Well, I have just finished my first year of Ordination Training on the Yorkshire Ministry Course.
The highlight, without one doubt, has been the people. The other students, the tutors, the brothers of the community. Fellow pilgrims on the journey of ministry and faith, with a particular emphasis on this rather peculiar and specific call to ordained ministry. I can safely say that some of my fellow students will be friends for life, and I am sad about the people who have moved on from the course this weekend, even though I’ve barely got to know them in any objective sense.
The theological / academic side has been amazing. I have wanted to study (formally) the bible and things of God for all my adult life, and it is a joy and privilege to be able to do so, especially with such good guides. Some stuff has been re-affirming what I already knew, some stuff has been taking me deeper and challenging some sloppy thought, some stuff has made me have to revisit and change some deeply held opinion, and some stuff is plain “I’ve never even thought of that before” new! Don’t get me wrong – it’s hard work, and I miss all the other parts of life which have had to take a back seat, most noticeably time with my family, but also hobbies like photography and climbing. My wife and children are making big sacrifices to enable me to do this, and it wouldn’t be possible without their support.
The formational side has been tough, to be honest. God’s been working on my character and weaknesses, and I’ve spent an awful lot of the time feeling quite vulnerable and exposed. It has often been a very uncomfortable process, and without the safety of the course, and in particular the love and support of my new friends on it, it would have been very unpleasant, possibly unbearably so. As often as not the weekends have been roller-coasters of emotion – usually something of significance happens, but it often takes days or weeks to start to understand what!
One thing that has really surprised me is how quickly I fell into a regressive / infantile mode. Without really realising it, I felt and acted like a schoolboy rather than a grown-up at times, and one of the clear challenges from God towards the end of the year has been to just grow up a bit!! I think the structure of the course doesn’t exactly encourage a dependent mode of operation, but it does make it very easy to slip into. I am unsure whether this is avoidable, or is inherent in training and formation; still reflecting on that!
So on balance it’s been an amazing year. I am so so so glad it’s over – but also starting to look forward to it all starting up again in September.
It’s been interesting to see the reaction to Tim Hunt’s widely publicised comments regarding girls (i.e. women) in a science lab: “Let me tell you about my trouble with girls … three things happen when they are in the lab … You fall in love with them, they fall in love with you and when you criticise them, they cry.”
Despite his very clear introduction “let me tell you about my trouble with girls” (emphasis mine), it seems to me that this has almost been universally interpreted as a statement about ‘girls’ (and specifically ‘girls’ in science), whereas it seems to me it is actually a statement about Tim Hunt (and probably about ‘boys’ more generally).
It has been said before that “When a man looks in the mirror, he sees a person. When a woman looks in the mirror, she see a woman” (can’t remember who said this), and I think there’s something in this. Now please understand me – I believe that the feminist agenda is incredibly important, and there is an appalling history of sexism and suppression of women by men and society. But actually not every statement or act that involves a woman is about women. Thankfully I think we’ve moved beyond raving feminists getting cross with a man holding a door open for them – for me, at least, it was never about holding the door open for a woman, as it was holding the door open.
I’m not defending the comment for a minute (what a daft thing to say, especially in that context, and even more especially to say “girls”), and there is no doubt a lot of work in addressing sexism in our society, particularly in “hard” subjects. We desperately need a better balance in science, engineering, and computing. But I do just wonder if Sir Tim was owning up that he (probably along with a lot of men, particularly in science), finds emotion a bit difficult to deal with. Despite the hilarious twitter campaign #DistractinglySexy, it is actually very easy to fall in love in the lab, and it often has very little to do with physical attraction. A meeting of minds is a far more powerful aprodisiac than a fit body, in my experience.
So I don’t believe for one minute that Sir Tim was saying that we don’t need or want women in science, or in labs. I’m not even sure he was seriously suggesting seggregation. I think he was just saying that as a science nerd he finds the whole women and emotion thing a bit difficult to deal with, and he would prefer it if he didn’t have to deal with it at work! To be honest, I can kind of relate to that too. I think it was a sexist comment, but that the sexism was directed against men, who – let’s face it – are pretty crap at this sort of stuff!
So it seems to me – yes – he shouldn’t have said it, and it’s not going to help anything (probably the opposite)… but it’s actually less heinous than the commentators are making out?
