together to leave I cause a glimpse of David B. and his new lady.  David is an old friend who was at Liverpool with me in the 1970s - one of my oldest friends and so, after a quick thank you to Tom, I sprinted after them and we had a lovely conversation in the cathedral side aisle.  He remarked that the last time we had been together in the Cathedral had been for my licensing as a minister. We strolled out of the cathedral together promising to meet up again very soon.  A lazy night tonight following my re-checking of my sermon for tomorrow morning. 

Soggy Toast

Another early morning with me attending Ambassadors' Business Breakfast at the Grasmere House Hotel, Harnham.  The water has retreated substantially now and the Water Meadows are returning to being more meadow than water.  Not a particularly good turn out today but we were graced by the presence of "the best carpet cleaner in the world" with whom I sat.  Richard P seemed rather subdued and there felt to be a slightly laid back atmosphere.  I presented the Ambassadors' Hitler Video (The Saga of the Soggy Toast) which I believe is now on YouTube which went down well but didn't get quite as many laughs as I had expected.  Justin then gave a presentation on "SOE" which is something to do with making your website more attractive and easier to find for people using browsers.  Unfortunately he seemed to struggle with his Mac and the projector and so I think the next presentation should be on how to use digital projectors!  Following this breakfast meeting I spent a couple of hours in Sarum College Library working a bit more on my sermon - but I think it will have to be worked on more tonight.  I spent three and a half hours at Alabare Place Drop-In Centre talking especially to a newcomer - an elderly gentleman who has lost his agricultural tied cottage and has been sleeping in churchyards. He has a strong faith and believes that "him up there" will look after him. Also spent some time with some of my more regular customers.  This afternoon I worked on my sermon and completed the first draft by teatime.  I will let it stew and have a look at it tomorrow evening before finally printing it off for delivering at Stratford on Sunday.  Another long day tomorrow when I will be at Sarum College for tutorials on Funeral Ministry and Intercessions.  Watched a Poirot as a kind of reward for all the intense work done this evening.

Bringing me Sunshine

I was up early this morning despite the fact that Thom decided not to catch the early bus but catch the one that left for Winchester at the Wallops at  9.15 a.m. Last night he had been emphatic that he intended to catch the early bus and work in the library at college but this morning decided he would do his work at home - which meant using Sara's computer in order that he could print some stuff off.  I was attending a daylight lodge meeting at Devizes, Fiat Lux, which met at 11 a.m. so after dropping off Thom at the Wallops I drove to Devizes via Amesbury to fill up with fuel and get some cash.  Driving over Salisbury Plain I listened to the late tony Benn reading extracts from his 1991-2001 diary which included his reporting of his spoof interview with Ali G.  I really had to laugh out loud and it made me realise that I must put more humour into my own journal as laughter is a really wonderful thing and an wonderful antidote for feeling down. I really would like those of you reading these few scribbled notes to have a good chuckle from time to time. Another wonderful quote was from a conversation Tony had with Tony Blair - when asked what he was going to do on retiring from the House of Commons Tony (Benn) replied -  I think I'll take up politics!  Wonderful stuff.  Although Tony Benn and I never had the same political views I am tempted to buy a copy of his diary. Arriving in Devizes I parked the car in the usual car park in Sheep Street (it would have to be "Sheep" street wouldn't it after all the talk about sheep at the house group last night!).  I put 5 hours worth of parking money in thinking that would be more than adequate.  The meeting was well attended at the Provincial Grand Master, who is a member, was delighted to see me and confirmed that he was thrilled to know that I would be accepting the offer of a promotion to Past Provincial Grand Chaplain and emphasised his hope that in due course I would become the Province's Grand Chaplain.  I expressed my own delight in this great honour and acknowledgement of a service which I would be delighted to render to the Province and my willingness to deputise in the meantime.  A lovely friend group of people in the meeting and at the lunch.  I feel very privileged to have met, this week, so many lovely people and am feeling really blessed at the moment. The meeting did go on much longer than anticipated and I had to leave before the end in order to get back to Winterslow in good time.  Tonight I took ten people (myself included) - the members of our own Ecumenical House Group - to Southampton to a wonderfully funny, yet at time serious, presentation by Care for the Family - Rob Parsons and John Archer.   We set off from our house in a convoy of three cars (me leading) and arrived at College street Car Park in good time (about 6.30 p.m.).  It was starting to drizzle and we split into two - four went into the Central Hall and the other six of us were led by me up St. Mary's Street to "our" chippy following the announcement that some people had not had any supper. Trays of ships all round which we ate as we walked back to the Central Hall.  A really enjoyable night - again much fun and laughter.  It's been a really good day today - laughter really does make the world go round and make the sun shine even when it is drizzling!

