Categories: community, scming, spiritual-journey
Tags: spirituality, studying, worship, friends, churchy stuff
Date: 20 September 2010 14:30:29
As the regular(!) reader will notice, there isn't so much to read on my blog these days. I so rarely log in, let alone think of anything to write about but as I log in today I discover something in my 'draft posts' folder from March. Being so efficient, and with that as such recent news I'll have a go at finishing that post before starting the one I've actually logged in to write.
So... Local Preacher Training (originally dated 9 March 2010!)
I've been chronicling my journey throughout my Local Preacher Training and it wouldn't seem appropriate to let Sunday go unmarked. It was my service of recognition so I've officially finished (even if I do have to present my project still)! (Come September, strangely it has now been completed and was accepted - I'll stick a note on about that too).
A group of friends gathered to share in the special evening - someone from university who has journeyed with me throughout; friends from SCM who have challenged, critiqued, encouraged and supported; local friends as well as a good collection of people from the local church, and the circuit. It was a really special occasion. The sermon was something to be beheld, by virtue of the length and the enthusiasm and exuberance of the preacher.
It was a really lovely way to celebrate the end of, at times, a gruelling course. It felt like a fair end to the journey through my time in Birmingham - I started the course within 6 months of starting my permanent job in Brum and was accredited during my period of notice as I prepared to move out of the area.
After the service, we gathered back at the Community Flat (and finished the feast we started before heading to church). A few celebratory drinks were shared before people headed homewards - all except one good friend and the Mrs. It led to the most fun conversations, and entirely unrelated to local preaching. This friend wins the award for most laid back bride to be: "Well, it took a while for me to work out why there aren't more 11am wedding ceremonies. The other brides faff on with things like hair and make up... well, I *might* brush my hair!"
(Well, come September it's hard to keep much more of a focus on the event than has now been reflected on. Eh, well...)
Since the service of recognition in March, a couple of noteworthy things have happened. My presentation on my project went well, even though I was 45 minutes late (horray for buses). I reflected on the things we, as preachers, can learn from artists who use words to make and form their art. Whether poets, creative writers, sculptors or painters, artists use words to form things beyond what is immediately expected. My sister's artwork inspired me to consider this, and her work can be seen on her website. I reflected that, as wordsmiths, we should be encouraged to practise, to seek new and unexpected inspiration, to seek to improve skills and undertake training. I can't remember what else I reflected upon, but I got some good feedback and provoked some interesting responses. The Local Preachers Meeting formed the final of my preaching duties in Brum and it seemed a nice exit. My final services were led jointly with a good friend and colleague, at work. Again, it was a nice place to share the goodbyes.
As my job changed (in July/August) I started exploring getting my local preaching fully recognised within my new home denomination. That led to a fascinating series of reading and essays but I now (still, in September) am awaiting a(nother) assessed service. Hopefully once that is done, all the assessed services will be done for the time being. So preaching is very much a ticked box for now and it's nice to have all the written work out of the way.
So now those studies are done, what shall I do next?