Lessons from the Geese

My daily (well almost...I don't usually go out in foul weather!) mountain bike ride before breakfast took me today to a favourite high spot on the Wolds overlooking the Ancholme Valley and Horkstow Bridge. From here I can see Winterton... a good place to pray over the town. A leafy ash protected me from a brief squall. Then it happened: A flock of geese came over from the Humber. I heard them before I saw them. They settled in the field behind me to my great delight, and I watched them through the hedge, hundreds of them, chattering, squawking and honking at each other.It was an absolute joy to be there. After 10 minutes watching and listening, it was time for me to go and as I emerged to where they could see me, they took off and then quickly got into formation before disappearing behind a distant wood. As I turned for home I reflected upon a very special experience, hardly noticing the rain and mud.
You may be surprised to discover that there's a lot we can learn from geese, especially in the areas of living and working together:
Spend a few minutes with this link (sorry about the bizarre name of it!):
http://www.cuttyhunkroseinspirations.com/geese.html
Next time you see a flock of geese, remember how important it is that we support and encourage one another in our life's journey together as God's people.

ps...while we're on the subject, FLY AWAY HOME is a film everyone should see. I've got the video:
http://www.movieweb.com/movies/film/58/1858/synopsis.php

Jesus in Me

I was talking with a friend the other day about how the way we live as Christians has a powerful influence on the world around us, far beyond our ability to comprehend. This is a combination of the Holy Spirit working in and through us and our daily determination to live like Jesus in obedience to His will.

Jerry Goebel writes:

“I see Jesus in everything you do.”

Would it be possible to hear a compliment greater than this? Are our lives so illustrative of Christ that someone could tell that we were Christians without our words, symbols, or bumper stickers? He tells us to; “Love one another as I have loved you.” He is the only religious leader who personalised the Golden Rule. He doesn’t just say; “Love others like you want to be loved.” He says; “Love others like I loved you!”

Is my life so illustrative of God’s love that:

1. Someone would be able to follow me to the places I go each day and say; “His life shows the priorities of Christ.”

2. I could dare invite someone to follow me from morning 'til night for a month so they could see how a Christ-Follower lives each day?”

3. Someone could drive behind my car from one place to the next and say; “His driving models Jesus.” (IF ONLY!)

4. Someone would be able to walk fifteen paces behind me and see a change in the faces that I walk by? Would they see me saying a kind word to strangers, offering a loving gesture to the elderly, sharing prayer and assistance to the downhearted? If someone were fifteen paces behind me, would he hear people make comments like; “I like him.” Or, “He always has a kind word to say to me.”

Does my life model the statement attributed to Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary use words.”

The statement of Jesus is truly amazing, try as I might, I would never have the audacity to say; “Watch what I do and replicate it; that will get you to heaven.” Yet, He, after three incredible years of intense living with his disciples is able to tell them; “Look at everything I have done. How I have loved you, how I have loved others—everything you have seen. Live like that and you will know God.”

from http://onefamilyoutreach.com/bible/John/jn_15_9-17.html (edited)

'As we go' spirituality

Here is an extract from the brand new 'Changing Church for a Changing World' book from Fresh Expressions/The Methodist Church(published by TMCP)....do get hold of a copy.

The challenge.....is to hold lightly to what we bring with us, even to let it die. This is the common thread of fresh expressions spirituality. Many practitioners are being called to step into unknown territory.....daily. It has been described as an 'as we go' spirituality. Or even an 'Oh heck!...I have no idea where to go next with this....but I believe God does'. There's a common call, to trust in the God who is always ahead of where we are. To trust that he will reveal and lead the way, step by step and moment by moment. Often leaders say that they feel uneasy when they are trying to make things happen, but spiritually 'at ease' when they have the courage under God to let go...and let God be God, to them and through them. Letting go is never easy, especially within a culture of self-interest and protection. Perhaps it is no surprise that the Spirit is calling and equipping a mission-shaped church to follow in the way of Christ. A spirituality of faith and trust, death and resurrection. (Colin Brown CA)

I am at the 'Oh heck!' stage...

