Lincoln, Spalding and Bourne

Off to the Lincoln and Grimsby District this weekend to be involved with a programme including District gatherings and leading worship. The photograph shows Martyn and I with David Perry and Jenny Park, the Chair and Deputy Chair of the District at the Spalding gathering. On Saturdsy two of these gatherings were held. In the morning we were at Lincoln High Street where Sara Cliff and Ian Hill led those co-ordinating the proceedings. At each place the sessions opened with worship and then there I spoke and led discussion on "Being a Christian at work" and then Martyn did the same (but different!) on "Resourcing renewal". It was good to meet with so many people and to share with them. One thing I was pleased to learn was the up to date term for "dinner lady" - it's "Mid-day Supervisor". Thanks to a young man called Alex who is one of those supervisors. I was also pleased that we had chaplains inboth sessions who were able to share a little of the contacts they make. An unexpected but interesting conversation came for me when I asked directions after having been abandoned somewhere in Spalding by the President and the District Chair and had to ask directions! The people I asked were a retired couple who had been Salvation Army officers.

After the Spalding meeting I was whisked off to Bourne by the minister there, Colin Martin, and he didn't visibly shake at my driving - a very brave man. Colin and his wife Kath offered me wonderful hospitality and the opportunity for discussion with others who lived locally, particularly Edward and Betty and Fred and Mavis. I am sure Martyn will share what happened to him once I left.

This morning I preached at Bourne Church and we shared great fellowship. The worship band and other musicians were wonderful, particularly as gremlins hit the projection system which meant that we had to change most of the carefully chosen hymns. The technical team were able to get the system to behave to show my short "God is my Shepherd" DVD which the congregation enjoyed. We were honoured by a visit from past Vice President Brian Thornton, which was a great encouragement for me. After a wonderful Sunday lunch and some more conversation I set off down the motorway system in the dark and rain, encouraged once more to have been in the presence of more representatives of the people called Methodist and grateful for the wonderful flowers I brought back with me. Thanks to everyone involved in the weekend.

roman holiday

Back from a great time in Rome. It is one of my favourite cities anyway, but this time I went to visit the small but winsome Italian Methodist Church.

I arrived very late last Saturday night, having managed to catch the last plane our of Heathrow after the privilege of attending Rob Frost's memorial service (a great write up Ruby, thanks).
On Sunday I preached at Pont Saint Angelo Methodist Service, a lovely time with a congregation made up of English Speaking Italians, Ghanaians, filipinos, and a few 'ex pats'. After the service we had a tasty lunch and some great conversations.

Sunday evening was a special bonus. Colin Ride - who was accompanying me on behalf of the world church office - and I walked to St Peter's, bathed in light as it grew dark, and went round as mass was going on at the far altar, prayerfully taking in the sights, sounds and atmosphere.

Monday was spent meeting representatives of the Waldensian church with whom the Methodist church entered a formal covenant around 30 years ago. Though separate they are now fully integrated, with interchangeable ministries, joint synods etc. There is clearly a feeling among these small protestant denominations that there is some institutional disadvantages of 'not being Catholic', even in respect of their place and role in Italian society. I listened and tried to learn fast.

Tuesday was spent in Naples, after an early morning train ride. We first went to see a small studio, given to the church in return for a church. Apparently the fine Wesleyan church was damaged beyond repair by an earthquake and so the church gave the land to the local authorities. After some 15 years a block of studios and rooms was built and 2 were given to the church. Their plan is to plant some kind of presence ministry in this poor part of Naples. As if to prove the point we could not get in. The flat had been broken into by 'squatters' who had not only broken the lock on the door, but replaced it with their own lock. So we spent 5 minutes trying every key before realising we could not get into our own building!

Then to a Protestant run Hospital, an impressive affair which chooses to provide extensive maternity facilities, though, they said, there is insufficient funding from the government to sustain the service, so the considerable difference is made up from a variety of sources including donations from the churches.

Lastly to a school, again church run, which runs afterschool provision for young children, including some who are the Italian equivalent of 'excluded'. This was followed by a conversation with 20 or so members from the local churches. I tried my best not to be a plonker!

