25th December - Meditation - Immanuel God with us

“O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel”

Final verse of O little Town of Bethlehem written by Rector Phillips Brooks (1835-1903) after a pilgrimage he made to the Holy land.

Reflection - Tinsel, sprouts, pudding and presents. In this day of so much we remember the reason for this season. Our God did not just speak of his love for us he revealed it in the most intimate way. For in the innocence of a baby he is born into our lives, into our very situation. May the Christ Child remind us of God’s promise that he is with us always.

Prayer - God shine on,
Shine through the day
Shine through the night
Shine through my past into my present
Shine in my future.
And in shining teach me how to be your light.
light in the dark places

Enter my heart and heal me Immanuel – for our God is here.

24th December - Meditation

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:15-20

Reflection - Nothing ever really happens to a shepherd – life was boring and they were considered common. Nothing ever exciting happened to them. Cold, stuck outside with a thousand sheep they were poor and only had just enough money to live on. Except for David killing Goliath no other Shepherd was considered exciting

Suddenly of course it all changed.

Meditation - May I sing with the angels
May I hurry with the shepherds
May I seek the star with the wise men

The Word is made flesh and we have seen his glory
Glory in the darkness of a stable
Glory in the humility of a manger
Glory in the love of God poured out

May this day be filled with the light of the glory of your love

22nd December - Meditation

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests." Luke 2:8-14

Reflection - - It’s always a little worrying when some starts the sentence with don’t worry. It normally means you should really. The shepherds were going about the everyday business when God broke in and in a spectacular way. Not mere telegram but a huge choir – God certainly got the attention of the shepherds. Has he got your attention – this advent – in the hustle a bustle and noise of everyday life with God break through? Will you hear the choir of angels? And if you hear that choir of angels will you join in with them in celebration.

Prayer - Glory to you O God,
Glory in the highest.
In wet fields and dry stable Glory to you
In searching and finding Glory to you
In quiet and noise Glory to you
In all things Glory to you.
Amen

22nd December - Meditation

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7

Reflection - Wrapped up tightly – swaddled. Isn’t it incredible that the cloth wrapped around the Christ Child was designed to restrict, whilst his whole life was about freedom and liberation.

Do we continue to restrict Jesus in our lives? Do we wrap him up with our own ideas and preferences not allowing him the freedom to move and minister through his Spirit?

May we know the presence of God not in a stifling, restrictive way but in way that we may know life in all its fulness.

Prayer - God thank you for the risk you took.
The risk of creating the universe and placing it in human hands, to nourish or to spoil.
And now to visit in human form, to be cradled and swaddled.

What risk,
What Love.
In humble gratitude we come and worship

God forgive me for restricting you in our lives and in our church life. Release and liberate me.

Amen

21st December - Meditation

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2: 1-5

Reflection - What a frustration – just when everything is planned something else crops up. Not content with the shock of Mary’s pregnancy now Joseph has to go to Bethlehem - miles away. How frustrating can be the demands of the world on us?

Only at Christmas is Joseph seen with Mary and Child, yet he is vital to this family and for Jesus. It is Joseph who is David’s tribe through him the line is traced and only because of Joseph did the go to Bethlehem. The infant child needed Joseph as much as Mary to guide and guard him. Through the hidden years of Jesus’ growing he needed fathering. He needed Joseph.

Prayer - God thank you for Joseph, for his willingness to be part of your plan.

We pray for those we know who often take a back seat – for those we cannot function without. We praise you for them, for their strength, support and wisdom. Amen.

20th December - Meditation

His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. Luke 1: 67-69

Reflection - Zechariah like others in the bible such as Hannah, Anna and Mary responded to the message of God with such beauty and poetic language. His prayer of praise overflowed from a deep relationship with God.
Zechariah’s tongue is loosed and he sings the second song of the New Testament. God is blessed. God is praised. All glory and honour are to God is how his song begins. The first time we hear this song of praise is Abraham’s servant when he meets Rebekah who will be Isaac’s wife. Zechariah’s song continues quoting Old Testament verses of praise and honor to God who redeems his people.

