I have been pondering on how God seems to be working pretty hard in my life at the moment. I first thought about it at my last DDO meeting, when I could actually see a position that had clearly changed from its diametric opposite in the space of one meeting.
As a rule, I try not to imagine that God has inspired something, I try to discern how he might have approached an issue and what he might have done and then act accordingly. But things are just happening at what I could consider break-neck speed, given that upto now, things seemed to be moving at a pace that while I have never been in any rush to tread the path of Ordained Ministry, seemed to be mostly about waiting on God, while the church did its job of discernment and decision making. The church, being the good old CofE was never going to be speedy, perhaps over cautious might be a reasonable description. Slow, might be another.
In the past few weeks, I have detected a certain increase in pace. A new momentum, which initially I put down to the church getting its act together, but now I seem to feel is something actually empowering the momentum. I attribute this to the power of the Spirit, exercising God's will actively in my life.
I've always been quite a visual person, examples being my experience of sensing that cold breath in a church rising above the congregation as they pray as being our prayers rising to heaven. Other things I've experienced over the past year or so reinforce the visual experience as being a valid perception and being intrinsic to how I experience my faith and personal relationship with God.
It appears to me now that many things that I am experiencing are active interventions, perhaps to help me to grow as a christian, but to me, seem to be directing my vocation experience to become wider, deeper and perhaps with a more intense focus.
Last monday was the DDO meeting, which I blogged on just afterwards. As I left the meeting, I felt as if I was walking on air and full of joy. Grace had been poured into the meeting with the DDO, it was perceptible to both of us I think as we actually spoke about its effects.
On Tuesday I attended my Parish mid-week communion followed by a staff meeting. I seemed to be still uplifted and full of joy, and expressed this to those, who actually had seen how I was for themselves. On Wednesday, expecting to have a quiet day, I was prompted to attend Holy Communion at a local church (not my Parish_ and again, felt the exhilaration and joy of being there, worshiping and sharing with others the Joy of just 'being'.
On Thursday, I attended an Intercessions Workshop run in our Parish by our marvelous, inspiring curate, during the hour and a half of the workshop, those attending shared their experiences of researching, preparing, writing and leading intercessions. Again, having started with prayer in the vestry, we just seemed to be 'released' to speak freely and to share, perhaps more than we would have otherwise. The small group, the intimacy of the setting, in a 1000 year old church, surrounded by the prayers of generations might have been conducive to the atmosphere, but the Holy Spirit among us was perceptible to me, which I believe empowered us to be so constructive and to receptive to the learning experience we took part in.
Later that day, I was drawn to go the the Cathedral and just sit. As I was going in, I noted that a 'Pilgrim' service was to be held at 4 pm, and it just came to me, that I needed to be there. I sneaked around the barriers in the Crypt to the Jesus Chapel and finding the visiting priest with his people, asked would he mind if I joined his congregation for their Holy Communion. He readily made me welcome and I was privileged to share the experience of a group of Anglican Pilgrims, sharing the bread and wine in the ancient cathedral crypt, this service was the culmination fo their pilgrimage, they were returning home afterwards. It was a joy filled service, and I was made welcome by all of them and included in everything. This just seemed natural to them, and helped me to remember that its not my church, its not their church, its Jesus' church, his body and we are all integral part of it.
I stayed on for Choral Evensong with the Boys Choir and again, had a worship experience that is second to none that I know of. The combination of voices, the Psalms the readings and the setting really seemed to me to be heaven on earth.
After Evensong and some supper, I went to attend a Meeting at a local church where the Bishop and the Diocesan secretary where to outline the 'Moving Forward Together' agenda and the resources required for the next year. Again, the meeting started with prayer, the Bishop drawing our attention to Paul's letter to Phillipi which he found appropriate to the context of the meeting and inspiring him to speak
.
The Vision and the Objectives outlined are centered on discipleship and growth. They are both inspiring, but are, I can see, essential to allow the church to remain central to life in our communities.