Coffee Morning in Stratford-sub-Castle

I attended a lovely coffee morning in Stratford-sub-Castle this morning to meet some of the congregation and other residents in the home of a newly converted Christian couple.  It was an open morning at which members of St. Lawrence's congregation open their homes to anybody in the village who wants to come and meet and chat with members of the Christian community. It also gave me the opportunity for Tessa, the associate priest, to introduce me to many of the congregation to whom I shall be preaching on Sunday - on the subject of living water.  Tessa and I had an opportunity for a lovely chat about our respective callings and how our ministry has been shaped by events and both been blessed by being able to experience ministry in the St. Francis benefice. Following this visit, which lasted about an hour and a half, I drove into Salisbury and spent the afternoon at Sarum College reading up on John 4 and John 10 in preparation for Brownie's house group this evening and my sermon on Sunday.  I didn't get quite as much done as I had hoped and spent quite a bit of time in reflection. On my way to pick up Thom at the Wallops I stopped off at Parkwood Fitness and had a swim, and used the steam room and spa pool.  Very refreshing after a day of meetings and study.  I attended Brownie's house group this evening at West Dean which I facilitated (I wouldn't be so bold as to say "led") to allow Andrew the opportunity to attend a talk by the Archdeacon on praying with icons in the cathedral.  There were five us at Brownie's this evening and we had an interesting discussing about John10 and in particular the use of "sheep" throughout the bible - both Old and New Testament. Brownie is very anxious to involve the church at West Dean more with the community. They were all very pleased to see me especially as they knew I was currently working in another benefice at the moment and thought it very good of me to take time out to help them with their house group.  I really enjoyed the evening.

Lovely Trip to Alresford

I took Thom to the Wallops again today as I was unable to pick him up early this afternoon.  Sara and I went in to Parkwood early and I was unable to have my usual "gym n' swim" and had to be content just with "gym" because I had forgotten to pack my swimming shorts - added to which I couldn't find my newly bought goggles (they turned up eventually under my car seat). I finished the portfolio, printed it out and carefully collated it into its folder.  Having put it into an A4 envelope I felt as though I had really achieved something.  It's been a difficult subject/module over a difficult term but now its done. I then drove to Old Alresford Place where I was taking part, with other students, in a Durhamn University Validation process for a new regime of ministerial training - both lay and ordained. The building and setting were both beautiful - a church not dissimilar to that in Farley, the bishop's lodge and the building we were in being the Old Rectory.  A leftover from the time when the local priest held a position close to that of the Squire in villages.  I met and ate lunch with two students in their first year of STETS (ordination training at Salisbury) and handed over my portfolio to Stella.  We were all interviewed, together with students from Guildford, Winchester and Oxford dioceses by a panel from Durham University which seemed to go well. The were particularly interested in our accessibility to resources, support for "non-academic" issues and the use of placements - which they seem to endorse - each of us has been, is on or will be going on a placement. After the interview I met Bishop Jonathan (Bishop of Southampton) and our own Archdeacon (Alan) with whom I had a short chat.  I had a quick look into the Church at Old Alresford - a lovely light building inside - before driving into New Alresford for a cup of tea and a chat with the husband of Sara's mother's good friend, Mary. Peter is a Reader in the Winchester diocese and we compared notes on how things are done in the different diocese.  Mary joined us after an hour (having been on a trip to Midhurst) and we spent another hour chatting and catching up on family news.  Mary has beenc diagnosed with breast cancer, like Sara's mother, and is to visit Winchester Hospital on Friday.  I said that Sara and I would offer up our prayers for a successful consultation. Tonight, Sara and I went to St. Paul's for our last Christianity Explored session.  Next week we have been invited to the leader's house (Andy's) near the Godolphin School, Salisbury for a meal and an opportunity to share our reflections on the course.

Across to Worthing

The beginning of a very busy week starting with taking Thom to catch his bus at The Wallops.  Quite a hectic morning as I was driving over to Worthing at lunchtime to attend the Sussex Provincial Grand Chapter convocation at the Charmandean Centre on the Brighton Road.  A number of Royal Arch Masons from my Sussex lodge and chapter were receiving honours and it was good to meet up with Peter M who was to received Grand Chapter rank in May.  He kindly arranged for me to sit behind Scribe E's table and I had a good view of all the proceedings.  There were many RAMs from provinces in the south, west and home counties but Wiltshire was, on this occasion, unrepresented officially.  I guess I represented Wiltshire "unofficially".  The meeting was considerably shorter than usual which did give me quite an opportunity to have a chat with friends and colleagues in the bar afterwards. I didn't stay for the rather over-priced dinner and drove back to Winterslow along the coast road - the traffic was exceptionally heavy in parts. Back home, I spent the rest of the evening in the study putting together the finishing touches to my Ethics portfolio which I intend to deliver to my tutor/mentor tomorrow when I see her at Old Alresford. Not quite finished by the time I went to bed but should be able to complete and print tomorrow morning. 

