Preparing for the season of Advent. Bi-annual retreat time and space with God.

Evening it’s been a busy day. Morning with local Councillor then meeting with our children and youth team and looking forward. Then talking with one of our safeguarding team in checking ourselves and practice currently in the light of all that is going on. Rest beckons…

On a train back to SE London after visiting curacy parish for a surprise birthday visit. It was my privilege to re-connect.

Morning! I always find the position of the feast of St Stephen’s really curious and what serving Jesus Christ can become. It almost is like the brakes are pulled after the day before. Call it Boxing Day and lands totally different - and hides brutal reality of pain and death.

o walking to Carols by the Bandstand. #NowPlaying ‘What Christmas Means To Me’ @StevieWonder

Morning! Today once again traversing an ocean for sadness. Praying for journeying mercies. These trips do not seem to get any easier especially without family with you. Giving thanks for this day and all that is ahead. Prayers welcome.

Morning! The day starts with our small group doing #MorningPrayer. Today is prep and planning for various services coming and PCC meeting as well as Armistice Pause on Saturday. Also parishioner weekly meet with setup and catch up. Hopefully it will be a productive day.

One of the things I find really difficult about the way the church I am in does ‘politics’ are the many factions within. We are having debates about things and hermeneutics and yet we rarely examine the ‘party spirit’ warned against. I feel uncomfortable about it on many levels.

Morning! As I wake up and examination of heart begins afresh. I am challenged again by how we may begin to reflect and engage the word ‘consequence’. What that looks like individually and corporately on decisions and how it lands with words and deeds. A major part of Discernment?

Morning! The week has been fairly intense so far. Looking forward to rest day Friday. Prayers for those caught up re Storm Ciaran in SW coastal communities. Trying to be present to the day and what lies within with God.

What is going on in Gaza is horrendous. What happened before is horrendous. Violence can never be the answer and further trauma and enmity for generations. Praying for restraint and a way back for peace.

What a downpour! In other news I have for the first time booked an Airbnb for my trip in 3 weeks. It is the first time I will not be staying in my late Aunt’s house after a span of 30 years . Life changing moments and tied up to grief all round. Next years visit will be all the more poignant.

Been having a break just trying to organize attending another overseas funeral towards the end of next month. Having to plan flight, car and now accomodation. New era - new beginnings.

Morning! So annual leave begins with a road trip with one of my good friends of over 40 years. After a trip to see the Eldest at Uni and drop off some stuff. Praying for journeying mercies and a week of rest but also doing home stuff prepared for Remembrancetide…

Afternoon. A funeral service done. I have been to many but a privilege to do this service and offer comfort to friends and family. RIP Ian 🕯️🙏🏾

Just finally managed to see the biopic of Aretha Franklin ‘Respect’. 😅 She continues to be missed.

Morning! Prayed with parishioners #MorningPrayer via zoom. Another anchoring point of the week. Day has already started with a rescheduling but let’s hope things might be ok. Giving thanks.

Someone kindly offered the codes here from the other place! So exploring this space. Let’s see how we go.