Yesterday was spent at the vatican. We had a short but significant meeting with Cardinal Kasper, and I was able to urge the continuation of the co commissions which have produced the frutiful 2006 report. He agreed. Further conversations with Don Bolens from the Ecumenical Commission and Bishop John Flack of the Anglican Centre in Rome were also encouraging.

And all this interlaced and undergirded with the kind and lavish hospitality of President Massimo Aquilante. So the diet is not going well!

Back home? Well tonight. Tomorrow it is down to London and the weekend will be spent visiting the Lincoln and Grimsby District. I'm looking forward to that and will let you know how it went in due course.

Lastly, wonderfully but not unusually I have returned to a collection of cards and emails from folk assuring me of their prayers and faithful support. I cannot say how much they mean to me. Thank you. More after the weekend.

Parliamentary Covenant Service

This evening I was the Preacher at the Parliamentary Methodist Fellowship Annual Covenant Service and Communion in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft in the Palace of Westminster. The service was led by Martin Turner and other staff from Westminster Central Hall and organised by David Wilshire MP who acts as Secretary to the parliamentary Methodist Fellowship. I have to say that I was very nervous as this was a place where I have to go back every day - which contrasts greatly with the "hit and run" approach which I am finding is the way of the Presidency. As well as a number of MPs and Lords there were two past Presidents of the Conference (who are both also Lords) and two past Vice Presidents of the Conference, the General Secretary of the Methodist Church, a Co-ordinating Secretary, one of the co-Chairs of the London District and a number of other clergy - no pressure then! It was a good service and at least the sermon was short! We sang lots of Wesley hymns too.

The Covenant service is one that I find very special. It was very exciting to find a leader in the Guardian yesterday entitled "In praise of the Covenant service" which spoke of the Methodist Church as "this small but hugely influential Church" and went on, in a short piece, to praise the covenant service as being not only about believing but about doing. It would be interesting to know who wrote it. Anyone any idea? Anyone else feel the Covenant service is special?

I am no longer my own but yours. Your will, not mine, be done in all things, wherever you may place me, in all that I do and in all that I may endure;
when there is work for me and when there is none; when I am troubled and when I am at peace. Your will be done when I am valued and when I am disregarded; when I find fulfilment and when it is lacking; when I have all things, and when I have nothing. I willingly offer all I have and am to serve you, as and where you choose.

Glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. May it be so for ever. Let this covenant now made on earth be fulfilled in heaven. Amen

Celebrating the life of Rob Frost

Wow! What a celebration. Around 3 hours of music and dance and drama and tribute celebrating different aspects of Rob Frost's life at Westminster Central Hall yesterday afternoon. After some singing and a welcome from Rob's two sons, Andy and Chris, the celebration began with an opening prayer and introduction from Martyn. As he said, he was there in two capacities - President of the Methodist Conference giving thanks for one of "Mr Wesley's preachers" and friend, there to remember and to take the opportunity to see Rob's life as a challenge to move forward in faith.

Then the programme was split into three key parts - Rob as a Visionary, Rob as a Mobiliser and Rob as a Conversationalist. In each of these sections we heard tributes and testimony of lives touched and changed and were touched again by music from Paul Field, Simeon Wood, a Ghanaian choir and the All Soul's Orchestra and singers, among others. There was drama and dance and poetry - written by Rob and by others. Adrian Plass, the writer, was unable to be present but he had written a piece - Letter to Rob which began - "You are in heaven now so I can be as rude as I like". Another line from that which I particularly remember suggested that what Rob and demented squirrels and Jesus had in common was the expenditure of enormous energy and passion in order to save as many nuts as possible!

These sections were followed by an address (by Martin Turner, Superintendant of Westminster Central Hall) who invited us to ask where we were in our relationship with Jesus and not just in our memories of Rob and to take our faith seriously recommitting ourselves as we celebrated Rob's life. A commissioning of those who will take forward the work of Share Jesus International took place after we heard a word from Rob's father, Ron, who spoke of his own faith commitment and that of his great gandfather, who had been a bare knuckle fighter. Jenny Impey, Co-Chair of the London Methodist District gave the blessing.

