I'm been puzzling once again this evening over my church's address list. It is normal here for a woman to keep her maiden name. But some women it seems add their husband's name when they become a widow. And so begins a difficult pastoral situation - should I write "Famiglia so-and-so" on the envelope, if in fact there is only 1 person at the address. And how is it that women with different surnames seem to be living at the same address - are they sisters? are they widows? are they in fact at different addresses, and the one we have is wrong?
Those people in the UK who have a different surname to their husband/partner, how do you like mail to be addressed when it is for both of you? and could I really offend someone I haven't met by getting this wrong?!
Anyhow, this is just preamble to me suggesting that you take a look here http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=churchlife.content&cmid=1697
at a funny bit of methodist graphics for your mobile phone. I will be downloading it, once I've worked out how!
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Destination: Italy
It seems like more than 3 months ago that we bid a very sad farewell to Potters Bar, to a lovely house and 3 even better churches. Closing the door for a final time was an emotional moment, but it was lovely to spend a few days at my sister's, with my family before we crossed the channel. It surprised us to find that the actual moment of leaving old Blighty was also difficult, but then we opened the pictures drawn so carefully by number 1 nephew and so decorated Hilde (the camper van) for our 2 week epic adventure!
The beauty of the camper is the freedom to travel when and where you choose. Which was just as well, because in the final moments of packing, I'd placed all the official van documents safely in a box to be sent to Florence. Which I thought was fine, but Robin proceeded to explain that we were supposed to carry them in the van to be able to show them if necessary. So we didn't drive through Switzerland, as you need to produce documents at the border.
I like France, and it was good to drive back around the Champagne and Alsace region (avoiding eye contact with any traffic police!). We stayed for another fabulous night at "Bollenberg" http://www.bollenberg.com/, enjoying great good, a spot more winetasting and buying a small supply for Christmas. Clinking slightly, we visited only a few wine producers this time, conscious that we were, after all, moving to the Chianti region! But we have tucked away a couple of bottles of cremant for Christmas.
The temperature rose steadily as we headed south, so it was beautiful relief to spend a night at altitude as we drove over the mountains into Italy, using Col du Mont Cenis. We joined about 40 other campers of all shapes and sizes parked up above the reservoir. As we dropped down and took the motorway past Torino, the heat became impractical. Humans in the front were ok, but poodle in the back was suffering, so we tended to drive for about an hour, before parking up and trying to wait out the worst of the day. En route to Firenze, we admired a few Italian cities (Pavia, Padova, Modena), chiefly staying the shade of the loggias, and enjoying gelato and ice-cream.
And to end for today, a quick note about coffee: the French cafès couldn't make a decent cup, and the prices were ridiculous. What a relief to live in Italy!
Tomorrow: Italy, the first 84 days!
Sunday, 28 June 2009
except a stick!
I've just started to look at next weeks Bible readings, including Mark 6: 1-13. Jesus sends out the 12 disciples for the first time and instructs them "take nothing for the journey except a stick - no bread, no pack, no money in their belts. They might wear sandals, but not a second coat." [Revised English Bible]
The poodle might think these instructions are adequate - after all, life is best when chasing a stick - but me?!
On Saturday we took several items to the rubbish tip and far more to the charity shop (thank you Oxfam!). We are considering taking less, because Ikea is cheap and close, so we don't need to pack our crockery and can safely store it until our return. But I don't think that is quite what Jesus had in mind because he instructs the disciples to leave behind their money, making them completely dependent on hospitality.
What do we need in order to live? can we trust strangers to provide for us? should we? do we provide for our friends?
What do we need in order to share our faith? the stick is only there to help you walk further and do more, it seems that we already have all we need to witness to Jesus.
If only it was as simple as not taking the second coat! It's the shoes, jumpers, books, music, dog toys and more books that are also troubling me. Oh yes, and next week's sermon.
The poodle might think these instructions are adequate - after all, life is best when chasing a stick - but me?!
On Saturday we took several items to the rubbish tip and far more to the charity shop (thank you Oxfam!). We are considering taking less, because Ikea is cheap and close, so we don't need to pack our crockery and can safely store it until our return. But I don't think that is quite what Jesus had in mind because he instructs the disciples to leave behind their money, making them completely dependent on hospitality.
