Our benefice held a confirmation service at Bridge on Wed 12th Jan 2010. The celebrant was the Bishop of Dover. There were 25 candidates for confirmation (one with Baptism), eleven of whom were adults. The Vicar and curate, , along with a small band formed from young people in the five villages of the benefice, supported the Bishop.
The service was beautiful the Bishop was on the best of form giving a rousing sermon and encouraging both those being confirmed, those supporting them and the whole congregation to as a community to be disciples for Christ. His memorable opening comment at the start of the service was “This is God’s work”, highlighting the importance and significance of the occasion, not just for those being confirmed but for the congregation and wider community.
I found the Bishop’s participatory attitude very refreshing – we were urged to stand for those we were supporting and during the baptism of the candidate at the rear of the church, to leave our pews and to congregate around the font (difficult with such large numbers). The peace was memorable as the bishop seemed to shake the hand of everyone present (his arm must have been sore next morning).
I had not been assigned a formal role prior to the service, but found myself acting as part of the welcome team, handing out orders of service and directing candidates and their families and supporters to the correct place. During the service, I had the privilege of assisting in the distribution of wine on a side Altar with the Vicar.
The service used the 'Baptism of Christ' readings and the hymns ‘Be Thou my Vision’, ‘Be Still for the Presence of God’, ‘What a Faithful God Have I’ and ‘I the Lord of Sea and Sky’ just seemed so apt and appropriate, with music from a small band of players from the church and the organ supplementing, it made the service and singing resound and resonate with me.
I was also wonderful to see the church full, standing room only, with so many family and friends there supporting the candidates. After the service, a reception was held for greetings and meetings with old and new relationships enjoyed with a glass of wine (or orange) and nibbles.
What did I get from this service?
I came away from the service (eventually) feeling invigorated, uplifted and renewed. I had sensed during the service a powerful feeling of the Holy Spirit alongside us and perhaps the excitement of those being confirmed, but a much stronger feel of cohesion and community worship, prayers rising to heaven vibrant, heartfelt and strong. I felt warmed and comfortable and of being where I belonged – worshiping along with the community that has adopted, befriended and encouraged me so much in the past two and a half years. I am privileged to be a part of it and God has been good to me in bringing me here.
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Monday, 10 January 2011
Victim of Crime
I discovered today that someone, using a cheque book, sent to me by my bank, but never received, has ripped my bank account off by over £900. If I had not checked my balance online, I would not have known until my next statement. The bank is being helpful, but will not refund the amount taken until they can verify it is fraud, in addition, they say I cannot report a crime until they have verified it. Frustrating, in the meantime my account appears overdrawn through no fault of mine. I have an undertaking that once the investigation is complete that they will refund all charges and in the meantime will honour my direct debits etc. Not helpful that I cannot draw cash until this is resolved. It takes 7 to 10 working days for them to send me a copy of the cheque as they are not allowed to email it. Modern bank, stone-age technology.
Some things strike me about this:
1. I felt really shocked that someone could knowingly take money that wasn't theirs.
2. I felt very angry and violated - someone has been allowed to take a large amount out of an account, using one cheque, without a cheque guarantee card and without any apparent identity checks etc. Often I have had calls from the bank for smaller amounts challenging the debit - why not on this occasion?
3. I felt very judgmental against whoever did this! And then guilt about being so angry.
An hour or so later, having had some time now to reflect, I realized that my reactions are normal human reactions - which I should not feel guilty about, but ones which I need to bring under control a little more. Forgiveness springs to mind as the next step. Whatever happens after it is reported to the police, the transgressor deserves my forgiveness, while not condoning what they have done. It is out with my control, so trust in God that it will be resolved promptly and without any further anger on my part.
I pray that I am able to maintain this sense of forgiveness and balance as the situation develops.
