Captain's Log June & July 2015

Another busy month that included a long weekend trip down to Sussex.  I had the great joy and privilege to have been invited to preach at the First Eucharist of Revd Kate Lawson at All Saints, Hove.

Transcript of Sermon - Revd Kate Lawson First Eucharist 07/06/15

On the Saturday I dashed over to St Michael’s and All Angels Lancing by way of making preparations for a Parish Weekend in late September 2015 when we will be exploring ‘Whole Life Discipleship’ and the work of work of LICC. Visit www.licc.org.uk

After the morning at All Saints and a buffet lunch I drove over to Bexhill-on-Sea to lead an ‘Everybody Welcome Course’ review. This went very well particularly as I had suggested that they have some of their people visit others churches and then report back. This was very helpful, insightful and informative.  On the Monday I travelled to London to attend a meeting of Sunrise Ministries having accepted an invitation to be on the Board of Trustee’s. Back to Crawley and time to have a very welcomed and relaxing meal at the home of Deidre and Howard Schnaar with Tabitha who is domiciled with them during her work time.  On Tuesday we journeyed back to Stafford.

More Farming Community Network stuff this month including a NFU Regional Meeting with a Farm Walk and a BBQ.

(Interesting for a vegetarian!) 

I also attended the FCN 20^th Anniversary Celebrations in Cirencester. A wonderful event and it was great to catch up with friends from around the country – but a torturous drive back! I am still keen to hear from people in Staffordshire who would be interested in forming a Staffordshire FCN Group. www.FCN.org.uk

Several speaking engagements that included the PCC of St John the Baptist, Ashley. I gave them a quick introduction to the Five I’s – a way of being church with intentional evangelism at its heart and core.  Then at Cheadle Deanery Synod and here another short introduction, this time on ‘From Church Congregations to Faith Communities Using Story.’ Finally to the PCC St Mary’s, Mucklestone and here looking at the Great Commission (the Great Omission!) and how we can frame our faith story and be the People of God with confidence and expectancy that the Church will not only continue but continue to grow.   Love doing this kind of stuff. 

Sunday preachment's’ including leading Services also continues and I have been ‘out’ every Sunday this month. These have all been in rural settings with some lovely faithful people, yet who often feel in despair at the reduction in numbers attending added to the burden of maintaining a listed building. We really have to find new ways of doing and being Church in the countryside. Fundamental to that is to know what is our core business, beginning by asking the why, what, who, when, how and where type questions. 

Lichfield Church Army Cluster meeting at Hanley and guided by Frank McGregor making preparations for a large Diocesan Celebration in September - 'The Goodness of God.' 

Prayer Diary July 2015

30^th June – 2^nd July at Buxton for the National Missioners Conference.

4^th July

I hope to get along for some part of the Well Dressing Blessing at Croxton.

If you are in the area check out www.croxtonwelldressing.weebly.com

Sunday 5^th

Should be in my ‘home’ church of St John’s, Littleworth. In the afternoon I am going to help in setting up for the Staffordshire RDA County Fun Day at Ingestre Stables

Monday 6^th

Helping out at Staffordshire RDA County Fun Day at Ingestre Stables.

Tuesday 7^th

Meeting in the evening with a small group from the Chebsey Benefice, currently in Vacancy. I am walking alongside them and helping them to keep a mission focus.

Wednesday 8^th

Meeting with Revd Stephen McKenzie, Coates Heath Benefice.  Fresh eyes, new ideas for this rural benefice.  Also the Caravan is having an Annual Service – at 33 years old ‘Barnabas’ is beginning to show his age!

Thursday 9^th

Speaking to the Mothers’ Union Spring Council. Planning on sharing something of my story and then challenging them to rehearse their own faith story. Jane is also accompanying me and will be endorsing my story in song.

Friday 10^th – Sunday 12^th

Staying over at Ilam Country Caravan Park.  Saturday 11^th is a large Summerfest – a Mothers’ Union Day of Fun and Festivities based around Dovedale House.

  

Tuesday 14^th

St John’s ‘Growth Group’ – first time in an age when I have belonged to a home study group. I try and get along as often as I am able. Great supportive people and tonight is our ‘social evening.’

Wednesday 15^th

Chew & Chat – a lunch time meeting with a couple of friends to do no more than chew, chat and pray with each other. We get together once a month.  (Others in the area welcomed to join us)

Thursday 16^th

Meeting with the Christine - Spiritual Companions Co-coordinator. This is one whole area I haven’t got to grips with yet. However I do now have a Spiritual Companion but I haven’t yet found a regular Day Retreat venue like Crawley Down Monastery.   

Sunday 19^th

Leading Praise & Worship at St Peter’s Forsbrook.

Thursday 23^rd

33^rd Wedding Anniversary!

24^th – 27^th July long weekend trip to Cornwall for the Baptism of Lowenna on Sunday 26^th.

Friday 31^st

‘Wash Up Meal’ for the Staffordshire County Show.