Been there....done that....Having a break!

More seriously, I must be missing it. On Saturday I trotted along to hear a feedback session from our (three yearly) Diocesan Lay Conference on "Fresh Expressions of Church" (Buzz Stuff in the C of E). Something I know something about as it happens because I ran one for three and a half years in my last place... What I didn't do was read the note correctly because it was intended for PCC members and members of the "Partners in Leadership Team" - but, hey, I turned up and no-one asked me what I was doing there...

At the end of the session, we were split into the two churches and asked to think of three changes we could bring in in the next twelve months to open up the potential for growth...

Ye Gods! What have I walked into?? Talk about eye opening stuff! Eye watering is more like it....

One suggestion (I kid you not) was to move the table that the sides people stand behind to give the hymnbooks out...

One person said that the sermons were far too long and dull.

Another person said that they would leave if there were evening church meetings of any description.

They could not start a Parent and Toddler group because they had nowhere to put the toys. (even though they had someone prepared to run one)

An after school service for parents and children "would be opposed". No reason was given why....

And then people complain that the church is not growing!

Still, I guess I have a lot to learn about the place. There are good and positive folk there - and then on Sunday we went to a marvellous Youth Service. It was their first ever. Then the Youth Leader said he wanted one every month - which will be far too much for the young people concerned (with exams and so on) and will stop them enjoying Youth Club as it will become a round of preparing for the next Youth Service every four weeks...

The strawberry tea was particularly yummy beforehand and washing up in the kitchen was a great way of getting to know people.

Next Saturday is the Summer Fair - but I think that's where the Viking bit came in to begin with. I'm going to hide and pretend I'm not with my husband.

It's so different! I just think I've begun to get my head round it and things change again.

We're now thinking of moving house to add to it all.

God bless

With love as ever,

Lesley xx (And Desmond, who has a new ball - a rugby ball this time, bought for him by Graham, and Desmond is mighty pleased)

Just for today, dear Lord, let me realise that there is nothing that we cannot handle together - and may I pray the same prayer tomorrow.....

I have survived my first ever Summer Fair! It was an intruiging experience for a novice like me. At the last place we had a strict "no fundraising" policy which ruled out events like this - so my memories of things are largely those of a child.

I was totally jiggered by the end of it - but very satisfied and felt that I was really a part of the place - working together with a common aim does that. I met loads of people and we all laughed a lot - which was really positive, I think. I'm guessing here, but I have a feeling that (while I know how much money was raised) that feels a bit secondary.

I'm obviously beginning to belong, because I've been asked out to the "Ladies Meal" at the end of the month. I have a feeling that it is for the "in crowd" only. Trouble is, I'm not sure who to ask to confirm that

I've also been offered my own set of gift envelopes instead of having to fill them in manually each week...Looks like they are stuck with me, eh?

I wonder what it would be like if someone did not make such a determined effort?

I have my first check (post op/post RT) MRI today. So it's a big day. I hate having these things - I find them worse than the RT. I suspect it's OK to admit that now. Trouble is I'm not scheduled to get the results until November 4th. I do feel that is a bit long, but I don't know how to change it. I feel quite well, which is reassuring in itself, but then there will always be this little bit of unease.

Still, whatever happens, God is in there with me, and that's the most important thing. I can testify to that already

God bless

With love as ever,

Lesley xx (and Desmond)

Just for today, dear Lord, let me realise that there is nothing that we cannot handle together - and may I pray the same prayer tomorrow.....

I hope your scan went well.  When will you know the results?

It has been good to read all the goings on.  So much has been positive.  I think your new life is going to be a good one.  And the people you minister to will be well blessed.  So you enjoyed the Summer Fayre.  It reminds me of one our village chapel held years ago.  Methodists do not approve of raffles (right Tony?) but one of our four daughters (aged about twelve) was going around with a beautiful gatteaux and selling tickets for it.  We were horrified to see her approach our elderly minister.  He was so kind.  Just said, `No thank you, but I`ll give you a donation!`

We too are in the process of moving.  But our purchase of a bungalow depends upon the successful sale of a plot at the bottom of our garden.  It is supposedly sold, but the wait to actually be certain is rather nerve-racking.

Like you, life for my husband and me should be different from September.  My Lay Worker`s post with dispensation to preside at communion ends at the end of August.  We hope to move in September.  Just to another village a few miles away.  It was thought I might have epilepsy a few months ago.  Now it seems I have suffered a mini stroke.  Quite a shock.

Tony might be interested to know my church has been staging an exhibition of the Methodist Church modern art collection for the past six weeks.  This is the first time it has crossed the Tamar.  It has been well received.

Oh, and "Fresh Expressions" Lesley are not for Anglicans alone!  We`re hearing about this all the time.  Essential really.  But folk still see the growth of the Church in terms of bottoms on seats.  Our prayer should not be `May your Church grow` so much as `May your kingdom come`, surely?  With love  X

Sheila

HELP !    

Than for reading this, as they say.

Blessings,  Sheila.

Sheila