I found that it was an amazing opportunity to think of all of the ways that Rob and his work had made an impact on my own life as well as the wider work that he had been involved in. When I was 18 and at college, Ron Frost was my minister and I remember Rob coming to speak as a student minister. Over many years as a youth leader I linked in with Rob's initiatives, putting on musicals such as Daybreak and Breaking Bread, taking groups to Easter People, attending big productions of the musicals such as Hopes and Dreams and considering the missional and financial impact of Rob's work when I was a member of the Connexional Team. Just this last year Rob and I had become "facebook friends" and he wrote to me with sensible advice and concern when I said that facebook was taking over my life.

Rob wasn't tied to sharing his faith in the way he had always done it. He recognised that sometimes things had run their course - like the 20 years of Easter People. He did big things but still had time for individuals. Lots to think about, to give thanks for and to be inspired by.

Mid Term review

We are half way through our term as President and Vice President. As Martyn and I prepared to lead worship at Wesley's Chapel yesterday morning I realised that in exactly six months time we would be handing over the reigns to Stephen and David. I rushed then into work and got home about midnight then set off this morning to Swanwick for the Connexional Leadership Team where a number of people asked how the year was going. Seems I need to stop and think about that!
It has certainly been interesting. But is that enough? When I let my name go forward for the role of Vice President, one reason was because I had been challenged by a non Christian colleague about how they felt treated by the Church and I had responded that with all it's faults I saw it's strengths and would want to contribute to change from within rather than just abandoning the Church. Then I was asked again by a number of people to let my name go forward - and the rest, as they say, is history. One person who knew of this asked me in the Autumn if I felt that I had been given or had taken any opportunities to change or encourage change in the Church and that certainly gave me food for thought!
I've met some fascinating people, tried to encourage and challenge - and been encouraged and challenged myself. Seen some really positive things done in the name of God through members of the Methodist Church and others. Had conversations with those of other faiths and none. But what now?
As I try to be a disciple of Jesus I want to be part of a Church which reflects the love of God for all and makes sense to those I meet. I want us to be seen to serve the present age - whatever that means in the 21st century. In 2008 what is the good news of God and how do we avoid misrepresenting it and actually telling it? How do we ensure that we share the manifesto of Jesus who came to bring good news to the poorand freedom to the prisoner, to set the downtrodden free? And what should be my priorities for the next six months?
Answers on a postcard please - or maybe in the comments box.

new year

Its the disappearing man again!
Lovely Christmas, and a nice new year spent with a few friends in Whitby.

Then to Lee Abbey -an Anglican retreat centre - situated in remote North Devon. No mobile phones worked, so bliss and frustration mixed equally. Had a lovely time with a group of (mainly) Anglican ordinands and their families. What a privilege to have 4 days trying to make the case for a mission minded church!

Today has been spent in London. This morning Ruby and I led the new year service for Connexional Staff members at Wesley's Chapel. Ruby produced the service and came up with some excellent ideas which I hope were helpful. I certainly felt that it was a real honour to lead worship with the Team, especially given the difficult and complicated situation many of them are in. In spite of that they retain grace, humour and friendliness.

Then a long business meeting in London mainly relating to the 'coming job' rather than the one I am undertaking at the moment. Then up to Swanwick for the Connexional Leadership Team meeting. So a busy day but an enjoyable time. Tonight will be the first night in my own bed since 30 december! Lovely!

A blessing as you journey into the New Year

May your eyes be opened to the wonder of the daily miracles around you and your sense of mystery be deepened.

May you be aware of the light that shines in the darkness, and that the darkness can never put out.

May you be blessed with companions on the journey, friends who will listen to you and encourage you with their presence.

May you learn to live with what is unsolved in your heart, daring to face the questions and holding them until, one day, they find their answers.

May you find the still, quiet place inside yourself where you can know and experience the peace that passes understanding.

May love flow in you and through you to those who need your care.

May you continue to dream dreams and to reach out into the future with a deeper understanding of God's way for you. Amen

(Lynda Wright in Hay and Stardust)