One aspect which really resonated was the talk about 'Re-imagining' ministry. This is driven by the need to refocus our effort back onto community engagement, but to depart from the traditional, inherited model of ministry, which is increasingly, while working, becoming unsustainable and frankly, unaffordable. I've got loads more thinking and praying to do in this, but one model proposed is a vision of collaborative ministry, with many fewer stipendiary ministers, leading a cluster of churches, which might have self-supporting priests in charge, but with an enhanced, empowered, expanded lay ministry. Vocations are key to this and to future growth. Discipleship comes central to this as the means of empowering all laity to their baptism gift of each being a 'great high priest' in their membership of the church.
Today, I attended and participated in two services, a BCP Holy Communion and a CW Sung Eucharist where I led intercessions. Both services were uplifting worthwhile, worship experiences and I came away, refreshed and uplifted.
I had been prompted to review and amend the intercessions following the Thursday meeting, but again on Saturday evening I was prompted to edit them further. Evidence again for me of God's actions to draw the best from me. The intercessions drew praise and thanks, which is not a cause of pride, rather a cause for thanksgiving from me to the Triune God who has been and is being, so active and giving so much joy in my life.
When I read this back, and if I did not know myself, I might think how delusional is that? but sensing that God seems to have seen fit to entrust me with something, which might or might not be Ordained Ministry, is so empowering and overwhelming, that I can hardly believe that it has happened to me? But it has, and it is.
I have a sense of wonder that these gifts have been so freely given to such an undeserving case as I know I am. But, it gives me great joy to say, Hallelujah and Praise be to God for them.
Sunday, 19 June 2011
Monday, 13 June 2011
DDO Meeting : Monday 13th June 2011
DDO Meeting : Monday 13th June 2011
I met, yet again, with the DDO this morning. Today, seemed to me and to him, to be a consolidation meeting. The DDO, had previously indicated, that the only thing stopping my moving to the next stage, was the processing of the faculty, this is now well underway.
We took stock of everything I have done, including going over the material submitted for my Portfolio and several reflections that I submitted in response to events that have occurred in the past month.
The DDO was keen to hear about the faculty meeting with the Bishop's adviser.. We discussed how I had felt about having to go through the process, particularly its intrusive nature. I was able to now say categorically, that having come through it, that my view had changed . Despite everything, it involved, It had been handled as sensitively as possible, given the nature of things being investigated. A change of heart that seems to show me, once again, how God is still active and working in my life.
I said that I had deliberately not told my spouse of the content of the interview as I had felt that her integrity would show through. This had proven to have been the best course to have taken. He was amused by this and said that while not advisable, it had been appropriate in this case.
I was given the opportunity to look again as some of the work I had submitted, but was content with it. I believe that revising something written up to a year ago would not be a true reflection of the journey and discernment process. Leaving it untouched was the best course.
We then discussed a number of other issues, my ongoing engagement with the wider church through the internet. My work in the parish and personalities we know. I mentioned an Intercessions workshop we were to run in our Parish this week with a repeat in July and he asked could he send some people from his parish on it. I said I would inquire and let him know. I am to write a reflection on my participation in this for next month.
We then moved onto the future. He said, that subject to the faculty, I would have to see the Bishop, but he was provisionally (for the second time) booking me on to a Diocesan Panel in September 2011. Following this, he would be running a Pre-BAP preparation in October and again in December, one of which I would be booked to attend one, dependent upon which BAP I was put forward to. He stressed that all decisions were within the Bishop's gift and that I can expect to meet him again before BAP.
All in All, this was a positive outcome. Once again I felt very relaxed during the meeting, sharing jokes and appreciating that the DDO has done so much for me. Taking my case himself, working with me, at times being highly critical, but always completely constructive and encouraging.
What did I get from this meeting:
I found the meeting encouraging and affirming. My state of mind was one of curiosity about where we could go, which was more than satisfied by the outcome. I came away, literally feeling light headed and grateful to God for his work sending the Holy Spirit to facilitate such a productive meeting.
