Captains Blog November 2015

It was not at all easy to get back into work following my trip to Sussex for the Parish Weekend, The Wedding and then our holiday.

At the Diocesan Synod we had a presentation and discussion around this very helpful and informative report. A charge has been given to a Task Group (of which I am part) to study the document and

make recommendations in twelve months.

The Diocese of Lichfield has a Going for Growth strategy focused around Five Icons.

At Synod we also had an update from those involved across the diocese in ‘Reaching New Generations.’  One of those involved a rural parish who had built into their Messy Church a number of other ‘gatherings’ where people could explore more about the Christians faith.  At our home, St John’s Littleworth, we have started a similar initiative called ‘Hot Potato.’  Held at the same time as Messy Church we begin together with a short act of worship before dividing, with the children going off for their own activity time and the adults gathering to discuss a ‘hot potato’ – On this occasion, ‘Why is there so much suffering in the world?’  We came back together again for a short concluding act of worship before tucking into some lovely hot potatoes.

 I had a fabulous Quiet Day at The Hermitage reading this novel from the author of The Shack. If you

liked The Shack then you will probably enjoy this book as well. It takes you on a roller coaster ride and for me sits in the same genre as Pilgrim’s Progress or Narnia.

The Farming Community Network – we are continuing to try to establish a Staffordshire Group. I had the pleasure this month of travelling to Lubenham for the FCN Harvest Festival Celebration and AGM.  I also attended the AGM of the Young Farmers Club in Staffordshire as a representative for FCN.  www.fcn.org.uk

Just the one preachment this month, at Seighford for a ‘Bible Sunday Songs of Praise.’ I still think this format works well with people choosing a hymn and then giving a short testimony on why it is

important to them. You get to hear some great stories. This Benefice has been in Vacancy since May, so it was good to hear they have a new incumbent who will join them early next year. I have been supporting this Benefice and meeting regularly with a Vacancy Mission Team.

I also continue to ‘volunteer’ with a local RDA Group and will be at Ingestre Stables most Thursday nights.

In addition, I keep up on the running – plodding along at 15 – 20 miles per week, enjoying running along the canal towpath.

     

      

November 2015 ~ some appointments...

Sunday 1^st November

Church Army Preachment at St Michael and All Angels, Penkridge.

Monday 2^nd

Meeting with Bishop Geoff and Archdeacon Matthew (postponed from October).  Planning meeting for a ‘Day of Pray for the Persecuted’ at St John’s, Littleworth.

Tuesday 3^rd

Stafford Chapter.  (I am in attendance). Lunch meeting with Revd Andrew Ridley and then meeting up later with Mick Ellor for handover of documents apropos the Staffordshire County Show.

Wednesday 4^th

‘Chew & Chat,’ at Rising Brook Baptist. A time to meet with a friends  to chat and enjoy a simple lunch.

Saturday 7^th

Mothers’ Union Autumn Council meeting with Guest Speaker, Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin. Rose and I first met in London in 1979 when she arrived in the country from Jamaica to begin Church Army training.

Sunday 8^th

Speaking at an evening gathering in Forsbrook called ‘B48’ (Before 8pm!)  I will be telling my life story and accompanied by Jane singing.

Tuesday 10^th

Speaking to the Eccleshall Deanery Synod

Saturday 14^th

St John the Baptist, Littleworth. Day of Prayer for the Persecuted. (Involved in organising ‘Prayer Stations.’)

Sunday 15^th

‘Hot Potato’ at St John the Baptist, Littleworth

Tuesday 17^th

Rural Clergy Consultation Morning with Bishop Geoff, Archdeacon Matthew and our Rural Officer, Revd Peter Dakin (& myself)

Wednesday 18^th

Church Army Community Day and AGM in London

Thursday 19^th

Evangelism and Outreach Team meeting

Saturday & Sunday 21^st/22^nd November

‘English Winter Fair,’ at the Staffordshire County Showground and assisting with the R.A.B.I. and FCN display.

Wednesday 25^th

Rural Task Group (as from Synod)

Thursday 26^th

Meeting of key people seeking to establish a Staffordshire FCN Group.

Friday & Saturday 27^th/28^th

Involved with CPAS training for ‘Multi- Parish Benefices.’

Family News – Tabitha finishes her flying season and leaves her ‘second family’ the Schnaars in Crawley. They have been fantastic in giving Tabitha a home near Gatwick so she could continue to work. Daniel & Tracy and the girls all should be in a new house for Christmass. This will mean more space and less damp – fantastic for them all.  Joe & Jen – are off on honeymoon and going to Krakow, Poland and then joining us in Stafford for a few days.  Jane continues to keep busy with music making and other things. Sadly, however her favourite Gym has just closed. 

'The 'Family' at the recent wedding of Joe and Jen...

On ‘The Incident’, our complaint is with the Bank and we await a response. Meanwhile there is news of a retired clergyman and his wife who have been conned in the same way out £21, 5000.  Be warned and be careful!