Captain's Blog - July 2017

‘Chewing the Cud’

Ten of us gathered in the most awful weather to sit down around a table and over tea/coffee chat and network. I really love these gatherings and get such a buzz when you see people getting to know each other and sharing contacts and information, offering help and support.

We had farmers, Agricultural Chaplains, FCN Volunteers and an R.A.B.I.  rep, people from across Staffordshire and Derbyshire.  

It was a huge privilege to attend the funeral of Captain Eric Shaw CA. Eric was a Youth Leader for most of his Ministry and affected many lives. He was the Youth Leader in Jane’s Church (Byfleet).  She sang a song she has written, ‘I have carved you in the palm of my hand’ as a tribute.  He was a quiet, gentle soul with a profound depth of love for God and for young people. He had integrity and never for one moment thought that he should get down and become like the young people, and they loved and respected him for that. He will be greatly missed.

Speaking at a Men’s Breakfast – this was in a local pub and we had around ten men. However, the pub was open and other people were coming in having their breakfasts. (Never knew so many people came into breakfast like that). It felt a bit odd sharing my life story with other people listening in whom I assume had come in for their breakfasts and then being puzzled why someone was giving a talk! We can only hope and pray something may have intrigued them and spoke to them of the Gospel.

  

St Anne’s Brown Edge – I was there for my monthly visit, preaching (Trinity Sunday!) and leading a Service of the Word.  That Sunday our numbers had reduced to nine adults and two small children.  I have suggested that we might like to try something different from a formal style Morning Prayer in

the pews and that we all sit together in the choir stalls.  Prayers welcomed as I invite them to move from their pews the next time I visit.

Church Army Gathering at Swanwick – held this time over a weekend.  It was good to hear of the development of Centres of Mission around the country and in particular on the ‘Celtic Fringe’ – Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  Our main speaker was the Rt. Rev. Alan Abernathy, Bishop of Connor who led us into an exploration of Grace reflecting on Luke 15.11-32.  (Lost Son)

Riding for the Disabled Association

I love being involved with this non-church group and it was great fun and a joy to help at the recent County Fun Day on the 26th June the same day this happened in June 1969 - the highlight of my horse racing career.

Some appointments in July 2017

Sunday 2^nd

‘Love Stafford’ Prayer Gathering 6.30pm

Friday 7^th

Prison Fellowship Prayer Meeting

I am trying to help re-establish this group especially as we have HMP Stafford in the town.

Saturday 8^th

Teddy Bears Picnic at St Bertelin’s Stafford

I will be there with the Caravan, Games and Badge Making

Sunday 9^th

Preaching and leading Morning Prayer (and inviting people to sit in the choir stalls!)

Monday 10^th

HS2 meeting – looking at the effect it will have on Churches and help that might be available to reduce noise and disruption.

In the evening, we begin a monthly Prayer Meeting for St John’s, Littleworth and Tixall and Ingestre parishes as they go through a Vacancy.

Tuesday 11^th

FCN meeting www.fcn.org.uk

Wednesday 12^th

Midlands Missioners Gathering in Birmingham

In the evening ‘Love Stafford Executive’

Saturday 15^th

Rural Mission Solutions Webinar – looking at missional opportunities for the autumn season

Sunday 16^th

Preaching at HMP Stafford

Monday 17^th

Tixall & Ingestre Messy Church planning meeting. And 12.30pm ‘Chew & Chat’ – meeting with friends for lunch at Rising Brook Baptist. (They have an excellent cafe)

Sunday 23^rd

Our 35^th Wedding Anniversary!

(Also Soul Survivor's ‘Naturally Supernatural’ is happening at the Stafford Showground 22nd - 27th) 

Saturday 29^th

Teams of young people from the Soul Survivor weekend are coming into Stafford once again to bless the town by engaging with numerous projects and activities across various Churches and agencies.  St John’s, Littleworth is conducting a Prayer Walk on the Saturday that will include distributing a leaflet inviting people to a Community Fun Afternoon and an opportunity to write down any ‘prayer request.’  

Sunday 30^th

Community Fun Afternoon at St John’s, Littleworth. We will also be saying farewell to our Rector, Adrian, his wife Esther and all the Stone family as they move to Trentham.