On Fire !

I got to go to Methodist District Synod for the first time the other Saturday… a privilege of my new appointment.
On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is duty and 10 is delight…. I was told it might be 3 or 4. But I’d rate it more like 7 or 8. Well worth the day out.

Interestingly, from the beginning of the day to the end, one theme would not go away…...

At the beginning, the host, the local Epworth Minister, welcomed us by saying; ‘In the event of earthly fire…..this is what you do……(Fire Exits etc). In the event of Heavenly fire, you will know what to do.’
Would we?
There are a number of instances recorded in the Bible of fire coming down from heaven….usually to consume people or things. My first thought was ‘I wouldn’t be here to know what to do.’
But I think the events which gave rise to his statement are those in The Acts of The Apostles Chapter 2. Look it up in your Bible…the Apostles certainly did know what to do when the fire of the Holy Spirit came on them.

Early in the day we were shown pictures of Haven Bank Methodist Chapel in the south of the County which had burned to the ground….I almost said ‘sadly’, but no…. for one thing they are insured, and secondly there is nothing like a disaster of this ilk to bring out the best in folk. Someone once said, ‘The real church is what is left when the building burns to the ground’.

Later, we had a presentation about Epworth Old Rectory with a painting of John Wesley being rescued from the burning house, ‘as a brand from the burning’. His mother was immediately convinced that God had great plans for his life.

Already fired up, during lunch I saw some cards for sale on which were quotations from John Wesley, including:
‘Catch fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.’
‘It pleased God to kindle a fire which I trust shall never be extinguished.’ as well as the well known ‘I felt my heart strangely warmed………’

A prayer from the Philippines was included in the worship at the end of the day:
Lord, remind us of the truth
That if we would be as lights in the world
We must also endure the burning.

Ignited yet? If not, read this:
http://www.jesus.org.uk/ja/mag_revivalfires_chadwick.shtml

Lay Workers Training

So much for 8 hours a week. ....I just did 3 days of training at Offa House near Leamington Spa!
We were introduced to the Methodist 'System', where lay workers fit into it, Job Descriptions etc.
We also had workshops on Pastoral Care and Visiting and 'You and your Community'.
Listening/Communication skills were high on the agenda.
Hmmm..... Am I a listener? Much to learn and develop here....and for those who knew it already, it was a useful reminder. As I reflected on the importance of listening I read a very challenging item online:
http://www.sidsillinois.org/images/reading_material/couldyoulisten.pdf
For 'Godly play' we sat in a circle on the carpet with Gloria, a lovely lady from Cardiff with boxes full of Bible stories for kids and adults (she was telling us how once she had tresspassed onto the set of Doctor Who, and I suggested she might qualify as a female Time Lord, transporting all her stuff to distant galaxies and bringing fun and excitement to crusty aliens). This was really fascinating, and I will certainly try and introduce Godly Play here....watch this space.
As ever, I found myself leading a group of musicians in providing valuable worship time for the course participants. That's an area of ministry I mustn't neglect.
Richard, a twentysomething guitarist and Youth Worker agreed to publish a photo and report of the Lay Workers' Induction Course in the Methodist Recorder. Turns out he's an ace Frisbee thrower (yes, there really are Frisbee Chucking Championships). He brought a frisbee with him on the Tues afternoon walk...and impressed us.
Now to put learning into practice......

The sending out....

The commissioning on Thursday 13th Sept was a fairly low key event, since I'm only doing 8 hours a week as Community Chaplain, but it was good to have the warm and enthusiastic support of friends from Winterton.
I was formally welcomed to the Scunthorpe Circuit Staff by Superintendent Minister Brian Bailey and later by the Chair of the District, David Perry. Winterton Clergy, Revd Jeongsook Kim and Revd Alice Nunn also gave a word of welcome.
My official starting date was Monday 17th Sept., when I went for training.
I am often asked, 'What is a Community Chaplain?'.... and more often, 'What will you be doing?'
I hope that one day soon I will be able to answer those questions ! Meantime, I reply to my friends at Church: 'It's out there instead of in here.'