First visit...

On Monday we fly out to Florence - and I am full of intrepidation. We had an interesting and informative chat with Jane and Colin* this week, a good opportunity for Robin to hear first hand about the situation in Florence, and for us to ask some of the practical questions about moving.
We will be staying in the apartment, so that should give us a good feel for the place, and meeting members of the congregation and other local clergy.

I do have a list of questions, but I'm more interested in what we are told and what the church feel their priorities to be. I'm very interested to find out if the church has managed to get the youth work off the ground - and if not, how they are planning to do that between now and October/November when I start. I also hope to meet the leaders of the different churches that use the premises, as building relationships with them could prove to be the important first step to the outreach and service that the Church can offer to the incoming communities. Again though, I'm looking to hear some enthusiasm for this work from the Church members themselves.

It will also be the moment to try out our very limited Italian! "Mi chiamo Alison." And "Piacere" (pleased to meet you) will be the end of the conversation, although at least ordering food is not a problem (pizza!).

In the meantime in Potters Bar it's the time for visits, sadly one funeral and preparation for Christmas. Today's Remembrance Sunday parade service was packed out, with excellent participation from the Scouts and Cubs, lots of hard work from the worship preparation team, musicians and drama organisers. It will be very, very hard to leave.

*Jane Cullen - World Church Office, partnerships and Colin Ride - World Church Office, Europe Secretary. At least, that's who they are and what they are doing for now. The WCO is still undergoing change. It is the plan that all re-organisation and re-structuring will be complete this summer, so we should be able to meet with the person who will be taking responsibility for us. Having found a previous time working overseas difficult because lines of communication and support were not always clear, it's important to know who's in your corner.