The utter joy of this meeting seems to me to be one where there were three people in the room. Clive and me, but with God central. The Holy Spirit upon us and pouring grace into it. God be praised!
_________________
Where there is hope and love there is life!
I met, yet again, with the DDO this morning. Today, seemed to me and to him, to be a consolidation meeting. The DDO, had previously indicated, that the only thing stopping my moving to the next stage, was the processing of the faculty, this is now well underway.
We took stock of everything I have done, including going over the material submitted for my Portfolio and several reflections that I submitted in response to events that have occurred in the past month.
The DDO was keen to hear about the faculty meeting with the Bishop's adviser.. We discussed how I had felt about having to go through the process, particularly its intrusive nature. I was able to now say categorically, that having come through it, that my view had changed . Despite everything, it involved, It had been handled as sensitively as possible, given the nature of things being investigated. A change of heart that seems to show me, once again, how God is still active and working in my life.
I said that I had deliberately not told my spouse of the content of the interview as I had felt that her integrity would show through. This had proven to have been the best course to have taken. He was amused by this and said that while not advisable, it had been appropriate in this case.
I was given the opportunity to look again as some of the work I had submitted, but was content with it. I believe that revising something written up to a year ago would not be a true reflection of the journey and discernment process. Leaving it untouched was the best course.
We then discussed a number of other issues, my ongoing engagement with the wider church through the internet. My work in the parish and personalities we know. I mentioned an Intercessions workshop we were to run in our Parish this week with a repeat in July and he asked could he send some people from his parish on it. I said I would inquire and let him know. I am to write a reflection on my participation in this for next month.
We then moved onto the future. He said, that subject to the faculty, I would have to see the Bishop, but he was provisionally (for the second time) booking me on to a Diocesan Panel in September 2011. Following this, he would be running a Pre-BAP preparation in October and again in December, one of which I would be booked to attend one, dependent upon which BAP I was put forward to. He stressed that all decisions were within the Bishop's gift and that I can expect to meet him again before BAP.
All in All, this was a positive outcome. Once again I felt very relaxed during the meeting, sharing jokes and appreciating that the DDO has done so much for me. Taking my case himself, working with me, at times being highly critical, but always completely constructive and encouraging.
What did I get from this meeting:
I found the meeting encouraging and affirming. My state of mind was one of curiosity about where we could go, which was more than satisfied by the outcome. I came away, literally feeling light headed and grateful to God for his work sending the Holy Spirit to facilitate such a productive meeting.
The utter joy of this meeting seems to me to be one where there were three people in the room. Clive and me, but with God central. The Holy Spirit upon us and pouring grace into it. God be praised!
_________________
Where there is hope and love there is life!
Thursday, 26 May 2011
hypocrisy or Prejudice or Homophobia?
Today has seen the publication of a memo written by the late Very Rev Colin Slee, Dean of Southwark, in respect of the meeting of the Crown Commissioners in 2010 to select a new Bishop of Southwark.
Benny's blog at http://bit.ly/l48IJB has given a reasoned reflection on what happened, in particular the alleged temper outbursts by Arch Bishop Rowan Williams and Arch Bishop John Sentu, which are described as reducing some of those there to tears.
I don't comment on the alleged outbursts of temper or even the procedure for the selection of Bishops, which seems to me to be an oddly outdated and non-sensical way of conducting selection. My main concern is the apparent cause of the outbursts which is the ongoing, running sore of the treatment of LBGT people by the Church.
The Church's position is made clear in their 'Issues in Human Sexuality' at http://t.co/72pn3gs where the thinking is that while they respect all individuals, gay or not, those who are gay, partnered and sexually active, are not eligible to assume a leadership position of any sort within the Church. The critical thing for me in this is that laypeople are not asked the question, while clergy are. Again, it doesn't seem to make sense to me to apply such a double standard to any position in the church, whether as a member, leader or in a representative position.
