One of today's nexus seminars was a conversation on emerging church. John Drane, the speaker offered loads of wisdom that comes from real experience of the nature of the beast. But a dialogue I had with another participant helped me to articulate something that's been floating about in my head for a while: Emerging Church is not about novelty. Its about creativity. Its not about introducing lots of new things just to appear trendy but more about using the threads of history and tradition to weave a new way of being church. There was also, for me, some affirmation that emerging church can develop out of and alongside traditional church - it doesn't have to be a reaction to or in opposition to what already exists. Intentionally creating space for folk to explore the activity of God in the everyday recognises Christ incarnate - not what would Jesus do but what is Jesus doing. God is active in our communities despite us.
Spent today at a conference aimed at re- energising the church to reach out beyond the walls, out of comfort zones and into the kingdom. Great wisdom and insight. But even on the homeward journey, my spirits were beginning to sag.
Not sure if its a hazard of parish ministry or a hazard of village life, maybe a combination of both. But sometimes, straightforward tasks take much longer than they should. Why? Because there are so many interruptions. A walk from Inverkip to Gourock the other day, probably achievable in less than an hour took two and a half hours. I managed to miss three ferries. I just kept meeting folk and spent an hour just trying to get out of the village. But I've come to realise that there's important things going on in those interruptions. That's often where ministry is at. And a huge bonus when I eventually did make the ferry was capturing this image of the sun silhouetting traffic on the Clyde.
Inverkip Gala Day went ahead in spite of relentless rain. There was lots to do - even within the confines of the church hall and grounds - and folk seemed to keep on smiling. Awards should go to the Guides and Scouts in the village who had to be outdoors with their coconut shy and barbecue respectively. However I think they won the sympathy vote and folk did brave the weather to support their efforts. Well done to the Rural for keeping everyone topped up with hot drinks and beautiful home baking. Its good to see a community getting together and making the best of circumstances.
What do you see in the cloud formation in the picture? I took the shot because the sky was such a pretty colour. It was only later that a pink fluffy bear emerged for me.
Scottish weather abysmal right now but that means we can cosy up, go for walks, come home, dry off, cosy up some more, do jigsaws, read books, watch films, cosy up even more. Not exactly summer activities but good chilling activities nonetheless. And we'll be down at the pier where the starfish hang out. What more can we ask for? The best things in life are free...
Had a blast at church this morning, doing all our Wastewatchers holiday club stuff. It was good to see the adults joining in the aerobics work out (scaled down to accommodate all ages). Certainly a very different service from our norm but, hey, once a year doing crazy things has to be OK. Lots of folk were asking though about the designer wellies that I wore to the wedding, so thought I'd post a pic. They went a treat with my heather coloured cassock, not that I was caring. There are all sorts of discussions about the theological justifications and ramifications of clerical attire. I'm going to confess my shallowness and admit that, for me, what I wear in the pulpit is nothing more than a fashion statement. And a cassock covers a multitude of sins - so that has to be good.
I was priveleged to conduct a very special wedding ceremony today - in the woods. Lynne and Stuart tied the knot on a very dreich Scottish day in a beautiful setting. The rain went off just long enough to allow us to stand under the trees and appreciate the Firth of Clyde as our backdrop while vows were made. The ground was fairly wet as you might imagine and certainly not suitable for designer shoes so I chose to wear my designer wellies. Everyone was very good natured and we celebrated in style.
hanks Lynne and Stuart for creating unusual memories. 
Three girls out walking. Sharing the stresses and strains of the day. Then we round a corner and see this. Somehow everything seems so much better. If only we could bottle some of this for those dark winter days when we get bogged down. Maybe if we soak up enough in the next few weeks, it'll carry us through. Its worth a try.
Went to see Evan Almighty today. A delightful way to spend 90 minutes on a showery afternoon. I loved Bruce Almighty too. I wondered what it would be like if you didn't know the biblical flood story. As I raised that question on the way home, one of the young folk who was with me assured me that there couldn't be many folk who didn't know that story - refreshing optimism!
Apologies to those of you who suffer from arachnophobia and were traumatised by last posting.
Just found this on the bedroom ceiling. Is this another result of climate change? Not content with wimping out and handing over removal to a man, I have to wonder where it came from, how it got there, etc. It will be some time before I get to sleep tonight!
Most of the winter, I rarely have an evening at home. There's always a meeting or a visit to be attended. That eases considerably in the summer. This summer, we've had some beautiful evenings and I've taken the opprtunity to walk. There are lots of beautiful, isolated walks around the parish. The sheer majesty of the scenery surrounding me has reminded me how lucky I am to serve in such a place and has fanned the flames of a love for this place and its people that has slowly been rekindling over the past few months.