Some things strike me about this:
1. I felt really shocked that someone could knowingly take money that wasn't theirs.
2. I felt very angry and violated - someone has been allowed to take a large amount out of an account, using one cheque, without a cheque guarantee card and without any apparent identity checks etc. Often I have had calls from the bank for smaller amounts challenging the debit - why not on this occasion?
3. I felt very judgmental against whoever did this! And then guilt about being so angry.
An hour or so later, having had some time now to reflect, I realized that my reactions are normal human reactions - which I should not feel guilty about, but ones which I need to bring under control a little more. Forgiveness springs to mind as the next step. Whatever happens after it is reported to the police, the transgressor deserves my forgiveness, while not condoning what they have done. It is out with my control, so trust in God that it will be resolved promptly and without any further anger on my part.
I pray that I am able to maintain this sense of forgiveness and balance as the situation develops.
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Seventh DDO Interview -- Renewal
I met my DDO on Monday of this week. The last meeting had been challenging to say the least, but this one seemed much more positive. Work that I had submitted last month, was well received and provoked discussion on some aspects, and comments that real evidence was beginning to emerge, that perhaps I might actually not be wasting my, or the churches time in the discernment process.
I found this to be a fruitful and affirming meeting, While much work remains to be done, some developmental, some needing careful reflection and growth as a Christian - but overall, it seemed to be the right place and right time.
Prior to the meeting, I had attended a short retreat and had sought guidance from my SD. Among prayer and reflection, I was blessed with a real sense of inner peace and the conviction that I should just wait on God and his will for this journey will become clear.
I am convinced that the prayers were partially answered, in that the YES or NO question on whether to continue answered itself, when the DDO indicated that we were to continue, without actually asking whether I wished to.
I know that there remains an enormous mountain to climb and much inner baggage to be overcome, but my reality has changed so much on this journey, I can only welcome the challenge as it seems to be one step at a time, inching forward to where God might wish me to be.
I have a task this month involving drafting a pastoral letter and a book to read, relatively peaceful after the turmoil of the last few months. God is good to me, and I am receiving so much support from my Vicar, my SD and Parishioners and family and friends - this is what makes the discernment process so worthwhile. It's not about letting people down or meeting their expectations, it's about seeing how and where I am being called to serve.
Friday, 19 November 2010
Anglicanorum Coetibus
The Church Mouse has posted on this earlier. The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have made an announcement about the Ordinariate, which provides for an implementation time table for receiving the departing Bishops, Clergy and groups of the faithful on a schedule between early 2011 to Pentecost 2011.
The full text of their statement is:here. Having a history with the RC Church, I can only hope that they are received with good grace and that their hopes and desire for a new start in faith in communion with Rome are realized. I am very aware that after the Ordination of Women as Priests in the C of E, many went across to Rome at that time, some came back, completely disenchanted. I am also aware that the C of E, occasionally receives former RC priests into Anglican Orders. But, of course, we do not make a song and dance about it.
For those leaving, it will be a huge upheaval and life changing, perhaps with some personal sacrifice and hardship, particularly for stipendiary clergy and their families - it remains to be seen what effect their presence within the RC Church will have upon those existing elements within it, who seek both the Ordination of Women and the end of celibacy.
The one thing that I do know, is that having come from Rome to Canterbury, I could not conceive of returning, the freedom of thought and belief I enjoy as an Anglican, along with so much more, within my Parish is a new, transformed life of faith and love.
I will be praying for all of those involved, who must be allowed to go with grace and with our continuing friendship and blessings.
The full text of their statement is:here. Having a history with the RC Church, I can only hope that they are received with good grace and that their hopes and desire for a new start in faith in communion with Rome are realized. I am very aware that after the Ordination of Women as Priests in the C of E, many went across to Rome at that time, some came back, completely disenchanted. I am also aware that the C of E, occasionally receives former RC priests into Anglican Orders. But, of course, we do not make a song and dance about it.
