just the rev

tomorrow is the enthronement of the new bishop of Gloucester and I am not really looking forward to the service. I am not sure about about a human leader being 'enthroned' - what are we saying about this person and his role? I am sure however that I wont get a buzz from the music or from the fact that I am wearing my robes! I am however, despite my reservations about the service tomorrow (its style and content), deeply optimistic that for Gloucester Diocese this heralds a new era of experimentation and risk. Perhaps I am setting myself up for huge disappointment ....but surely this is potentially the time for freeing creative and imaginative worship and mission from the straight jacket its been in for the last 10 years. I have to be optimistic as I feel time is running out for us. The deck chairs on the titanic can only be arranged in so many ways ....perhaps now at last is the time to start saving lives.

does "nice service vicar" mean anything at all?! how can something that is so predictable and so dull be 'nice'?
why are unchurched people so friendly and welcoming? what's their secret?! why is it that the lads that I play football with make me feel more comfortable than the people I worship with? does it say something about them or me? I love my little journeys into the world of unchurched people.
fountain news on its way!