My first visit to St. Lawrence's

I had a strange dream last night - I dreamt that I went round to the house of a girl I had a crush on when I was 13 and met her and her mother who kept pet lemurs!  I have no idea what that dream was meant to convey to me, if anything!  I went on my own to St. Lawrence's Church at Stratford-sub-castle this morning as Sara suddenly remembered that Mary had a photo-shoot for the ballet show and she would not be able to join me at Stratford.  I arrived a little before the service was due to start with the church really filling up (there were 76 people attending at the end) because a couple who had been connected with the church for many years were celebrating their golden Wedding Anniversary and during the service (Holy Communion) had their wedding vows renewed.  Tessa preached and took the Communion and vows renewal and Ali, the ordinand acted as deacon.  One of the churchwardens I knew as a member of my lodge as well as another freemason who acted as sidesman. I was introduced to the congregation by Tessa who mentioned that I would be returning next week to preach.  I am really looking forward to it - my first time preaching in an Anglican church since January.  After the service I met up with Sara and Mary at Waitrose for a coffee and I also went into Sports Direct to purchase some new swimming goggles.  On my way back home I stopped off at Homebase where they were having a 20% sale and bought another hand mower for a very much reduced price from last year.  The one I previously bought appears to have become damaged as a result of hitting a large stone. Sara cooked an excellent roast pork lunch whilst I worked some more on my portfolio.  This evening, Sara and I went to St. Paul's with James driving us.  An interesting service with the theme of example identity - who do we hold out to be great examples of Christian life and how can we ourselves be examples to others.  Great worship music too.  A new rector has been chosen - a young family man from Woking, Craig,  who will take up his new position in the summer.  Back in Winterslow, James and I had a swift couple of drinks in the Lion's Head before returning home where I finished off my annotated bibliography for my portfolio.  Should get it finished tomorrow in time to hand it to Stella on Tuesday when I see her at alresford.

Heavens Above!

The weather has most definitely improved and getting warmer and sunnier.  Spring now feels in the air and is leaving me feeling so much happier and positive with a sense that something really good is around the corner.  The mail brought some good news this morning too - confirmation that in October I am to be promoted to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Chaplain for the Wiltshire Freemasons - an interesting post which effectively will mean that I shall act as deputy chaplain for all Freemasons in Wiltshire.  The post normally only goes to an ordained or licensed church minister although the current Chaplain is a licensed lay minister in the north of the Diocese. It is expected that I would be likely to take over from him when he eventually decides to retire.  I also heard that my friend Peter, in Sussex, has been offered a promotion to Grand Chapter - a well deserved promotion for all the loyalty and hard work he has given them over there.  Thom and I went to Southampton this afternoon for what turned out to be a very good football match against Norwich City.  Southampton were by far the better side and into the last quarter were winning 3-0 when two amazingly quick and easy goals turned the score line into 3-2.  Nail-biting time during the last 15 minutes with Southampton scoring a fourth goal injury time to make the score line an undisputed win for the Saints.  Southampton now sit 8th in the Premier League table - equalling their top position of all time - and eleven points clear of the pack below.  A great season which could have been even greater if they had fielded a strong team in the cup tie against Sunderland as the path after that towards Wembley looks fairly easy.  Tonight, Sara and I watched an old black and white movie - Heavens Above - starring Peter Sellers.  I had seen this film before but quite a long time ago.  A strange film with Sellers playing a young challenging priest in a tradition parish and causing all sorts of upsets.  A good day and went to bed feeling quite relaxed.

