The Holidays have Started

The boys have broken up and last night we had a rite of passage. We went out for their first curry just me and them (Sue doesn't do curry and was at the staff end of term party anyway). So a chicken tikka marsala, chicken kurma and lamb balti later their first lads curry night had been achieved. It was a great start to the holidays.

It's been a strange week it feels a bit like the calm before the storm with Soul in the City and New Wine. Over 9000 young people are now heading to London in the next couple of weeks to tackle loads of community projects. It's going to be tiring,  probably a little stressful but hopefully an amazing time as well.

In the midst of the craziness we had £900 taken from our bank account through a stolen cheque book fraud. Fortunately the bank have been great and the money was returned to us within 48 hours. At the same time a very good friend has had emergency surgery following an ectopic pregnancy, they have already suffered several miscarriages and it is one of those times when you find yourself pointing out to good that life really isn't fair.

Most surreal moment of the week was being called on at short notice to speak and give the "blessing" at a neighbouring parishes primary school leaving service. It's a pretty traditional church and I tried not to look too out of place in the fairly ornate robes (cameras were banned).

I think I got away with it...

Finally this blogging is a funny thing, I keep discovering friends who are writing, and being discovered by complete strangers including one who shares my name in Australia. Thanks Dave for the "I think you need to visit a blog-doctor and get a daily prescription......." reminder, although I think it's going to take more than a blog doctor. I'll make sure I at least pop in to your surgery regularly.

If you don't hear from me for a while I'll be dribbling in a darkened room as Sitc and New Wine hit with force.

A number of good friends headed to this conference for a couple of days last week. Due to the pressure of Soul in the City and New Wine I didn't attend but have been fascinated by the reports. Check out Andrew Wallis, Jason Clark & Jonny Baker for some thoughts. I've talked to others as well and the overwhelming impression I'm getting is that my friends and I are more concerned about making church happen in the future rather than pulling it apart now. Yes there are problems but the challenge is overcoming them to see mission and ministry take place among our and future generations. Stop theorising and complaining and start building something. Just a thought.... 

Soul In The City approaches fast
 
Hi, sorry for the lack of content lately, with the rapid approach of Soul in the City the intensity of life has increased somewhat. Do check out London Prayer for updates about about prayer needs. In North London the event at Alexandra Palace on August 5th is coming together well, and despite last minute hastles over various project details it feels like it's going to happen.
 
On a different tack check out the shaping of things to come conference in October which a number of organisations are putting on. It looks good and I'm going to be at the London one, so let us know if you're coming.

Euro 2004 and stuff

It's been a mad but good couple of weeks. All my colleagues have headed off on holiday and I feel like the teenager left in charge, I've asked the congregation for suggestions of things we can change in their absence.

The following made me smile...(for more Euro cartoons check out Andrew Wallis' selection.)

Subject: Just Desserts


Ronaldo, Luis Figo and David Beckham are standing in Heaven before the throne of God. God looks at them and says; "And so here you face your Lord and maker. I shall ask each of you a question." Addressing Ronaldo first he asks,
"Ronaldo, one of the world's greatest football players, what is it that you believe brought you here before me?"
Ronaldo looks God in the eye and says passionately, "I believe football to be the food of life. Nothing else brings such unbridled joy to so many people, from the slums of Rio to the bright lights of Madrid. I have devoted my life to bring such joy to people, with little else, who stood on the terraces supporting their team."
God smiles and offers Ronaldo a seat to his left.
He then turns to Luis Figo, "And similarly you, Luis, a hero to so many, what do you think it was brought you to my throne?" Figo stands tall and proud, "I believe courage, honour and passion are the fundamentals to life and I've spent my whole playing career providing a living embodiment of these commitments." God, moved by the passion of his speech offers Figo a seat to his right.

He then turns to Beckham, "And you, David. Presumably you want your ball back?"

Some of you were beginning to think had the silence become permanent....Sunday night was actually great. There was a real sense of God in the house, and the worship took off. St.B's managed to see through the strange clothes and unfamiliar service, and we had a good time. I'm the one without the hat just in case you weren't too sure..