just the rev

just got back from a family trip to see "Stormbreaker". Good film. Kids loved it. It reminded me of what I had heard this week at new wine....the need for courage and how Christianity in the West has lost its guts.

New Wine very enjoyable. A bit weird returning to services at St. Paul's and then at St. Julian's (evensong)where they didn't hold back on the incense. Met Maggie Smith this morning to keep her and churches together informed about a possible city centre alpha.

oh by the way check out me old mate Mark Balfour's blog. But be warned he's ever so deep!hopeful amphibian

went to a clergy day yesterday. Bishop of Bristol spoke. Not many Bishops who can make you laugh and feel good about life and yourself......good stuff.

Clergy were invited to wear casual clothes. the pic is a reminder that there are some clergy who think of casual in a different way to me! Oh dear!

really cheesed off with Orange. My sim card has decided to malfunction and it might be Wednesday before it is sorted. Apologies if you've been trying to get me on the mobile!
its been a real week of eating and meeting. last night we were at the Bish's for a clergy buffet supper and tonight we have David and Louise Parfitt coming round for a meal. (David is vicar in Malpas).

beginning of the week saw a visit from Andrew who runs Indigo Valley. They provided fairtrade filter coffee to churches inc. the machines. Brilliant bloke and a good setup. check it out - indigovalley

Had a good birthday on Tuesday - felt a lot less depressed about being 37 than I thought I would!

Today had a meeting with Bishop D. about my future at St. Paul's - which was very helpful and encouraging and have just had lunch with Chris and Helena from Glos....part of the old C21 all age services team....great memories of some pretty wacky services.

beautiful weather in Wales today....the chances of it staying fine for New Wine?!!

loads to say and not sure where to begin! thought I better had blog something though before Passmore gets on my case again about out of date blogging and out of date World Cup analysis! Mike and Kate Capener about to arrive so I may have to stop soon. Working on a presentation to the city centre church leaders for joint youth work initiatives in the city and a possible city centre alpha initiative in 2007. Just got back from my annual retreat at Launde Abbey...great time praying, relaxing and hanging out with my mate Johnny Parker. beautiful countryside. on our first walk ended up being chased by a herd of cows, then by a dog and then by a farmer's wife and on our second walk got stuck in the middle of a thunder storm....getting just a little bit wet! Preaching this Sunday on not just believing in Jesus but knowing that He believes in us too! Actually the diary is a bit mental at the moment. Mike and Kate staying tonight and then Lucy and I are going to Gloucester tomorrow night for James Wenham's 30th Birthday. Oh yes of course there's the conclusion to the world cup on Sunday night. I think the Italy/Germany game would have made a great final....really enjoyed that. Chances of Ronaldo playing again for Man U? - slim. Chances of Beckham playing for Newcastle? - even slimmer.

I will return to fill you on some other work stuff soon...promise.