So this is the first few weekdays at the office so to speak.
Not yet approaching anything that could be called normality and probably won't be for a while.
There are lots of getting started things happening. For example yesterday (Monday) Jane and I went to a get to know you session for all the new ministers (both Deacons and Presbyters) whether they are probationers or fully experienced. Met some lovely people, I suspect that this is the only Methodist District where two ministers use Recumbent Trikes for transport (although Adam being car free is a much better example to follow). We have two probationary Deacons which is cool (I think that must be more than average unfortunately). This district is pretty big by UK standards and is quite hard to categorise, it includes a variety of cities Leceister, Loughborough, Northampton and Oxford plus some very different rural areas (contrast say Didcot to round here). All makes things more interesting.
Had a review of the pastoral roll for Raunds last night, so today I made a start on some of the more urgent visits after the manse had its quinquennial inspection (and after a quick visit to the gardening team, to show solidarity while doing as little as possible). Managed 2 out of 3 visits that I had wanted to do, but also a fair bit of time on the phone for various things. Sadly we have one situation which has worsened a huge amount during August so I will probably be getting to know Kettering Hospital too well over the next few weeks. The faith you meet during these visits is amazing, hearing peoples stories and seeing how they respond is a great honour.
There is tremendous strength and courage in these older people of faith. What will younger generations be like when they are in their 80's and 90's? So many won't have the depths and reserves that years of faithful service and witness through good times and bad build up. So many won't have the experience of love and mutual support to sustain them unlike these people with happy marriages of 50 years plus. So what will keep them going when things get tough in later years?
Looks like a busy weekend ahead. Ringstead has its annual flower show which is probably the village event of the year. There is a service on Friday where I am doing the readings and then I Sunday I am preaching and presiding at Holy Communion at the shared church. Straight after that is the Harvest Festival BBQ at Stanwick with a short chat by me and singing favourite harvest hymns.
For the Harvest Services (I have 4) I am going to be preaching on Luke 10:1-2 and Matthew 20:1-16.
Staff meeting tomorrow with safeguarding as the main topic.
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