Lost Plane; Lost Scriptures

I woke up early this morning and although I didn't have to take Thom to the Wallops I, nevertheless, decided that it would be good to get out of bed, make tea and prepare myself for the day ahead - reading my devotionals and having an early shower. Sara had a commission to do a makeover for a photo shoot with our colleague Simon for the director's of an animal insurance company in Amesbury which I gather went very successfully.   I drove into Salisbury early, also, and spent two hours in Sarum College library working on my Ethics Portfolio and managed to complete the Summative Reflection - leaving me just with the Conclusion and Annotated Bibliography still to write which I will complete this weekend. I did a three-hour stint as chaplain at Alabare Place where I met the new assistant manager, Rachel.  It was a fairly quiet few hours and my usual clients were not  in today - perhaps because the weather was much milder and the sun was shining once the fog had lifted.  The main news of today was the death of Tony Benn (an almost exact contemporary of my father's) at the age of 88 and new speculation that the Malaysian Airways Flight MH370 which disappeared some five days ago may very well have been the victim of a deliberate act as satellites recorded the plane to be flying for about 7 hours after it disappeared.  My own theory is that it was hi-jacked and flown west towards the Indian sub-continent and then either landed somewhere secretly or ran out of fuel and crashed into the Indian Ocean.  The search has now been shifted from the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean.  After picking Thom up at Stockbridge and returning home I got my bicycle out and after pumping up the tyres, went off for a 3-mile bike ride - I know not terribly adventurous - in Bentley Wood. It left me with my knees a little stiff  but it was good to get back on the bike again.  Regular bike rides together with regular visits to the Fitness Centre will, I hope, get me fitter - both physically and mentally.  Tonight, Mary stayed overnight with her friend Izzy and Sara and I watched the second and final programme in a series on Bible Hunters - archaeologists and theologians looking for missing scripts which never made it into the 66-book Holy Bible we know today.  Ironically, I bought Sara a book on this very topic from Sarum College library this morning - for 50p. She is often asking me why certain manuscripts were never inserted into the bible.  Our modern-day thirst for knowledge leads us to ask these questions and brings into question whether the heresy of Gnosticism was indeed a heresy at all.

School Assembly Experience

Up early this morning to find the village bathed in thick fog.  Sara took Thom to the Wallops today for his bus and I drove into Salisbury to join Paul Taylor at St. Mark's School Assembly and had the opportunity to meet the headmaster and view the wonderful community project he is overseeing - a coffee shop and "hub" for the parents, local community policing officers and anyone else who would like to use it.  As the school can be quite a focal point for the community - lots of parents dropping off and picking up their children, it seems a really good idea to have this extra facility.  St. Francis's is backing it and it was lovely to find so many of the school staff actually also members of the St. Francis congregation. After the assembly and meeting I drove Paul back to St. Francis's and then on to Sarum College where I spent six hours working on my Ethics portfolio and preparing for tonight's House Group. I also bumped into Penny Joyce, the Pioneer Minister at Old Sarum and attached to St. Francis's who was delighted to hear that I was finding my placement at St. Francis's very enjoyable. I told her that I shall be preaching at St. Lawrence's too on Sunday after next which will be a real test.   With my new spiritual adviser too, in Bristol, things are, hopefully working out.  I was due to pick up Thom at 5.40 p.m. so I left Sarum College at 4.30 p.m. and had half an hour in the fitness Centre's pool and steam room before going on to The Wallops.  When Thom and I got back home we found Mike from St. Paul's watching the film "Touching the Void" in  our lounge.  Sara had invited him over to see the film in preparation for joining our Lent Group this evening.  We are becoming truly ecumenical - Anglicans from three different churches (All Saints, Winterslow, St. Paul's, Salisbury and St. Francis's, Salisbury) the Winterslow Methodist Church and soon to join us a member from Winterslow Baptist Church.  It really does bring a richness of ideas and discussions and it is good to see the group growing in this way.  James could not join us this evening but Mile stayed on a little while for a brandy and a chat before returning to Alderbury where he is now living.  to bed quite late this evening with still quite a bit of the portfolio still to do.

Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom

Another full day today starting off with Sara taking Thom to The Wallops to catch his bus to Winchester.  Mary missed her bus this morning and Sara took her into school.  I had a staff meeting at St. Francis's this morning where we met in the Youth Lounge at the back of the Church Hall.  The meeting was a mixture of business, self reflection using Bill Hybel's Axiom and prayer - quite different from what I am used to at Clarendon.  I also found that one of my Masonic friends is also a churchwarden at St. Lawrence's and emailed me to say how much he was looking forward to hearing me preach there on the 23rd March.  Sara picked me up from St. Francis's at 10.30 a.m. and we drove into Salisbury city centre to go to the Odeon Cinema (Pensioners' Matinee) to see the film Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom which I found enthralling and well made - such a pity it didn't win any Oscars - it certainly should have.  The pace of the film is swift at the beginning - telescoping but recording the chief terrible events of South Africa's turbulent 20th Century history but slows down, appropriately, as Mandela ages.  A good film to watch again and a great epitaph for one of the world's greatest and most charismatic leaders.  I recall in my younger days thinking of Mandela as nothing but a Black south African terrorist who deserved to be in jail but as I learned more and more about the oppressiveness of Apartheid, so I came to respect and understand the man.  The grace and love which he shows to those who persecuted him and his people is remarkable and something which we would all do well to study and reflect upon.  I am sure this will become one of the films which we will show and discuss at House Group in the years to come.  I spent the rest of the day writing emails and my Night Sky article for the Parish Magazine. I have completed it this evening (apart from inserting the map) and will finish it completely tomorrow morning.   Tonight Richard and I spent the evening in the Lord Nelson catching up.  The pub was full with a group of ladies having an evening out to celebrate Sara Penny's return to the UK from Australia for a couple of weeks.