Prayer - Powerful God
As Zechariah was confronted with God's truth spoken by Gabriel, help me be to understand the truth of your word. Help me, like Elizabeth and Zechariah, to respond to your word believing in your goodness. As I await your coming may my voice and life overflow with your goodness and may I sing your praise. Amen

19th December - Meditation

Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John." Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. The neighbours were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him.
Luke 1:61-66

Reflection - Without doubt sometimes people surprise us and on occasion we surprise others. We surprise them by the things we say and the things we do. The crowd are amazed because Zechariah broke with tradition – he did something unexpected, radical, cutting edge and went against the flow. That of course isn’t always welcome and the crowd would have wondered – yet the lesson is that God was at the centre of this change in thinking and doing. Perhaps in our lives when we face something different we too like Zechariah will respond to the prompting and be obedient.

Prayer Transforming God I let go of all that holds me back from experiencing the greater glory of you working in my life, the life of your church and your world. Help me, like Zechariah, to take a stand, in preparing the way for others to follow your path. Amen

18th December - Meditation

“When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John." They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name." Luke 1: 57-61

Reflection - The birth of John the Baptist marks the end of his parents' long and difficult wait for a child, but also the beginning of a life filled with great joy and great sorrow. In an empty desert your prophet John proclaimed: God is here. God has come to bring about a kingdom where injustice and suffering will be no more, where tears will be wiped away, and where those who turn to God will feast at a banquet. Give me faith like John's, O Lord, strong enough to believe even in a desert that you and your kingdom are no farther from me than my hand. Make my heart strong like his, not swayed by trials or snared by false pleasures. Give me courage to be faithful until your promises are fulfilled.

Prayer - O King of all nations, Jesus Christ, only joy of every heart, come and save your people. I pray for my neighbours, my family and my friends give me the faith to be an effective witness. Amen

17th December - Meditation

“And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers." Luke 1:46-55

Reflection - Be humble. Our society does not place great value on humility. We fear being overlooked if we don't assert our own worth. In contrast, Mary sees herself as a "lowly servant" and speaks of the mercy in store for the downtrodden. Let the “magnificat”; the song of Mary, be your guide as you find ways to practice humility.

Prayer - In joyful anticipation we walk towards the truth of your coming O God, With thank you for our own lives, the moments of grace and love where we have known you and have seen you in others. We await the dawn of your arrival with eagerness for our hearts are filled with gratitude. Help us, in all we do and say, to reveal your hope and light to others.
Amen

16th December - Meditation

“At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" Luke 1:39-45

Reflection - The story unfolds in a moment of intimacy between the two women. God was present in these two unexpectedly pregnant women and in their encounter with each other.

Prayer - Reconciling God
Be present in the encounters I have with people today.

May each conversation I have be filled with your love.

As Elizabeth recognised Mary’s Son while still in the womb, so may I recognise Jesus in the hidden places of my life and of the world

Grant me the faith of Elizabeth that your promises will come true

Amen

15th December - Meditation

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38

Reflection - Say yes. In our over-committed, over-scheduled world, the last thing many of us want to do is accept another responsibility. Yet couldn't Mary have made the same case? "I'd love to help, God, but this will disrupt my wedding plans, and I don't really have time right now." Is there anything God is asking you to do that you should accept?

Prayer - Loving God, in your tender mercy you chose a teenage girl to fulfil your purposes.

When I wonder what it’s all about, help me to be like Mary, who persevered with her puzzling destiny.

When I feel perplexed, grant me the attentiveness of Mary who listened to your surprising word.

When I want to close options down, grant me the openness of Mary who put her life in your hands.

We pray O God for our Nativity Service tomorrow – may the joy of this season by in the midst of us as we offer our church family to you.

Amen

14th December - Meditation

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1: 34-37

Reflection - You have got to be joking. I wonder if that could have been a modern day paraphrase of what May as thinking. But HOW, Why, What? Talk about being taken by surprise. It is not I/ we who pray but the Spirit of God who prays in me. When God himself through his Spirit dwells within there is nothing to strange, nothing too remote, nothing to painful that it cannot contain. Every time we allow God to work in our lives nothing will ever be the same again. Once in a while we really know it. God hears our prayer, our cries, he himself prays for us and touches us with his love – not tomorrow, not yesterday but right now.

Prayer - Psalm 8
How great is your name, O Lord our God,
through all the earth.
You have made us little less than gods,
with glory and honour you crowned us.
gave us power over the works of your hand,
Put all things under our feet.