There are many ways to interact with the Bible – I have previously talked about Lectio Divino, or holy reading, and FIER is another technique where you try to experience a passage “first hand”. Obviously unless you are The Doctor (or possibly a neutrino), travelling through time to experience it first hand is a tall order, but the next best thing is to imagine yourself there. This can be done by choosing one of the people present in a given passage, and putting yourself in their shoes – trying to imagine what they are thinking, feeling, seeing, smelling, etc. Having now done this several times, I can confidently say that I have acquired a new and deeper insight each time, both through my own thoughts and reflecting with others. I like the way that it takes the Bible seriously – the events actually happened, albeit a long time ago, and we can put ourselves in the shoes of someone who was actually there and actually did those things.
The exercise works well with any narrative passage – such as found in the gospels or in Acts – and should be carried out using a single episode or scene. For example, Jesus washing the disciples feet or the Transfiguration would be good examples. With a little bit of structure this is a very easy and powerful approach, and I am indebted to The Revd Simon Downham for teaching it to me. While it can be done on one’s own, it is very well suited to a group context, with a leader.
The exercise itself has four phases, as you might guess from the title; Familiarisation, Identfication, Experience, and Reflection. The first two stages are preparation, and the bulk of the exercise is spent on the third, before finishing with a review.
There isn’t very much required in the way of preparation, although the leader will need to be familiar with the passage, and will have ideally thought through what being there might have been like. For this example, I’m going to work through Jesus washing the disciples feet (John 13:1-17).
Overall it probably needs around an hour to do, although you can obviously shorten it by choosing a shorter passage or doing the experience stage more quickly. It could also take longer if you let the reflection extend into a more general discussion and/or application.
The leader should outline the 4 stages to the group, and then introduce each as they get to it. I’ve always found it helpful to participate with my eyes closed, although the leader doesn’t get that luxury (most of the time).
Familiarisation
The first phase is just to become familiar with the passage. The leader sets the context of the passage, and then reads it out loud to the group. This may include a few verses before and after it it helps set the scene. At the end of this phase, each participant knows how the story starts and ends, what happens, where it happens, and who the key players are.
In our example, it is the Passover meal, and we’ve just had the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Jesus has been teaching about dying and rising, but the disciples don’t really understand it. It takes place in a room, and at least the disciples and Jesus are present.
Identification
The leader now reads the passage out again, this time inviting everyone present to pick a character in the story they are going to identify to experience the story as. This may be as one of the major explicit (named) characters, one of the implicit characters, or another person who could be reasonably assumed to be present. The leader should mention several possibilities for people to choose, especially some examples of ‘assumed’ characters.
At the end of this phase, the participants know whose shoes they are going to be walking in, as such.
In our example, the explicit characters are Jesus(!), Peter, and Judas. Implicit are the rest of the disciples. Other characters might be serving boys or girls, the owner of the house, perhaps one of the Marys.
Experience
At this point, everyone should be familiar with the passage, and have chosen a character in the story. The third phase to to experience the events as that character. The leader instructs everyone to go back in time and ‘become’ that character in their mind – they are no longer Johnny or Isabel, but they are now Peter, or Judas, or a servant in 1st Century Jerusalem, or whatever.
The leader then reads the passage through again, this time very slowly and pausing after every verse, or part of verse if appropriate. The leader should use the pauses to ask questions about what the characters are thinking, feeling, seeing, smelling, tasting. They should try and ask questions from each character’s viewpoint, and directed at individuals – “what can you see?” – leaving a gap after each question.
In our example, the leader might start off with the following questions:
What sort of evening is it – warm or cool?
What is the room like? What’s on the floor, the walls? Are there windows?
What can you smell? Can you smell the lamb? The wine? The bread?
What stage is the meal at – have you tasted anything yet? Are you hungry? Thirsty?
Has it been a busy day? Are you in the mood for a special meal? Are you tired and just want to go to bed?
What you you hear? Is it noisy or quiet? Are the disciples talking and joking, or more subdued and reflective? Is it noisy outside with normal hustle and bustle?
Is it brightly lit, or darker in the room?
If you’re the owner, do you feel this is a special meal, or just another one to bash out? What are you your concerns?