Another trip to Chichester

I took Thom to the Wallops this morning as I was going to be away from Wiltshire for most of the day.  Once again the plan was for Sara and I to go to the gym this morning but Sara was really not feeling up to it so I went on my own spending about 30 minutes in the gym, showering, filling my car with fuel and returning home for coffee at around 10 a.m. I then drove over to Chichester for a meeting with a client at the Harvester at the far end of the by-pass.  Arriving promptly at 12 noon we had a three and a half hour meeting and a good lunch (chicken burger, salad and sundae).  I had intended to go into Southampton on the way back to visit Staples to purchase a new shredder (I have a huge pile of documents to shred and our existing shredder is clearly dying following its over-use and distorted jaws.  I didn't need to go into Southampton as I discovered there was a Staples almost next door to the Harvester.  There was a huge selection of shredders to choose from and eventually I purchased one which had a drawer at the front which would be a great easier to empty than the conventional one which empties at the top.  Less mess and this one, although costing quite a bit more than planned, can take 11 sheets of paper at one time and should, hopefully, speed the process along.  This evening Sara and I went to St. Paul's for the penultimate session of Exploring Christianity with some excellent cake brought in by Jeff (but baked by Lorraine!).  There was no Keith tonight and so the cake went much further.  Sara, who is actually on a sugar free diet during Lent had two slices and I resisted the second helping.  Tonight we looked at James and John and Herod - the topics of mercy and choices.  Back home tonight to write up the blog.  Emails today included my essay returned marked (56% which was a satisfactory pass mark) and a request for me to go and preach at Stratford-sub-Castle on 23rd March.  I will look forward to that.

On the Edge

Sara took Thom to the Wallops this morning and I spent the day writing up my second ethics assignment on the subject of Just War.  I had planned to write it yesterday afternoon but with Mike M coming over for lunch yesterday afternoon it was shelved until today.  Sara wanted me to go to the gym with her but I decided that I should really concentrate on getting this ethics essay completed. She worked at home today and later picked up Mary and took her to Wilton for her gymnastics class.  By lunchtime I had completed 1,000 words before I went to St. Francis's Vicarage for lunch with the Benefice's Team.  I met Tessa  who is the Associate Priest at St. Lawrence's, Stratford-sub-Castle and Toby and Katie who run the 20-30s and the children's groups respectively. It was a simple but most enjoyable lunch of pea and ham soup and yoghurt with amusing stories and light-heartedness over the meal.  It was good to meet the three ministers I had not really had a chance to talk to before (Paul and Tom I had met yesterday of course).  After lunch I return home to finish off my essay - completing another 800 words before going to Stockbridge to pick up Thom from the Winchester bus.  We discussed his academic day and I mentioned to him that I was already 300 words over the prescribed word count for my essay and I still had to write my conclusion.  Eventually I completed it which, together with the bibliography, amounted to 2,500 words!  I decided that I would submit it - even if it was well over the word count. This evening, as a little celebration for having completed the essay, I took myself down to Parkwood Fitness Centre and had a swim, steam room and spa.  It was extremely busy and the pool was occupied by three people (two especially) who seemed to be in training for the Olympics - certainly they were swimming fast and making huge waves which resulted in me swallowing quite a bit of water. I have made a mental note not to go to the Centre between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. as it is full of very fit people trying to get even fitter and putting the rest of us to shame.  Back home Sara and I watched a harrowing thriller called The Edge with Anthony Hopkins and Alan Baldwin which we both agreed we could use for a House Group - the story of two men lost in the bear filled wilds of the Rockies/Washington State after a plane crash.  A story of survival, forgiveness, grace, testing etc.  A film I had heard of but never seen before. 

