Categories: uncategorized
Date: 26 May 2007 00:29:32
Call it laziness if you want, call it being too busy at work, call it lack of commitment. It's probably a combination of all three that have led to me not updating my blog for such a long time.
Since I last updated, I've been permanently restored to the ranks of the hosts on Ship of Fools. (I can't be bothered to post a link. Let's face it, most of you who read this tripe that I write know me from the Ship anyway. Anyone who doesn't can find other links further down in the blog). About 2 years ago I resigned as a host having done it for nearly 4 years and finding that work commitments, combined with still having a steam driven PC running Windows 95, made it difficult to devote the time needed. My ancient, knackered computer was so slow, it would take most of the evening just to read the trheads I was obliged to, let alone do anything else.
We've since moved house, got a new puter and run broadband, so life in PC land is much more cosy. A couple of months ago, the great Doctor, Alan Cresswell asked me if I'd consider helping out as a host for a short time while one of the regular hosts was on extended sick leave. No problem at all. I got back into it as though I'd never been away. Time went on, and aforementioned host returned, but moved to another board to replace someone else who stood down, so I was asked to stay permanently. That's perhaps one of the reasons I've not been updating much, because now I have to read every bloody thread on the All Saints board!
What else has happened in the last few weeks? Well, there have been a number of "firsts". Two weeks ago, I got my first test success. Not the first ever of course, but the first this time around. I was really pleased about this, as he was the first pupil I had when I returned to instructing. (Remember my post about the Ghanaian international footballer? Well, it was him) It was his first attempt too, which made it even better.
Last Sunday I preached my first sermon at St John's. Again, not my first sermon ever, but even so, preaching somewhere for the first time is always a bit nerve wracking. One of my worst habits when preaching, and one for which I've often received criticism, is that I speak too quickly. I know it. If I'm a bit nervous I tend to gabble. I pointed this out to the congregation at the start of the sermon. However, nervous as I was as I clambered up into the pulpit, the nerves seemed to disappear once I got going. I was also very aware that I was in a much larger and more echoey building that I'm used to, and in pulpicy much higher off the ground than I've preached from before, so I was making a conscious effort to speak slowly and clearly.
As this was my first time in a new church, the sermon was very much about introducing myself and letting the congregation see where I come from theologically and spiritually drawing quotes from the days readings, as well as quotes from other bits of scripture. I hope that this showed me as someone who takes the Bible seriously and as a source of authority while at the same time highlighting my traditional "catholic" respect of the sacraments but very strongly (and deliberately) showing my very strong liberal belief in God's love for all people, whether the know it, or like it, or not. Generally, I think it was well received.
I've booked my ADI Part 3 test for the end of June. I'm crapping myself already! I've been getting some external help this time from two different sources, both of which are very good. It's costing me a fortune, but I how it'll all be worth it. No, must be positive - it WILL be worth it, I WILL pass and I WILL get that green badge I've been working so hard for.
This weekend is Pentecost. To celebrate, we're holding a special "Youth Mass" which we call "Ignite!" It's been several month in planning. In fact, this was one of the first projects I got involved with after "coming out" to the Vicar and admitting I'm a Reader. This was done last year as an experiment (obviously before I started going) and was a great success. This year should be even bigger and better. Even though it's only the second time it's been done, it's now seen as an annual Deanery event! Photos may or may not follow!
At the other end of the worship spectrum, on Sunday I'll be officiating at Choral Evensong. First time in this church, and first time anywhere for about 12 years.
Oh and one more thing. Any claims I may have made in earlier posts to the effect that I had given up smoking were premature and/or exaggerated. I'm still smoking a damn sight less than I used to but, as The Beloved pointed out to me earlier this evening, consumption has been creeping up again slowly over the last couple of weeks. I've still got plenty of gum left. I'll just have to try stopping all over again. Watch this space...