For those leaving, it will be a huge upheaval and life changing, perhaps with some personal sacrifice and hardship, particularly for stipendiary clergy and their families - it remains to be seen what effect their presence within the RC Church will have upon those existing elements within it, who seek both the Ordination of Women and the end of celibacy.
The one thing that I do know, is that having come from Rome to Canterbury, I could not conceive of returning, the freedom of thought and belief I enjoy as an Anglican, along with so much more, within my Parish is a new, transformed life of faith and love.
I will be praying for all of those involved, who must be allowed to go with grace and with our continuing friendship and blessings.
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Remembrance Day
Today at 1100 hrs I led a small act of Remembrance at a Rural Church, with about a dozen people. This was the second time I was privileged to share with those there the words and prayers of reconciliation and forgiveness which allows us to pay our respects to all who have suffered and died through the wars since WW1.
Coming from a military background, so having been involved for over 45 years with these ceremonies, perhaps I might feel a little jaded, but on the contrary, each passing years makes it more poignant and I grieve for those I know who have suffered.
I find myself wondering why mankind seems to be so set on its own mutual destruction through war, and its causes. As a soldier, I was sent to places, where I did my duty, and If I am honest, did not really think about why I was there, or what I was doing. It was enough that the Government sent us and we were doing our duty.
How my perspective has changed, now I see war as an evil and perhaps a manifestation of that evil which is the diametric opposite of good. And I wonder how I would justify my actions in those situations if challenged by someone, particularly my grand children, and perhaps to my maker.
Life is so precious, it should never be sacrificed in any war, and I pray that we will all come to the realization of how unnecessary it actually is.
Coming from a military background, so having been involved for over 45 years with these ceremonies, perhaps I might feel a little jaded, but on the contrary, each passing years makes it more poignant and I grieve for those I know who have suffered.
I find myself wondering why mankind seems to be so set on its own mutual destruction through war, and its causes. As a soldier, I was sent to places, where I did my duty, and If I am honest, did not really think about why I was there, or what I was doing. It was enough that the Government sent us and we were doing our duty.
How my perspective has changed, now I see war as an evil and perhaps a manifestation of that evil which is the diametric opposite of good. And I wonder how I would justify my actions in those situations if challenged by someone, particularly my grand children, and perhaps to my maker.
Life is so precious, it should never be sacrificed in any war, and I pray that we will all come to the realization of how unnecessary it actually is.
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Goverment Cuts versus Morality
I have been watching the announcements on Government Cuts and have downloaded the actual papers from the Treasury Website. http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/spend_index.htm
We all accept the cuts in public expenditure are necessary, but how the cuts are made is my question. Where is the morality of targetting the poor, vulnerable, elderly, unemployed or incapcitated in our society when there are so many more, better off or rich, who can afford to pay others to help them avoid or evade paying their fair amount of taxation.
Where is the morality in targeting these groups, when you are prepared to go on funding policies that damage the environment and potentially destroy the planet, I refer of course to the obscene Trident Nuclear Missile system.
Where is the morality in targeting these groups, when you are prepared to collude with rich, global institutions in exploiting the poorest and the resources in the developing world to produced cheap goods for consumers in the developed world.
Where is the morality in targeting these groups, when you accept that financial institutions and those in government have been found to be either corrupt or so negligent that they almost bankrupted the world's financial and fiscal security, while paying themselves obscene bonus's or expenses.
I suspect that ideology rather then principles are behind much of what is being done in our name, I had hopes that a coalition of liberal and conservative might be able to restore my faith and confidence in good government - I seem to have been sadly mistaken.
The country now has two choices, either accept it and get on with life, or to protest and to proclaim from the roof tops the unfairness of some of the proposed cuts. I wonder if I will feel called to be on the barricades or to spectate. I am not a natural demonstrator, but social justice might for the first time provoke me. I must see what the Green Party says about all of this, they seem to be the only ones talking sense that I can understand at the moment.