What do we need in order to live? can we trust strangers to provide for us? should we? do we provide for our friends?
What do we need in order to share our faith? the stick is only there to help you walk further and do more, it seems that we already have all we need to witness to Jesus.
If only it was as simple as not taking the second coat! It's the shoes, jumpers, books, music, dog toys and more books that are also troubling me. Oh yes, and next week's sermon.
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Shredding & letting go
I finally came to terms with my top-shelf today! It was over-loaded with notes from my under-grad and post-grad degrees, and ministerial training. I have looked at them occasionally over the past decade or so, but I cannot justify putting them all into storage for 3 years. And so I've only glanced at them as I've piled high the recycling box. Shredding took place as I realised I've carried names and addresses with me from my placement churches, which is probably forbidden by the Data Protection regulations. I only hope the recycling collectors won't mind so many extra carrier bags on their rounds tomorrow.
It was strange to look back on those studies and it almost felt like a betrayal of some very excellent teachers when you finally throw out all that you tried to learn. I still have many of the books that I bought at university and those are truthfully more useful compared to unreadable scribbles taken down in lectures. Now weighing on my mind are 4 boxes of memoribilia that are stashed in the loft, perhaps it's time to tackle those as well.
The itinerant ministry is an unusual life, but ministers are not alone in needing to clear out the debris and the memories from time to time. To travel freely you need to travel light. I remember the words that Tim Clifford shared with Northwood Methodist Church about his walking pilgrimage to Santiago dell Compostela "I found as I walked that I didn't need the things that I had packed and thought were essential. All I needed I carried in my mind and in my heart." I think that I have remembered all I need from my days at university - most of that was never written down in the first place. And if I realise that I need to remember exactly what Barth or Bultmann or Moltmann thought, then there still remains the world of books; I would rather travel with their actual words and then mull over once again what I think, I don't need to read what I thought in the past because I either know it, or it is time to change my mind!
It was strange to look back on those studies and it almost felt like a betrayal of some very excellent teachers when you finally throw out all that you tried to learn. I still have many of the books that I bought at university and those are truthfully more useful compared to unreadable scribbles taken down in lectures. Now weighing on my mind are 4 boxes of memoribilia that are stashed in the loft, perhaps it's time to tackle those as well.
The itinerant ministry is an unusual life, but ministers are not alone in needing to clear out the debris and the memories from time to time. To travel freely you need to travel light. I remember the words that Tim Clifford shared with Northwood Methodist Church about his walking pilgrimage to Santiago dell Compostela "I found as I walked that I didn't need the things that I had packed and thought were essential. All I needed I carried in my mind and in my heart." I think that I have remembered all I need from my days at university - most of that was never written down in the first place. And if I realise that I need to remember exactly what Barth or Bultmann or Moltmann thought, then there still remains the world of books; I would rather travel with their actual words and then mull over once again what I think, I don't need to read what I thought in the past because I either know it, or it is time to change my mind!
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Long time no blog
It's been a long time, because I've just wanted to settle down and enjoy my time with Potters Bar, Shenley & Radlett. And I have been, a great deal! But people keep asking "You're going soon, aren't you?" and yes, it's only 3 months and 2 days until my last service, and then we move out.
Before that there is a lot more work and a lot more packing.
Italian lessons - studio italiano, mas e lente!
Looking forward - the apartment in Italy needs a bit of finishing off, so we just hope that there will be a bed and a sofa by the time we arrive. The kitchen is also in need of repair, and there are bare wires in a couple of places where there should be lights. Our house here in Potters Bar is so comfortable, with such a gorgeous garden (that Gabrieli is particularly relishing in this warmer weather), so I'm sure we will miss green England. But we have a terrace, which looks perfect for growing tomatoes and peppers, and a courtyard that needs to be colonised by flowers and a BBQ, and the flat will be lovely and cool during the hot summers.
I did send an email to ask how things are going in Italy after the earthquake (terremoto), but I haven't heard back, so we continue to pray for the re-building and the important work of pastoral care in those communities and for all those affected. My mum was a bit concerned about the possibility of earthquakes, but I assured her that floods were more likely!
Before that there is a lot more work and a lot more packing.
Italian lessons - studio italiano, mas e lente!