A Day at St. Francis's

A busy day today at St. Francis's.  I attended the 9.30 a.m. Parish Eucharist, the 11 a.m. Informal Praise service and the 6.00 p.m. BCP Evensong today - with Sara joining me at the 11 a.m. service.  James B. also attended the 9.30 a.m. service and all three of us met up for coffee between the first and second service.  I was introduced to the congregation at each of the morning services by the vicar, Paul, interviewing me and during the coffee time had an opportunity to speak to a good many people.  They are a really friendly bunch and Sara was welcomed by no less than six different people before they knew she was my wife.  At the evening service I had an opportunity for a good chat with the curate, Tom, who spoke with much admiration for Paul and the way he has so far enjoyed his curacy.  I shall be joining all the ministers again tomorrow at their monthly lunch at the vicarage although I shall probably not attend their invited morning Office tomorrow as I have to catch up on writing my second ethics assignment  - which I planned out last night before going to bed.  Sara received a text from our St. Paul's friend, MM, who was having lunch with us today.  He arrived at 1.30 p.m. with a bottle of wine and as it is Sunday, I decided that Sunday didn't count as part of my Lent abstinence - besides the communion wine this morning seemed pretty strong - more like a Merlot than the usual C of E communion wine and the biscuit I had with my coffee contained chocolate chips! So I think I will now have to accept that Sunday is a day of rest - even from Lenten vows.  Even Muslims break their fast in Ramadan after the sun goes down.  MM was good company and he spent the whole afternoon with us until I left to go to St. Francis's this evening.  Spoke briefly to Mum on the phone and then did a little bit of Complex work before going to bed quite early.  Must write up my essay on Just War tomorrow morning before the ministerial lunch.

First Cut is the Highest

A day at home today.  The weather has suddenly turned very spring-like with warm weather and sunshine.  I took the opportunity, therefore, to mow the lawns for the first time this year - both inside lawns, front and back, which I gave a petrol-mown mid cut and almost filled the green recycling bin with grass cuttings.  After that I then cleaned my car.  Sara went into Salisbury and Wilton to take Mary to her gymnastics class and spent a few hours in the Waitrose Café writing up her journal.  Unfortunately she forgot to get cat food and so I offered to go out later to the shop at Bishopdown Farm to get the cat food whilst at the same time calling in at the Fitness Centre for a swim.  Unfortunately the Centre closes at 7.00 p.m. and I didn't arrive until 6.50 p.m. - so no time for that swim which I had promised myself all afternoon.  Southampton played Crystal Palace today at Selhurst Park - winning 0-1.  A great result which keeps them in 9th place but now only one point behind Newcastle whilst opening up an 11 point gap from the teams below.  An early night tonight.  I read some more of the book "Chasing the Dragon".

Chasing the Dragon

Up at 6 a.m. today, showered and after a cup of tea drove into Salisbury to attend the Ambassadors' Business Breakfast meeting at Grasmere House Hotel.  This morning Jon gave a presentation on Aloe Vera and its products. A good presentation - simple but effective.  I left at around 9.15 a.m. and drove across the city to my next appointment which was with Paul, the vicar at St. Francis's for a meeting to set out some diary events and generally discuss my placement in his benefice.  The meeting lasted about an hour and a half over coffee in the lounge and I came away with a list of diary events which he would like me to attend - starting with attending each service tomorrow and then some ministerial meetings and other church events - mainly as an observer to help me write up my assignment for the theological reflection module.  I felt really comfortable with Paul and I am sure I will enjoy my time at St. Francis's.  I drove straight after that meeting to Alabare Place and did three hour stint there as chaplain.  Sara dropped in and share a bacon sandwich with me.  It was fairly quiet today.  One resident wanted to see me but when we went to look for him in his room it seemed he had gone out - so I spent most of the session chatting with a couple of the drop-in clients.  I picked up Thom from Stockbridge at around 3.30 p.m. and returned him home.  Sara and Mary were going out for a meal and then to Salisbury City Hall to see a performance of the Swan Lake ballet which they said was really excellent.  I promised Thom that as part of a night in  I would get us a Chinese takeaway - quite appropriate as I am currently reading Jackie Pullinger's book "Chasing the Dragon". After a short time in the family room (some peace and quiet) I drove to Parkwood Fitness Centre and swam twenty lengths in the pool with short periods in the steam room and spa at the end of each 10 lengths session.  After a shower I felt quite invigorated.  I bought a couple of Chinese meals for us which we ate on my return.  This evening I watched a film about a Nazi Hunter looking for Aribert Heim on the Netflix application  loaded on my iPad followed by a couple of episodes from "Not Going Out".  A quieter day tomorrow in the hope of getting my second ethics assignment planned out if not written.