If you’re the owner or a servant, have you recognised Jesus, or are you not that interested?
How is the table laid? Is it lavish or simple?
If you’re a disciple, does it feel different to normal? Is there any tension in the air?
Let’s say verse 4 is read: So he [Jesus] got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel round his waist.
This may lead the questions similar to the following:
What stage is the meal at? What have you eaten and drunk so far?
How did Jesus get up – suddenly and obviously, or gently and quietly.
What happened when Jesus got up? Did everyone notice straight away and the room go quiet? Or did conversations carry on?
When did you notice him get up, and what do you think he’s doing?
What are you thinking as he starts to strip off?
If you’re the owner or a servant, what are you thinking? Are you embarrassed? Are you concerned about the nature of this party?
If you’re Jesus, are you cold without your outer clothes on? What do you feel as you take them off?
Where does he put the clothes down? Does he throw them on the floor, or fold them up? Where does he get the towel from?
What do you think is going on as he wraps the towel around him?
As we get into the actual foot washing, the leader might ask what it feels like to have your feet washed by Jesus. What is like to be waiting? When do you realise he’s going to do everyone? Is the water hot or cold? Are your feet disgusting, or not too bad? Do you try and brush them off surreptiously before Jesus gets to you? Is it nice to have clean feet afterwards? If you’re Peter what are you thinking as he comes round to you? And Judas? If you’re not Peter, what do you think of his discussion? Does he make you roll your eyes, or do you agree with him?
The leader probably wouldn’t want to use quite as many questions as this after each verse, but I’ve written a lot to give an idea of the sort of things that can be asked, and how to think creatively about the story.
The leader should end with some time and space for personal thought.
Reflection
The final stage is debriefing – the participants should stay “in character” as they are interviewed by the leader about what they experienced. The leader takes a straw poll of who is which character, and explores the story with them from that viewpoint.
General questions such as what struck you about the story? or what was surprising or interesting? are fine, but more directed questions are also good – in our example you might ask a ‘Peter’ How did you feel as Jesus got closer to you?, or an ‘owner’ What did you make of it all?.
This phase can last as long as you like – in my experience people always come away with a fresh insight or thought about the passage, especially if it’s quite a familiar one. It’s also my experience that other people have thoughts and ‘angles’ that would never have occurred to me.
Once the reflection is finished, make sure you bring everyone out of character, and back to their normal selves. I know this sounds a bit “hypnotizey”, but it draws a nice line under the exercise; You are not in Jersusalem anymore, but are now back in England.
The only significant criticism I have heard of this method is that it steps beyond scripture. We can’t know who else was in the room, whether it was a warm or cool night, or even how dirty our feet were. The danger is the passage becomes to us the picture we’ve made up in our minds. For me, however, treating a given passage as if it were true and trying to experience the events as if they actually happened honours scripture, rather than diminishes it. Also, engaging with at this level really makes it stick in your mind – two decades on from my first encounter, I can tell you the passage that was used, who I identified with and what I experienced.
One of the ancient contemplative habits of the ancients is Lectio Divino, or Holy Reading.
This is a way of engaging with the Bible and with God in an utterly different way to normal. In fact, it’s different from any other form of reading. The best and most helpful description I have come across is in “Contemplative Youth Ministry: Practising the Presence of Jesus with Young People” by Mark Yaconelli (see resources, below).
The starting point is to understand that there are many different ways to read. The way you read the milk bill is different from the newspaper, which is different again from a novel, which is different again from a love letter, and different again from revising from a text book before an exam. Holy Reading is a special form of reading, where the words themselves take second place to the meaning breathed through them by the Holy Spirit. But I’m getting ahead of myself!
The process is simple – you can take anything from 5 minutes to several hours, although I would recommended spending at least 15 minutes. The basic steps are thus:
Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed
Take a few minutes to settle yourself. I find that a bit of paper is useful for scribbling down random thoughts / things I need to do / shopping list stuff, that would otherwise nag at me.
Choose a short (12-15 verses) passage from the Bible. The passage itself doesn’t matter, although it may be harder to work with a genealogy!
Read it through once, ideally out loud, at a steady, unhurried place, to familiarise yourself with it.
