Captain's Blog November/December 2018

Sixty people gathered for a Day to Prayer for Rural Britain at Meole Brace.  This was pulled together by a collation of groups and charities who have also been producing ‘Seeds of Hope’ a rather good monthly prayer focus available from Village Hope. We identified a need to help develop the urban/rural relationship. Also to see ‘rural’ as a place of space and sanctuary. 

I had an interesting full day at Stafford County Hospital for a mandatory Induction Day. I was there (on my own) as a Locum Chaplain (which as often happens they spelled ‘Chaplin’).  It all felt a bit odd being with newly qualified doctors, nurses and clinical staff. However it did give a good insight into the working environment of the hospital, health and safety, and all stops in between. It also made me realise how easy it is as a minister to slide into the Christian bubble and have little or no understanding of the world of work.

I was back in more familiar territory at the Farm Business Invitation Show at Birmingham NEC helping out at the FCN display. This Show is about diversification and this year featured a lot of very interesting shaped pods, yurts and the like.

We had an excellent 24 hour gathering of the National Rural Officers with fascinating speakers on rural isolation and loneliness, modern slavery and what makes churches grow. This was held at the new home of Germinate ARC at Stoneleigh.

  

Jane and I were invited once again to the Annual Dinner of the Birmingham & Staffordshire Agricultural Society in my capacity as their Honorary Chaplain.

FCN does feature quite a lot in my life at the moment and another occasion was attending the YFC AGM when they presented me (FCN) with a cheque from their Harvest Service. 

The next day I attended the Mothers’ Union Autumn Council meeting and hearing more of the wonderful work they are doing across the country an the world.

We have a great group in Stafford, ‘Stafford Litter Heroes’ and my home Church has an allied group ‘St John’s Litter Heroes.’  I joined them for a 90 minute litter pick in the town and in a Retail Park car park.  I really enjoyed the experience and there is a real buzz out of doing something so simple and yet so positive.  

 

Back with FCN and helping out at the English Winter Fair held over two days. (Missed last year because of our daughters wedding!) We had a busy time and shifted over 100 FCN stress cows!  

Continuing with Frontline Discipleship (LICC) up at St Lawrence's, Biddulph, Alan and I led a session on ‘Pastoral Care to Pastoral Equipping.’ 

  

I helped Barry Osborne with a webinar,  “Discovering God's Purpose for Your Church" It is available as a download on the website – www.ruralmissionssolutions.org.uk

Our last Chewing the Cud had us discussing a wide array of topics and subjects with some very robust arguments. But then everyone  leaving as friends and I would like to think a little better informed about another way of looking at things. 

I also presented another webinar for the Church Army on ‘Creating a Heartbeat for Mission.’  This is a new venture for Church Army.

A preachment in my home Church, St John’s on the Feast of Christ the King – the transcript is available on my Blog. http://gordonnewsupdates.blogspot.com/

And I did manage to have a personal Quiet Day at The Hermitage!

Some of my engagements in December  (Generally a quieter month)

Tuesday 4^th

Dressing the FCN Christmass Tree at St Mary’s Stafford Christmass Tree Fair. In the evening it is the Official Opening with the Mayor of Stafford.

Thursday 6^th

Church Army Lichfield Cluster

Friday 7^th

Approximately twenty Church Leaders and Ecumenical Officers are gathering for a 24 hour retreat. A Methodist, a Roman Catholic and myself are being interviewed about our work in encouraging churches in mission

Sunday 9^th

Preaching and Leading Service of the Word at St Anne’s, Brown Edge.  In the afternoon the Christmass Tree Fair concludes with a Carol Service.

Monday 10^th

National Missioners Christmass Gathering in London.

Tuesday 11^th

Stafford Chapter Christmass Lunch. In the evening Jane and I are leading a Christmass Café Church at The Pickle Pot in Branston.

Wednesday 12^th

Lunch meeting with Fr Damien exploring a Church Plant from out of St Peter’s Rickerscote.  (Anglo-Catholic)

Thursday 13^th

Leading Lunch Time Prayers for Stafford Church Leaders.

Friday/Saturday/Sunday 14^th/15^th/16^th

Spending the weekend in Bristol with Joe and Alex.

Monday 17^th

Farming Community Network at Amerton Craft Farm. We are having a lunch together, then leading carol singing the Tea Room. Finally concluding with a meeting.

Tuesday 18^th

Meeting with my Spiritual Companion

Thursday 20^th

Carol Singing around the wards at Stafford County Hospital.

Friday/Saturday/Sunday 21^st/22^nd/23^rd

Weekend in Rugby with Tabitha and Peter

Saturday 29^th

Yet another attempt for a morning balloon ride