We all accept the cuts in public expenditure are necessary, but how the cuts are made is my question. Where is the morality of targetting the poor, vulnerable, elderly, unemployed or incapcitated in our society when there are so many more, better off or rich, who can afford to pay others to help them avoid or evade paying their fair amount of taxation.
Where is the morality in targeting these groups, when you are prepared to go on funding policies that damage the environment and potentially destroy the planet, I refer of course to the obscene Trident Nuclear Missile system.
Where is the morality in targeting these groups, when you are prepared to collude with rich, global institutions in exploiting the poorest and the resources in the developing world to produced cheap goods for consumers in the developed world.
Where is the morality in targeting these groups, when you accept that financial institutions and those in government have been found to be either corrupt or so negligent that they almost bankrupted the world's financial and fiscal security, while paying themselves obscene bonus's or expenses.
I suspect that ideology rather then principles are behind much of what is being done in our name, I had hopes that a coalition of liberal and conservative might be able to restore my faith and confidence in good government - I seem to have been sadly mistaken.
The country now has two choices, either accept it and get on with life, or to protest and to proclaim from the roof tops the unfairness of some of the proposed cuts. I wonder if I will feel called to be on the barricades or to spectate. I am not a natural demonstrator, but social justice might for the first time provoke me. I must see what the Green Party says about all of this, they seem to be the only ones talking sense that I can understand at the moment.
Christian New Media Conference
Reflection on attendance at Christian New Media Conference:
I attended the conference held at City University London
The conference was lively; the atmosphere was electric and full of excitement. The backgrounds of those attending was of all ages, and denominations, with the common features of being Christians and interested in the use of New Media to advance the work of the church through this medium. I met some of those I know online and it was a worthwhile for that alone.
A number of things struck me about the content of the conference and the people participating:
- The wide, disparate backgrounds of those involved, ranging from professional Christian media journalists, through Priests of various denominations to Christians and Evangelists (Dave Roberts). All united in one community for the day – seeking to serve God better through New Media.
- The sincerity and openness to knowledge, but the questioning and challenging that went on, especially when they felt patronised, e.g. when speakers covered ground that they already knew about, but also if they felt what was being said did not add up to them.
- The stance taken by speakers that while we were familiar with what they were putting over, we need to address the lack of confidence and suspicion of others within our churches, who are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the Digital Age.
- The inspirational speaking from people who are confident in their subject, who are subject matter experts, but who remain willing to take risks, to try new things, to get the knowledge and presence of Jesus out onto the internet, and to share their joy in him with anyone who was willing to listen and to join in.
- The statement that changes has always been a fact of life in the world and the church from day one. Comparisons with changes following the introduction of the first printed bibles to today were well drawn to help us appreciate that. The impact of the changes now underway is far reaching, it will require a change of culture at the heart of the church, if it is not to be left behind and become irrelevant. The task is huge and the workers are few – but committed and motivated to push on with change.
- The emphasis that New Media requires a New Theology, worked out in the light of these changes as they happen, not worked out in isolation by theologians with no knowledge or experience of New Media. Authority and authenticity are key elements being worked out for the digital age.
How has attendance affected my vocation?
I felt humbled and inspired by both my lack of knowledge or experience, but uplifted by the knowledge that there are so many people available to help me to learn more and to participate. Part of my feeling of a call to ministry has always seemed to involve some sort of evangelist role, which my Parish priest spoke to me about recently. I do not feel that the call has changed in that respect, but rather it has been expanded to acknowledge that parish based ministry can use new media in mission and evangelism as a new tool, which with imagination and the Holy Spirit working can help people to come to know Jesus in different, complementary ways. The scope is vast and open ended. I see this as a blessing for the church and a support for any future ministry that the church may discern for me.
I have grown in knowledge and experience through this conference – sharing with so many other Christians made being in their company virtually worship in its own right. Discussing how we may serve and worship God through the Digital media is inspiring and fulfilling.
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