Read through it again, this time trying to identify a word or short phrase that grabs your attention in some way. This would be a word that seems to be in bold, or flashes at you, or seems particularly significant in some way.
Put your bible down, and chew over this word in your head. Think about why it came to mind, and what it means. Think about why the translator chose that particular word. Ask God about the word, and what He might be trying to say to you. Is he encouraging you? Challenging you? If your mind starts to drift, just return back to this word as soon as you notice, and start thinking about again, perhaps it in an alternative way.
When you’ve “sucked the word dry”, and considered it from every angle you can think of, and listened to God as much as you can, translate those thoughts into prayer. If God has encouraged you, thank Him. If challenged thank Him, and ask for help in facing this challenge. Tell Him what you think and feel about this word.
Allow your prayers to drift away from the word, if you have other thoughts on your mind. Tell it all to Him. Pray yourself empty. Pour your heart out.
Finish by resting in quiet contemplation. You’ve let it all out, now just rest in His arms.
This simple exercise is something I have come to greatly value. My experience is that this structure allows God to speak to me, and for me to live and breathe scripture. Why not try it now? Print out this page, and run a bath, or find a quiet room and do it.
I also would strongly encourage you to jot down the passage and word and particular thoughts in a journal, so you can return to this time in the future!
This exercise is particularly effective in a group setting, where you add a step (10) that involves each of group sharing the particular word they were prompted by, and what thoughts they had about it. When I ran a Youth Group, we used to set aside time for Holy Reading at our planning meetings, as a way to discern what was on God’s heart, and a common theme usually emerged that we used to help set our agenda for the coming term.
For a while I have run a second website at katartismos.net, but since starting on the whole ordination journey I have run out of time and energy to keep it up.
However, there’s some good stuff on there (at least I think it is!), so I’m going to move all the posts across from there to this site, and then ultimately close it down.
I’ve scheduled them in at one a month for the next 12 months or so, and hopefully by then I’ll also have some new content to put up here!
I’ve just got back from the YMC Easter School, which was a really good time. About the only thing I don’t like about the course is that you tend to only get information about things just before they happen! So I thought that I’d jot down some thoughts about the Easter School while they’re fresh in my mind, in case it’s of use for next year – either for me or the next batch of first years.
So, the YMC Easter school is seven nights away, either starting or ending on Easter day (there’s a 3 year cycle of Easter week, Easter week, holy week). It’s one of the requirements of Ministry Division that ordinands have a certain number of nights on residential training, of which at least 7 have to be in a block – hence Easter School! So it’s basically a Sunday to a Sunday, one of which is Easter day. 2016 will be Easter week again, and 2017 would be holy week in the normal pattern.
Practicalities. The first and last day follows the same pattern as the weekends, namely arrive on the first day from 4pm, but no later than 6pm for evening prayer. The last day finishes after lunch, which is over by 2pm (normal weekends have a 5 minute doxology at 2pm). Book early and you can sometimes get a bargain on train tickets – I went there First Class for £13.00! The train station is about 20 mins walk from St Chads, but its pretty hilly. Also like weekends, towels and bed linen are provided – my room had 2 good pillows, so didn’t need to have taken my own. It is worth considering taking a spare pillow on Mirfield weekends if you like the extra support. There’s also a posh dinner (although several people were in jeans, which was fine) and a review night which was really good, so if you have a “turn”, bring it along! Last practical point is about cash – there are various collections for one thing or another, and a bar. But the city centre is 5 mins walk along the lane, and there are plenty of cash machines there. The Cathedral bookshop is great for gifts.
We got the timetable about a week before, and it looks busy (and it is a full week), but in reality there is a lot of ‘punctuation’, and I found there was quite a bit of time to process stuff between timetabled sessions. I personally had a low ebb on Wednesday, and felt intensely vulnerable. Interestingly enough, several other people felt low at different points. It’s not really surprising, and it is a spritual activity we’re engaging in, but worth being away. There are course chaplains present if you need to talk to someone.
On YMC, we are split up into prayer groups, of 6 or 7 people, for our time on the course. The prayer groups meet twice at weekends, and twice at Easter school. Each prayer group also leads at least one worship service (morning or evening prayer) so worth packing instruments and music if that’s your thing. