funky doo

preparation for Pilgrimage...

I'm about to embark on the last full week of work in the Area before a week of holiday and then a week away on Pilgrimage in Sheffield. I went to this event last year and took part in Stream 1 as a relative newbie to the world of LifeShapes and The Order of Mission which springs from it. Since then, we've recognised Andy's call to explore ordination and embarked on a new church and expression of churchmanship. We're also now part of a regular small group and wondering what God is calling us to and saying to us as all those changes take place and bed in. I'm very fortunate to be able to go on this conference as part of my professional development with work and to be able to apply it to my work context and my personal development in where God seems to be taking things with us as a family! I'm looking forward to the next 3 weeks immensely!

As part of some of my preparation for that week away, I've been doing some reading around the whole LifeShapes and Missional Community emphasis that originally came out of St Thomas' Sheffield and now is expressed through 3DM in the States and ECPN in Europe as well as the Order of Mission.

Mike Breen's blog has recently linked to a series of posts from another blog about their experience as a transitioning Missional Community and what that means and the process they have been through. It's fascinating and very exciting and although a million miles from where we're at in our church position right now, it's where we would see ourselves and believe God would see us being, once this next season works itself out.

So, the 3 posts are here (Post 1) here (post 2) and here (post 3)

If you have some spare time to travel with this team through their time on a Learning Community, applying the principles of LifeShapes and Missional Communities and not being bound by rules and religiosity, then I would recommend it!

I didn't really blog too much about Pilgrimage last year but I hope to be more in the zone this time round and will be taking the laptop with me!

Hope you've had a happy Sunday and be blessed as this new week unfolds!

Haiti responses

India Knight has some suggestions for making a response to the tragedy in Haiti and for helping those waking up each day facing homelessness, hunger and deep loss.

We will be sponsoring an additional child in Haiti through Compassion where you can also donate directly to their projects in Port au Prince and the outlying settlements involving basic care, provisions and healthcare and ultimately, I am sure, housing for those who have lost their families.

Young people at the Solid ReMix event in Chelmsford Cathedral last night (320 of them!) donated to the Tearfund relief projects.

Finally, Bishop TJ Johnston, from the Anglican Mission in the Americas who ordained our friend Jack in Knoxville TN in 2008 while we were visiting has dropped everything to fly to Haiti to deliver medical supplies. As you will see from this article it is a place which holds a special place in +TJ's heart for many years. This is a shining example of how our church leaders should act in these times of tragedy and crisis and we will be praying for +TJ's effectiveness in his ministry out there - for however long he stays.

Youthwork the Conference

I'm heading off to Eastbourne today for Youthwork the Conference, the main national Christian youthwork conference and training event in the UK. I've been twice before, the last time 2 years ago, so I'm looking forward to going back for some input, reflection and refreshing as well as some fun with my colleagues and friends from the Hub youthworker gatherings here in South East Essex. A bunch of us have block booked a guest house a short walk from the conference venue and so we'll be eating together, learning together and sharing life a bit over the next few days which will be great! Last time I was a bit of a Billy with no friends as I decided to go last minute, so some company and a chance to react and connect on the teaching will be excellent.

The conference begins with a retreat for 24 hours, hosted this year by Jason Gardner and Jenny Baker. I didn't do that last time, as M was only 11 months old and I didn't want to be away for 3 nights...but this time I am dead excited to be able to be here for the whole event! (looking forward to uninterrupted nights and maybe some shopping?!)

So, the programme came through and I thought I'd just make an initial response at some of the seminars and events I think I'll be heading for - all subject to change of course!

Friday night - I'll be at The Story so Far in the After Hours venue with my friend Elin who is performing her one woman show with Lacey Theatre Company.

Saturday - I'm thinking I'll probably follow the Take me to your Leader Stream of workshops...or maybe the Culture Shapers...not sure yet.

I'll probably also take in the age specific stream about 11-14's and the Essential Mentoring 1 session as well as attending the Sophia Network reception for it's 2nd birthday!

I'm looking forward to Vicky Beeching leading worship and hearing some of her new material aswell on Saturday evening.

Sunday - I'm a bit torn as everything looks good - so I'll probably go to whatever seems to be most interactive based on the speaker and get the audio for the more lecture based sessions. I'm veering towards Worship and Justice but might go for the Adolescence session...

In amongst all that, I'm hoping to finish a book I'm reviewing for the Sophia Network site and start on the review itself...as well as looking round and browsing (!) all the great resources which are always available! I expect lots of tea to be drunk, thinking to be done and laughing to be had...bring it on!!

So, if you're there, be great to see you! I'll let you know what I went for in terms of workshops etc next week and will do some reviews and recommendations of sessions you might like to get hold of too!

Would you like to go to Copenhagen??

 

ECO-ESSAY COMPETITION

 

·     Are you a Christian?

·     Are you aged between 18 and 29 years old?

·     Are you passionate to make a difference in God’s precious world?

·     Would you like to be a part of one of the most significant events of our time?

·     Could you be an ambassador and champion in our Diocese of churches?

 

“Yes!”.....?

…then this Eco-Essay competition is for you!

 

December's UN climate summit in Copenhagen will shape the way the world combats climate change.  It’s vital an effective deal is done for the sake of the planet which is God’s good creation and for the millions in the poorest countries who are suffering the effects of climate change now.

Chelmsford Diocesan Environment Group (DEG) is pleased to be able to offer to pay to send

FIVE DIOCESAN DELEGATES to Copenhagen.

 

Could you be one of the five?!?...

 

If so, you will be joining a group from Christian Aid, for a packed itinerary!...

 

Friday 11^th

·    Travel from UK to Copenhagen, arriving in the evening for dinner and bed at a school, where basic accommodation will be provided in dormitory-style.

Saturday 12^th:

·    Participate in large civil society march from Copenhagen city centre to the Bella Centre, where the United Nations climate change talks are taking place. You will be marching with Christian Aid partners who have come to take part in the talks and campaigners from all over the globe.

Sunday 13^th  

·    Participate in an event, where Archbishop Desmond Tutu will handover all the Countdown to Copenhagen pledges collected in the UK together with actions from across the globe to a representative of the UN. This event is being organised by Aprodev, the European coalition of which Christian Aid is a member.

·    Participate in an ecumenical church service, at which the Archbishop of Canterbury will speak. The service is taking place in Copenhagen cathedral; we hope to join in via big TV screens nearby.

·    Depart Copenhagen early evening. (time TBC)

Monday 14^th

·    Arrive back in the UK at various times!

So, what do you need to do to enter this competition and be one of the five?...

 

Simply write an essay of between 2000 and 2500 words, which addresses the following brief:

 

 

“Climate-change and sustainable lifestyles are vital issues for our shared future in God’s good creation. What perspective and contribution can the Christian faith bring?  And how do we raise up a prophetic generation of young people to live out this faith and make a difference?”

  

Submission deadline: Friday 13 November 2009

 

Entries will be judged by a panel of members from the Diocesan Environment Group.

The winners will be announced by the Bishop of Colchester on Friday 20 November 2009.

 

Please send your essay entry to Paul Trathen, the Bishop’s Advisor for ‘Faith in Action’, at:

 

Rawreth Rectory,

Church Road,

Rawreth,

Essex.

SS11 8SH

 

or

 

paul.trathen@btopenworld.com

a Matilda creation

I began an addiction to a magazine called Real Simple while we were out in the States last summer. Emily (who I miss hugely and who was our host, with her husband Jack for 10 days) had a huge stash of them in her lounge. Her and I had a few evenings in, while the boys went to the flicks or the pub or somewhere else, flicking through the mags and watching Jon and Kate Plus 8...don't ask!! This magazine is full of great stuff - recipes, interior design, organising tips, storage solutions, beauty stuff, fashion, budget ideas for everything -ooooh, just love it!!

Anyway, my sister went out to New York in September and brought me back the latest copy of Real Simple (they don't do subscriptions to it yet in the UK) and one of the ideas in that edition I am really making use of at the moment. Matilda is well into her drawing, painting, making (mess mainly), baking etc. anything she has to wear an apron for! One of the problems we have is keeping a record of all she has made when our fridge isn't really big enough as a display board!

Real Simple suggested taking a digital photo of each design classic and keeping a copy on the computer, displaying each item for maybe just a few weeks and then putting it away or getting rid. It's a genius idea!! One of many that you can get from Real Simple!! Please let us subscribe in the UK!! I might start a Facebook petition!!

If you're our Facebook friend then you might have seen Matilda's gingerbread house before Christmas. One of the other things she brought home for us around that time were homemade placemats, decorated by her and then laminated. So, from our file of photos of Matilda's creations here are some recent gems!

     

Matilda's placemat (above)

A fireworks picture (right)

Daddy's placemat

You never know, these could be worth a fortune in a few decades!

weight update

well, despite 3 weeks in America with little or no thought to restraint, I managed to maintain my weight. I also, amazingly lost a pound during Falcon Camp where my main diet was porridge, cooked breakfast, sandwiches and crisps and a full cokked dinner with chips and stuff on the side. I think the nervous energy of keeping an eye on 22 tweenagers and 10 leaders probably helped. So, I'm now at 14 stone 9lb and starting afresh with the new academic year!

We had an amazing time in America, such a great time away with one another as a little family of 3 and also with great friends and making new ones. We loved New York, but everyone does really (I've been before and it was fun to show Andy round) but we really loved Tennessee, which was a bit of a surprise. Beautiful scenery, river, cool dinky city of Knoxville and lots of culture with food, arts, history and music abounding.

It really was back to earth with a bump last Tuesday, especially as I had picked something up on plane and am suffering with the after effects of sinusitis which is pretty pants and I feel like my head is full of tissue.

So, we're back with renewed vigour, ready to take on the challenges of life, work, church and all that God has in store! It's good to be home (but we quite liked America too!!)

scarily close

The big 3-0 is really looming now - Tuesday to be precise. We've started to get ready here at Smith Villas for the getaway to Rye tomorrow for my birthday weekend, meeting up with my parents and my sister and her husband for a chilled family weekend with no driving, lots of fun and lots of food!! I did some work today, despite it being officially my day off just to tie up some loose ends and I have just put my 'out of office' reply on the email for work which was very satisfying!

Wondered if anyone else saw part 3 of the Tanya Byron series 'Am I normal' on BBC 2 this week? Fascinating viewing looking at the ways in which religious affiliation and dedication are sometimes interpreted with respect and other times treated with disdain or alamingly considered to be signs of madness. Particularly issues about hearing voices/God were considered as well as such manifestations of the Spirit like speaking in tongues and being 'slain in the Spirit'. I thought it was a hugely well considered and well researched piece of documentary TV which will prove a useful discussion tool and has certainly got me thinking through this week. If you didn't see it, recommend using the BBC iPlayer service to take a look.

So, off to Rye for the weekend and despite the weather predictions, I plan to have a brilliant time!!

Will be back with you on Tuesday!

the mortgage again...living the simple way

Andy's been doing some financial research for us as we reach the end of our fixed term deal on our mortgage. It's a risky time...who knows what will be going on with the 'credit crunch' in a few months. For us, this sort of decision making seems to bring materialism, consumerism and our stuff and lifestyle in general into sharp focus. It also makes us ask big questions about what living as Christians and for Jesus really means.

Andy is reading 'The Irresistable Revolution' by Shane Claiborne, part of The Simple Way non profit organisation and intentional community based in Philadelphia, USA. Check out the website cos ti'll inspire you more than anything I try and summarise here, but their mission of:
To Love God. To Love people. To Follow Jesus seems to cut through to the concerns and questions we have about what we're really investing in. Everyone knows that owning your own place is a better financial 'investment' than renting, but we know in theory how much money we have invested in this house. What we could do with that....

But the reality is we have to take our lead from the current housing situation because we probably wouldn't sell the place at the moment...so now money would be released anyway.

Shane is apparently speaking at Tearfund in London on 30th April - I can't find any details on his website or theirs as to what he is doing or whether it's open to the public, so if anyone knows more details, please post a comment here! Thanks!

Other than that, in my working day today I've been planning the next 2 sessions of our Equipping youth leaders course for May and June - Programme Planning and Youth Culture. There are still places available on both of these sessions at Braintree (13th May, 17th June) and Stratford (15th May, 19th June), details on www.chelmsford.anglican.org/youth where you can also book online.

Meanwhile, my 30th birthday continues to loom (!) but I am starting to really look forward to the long weekend away with my parents, my sister and brother in law and Andy and Matilda in Rye. We have shared out the cooking, with mixed pairs each night - my mum rang this evening to talk to Andy about their dinner responsibilities on the Saturday...Andy said afterwards that my mum was a very crafty lady and had some surprises up her sleeve...so now I'm worried!! On the same theme as the nortgage issue, I've set up a gift list for my birthday with World Vision (www.greatgifts.org) to enable people to buy gifts for the developing world (such as fooballs for schools and mosquito nets and tree saplings for families) instead of having to think of, wrap and send me gifts. I would by no means presume that anyone reading this blog would want to purchase a gift, but if you'd like the list details, do get in touch!

Right, the Apprentice is now on, so that'll be my humour for the evening....and a day off tomorrow! Yippee! 

a busy weekend at home

well, we returned from the North on Friday afternoon, having had a lovely time of catch up and chill out with friends and family. It's very tiring doing all the travelling and it was a welcome return to our own beds. We reckon we did about 600 miles last week, travelling from Maldon to Sheffield to see Alison and Jon on Tuesday, then going to York on Wednesday to see Tim, George, Esther and Meredith and finally heading to Scarborough on Thursday where we caught up with Andy's brother Ian, his wife Ange and daughter Ellie. We stayed with our bestest friends on Thursday night, Jenny and Paul and our godson Jack and pootled back home during Friday.

