just the rev

well off on holiday. before we go just to let you know that we had a wonderful and very affirming time in Galleywood. We met some truly wonderful people. However we have come to the conclusion that this is not the right place for us. I have just spoken to Andy (vicar) about it. Andy thank you for being so gentle, kind, affirming and gracious throughout the whole process. Our thanks too to Alison and Bethany for being lovely hosts. Thanks to Derek and Marion for your hospitality and for making us feel loved and special. Thanks to Hannah and Adam, and Chris and Jenny for reminding us that youth work is a very high calling! Thanks to all you guys we met. We feel very confident that God will bless you with the right person and that you have a very wise and loving pastor in Andy. Thanks for letting me be me - very refreshing!
Graham Barton you have my friend got the upper hand at the moment but don't forget that Chelsea are sure of being in the Champions League next season....and Liverpool...who knows?!!! (was good to see you in your shirt at church buddy....honest!)

"I won it in a competition, honest!!"

"Pfft! C'mon scouser, you can come up with a better story than that!!"

Off to Chelmsford tomorrow for an interview...Associate Vicar (minister for Mission) ...pretty confused as to whether this fits.....but only one way to find out!

haven't blogged for sometime mainly because i have felt pretty cross with church and didn't want to say something I would regret or cause offence. when i say cross with church - I don't mean st. catharine's, I just mean church in general. feeling less cross, this due to my amazing family, my Dad, the embrace of my heavenly Father, the saintly Peter Sibley, some of the curates at CME yesterday, my visit to Steven Croft (National bloke for Fresh expressions) and the wonderfully silly but therapeutic world of 007 on the ps2! Job situation looks a bit bleak. At least James was given a mission to sink his teeth into, a decent car and heap of wicked gadgets too....007? saving the world? easy life!

off to turkey for half term with the family....looking forward to a break in the sun.

McLaren's third book in his new kind of Christian trilogy is I think his best and yet the one I found most difficult to swallow. I think this is because like many characters in the book I believe I am a recovering fundamentalist and the subject of hell (which is the major theme of the 3rd book) is one I have tried to avoid over recent years. Anyway I thoroughly recommend the book. Also recommend you look at the Simpsons' episode "Homer the Heretic" where Homer skips church and has the best Sunday of his life. got it playing at the moment...Marge and the kids are freezing in church and the Rev Lovejoy is preaching about the fires of hell from Lamentations - the long version. Bart is smiling, has eyes closed and is rubbling his hands together and whispers - "Oh I'm there."
Does anyone take hell seriously anymore? If you used to and don't now but feel 'guilty' I'd love to hear from you!

I am keeping an eye on the job situation but a bit confused as to where I see myself....not overjoyed at the thought of being all churchy yet again. Also is the term 'fresh expressions' becoming the latest convenient label to hyjack? Some fresh expressions seem to have an all too familiar whiff to them.

Peace to you Mike as you wait.