If you are Gay, you can get around the rules by prevaricating, hiding your sexuality or plain lying. This appears to be accepted very much on the position held by the US Military of 'Don't Ask - Don't Tell', but if you are caught out, you're in big trouble, and the church will deny any prior knowledge.
If you are gay and have integrity, you will be open and clear about your status and exclude yourself from serving in any capacity of responsibility within the church.
This hypocrisy has been sustained over generations, and the church appears to be willing to fight tooth and nail to defend the unjustifiable, without seeking to discern whether there might just be another way to move as the Spirit takes it.
The USEC has been very clear in its discernment of the position of Gays within the Church. It has selected and placed them in leadership positions. It has moved faster then is comfortable for some, and is set to be punished by the strictures of the Anglican Covenant for daring to break the stifling mould of hypocrisy which surrounds the whole area of sexuality across the Anglican Communion.
In my view, the integrity of the church in dealing with sexual orientation is in question. The reasons for continuing to discriminate appear to be spurious, unsustainable and plain illogical in their application and impact. The exclusion of Jeffrey John from Episcopal Ministry due to this is a scandal, a much larger scandal then would arise if he were selected and appointed.
The church wishes to appear united in issues of sexuality, but the events disclosed by Colin Slee, show how disunited and dysfunctional it is seen to be. Struggling to justify the unjustifiable.
Time for Change ans Ben says in his blog, and not before time.
Benny's blog at http://bit.ly/l48IJB has given a reasoned reflection on what happened, in particular the alleged temper outbursts by Arch Bishop Rowan Williams and Arch Bishop John Sentu, which are described as reducing some of those there to tears.
I don't comment on the alleged outbursts of temper or even the procedure for the selection of Bishops, which seems to me to be an oddly outdated and non-sensical way of conducting selection. My main concern is the apparent cause of the outbursts which is the ongoing, running sore of the treatment of LBGT people by the Church.
The Church's position is made clear in their 'Issues in Human Sexuality' at http://t.co/72pn3gs where the thinking is that while they respect all individuals, gay or not, those who are gay, partnered and sexually active, are not eligible to assume a leadership position of any sort within the Church. The critical thing for me in this is that laypeople are not asked the question, while clergy are. Again, it doesn't seem to make sense to me to apply such a double standard to any position in the church, whether as a member, leader or in a representative position.
If you are Gay, you can get around the rules by prevaricating, hiding your sexuality or plain lying. This appears to be accepted very much on the position held by the US Military of 'Don't Ask - Don't Tell', but if you are caught out, you're in big trouble, and the church will deny any prior knowledge.
If you are gay and have integrity, you will be open and clear about your status and exclude yourself from serving in any capacity of responsibility within the church.
This hypocrisy has been sustained over generations, and the church appears to be willing to fight tooth and nail to defend the unjustifiable, without seeking to discern whether there might just be another way to move as the Spirit takes it.
The USEC has been very clear in its discernment of the position of Gays within the Church. It has selected and placed them in leadership positions. It has moved faster then is comfortable for some, and is set to be punished by the strictures of the Anglican Covenant for daring to break the stifling mould of hypocrisy which surrounds the whole area of sexuality across the Anglican Communion.
In my view, the integrity of the church in dealing with sexual orientation is in question. The reasons for continuing to discriminate appear to be spurious, unsustainable and plain illogical in their application and impact. The exclusion of Jeffrey John from Episcopal Ministry due to this is a scandal, a much larger scandal then would arise if he were selected and appointed.
The church wishes to appear united in issues of sexuality, but the events disclosed by Colin Slee, show how disunited and dysfunctional it is seen to be. Struggling to justify the unjustifiable.
Time for Change ans Ben says in his blog, and not before time.
Monday, 11 April 2011
12th DDO interview
Had my latest DDO interview today. Again, a positive one with much food for thought, reflection and prayer at the end of it.
Things are now starting to move forward a little. The DDO has concluded that I am now ready for the next step - so will will be taking that forward in the next week or so.