A Prayerful and Fulfilling Day

I woke early this morning looking forward to a very full day ahead.  Thom didn't need to go into Winchester until much later this morning and Sara agreed to drop him at the Wallops and also pick him up.  I drove into Salisbury - the traffic was extremely busy today - to attend my first morning Office with Paul, the vicar of St. Francis and to mark the beginning of my placement there.  We met in a very warm church's ante room and used Celebrating Common Prayer instead of the more familiar common worship Daily Prayer although Paul agreed to use my choice of psalm and readings from the Church of England Common Worship Lectionary.  We spent 30 minutes together and had a short time of open prayer instead of  the prescribed diocesan prayer chain.  The prayers seemed deep and sincere and I included some quite local and personal issues.  After Morning Office I drove to Bristol for a meeting with my spiritual director at Trinity Theological College. On the way I found a cut through around the back of Bath which avoided some of the city centre but I still got caught in heavy traffic at Brislington.  My appointment was at 12 noon and I eventually arrived at Trinity college at 11.51 a.m.   The timing could not have been more perfect.  By the time I had "restored myself to my personal comfort" he was at reception waiting for me.  We immediately to a stroll (in fact he walked at quite a brisk pace) across the Downs above the Avon Gorge with wonderful views of the Gorge and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.  We had coffee in a small park café and then returned back to the College for lunch in the main refectory with the students and lecturers.  We ate a healthy salad and as a visitor to the college was introduced and received a round of applause - all quite unexpected but with a real feeling of appreciation and friendliness.  After lunch we repaired to my director's study for coffee, prayer and general discussions.  I left Trinity at 2 p.m. feeling quite "on top of the world".  My talk with my director had been a wonderful experience and I look forward to his continued fellowship as we journey together.  I drove out of Bristol on the M32 and M4 and via Bradford and Trowbridge arrived at Ashley's house in Westbury at 3.30 p.m. we had tea together and we discussed his Leading Worship and Ethics portfolios.  He is a great friend and ministerial colleague and we are able to give each other wonderful support and encouragement.  I do hope he gets licensed this year. After a brief stop in Warminster to purchase more cartridges for our computer printers, I arrived back home at 6 p.m. Sara had cooked a Thai Green Curry which was excellent. We had the first of our Lent group sessions this evening "Exploring the Void" based on the film "Touching the Void" which covers so many aspects of our life and faith.  A really enjoyable session.  Today has been a really marvellous day.  A more detailed account will be written in my spiritual diary.  Over the next few weeks, during Lent, I feel positive that my role as a minister will be more clearly defined.  As my spiritual director told me today "I am a pastor" and this I am reflecting upon deeply and will explore further during my Lenten journey.

Ash Wednesday

It was Sara's turn to take Thom to the Wallops this morning.  I got out of bed a little later at 7.30 a.m., showered and later had a breakfast of porridge when Sara returned.  This morning I drove over to Whaddon to attend the Ash Wednesday "ashing" service at St. Mary's Hall - which was taken by Andrew and Jane.  I sat with Nils and the hall was pretty full - which was great to see - with many people from other churches in the Team.  There will be another service this evening.  It was good to talk with so many of the congregants whom I have led in services within the Team and many remarked on my "going away" for a short time to St. Francis's.  I shall miss a number of them but I also look forward to making new friends at St. Francis's.  I am reminded of a notice I once read on the church door of quite a high Anglo-Catholic church in Croydon - "There are no strangers in this church, just friends who have not yet met".  I like that.  Following the service I returned to Winterslow - my ministerial colleagues going on to a Staff Meeting from which I am excused until I return from my placement - to find Sara still at home, having been delayed at Morning Star where she had been greeted with some disappointing news about one of the former residents.  We both hope that things will get better and will pray about it.  Sara left to go to work and I set about preparing for tonight's meeting of Sarum Lodge - a secretary's work is never ending.  I also approved the draft minutes of the Parish Council meeting I had chaired on Monday and got tied up with a ,long telephone conversation with a co-executor of a will we are administering. It looks as though another trip to Chichester is in the offing.  Tonight I took one of our friends in the village (DG) to Sarum Lodge where I delivered a lecture on the story of Jephthah who appears in the Book of Judges in the Old Testament. It included five long scripture readings which I got other members to read out to vary the tone and pace of what would otherwise have been an extremely long lecture by me.  Such a pity that there were only eleven of us this evening (which included all three of our prospective new members).  The key draw was not won tonight and will stand at about £150 next month - a decent sized prize to win all the same.  To bed before midnight tonight as I start early at St. Francis's tomorrow with a drive over to Bristol to see my spiritual adviser and things to do in both Westbury and Warminster on the way back.  No alcohol or chocolate now until mid-April.

