People who've lost loved ones

Please spend a few moments in prayer for those people you know who have lost loved ones, and who are struggling with their grief.

Its getting better !

I’ve always believed that God works through other people. Tonight I’ve recieved a phone call from my best man, who I don’t see often enough as we’re too far away, but who had been reading this blog and decided to give me a call for no other reason than to encourage me. isn’t that FABULOUS ?  I think so.

When I asked him 26 years ago to be my best man even I didn’t know or understand then how much of a good friend he was or how much I would need him over the years. Tonight’s phone call has really lifted me and coming on top of a special time of worship at Codnor Chapel where I felt incredibly close to the people has moved me further away from Wednesdays disappointment and hurt.

God is wonderful !!!

Getting there

Codnor Chapel Coffee Morning. Its been good to be amongst real people; people who seem to have a genuine love for me. We’ve laughed and joked, teased and ate. it’s been good. Couple with a real sense of belonging (!) at Maple Leaf House yesterday where one of the relatives of a resident took me to one side and said “Be yourself, Michael !” That’s encouraging, and none of them know how I’ve been feeling this week or why.

I’m reminded that God works through other people.

Neurotic slightly less

Still feeling as though a pigeon has dropped a great deal of doo (not the word I’m thinking of but perhaps one I ought to use !) on my head, but recieved a phone call tonight from someone who knows a bit more of the situation and the characters involved.

He was very encouraging and after 45minutes prayed with me. It meant a lot. We also talked about Rob Frost, and mutual friends like Nigel Fox and Graham Horsley. All in all it was a God given encouragement, and the wonderful thing is that I’ve never met this person before.

Doesn’t God send just the right people at just the right time. And that’s not to denigrate all the wonderful folk who have sent e-mails and called in to see me; ts just to acknowledge that even in the midst of dooGod is at work. Praise Him.

Am I neurotic or what ?

Am I neurotic or what ?  Again today has been an instance of how the Methodist Church can treat its Ministers badly, and yet I`ve got to continue as if nothing has happened. I`ve waited over five months for news about a situation within the Church only to be told today that it no longer applies. The previous five months have affected my thinking, my hopes and dreams for the future, my family situation and yet today’s letter comes with no apology for the change of thinking; just a “this is whats happening, now get on with it !” mentality. I feel seriously gutted and incredibly hurt. It feels as though I`m no more than a resource to be used and discarded at will, and NOT God`s will at that.

And to top it all, who can I tell ? My Church members, a wonderful and beautiful crowd, still need a Minister and I have to be that Minister for them. Inside I`m desperately hurting and yet I have to continue with the day to day things of Ministry. Don`t get me wrong, I love my life here in Ripley, but at times I just want to chuck the whole lot away and disappear.

I know that everyone in the Bible felt like that at times as well. Elijah fleeing in despair after his success on the mountain, Moses not being allowed into the promised land, Peter denying Jesus, Paul and Barnabus having a row………………………………. Everyone of them must have wondered “Is it worth it ?” Thankfully they must have answered “YES” otherwise we wouldn`t be here now, I wouldn`t have been boring you rigid with this drivel, and you would have better things to do.

Lord, help me to see your hand in all this and to find the way forward, `cos its damned hard right now.

Newcastle United

Just wanted to record my delight at the resurgence of the best football team in the land, Newcastle United. Ha-way the lads !!!!!!!!

Funerals

Please hold me in your prayers this week as I have my first ever `double` funeral; Mother and daughter. On the same day and in the same Church I have another funeral, so its going to be a busy week for me.

Last few weeks

It seems an age since I wrote anything on here. maybe that’s because I still feel a bit shy sharing my thoughts and life with others (find it hard to imagine anyone’s remotely interested !). Another reason is because life has been so hectic of late. I fully intended to record something each night of the 24/7 prayer at Ripley Chapel but after my last entry on March 18th my Circuit treasurer and property steward decided to resign (not because of my blog entry !); consequently the circuit finances are now in my hands, and I failed `o` level maths ! Also when it comes to property I haven’t owned any for the last 20 years since coming into Ministry and even when I did I was useless at knowing what was going on. Please pray for me and for this circuit.

The upshot of all this is that I’ve been incredibly busy and not always with what I would call Ministry. I give thanks for Lesley, our circuit administrator, who has valiantly picked up many of the ropes and is guiding me through it all. It is the first time since coming into Circuit Ministry that I’ve felt genuinely sick and one night I was awake for the best part of the night with what was bordering on a panic attack. Still, we move on and by the grace of God we’ll get there.

On a brighter note I (with Alison) have been to Spring Harvest for the last week. The weather has been very mixed, but the warmth of the worship, the power of the speakers, the humour and the fellowship have all been magnificent. If you’ve never been to Spring Harvest can I heartily recommend it to you. Details on the Spring Harvest website, www.springharvest.org/index.php 

We’re already beginning to plan next year !