I thought that I would be anxious about this, but it just seems that the relaxed, settled feelings that I have been blessed with, have continued. A gift for one, who is by nature a worrier and frets at things, when they do not move on quickly enough.
The next step will be a Diocesan Panel, but with some more paperwork to go through before that stage. After that? I'm not pre-empting anything. God wants me to wait on him, and I am content with that.
The Church system seems to many to be slow, convoluted, demanding, challenging and outdated. I tended to agree with that when I first entered the process. Now my view has changed. Being on this journey has allowed me the time and space for a reflective, prayerful, spiritual journey of growth and development as a Christian, which will leave me better placed in discipleship, whatever the outcome of the process.
Such a gift is not to be sneered at. It deserves to be accepted as a gift, freely given by God, to test us, to strengthen and to support us. If we do, the outcome will always be a better person, ready for whatever God might intend for us in the future.
Thanks be to God for all of his Gifts in my life.
Things are now starting to move forward a little. The DDO has concluded that I am now ready for the next step - so will will be taking that forward in the next week or so.
I thought that I would be anxious about this, but it just seems that the relaxed, settled feelings that I have been blessed with, have continued. A gift for one, who is by nature a worrier and frets at things, when they do not move on quickly enough.
The next step will be a Diocesan Panel, but with some more paperwork to go through before that stage. After that? I'm not pre-empting anything. God wants me to wait on him, and I am content with that.
The Church system seems to many to be slow, convoluted, demanding, challenging and outdated. I tended to agree with that when I first entered the process. Now my view has changed. Being on this journey has allowed me the time and space for a reflective, prayerful, spiritual journey of growth and development as a Christian, which will leave me better placed in discipleship, whatever the outcome of the process.
Such a gift is not to be sneered at. It deserves to be accepted as a gift, freely given by God, to test us, to strengthen and to support us. If we do, the outcome will always be a better person, ready for whatever God might intend for us in the future.
Thanks be to God for all of his Gifts in my life.
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Visiting
I spent the majority of my adult life from age 17 to age 60 serving in Uniform as a member of the Army. I am often asked about service life and am always happy to explain it, as I experienced it.
I was asked to visit someone to speak to their Grandson about service life, with a view to his understanding more about Army life in general, and the Territorial Army in particular. My later service was with the TA, where I had responsibility for recruiting. I met the young man at the house, and spent a pleasant hour providing information on the TA to him. I gave him an idea of his particular options to maximise the use of his existing skills within the framework. We also spoke about the options for him to move to the Regular Army in due course, if that was his longer term aspiration.
Afterwards, I was asked by his Grandmother to stay for a chat. The chat turned into perhaps what might be considered a pastoral visit. It involved me listening a great deal to what was being said, responding when questions were asked, with those answers I felt able to give, and promising to follow up those that I could not answer. We were then joined by her son, who talked to me at some length, finishing with the statement that he was considering being confirmed. He is 49, and thought that it was about time he made some commitment. I was able to assure him that it was a positive thing to do and to point him towards our next series of Confirmation classes starting later this year.
All in all, this was a meaningful session. What had started out with my visit to help the grandson, turned out to be to provide a listening ear for some of their concerns. I leanred that sometimes, what appears on the surface, might well actually be a sign of a deeper need, for a listening ear. It was good that during our conversations, they were able to provide their own solutions to the things discussed, just airing them with someone from outside the family seemed to be the solution.
On reflection, I can also see that I drew something from this. The fact that they felt that they knew me well enough to trust me and to be open and to share some of their history and worries, seems to me to be affirming and to provide some acceptance of my role in lay ministry within the parish.
God is the God of providence, placing people in places and positions where they might be able to support others in need - in this case the need appears to be two-way, for the family I spoke to and to help my own journey towards discernment.
And an additional outcome - an invitation to be a guest speaker on Army Life and my journey to a small group in May. The Army saying is 'never volunteer for anything', it seems to me that God volunteers you without any help from anyone else.