13th December - Meditation

The angel Gabriel said to Mary, "Do not fear, Mary, you shall conceive and bear a son and give him the name Jesus. Great will be his dignity and he will be called Son of the Most High..." Luke 1

Reflection - O Jesus, I believe you were born of Mary and are God's Son. Your mysterious coming is beyond understanding. Yet like your mother, Mary, I wish that you come to me, for you promised you will. Let me serve you in any way I can and know that you are with me day by day as my life goes by.
Like Mary, your mother, though I know you only by faith, may my whole being proclaim your greatness and my spirit rejoice in your favor to me. O Wisdom, holy Word of God, Jesus Christ,holding all things in your strong yet tender hands, come and show us the way to salvation.

Prayer - O Wisdom,
Holy Word of God,
Jesus Christ
Holding all things in your strong yet tender hands,
Come and show me the way to salvation.
That this Christmas I may believe again in the wonder of your birth, the mystery of your death and delight in your love for me.
Amen

12th December - Meditation

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." Luke 1:26-33

Reflection - This is the season of giving, from presents for our loved ones to coins we give the carol singers. But too often, we give from our excess—the change that would have ended up in our pocket, or our Christmas bonus. Remember that Jesus gave, not from his excess, but from his entire being. Then give away something you love.

Prayer - Eternal God
you dwell in us all,
Like a child in the womb.
let me be attentive to your presence,
by listening for your heartbeat
and seeing things as you do.
Amen

11th December - Meditation

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. Luke 1:21-22

Reflection - The birth of John the Baptist takes place not long before the birth of Jesus. Of each baby there is a question “what will this child become?” Yet in every birth there is promise and question.

Jesus is born, as was each of us, in a woman’s pain. The story, so much wiser than we are, says – even when we feel alone, lost and in despair – God is here, with us and within us.

When we are silenced by the world and the circumstance of life allow our very being to shout forth in praise.

When we are silenced by the shock in our lives, when all we know is stripped away – humbly and simply may we offer you our very silence. No words, no thoughts just stillness and in stillness come.

Prayer - Lord, let me place my trust in you. I get so independent and think I need to fix everything myself. Let me remember not to be afraid of so much and to ask you for the healing that my heart needs so badly. Amen

10th December - Meditation

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. Luke 1:21-22

Reflection - The birth of John the Baptist takes place not long before the birth of Jesus. Of each baby there is a question “what will this child become?” Yet in every birth there is promise and question.

Jesus is born, as was each of us, in a woman’s pain. The story, so much wiser than we are, says – even when we feel alone, lost and in despair – God is here, with us and within us.

When we are silenced by the world and the circumstance of life allow our very being to shout forth in praise.

When we are silenced by the shock in our lives, when all we know is stripped away – humbly and simply may we offer you our very silence. No words, no thoughts just stillness and in stillness come.

Prayer - Lord, let me place my trust in you. I get so independent and think I need to fix everything myself. Let me remember not to be afraid of so much and to ask you for the healing that my heart needs so badly. Amen

9th December - Meditation

Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time." Luke 1:18-20

Reflection - Forgive your doubts. - Isn't it refreshing to hear Zechariah doubt God? An angel arrives with news of a longed-for son, and he answers, in essence, "Prove it." In dark moments we all have doubted whether God's promises are real. The good news for Zechariah, and for us, is that they are real, and God keeps them even if we doubt.

Prayer - O God, Zechariah looked forward with both terror and rejoicing to the birth of a son so late in life.

I pray for those who have received unexpected news. Announcements bringing joy and fear. For the uncertainty, apprehension and doubts.

We thank you through Zechariah’s doubts you revealed yourself to be God. Give us faith through our doubts to believe that you are God.

Help us stand in your presence that when the world seems apart from you we may know you along side of us. Amen

8th December - Meditation

“Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.” Luke 1: 11-15

Reflection - Can it be true – can there be hope after all the tears and years? How can it be true, how can we know for sure and be certain? Can our dreams and prayers be answered or is it just wishful thinking.
Zechariah had prayed for a life time and now before him, finally, he sees the fulfillment. He thought his life was set and he was sure it would not happen if it had not happened at the moment – everything was pointing a different way. The God intervenes – praise God.