Andy went off to Dublin for a stag doo on Saturday morning, very early, so Matilda and I had the weekend together on our own, which was quite a treat!

We both went back to bed having taken Andy to the airport at 4.30am and then had a leisurely breakfast, a bit of a play in the house and garden and off to the park and Pavilion Cafe for some of the afternoon...best of all Matilda was zonked and in bed asleep by 6.30pm! Lovely!

I love this picture of the 2 of us...she's quite a little character and her words are beginning to get much clearer, including saying 'ball', 'Daddy' and 'more'...she also loves satsumas and raisins and drinking out of Mummy and Daddy's mugs...

Having just mentioned Pavilion Cafe above, we've started trying to build relationships with the couple who run the place, with the possibility that we might be able to use the space for Alpha or youth group or other small meetings. It would be great to utilise a space in Heybridge as so many of the people who come to church are living round here and without having our own building, we need to be more creative with our venues. So praying into that and seeing what happens.

In many other ways, the Easter holidays were quite difficult and I have struggled a lot with working in the house while Andy and Matilda were around. Although I love having people around and get my energy from that interaction, I am so easily distracted and find that I need the quiet and space that the empty house gives me. It's also difficult to concentrate when I feel penned into my little office, whereas normally I can work anywhere in the house...the joys of wireless. I've decided that next time it's holidays and I'm working I'll probably relocate to somewhere else and hopefully get more done! Not that it will happen much as for most of the rest of the school holidays in 2008, we will be away! We booked our flights for America last week, so will be in the Big Apple and in Tennessee for three weeks in the summer! Yippee!

But it's back to the usual run of the mill routine today with Andy back at work and Matilda back with Yoriko. Have done some catching up and updated my slightly redundant facebook group Chelmsford Diocese-Bradwell Area to try and make it a better networking space - for all things youthy or interesting or kingdom related. If you're on Facebook, request to join, you never know it might be useful!

I'm running training tonight for my own church on Child Protection so been fiddling about with last minute bits for that and preparing for a Trustees meeting for Adventure Unlimited tomorrow. That's a long story for another time.

One final picture from our time away - our friend Tim Jones' church in York was, until recently, condemned and unused as a place of worship. It is now open again, with huge plans for renovation and reordering and very exciting plans they are too! This is a prophetic picture of people in the pews and I will keep you posted on how the community at St Laurence's York get on with all these new plans!

 

a little bit of excitement...

...in fact, quite a lot! Let me list the excitements for you!

1. my lovely and dear friend  Jo Whatton has just got engaged to Jonathan Payne...wedding is in May!! Blimey, Christians eh!

2. 64 people are currently signed up for the Equipping Course for youth leaders in this Diocese - we prayed for 70, and someone just emailed me asking if there are 7 places still available...by my calculations that makes 71 and there are still 5 days to go...Brilliant!

3. We're going to Center Parcs tomorrow for the Soulnet Retreat with our friends Lewis and Gemma and their daughter Evie who is 2 (and Matilda obviously!) Soulnet is part of Soul Survivor - they do a great job for young people and Soulnet is their network for youth leaders, running events, training and retreats through the year for hard working and frazzled youth leaders and workers! It's the first time we've all been to Center Parcs and it's gonna be great!! (I'm not counting my visit last year as part of a conference as I don't think I visited any part of the place apart from the meeting room and my bedroom...)I'm hoping and praying for a great time of rest, good company, good food and time with God being refreshed and recharged for the next bit of the journey.

4. Also exciting is that we're getting close to booking our holiday for this year!! I'm turning 30 in May and we have always said we would do a big trip somewhere to celebrate...we didn't know Matilda would be with us but that makes it a bigger challenge and a heap more fun! We're going to the U S of A, probably initially to New York and then to Chicago, maybe via Michigan to visit an old friend and hopefully meeting my dear friend Pam in Chicago who I haven't seen for nearly 11 years...can't wait!

5 And I'm still a bit over excited having been to Strictly Come Dancing live last weekend...my mother in law rang last night to ask how it had been and I got all bouncy and high pitched again (well, that's how Andy described it!)...loving my new mug too, in red with the SCD logo on! Andy is threatening to ban it to my office only...what a meanie!

So, looking forward to the weekend immensely...will report back next week. Blessings all xxx