I was asked to visit someone to speak to their Grandson about service life, with a view to his understanding more about Army life in general, and the Territorial Army in particular. My later service was with the TA, where I had responsibility for recruiting. I met the young man at the house, and spent a pleasant hour providing information on the TA to him. I gave him an idea of his particular options to maximise the use of his existing skills within the framework. We also spoke about the options for him to move to the Regular Army in due course, if that was his longer term aspiration.
Afterwards, I was asked by his Grandmother to stay for a chat. The chat turned into perhaps what might be considered a pastoral visit. It involved me listening a great deal to what was being said, responding when questions were asked, with those answers I felt able to give, and promising to follow up those that I could not answer. We were then joined by her son, who talked to me at some length, finishing with the statement that he was considering being confirmed. He is 49, and thought that it was about time he made some commitment. I was able to assure him that it was a positive thing to do and to point him towards our next series of Confirmation classes starting later this year.
All in all, this was a meaningful session. What had started out with my visit to help the grandson, turned out to be to provide a listening ear for some of their concerns. I leanred that sometimes, what appears on the surface, might well actually be a sign of a deeper need, for a listening ear. It was good that during our conversations, they were able to provide their own solutions to the things discussed, just airing them with someone from outside the family seemed to be the solution.
On reflection, I can also see that I drew something from this. The fact that they felt that they knew me well enough to trust me and to be open and to share some of their history and worries, seems to me to be affirming and to provide some acceptance of my role in lay ministry within the parish.
God is the God of providence, placing people in places and positions where they might be able to support others in need - in this case the need appears to be two-way, for the family I spoke to and to help my own journey towards discernment.
And an additional outcome - an invitation to be a guest speaker on Army Life and my journey to a small group in May. The Army saying is 'never volunteer for anything', it seems to me that God volunteers you without any help from anyone else.
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Lent Course
I am taking part in a Lent Course again this year. It is part of the excitement that I always feel at the start of Lent, something I cannot explain, but it just seems to re-envigorate me in so many ways.
The course is on discipleship, which is a theme throughout my diocese this year, and the resources provided are excellent, and well presented and used by the Vicar and Curate who are running the course.
I have already shared with and learned so much from the other participants, but considering we are a five parish benefice with over 360 on Registers, I am wondering why more are not taking part.
Reflecting on those I see and meet regularly while visiting the various churches in the benefice, I seem to be missing some, I anticipated would be there, but have been pleasantly surprised to meet others that I did not know, or had not met, who are here. Establishing relationships of friendship as people relaxed a little and let down their guards is a fulfilling experience, and somehow the new relationships being built by our shared experience just seem to be ones that I will come to value more and more in the future.
The eye opener always for me is when people share part of their journey, which are inspirational, particularly as they describe how they have come to where they are now. Reasons for attending varied, but a common theme seemed to be, that they felt pulled or called to attend. God working within them and through others to bring a disparate group together in friendship,community, worship, study and prayer. Now for me, that is what being a Christian is about.
I am looking forward to the next three weeks, and the build up towards Holy Week, this time I will for the first time be attending the Chrism Mass in Canterbury Cathedral - and I look forward to that enormously.
Another bonus of the Lent Course has meant that I am in Canterbury early enough to attend Evensong in the Cathedral - letting the words and song flow in and through me. Wonderful worship.
The course is on discipleship, which is a theme throughout my diocese this year, and the resources provided are excellent, and well presented and used by the Vicar and Curate who are running the course.
I have already shared with and learned so much from the other participants, but considering we are a five parish benefice with over 360 on Registers, I am wondering why more are not taking part.
Reflecting on those I see and meet regularly while visiting the various churches in the benefice, I seem to be missing some, I anticipated would be there, but have been pleasantly surprised to meet others that I did not know, or had not met, who are here. Establishing relationships of friendship as people relaxed a little and let down their guards is a fulfilling experience, and somehow the new relationships being built by our shared experience just seem to be ones that I will come to value more and more in the future.