Prayer - Praise be to you O God. God of our plans and dreams God of our desires and longings. Praise be to you O Lord God, the God of Israel,the God of the Gentile, the God of all people and all nations: you alone have done marvellous things.
In our fears and anxieties In our doubts and desperation may we know you as God, Lord, Redeemer and Comforter. Amen

7th December - Meditation

“Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.” Luke 1: 8-10

Reflection - The announcement of John's birth comes at a high moment in Zechariah's career. As one of about eighteen thousand priests, Zechariah serves in the temple twice a year, but only once in his life does he get to assist in the daily offering by going into the holy place. This honor had fallen to him by lot. He was to offer incense, a picture of intercession rising to God. He enters, as others pray, with a rope tied around him so that should he faint he may be pulled out. What a significant point of his life – this was his mountain top experience - a moment he would never forget. Life would never be the same again.

Prayer - Holy transforming God, we praise you for Zechariah, a dedicated and prayerful man. May we never take for granted the opportunities we have to worship you. Show me more of yourself, that I may be aware of your very presence in all things.I pray that this week ahead I may glimpse you in the people I meet and that they may glimpse you in me. Amen

6th December - Meditation

“In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.” Luke 1:5-7

Reflection - Well along in years. Ok they were old, pretty old and way too old to have children. He had spent his years praying, longing for a child but it had never happened. In their younger years, Elizabeth and Zechariah prayed everyday for the gift of children at the time of the incense offering. They visualized their prayers rising up to the ears of the Holy One as surely as the fragrant smoke wafted up to the heavens. The hopes of Zechariah and Elizabeth must have diminished as it became less and less likely that Elizabeth would bear a child.
Zechariah and Elizabeth demonstrated a bold belief in a God who is never absent, a God who is never unfaithful, and a God who promises safety and liberation and freedom.

Prayer - Provider God. When all points a different way help us to hold onto you. When I feel weary and tired of praying help me to remember Zechariah and Elizabeth. Help me never to lose hope. Amen

5th December - Meditation

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16

Reflection - The reason for the incarnation (becoming flesh) is spelled out in verses John 3:16. This is the God who, because of love for the world, 'gave', not simply sent, Jesus to 'save' the world, not to judge or condemn it.

Into the world of chaos, the world of sin and pain, into our hurt and our mess. Into our joys and sorrows God came and still he comes.

John 3:16 is one of the most widely quoted verses from the bible. It has been called the "Bible in a nutshell" because it is considered a summary of some of the most central doctrines of Christianity.

Prayer - For the times when I have failed to follow the light - Lord I am sorry.

For the times when I have judged others - Lord I am sorry.

For the times when I have seen myself as being more important - Lord I am sorry.

For the times when I have told jokes at others' expense - Lord I am sorry.

For the times I have let my fears take over - Lord I am sorry.

Amen

4th December - Meditation

John's disciples said to Jesus, "Are you 'He who is to come' or do we look for another?" In reply, Jesus said: "Tell John what you hear and see: the blind recover their sight, cripples walk, lepers are cured, and the poor have good news preached to them..." Luke 3:10

Reflection - O Jesus, I rejoice at the signs that say you are near. Your power is everywhere if I could see it.
Yet my eyes often see only darkness and what has yet to be done. I believe in you, yet when I look around evil seems so strong and goodness so weak. If you have come, why is there still so much suffering and why do the poor still despair? Where are your miracles today?
Your grace, O Lord, is more fruitful in my world than I imagine. I know your power is everywhere around me, if I could only see it. Show me today where the blind see and cripples walk. Make my vision sharper than it is.

Prayer - O God,
Two thousand years ago your people waited for a new king.
Today I remember the waiting.
Today I wait for you, my king.
May I know that you are with me as I wait.

Open my eyes and life in eager anticipation
Amen.

3rd December - Meditation

“A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken." Isaiah 40: 3- 5

Reflection

Listen closely. John the Baptist, who heralded Jesus' coming but was ignored and ultimately killed, takes centre stage this week. If we saw him on a downtown street today, dressed in rags and preaching with a burning intensity, would we think he was crazy? Would we cross over the road, avoid him, criticize him and make fun of him. Or would we listen closely enough to recognize the truth he speaks?
God uses a variety of people, circumstances and situations to reveal his nature and will. May we see God in the unexpected and may we never limit God. Our transforming God is one who will exceed our expectations if we allow him to.

Prayer

Prophets called your people to make a road through the desert, a road for a king. I want to travel with you towards Bethlehem. Help me to clear the way so that my life journey will lead me closer to you.
Help me dear God to see you in a variety of places and may I never limit you.
Amen.

