Apologies to those who check out my blog. I haven't blogged for aaaaages and am finding the odd visit to facebook is easier to keep in touch with folk. It's been a busy and exciting few months, both in terms of family and work. Our wonderful brood are all busy enjoying summer holidays and I'm trying to decide when to have time off. No hols booked but trusting that we might have a break away together at some point before schools go back.
Lots of stuff happening at church... a few weeks ago we had an opportunity for people to respond in baptism and, spontaneously, three children responded. It was probably one of the most poignant moments for me in my 12 years of church ministry. My mind was filled with many thoughts as each of these youngsters came forward to be baptised. The only spare clothes we had was the football team's strip -about 3 times the size of each child, so they looked like funky baptismal gowns! It was hugely emotional for families and friends looking on and my most vivid memory is the smile of each child as each descended into the water and emerged with an even bigger smile! I had many conversations about it over the following weeks - which constantly reminds me of how we manage to hold the 'messiness' of church together as we work out our theology in practice together - children included. I love it!!
Having lots of conversations too with fellow pastors and advocates for children about the emerging shape of children's and family ministries. I feel that there is a lot of re-shaping happening across the Church at the moment. It's exciting and yet frustrating for those who feel held back in their efforts to make the Gospel heard in an ever noisy, fast moving and fast changing world. May God's peace, patience and presence bath us and refresh us so our hearts, hands and minds stay firmly fixed to the task - in His glorious strength and power!