Looking forward - the apartment in Italy needs a bit of finishing off, so we just hope that there will be a bed and a sofa by the time we arrive. The kitchen is also in need of repair, and there are bare wires in a couple of places where there should be lights. Our house here in Potters Bar is so comfortable, with such a gorgeous garden (that Gabrieli is particularly relishing in this warmer weather), so I'm sure we will miss green England. But we have a terrace, which looks perfect for growing tomatoes and peppers, and a courtyard that needs to be colonised by flowers and a BBQ, and the flat will be lovely and cool during the hot summers.
I did send an email to ask how things are going in Italy after the earthquake (terremoto), but I haven't heard back, so we continue to pray for the re-building and the important work of pastoral care in those communities and for all those affected. My mum was a bit concerned about the possibility of earthquakes, but I assured her that floods were more likely!
Sunday, 9 November 2008
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.
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.
Friday, 10 October 2008
Preaching on the Gospel Matthew 22: 1-14
Just to prove that life still goes on in Potters Bar!
I've been struggling this week with the lectionary gospel reading. I tend to read quite a few online comments, to 'get me started' and then turn to the books. Most of the online people were clearly stating that the King in this parable of the guests-who-are-invited-but-choose-not-to-attend-the-Wedding-Feast, should be interpretated in an allegorical fashion, as being God.
Firstly, I'm not too sure that the parables are allegories. But more importantly, is God really the kind of King who gives you a second chance, but after that kills you?! The King in the parable reacts to the violence of the guests (some of whom kill his messenger-slaves), with full-scale destruction of the City. The King could not even claim that his response is proportional - the murder of his slaves leads to the murder of an entire City.
And then, once he has done the right thing and invited in 'the good and the bad' from the streets to fill his banquet, he spots one guy who is wearing the wrong clothes - and so throws him out into the place of torment.
So God - the executioner, and God - the fashion judge?!
Fortunately, I was rescued by some Girardian insights (Rene Girard), that I'm slowly grappling to understand. Greenbelt-ers will recognise the name of James Alison, who draws on Girard's work, and I've found a website by Paul Neuchterlain (girardianlectionary.net). This way of thinking rejects the idea of allegory, says that the King in the parable is not God (what a relief), and even suggests that the wedding guest who is thrown out, could be Jesus who is soon (in the Gospel narrative time) to be rejected and killed. Bearing in mind that the narrative context of this parable (like the previous 2), is the questioning of Jesus' authority by the Jewish leaders, then it seems to make better sense.
So, I'm not ready with a sermon yet (it's only Friday!), but with a bit more reading, thinking and contemplating, God normally gets all of my slow moving clogs to click in time for Sunday morning.
I've been struggling this week with the lectionary gospel reading. I tend to read quite a few online comments, to 'get me started' and then turn to the books. Most of the online people were clearly stating that the King in this parable of the guests-who-are-invited-but-choose-not-to-attend-the-Wedding-Feast, should be interpretated in an allegorical fashion, as being God.
Firstly, I'm not too sure that the parables are allegories. But more importantly, is God really the kind of King who gives you a second chance, but after that kills you?! The King in the parable reacts to the violence of the guests (some of whom kill his messenger-slaves), with full-scale destruction of the City. The King could not even claim that his response is proportional - the murder of his slaves leads to the murder of an entire City.
And then, once he has done the right thing and invited in 'the good and the bad' from the streets to fill his banquet, he spots one guy who is wearing the wrong clothes - and so throws him out into the place of torment.
So God - the executioner, and God - the fashion judge?!
Fortunately, I was rescued by some Girardian insights (Rene Girard), that I'm slowly grappling to understand. Greenbelt-ers will recognise the name of James Alison, who draws on Girard's work, and I've found a website by Paul Neuchterlain (girardianlectionary.net). This way of thinking rejects the idea of allegory, says that the King in the parable is not God (what a relief), and even suggests that the wedding guest who is thrown out, could be Jesus who is soon (in the Gospel narrative time) to be rejected and killed. Bearing in mind that the narrative context of this parable (like the previous 2), is the questioning of Jesus' authority by the Jewish leaders, then it seems to make better sense.
So, I'm not ready with a sermon yet (it's only Friday!), but with a bit more reading, thinking and contemplating, God normally gets all of my slow moving clogs to click in time for Sunday morning.
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