2nd December - First Sunday in Advent

Waiting and Longing
Meditations and Prayers for Advent


Jesus said to his disciples: 'Be constantly on the watch! Stay awake!...You do not know when the Master of the house is coming.'" Mark 13:33




Reflection - O Jesus, your voice sounds through the house of my world: Be on your guard! Stay awake!
Yet I hardly hear you. My life busy with so much, I go about the things I do like a servant trapped in household routine, hardly giving a thought to what my life is about. My spirit within has grown tired and you, my God, seem far away. How can I hear your voice today?
Speak to my heart during this season of grace, as you spoke to your prophets and saints. Remind me again of the journey you call me to make and the work you would have me do. I am your servant, O Lord. Speak to me in this holy season and turn my eyes to watch for your coming.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I long for your coming.
O come, O come Immanuel.
Jesus came into our world at Bethlehem
bringing God's vision of peace and righteousness on earth.
O come, O come Immanuel.
Jesus is coming again into our world
bringing the realization of peace and righteousness on earth.
Come, Lord Jesus
Amen

Advent Reflections

Having decided to write a reflection booklet for Latchford, this is now to be used for the Central Partnership of Bold Street and Latchford. I'll post the contents here - mainly for future use - but I have enjoyed wrting this booklet, a great deal. I've found it to be quite moving to reflect on Luke's account of the birth of Jesus -it is amazing what new things we consider.

Two Retreats

Two retreats

According to an on-line dictionary the word retreat can mean one of the following:

1.the forced or strategic withdrawal of an army or an armed force before an enemy, or the withdrawing of a naval force from action.
2. the act of withdrawing, as into safety or privacy; retirement; seclusion.
3. a place of refuge, seclusion, or privacy: The library was his retreat.

Let me be upfront - it is not the first one. Whilst we are called to love our enemies this for me is a proactive action rather than withdrawing.

Retreat One

Derbyshire with the probationer group led ably by the Under 5 group. It started questionaingly when I drove up a steep, narrow drive and found at the top that I could not turn round or reverse down. The only option was to knock on the door of the house belonging to the drive and ask for help. Then came the lesson of trust - the owner of the house kindly offered to reverse my car for me down the hill. I accepted without hesitation and she reversed with skill, knowing the drive very well. I was encouraged, relieved and appeciative of this dear lady.

The highlight for me was a session led by Sally on the ministers shaped box. Through this session Sally encouraged us to consider our roles, jobs and expectations - we were then encouraged to write down issues and place things in the box. Then we trampled it down - very powerful and an encouragement to reflect on our ministerial formation.

Retreat Two

You know I am working in a most wonderful ministerial team. Each member is skilled in a variety of ways and I am so very excited to be part of a team which is so pioneering and forward facing. We spent some of the time viewing sessions from "The Willow Creek Leadership Summit." Reflecting on an interview between Bill Hybels (Senior Pastor from Willow Creek) and Richard Curtis (Writer and Producer of such films as Notting Hill, Love Actually) we considered worldly issues and transformation. Additionally, we though of motivation and how to motivate others.

These moments of time out - of quiet reflection - is critical to our development - as human beings, as Christians and as church leaders.

So what have I learned:

Share, care and pray together.
Take time out to be still.
God is transforming people and situations in dramatic and glorious ways.

Also,

Loraine Mellor fan club exsists.
Loraine Mellor excels at miming carrots
Loraine has been bitten - the dangers of pastoral visiting

November Reflection

Second month in and there have been great moments of wonder, awe and a great sense of feeling God's presence. There have been many moments when I have found myself on my knee's - which actually is not a bad place to be in prayer.

So what has happened this month? In no particular order...


Circuit Resource Centre - with a great sense of vision and purpose a new centre has opened on the first floor of Bold Street to accommodate the circuit office. In addition to an office for the fab Emma there is also a training suite, small meeting room (the black and red room)and a resource room accommodating DVDs, magazines and resources. Additionally, there are two loos and a district room. This is a wonderful space and those working to create the space have been an inspiration -well done to all involved.

Latchford - Gardening and KC Kidz have been the highlights. Why? because each speak of people working together and caring together. Wonderful. The gardening team involved 12 of us pushing, pulling, digging, cutting, cooking, washing up, eating and drinking and we achieved alot. It was a great day and another example of great people having a great time. KC Kidz is the older age range of Kids Connect - it began two weeks ago and I am having a great time - I hope the youngsters are too.