The eye opener always for me is when people share part of their journey, which are inspirational, particularly as they describe how they have come to where they are now. Reasons for attending varied, but a common theme seemed to be, that they felt pulled or called to attend. God working within them and through others to bring a disparate group together in friendship,community, worship, study and prayer. Now for me, that is what being a Christian is about.
I am looking forward to the next three weeks, and the build up towards Holy Week, this time I will for the first time be attending the Chrism Mass in Canterbury Cathedral - and I look forward to that enormously.
Another bonus of the Lent Course has meant that I am in Canterbury early enough to attend Evensong in the Cathedral - letting the words and song flow in and through me. Wonderful worship.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Another DDO meeting
I haven't posted here for some time, so perhaps a brief update is deserved. I have continued on the journey, working as directed by the DDO and both he and I can sense progress in terms of growth as a Christian and an expansion of my engagement with wider issues which effect the church today.
I had my 11th meeting with the DDO on Monday. The meeting was positive and went very well indeed. We seem to be at the stage of engaging much more on deeper beliefs and understanding, particularly on areas which impact on the nine criteria for Ordained ministry.
I have produced the written work requested as well as some additional reflections on things, which might have been to much, but which drew the wry comment that future meetings would need one hour for the face to face and another two hours to read the output. Very tongue in cheek.
I found myself sharing stuff, which I had thought about and reflected on. I also asked some questions about areas which I wanted more information on, particularly other roles for NSM within the diocese - not just assistant priest in a parish. I got the answer that I expected - that given my age, those roles were very restricted, but we could explore them post-curacy (if I get that far).
An observation from the DDO which pleased me was that he could see some real development and expansion from my engaging with topics about the wider church, its problems and issues and had taken the time to reflect on them. He said that some of this could be attributed to my engagement with the internet and other Christian Blogger's. It will prove useful when answering questions, if I go forward for the Diocesan Panel and National Selection.
I have been given a copy of the Bishops report on Human Sexuality, which I need to read and provide a written reflection on for next month. I have also received a copy of the full report prepared for the Anglican Communion, which might prove to be of help in this reflection.
So another step in the process, which I am now, really enjoying - this thing that comes to mind is that whatever the outcome, this has been a worthwhile journey of growth, of maturing as a Christian and an inspiration to share so much with an excellent priest, who is mentoring me in preparation to face the Diocesan Panel.
I say it a lot, But God is Really, Really, Great! :votive1:
I had my 11th meeting with the DDO on Monday. The meeting was positive and went very well indeed. We seem to be at the stage of engaging much more on deeper beliefs and understanding, particularly on areas which impact on the nine criteria for Ordained ministry.
I have produced the written work requested as well as some additional reflections on things, which might have been to much, but which drew the wry comment that future meetings would need one hour for the face to face and another two hours to read the output. Very tongue in cheek.
I found myself sharing stuff, which I had thought about and reflected on. I also asked some questions about areas which I wanted more information on, particularly other roles for NSM within the diocese - not just assistant priest in a parish. I got the answer that I expected - that given my age, those roles were very restricted, but we could explore them post-curacy (if I get that far).
An observation from the DDO which pleased me was that he could see some real development and expansion from my engaging with topics about the wider church, its problems and issues and had taken the time to reflect on them. He said that some of this could be attributed to my engagement with the internet and other Christian Blogger's. It will prove useful when answering questions, if I go forward for the Diocesan Panel and National Selection.
I have been given a copy of the Bishops report on Human Sexuality, which I need to read and provide a written reflection on for next month. I have also received a copy of the full report prepared for the Anglican Communion, which might prove to be of help in this reflection.
So another step in the process, which I am now, really enjoying - this thing that comes to mind is that whatever the outcome, this has been a worthwhile journey of growth, of maturing as a Christian and an inspiration to share so much with an excellent priest, who is mentoring me in preparation to face the Diocesan Panel.
I say it a lot, But God is Really, Really, Great! :votive1:
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