Categories: uncategorized
Date: 12 June 2005 15:51:57
Well, that's the second one under my belt. And I should apologise to the congregation out yonder because not only was it not too bad, but I really enjoyed it. I had a congregation of four, plus organist, which was lovely because en route I'd prayed that there might be three there (although it was slightly disconcerting that they were reluctant to make eye-contact, though I'd guess that is a hazard of small congregations because too much eye contact can be disconcerting for both sides too!) and the fellow who's criticism I'd dreaded actually made it far easier by nodding his approval and agreement from time to time and making a sincere encouraging comment at the end.
We were out in the Isle of Wight countryside on a beautiful summer's day, surrounded by fields and downy hillsides (downy as in "like the downs", not as in "covered with fluffy feathers", although the recent visitation of a kestrel had made the second impression too!). The chapel there is old and well loved and it was amazing to hear the singing of our little gathering well-nigh raising the roof. Driving home, it was hard to resist the temptation, having almost made a wrong turning, to go with my impulse and leave the children at Sunday School and zoom off into the rest of the Island to revel in the sunshine. Shame I had to come home and make lunch and label hundreds of "Peak District Kit" instead!
A couple of months off, now - due to my mentor and I not being able to coordinate our social calendar sufficiently to be planned out together for a while - and then I have the joy of preaching at our own church and preparing a children's address for the Smudgelets!!!
My WISE parcel hasn't arrived yet.