Bold Street - What is blue and lies on the floor of the sanctuary? Well obviously it is Jackie in her suit lying down so the gathered group could assess whether it is the right blue for their new carpet. Not sure of the outcome but it took a while to get up. The vision of the people to renovate the coffee shop, sanctuary and foyer is great - this will certainly help the mission to be effective. Well done Bold Street.

Ryfield - Wow! 55 people attended the Remembrance Day Service and many have commented that they will come again. The relationships being created there are phenomenal and moving. Drawing alongside has enabled a new prayer book to be placed in the library, an invitation on the weekly activities sheet for prayer requests and the offer of us holding film evenings - this is so great. Oh and this week is the Christmas Fayre - come on mince pies!!

So it has been a busy month and in the midst of it all has been the orientation project and work for college.

Oh and one final word BOLLARDS - yes I have a bollard in my space now at Bold Street, to in theory, enable the space to be reserved - that is with the exception last night when one white van man parked between the bollards and I coudln't get it - oh Bollards!

Looking ahead - retreats, mince pies, christingle service, mince pies, carol service, mince pies or perhaps I should rename them mine pies.

First Holiday

"Where have you bin" loosely translated "where have you been?" was asked by the local corner shop not far from my house in Frodsham. A little fatigued I began telling about ministry, warrington etc and she seemed pretty interested or perhaps my tiredness was clouding my judgement.

Why am I SOOOO tired? Others say it is because of the main stress points - moving house and a new job- in addition to a new lifestyle. Well Ok fair enought, apart from all that, why am I SOOOO tired? It's because of learning names, finding your way round a new area, doing the "first" of everything and being on show... ok ok that's why I am tired....

Aside from the tiredness I am loving it. The high points certainly outweigh the tiredness and I can see how easy it is to get so wrapped up in the "doing" that it is to forget the "being". It is quite interesting that whilst canditating and considering my "weak" points - doing too much featured always on the list. Do I really know myself that well? Others seem to and I am grateful to the friends who make me shut up and sit down.

So what I am doing this holiday - well writing this blog for one, doing the garden and catching up with the TV - ahhh bliss - just whathas been going on in Emmerdale, Weatherfield and Walford.. I canlt wait to find out.....

First Month Reflection

Can it really be one month? I have added so much mileage namely through getting lost on more than one occassion. There are three Nook Streets for example and a plethora of one way streets to navigate through.

Still I have always managed to find the final destinations, eventually, and all have been very polite, positive and personable (alot of p's there).

There have been a couple of times when I have of course questioned whether this was the right role for me. The first was on the day of my welcome party when browsing through Marks & Spencers food hall I was approached by an elderly gentleman,

"excuse me love" he said, "do you know if you have any bread and butter pudding?" Well obviously I knew that I did not have any bread and butter pudding, but using my sensitive intution and skills learned on the "developing pastoral care" module I reflected back - "do I have any bread and butter pudding?" "Yes love, there are none on the shelf". Finally realising the man was not actually concerned about my well-being or culinary tastes, I replied sensitively "I'm sorry I don't know, I don't actually work here." "oh sorry love, you should work here you look so authoritative." Of course I reflected on how someone could look authoritative when scanning yoghurts for the best before date. I guess I will never know.

The second offer of a new role was quite easy to interpret and reason. I have actually been to the local carvery around 14 times since moving in - just over 5 weeks. On my last visit I was greeted by the manager asking if I wanted a job.... I only reflected on this one for a while.... 'do they get to keep the tips' ...

Highlights of the first month

The welcome party/ welcome service (see facebook for more pictures)/harvest services and supper/meeting people/ Lat Pack/ bacon butties .......

So what have I learned ...

1. Coffee keeps me going

2. Bold Street folk make the best hot pot I have ever tasted

3. Latchford folk can't alf sing well

4. People don't mind parking in the ministers and deacons spot - even though they are not the
minister or deacon.

5. Coffee still keeps me going

6. The folks are genuine, caring and exceptionally supportive.

7. Clancey's bacon butties are scrummy

8. This is the best place to be at the right time

9. Latchford folk have never eaten popcorn at a church meeting before!!

10. Tea also keeps me going...

Other things I have learned:

1. Never leave the mic switched on when you leave the funeral service and stand outside!

2. When meeting others at a beach which is around 4km long try to find out where you are going to meet.

3. I like coffee