 

 

Another Gym and Swim Session

I took Thom to the Wallops today - we drove in absolute silence - I think Thom is still reflecting upon the amount of work he needs to do to catch up - at least I hope so.  After returning home I had a light breakfast of toast and marmalade and coffee and read my devotionals - it's Shrove Tuesday today and Lent begins tomorrow.  I then drove to Parkwood Fitness Centre and spent 45 minutes in the gym and another twenty minutes in the pool and spa followed by coffee in the café and a chance to catch up on my emails on my iPad.  After I returned home I wrote up my journal for the last five days and dealt with an emails which required a response on the main computer.  This evening I attended Stonehenge Chapter where we had a new member exalted.  I was picked up, on this occasion, by David S, the Grand Officer (both in Craft and Chapter) who lives in Winterslow near to the church and so, for the first time in a very long time, I was able to have a pint of beer and share some wine. This was an especial treat particularly with Lent beginning tomorrow.  In fact tomorrow sees the beginning of a new regime for me - I officially start my placement at St. Francis although, in reality will not actually be joining them until Thursday.



Essays

Sara took Thom to the Wallops again this morning and I went to the Fitness Centre to use the gym and swimming pool enjoying 45 minutes in the gym and 15 minute sin the pool followed by use of the steam room and another plunge in the pool before showering and having a coffee in the lounge.   Returning home, I worked at home sending out bills and general finance matters before going to Stockbridge this afternoon to pick up Thom.  Tonight I chaired the Parish Council meeting as the Chairman was himself away in Kent and we managed to finish the meeting (which had 23 items on the agenda) well before the 10 p.m. deadline and I was pleased we had got through so much business in the time available.  Back home, Thom was in a depressed mood and the parents evening this evening at Peter Symonds had not gone well and Sara had had to "read the riot act" to him to get him to understand the importance of his studying.  I know how he must feel under pressure.  I received the marks back for my ethics essay which was a modest 55% (well above the pass mark of 40%) when I know I can do better - but as I had completed it in something of a hurray it was an excellent mark for the effort I put in.  Thom needs to know this - I am able to put an essay together very quickly - years of training at composing a closing submission for court in a short space of time - but Thom hasn't got this ability yet and he needs to pace himself better than I do.  It's a real worry for if he cannot get a university place he will be lagging behind others when it comes to looking for a job. My studies are not as critical as his and I am not sure how we can convince him as to what is needed.

A pleasant Sunday

I had thought about going to St. Lawrence's Church at Stratford-sub-Castle this morning but in the end, Sara and I decided to go together to St. Paul's.  Another really good service, led by Jon Langford, with Andrew Robertson preaching - although a great deal of the sermon was taken up with the testimony of a train driver, Jason, who has been in Salisbury for about a year.  Quite a lot of his story resonated with me and it made me realise just how powerful testimonies of ordinary folk are in evangelising.  We didn't stay for coffee as we had to pick up Mary from another friend in Devizes Road just as it started raining heavily again.  Back home, Sara cooked roast chicken with roast vegetables for lunch and I also spoke briefly with Mum on the phone following her visit to Hull Infirmary.  It just seems that her joints and spine are wearing out but at 85 I guess that is to be expected. This evening I met up with Mike M at the Three Crowns in Alderbury for a couple of beers and a chat.  I was really impressed with this pub which, although within the Clarendon benefice, I had never been in before.  A really pleasant drinking hole with good beer - Ringwood or Greene King (from Bury St. Edmunds).

Funerals

Another incredibly busy and packed day.  I was up early and off to Church House today to attend a day's study on funeral ministry - an area of church ministry which I believe will become extremely important as my general ministry develops. I left my car in Sarum College and walked round to Church House to join a number of by now very familiar lay minister colleagues.  Our tutor for today was Tom Clammer , the Cathedral Precentor, who had taken the last two Evensongs I gad attended in the cathedral.  I found him to be an excellent teacher and we learned an enormous amount about not only the theology but many of the practicalities and pastoral issues surrounding the preparations for and the taking of funeral services. I found the whole topic fascinating as did, I think, most of my colleagues.  I was therefore rather disappointed when I had to leave at 3 p.m. in order to meet up with Sara and Thom at Sarum college so that I could take Thom with me to St. Mary's Stadium for the Southampton v. Liverpool football game.  I joked to those staying behind that I was off for a "Communion with the Saints"!  I met Sara and Thom in the college bookshop and we set off in good time arriving in Southampton and being able to park at our "special place" without any particular problem. We were at the ground with about 45 minutes to go before kick-off. It was a good game although the result was very disappointing - Saints 0-3 Liverpool and we did leave a couple of minutes before the end when Liverpool were given a penalty.  Those extra couple of minutes did allow us to get clear of the ground and back to the car in good time.  I called in at John C's in Chandler's Ford to swap over cheque books and have a quick chat about dining arrangements for the lodge meeting on Wednesday.  We had some chips form the fish and chip shop where Sara had workded as a teenager and drove home across country through Ampsfield and Timsbury.  A long but enjoyable day although the subject matter of my studies and the football result might indicate otherwise.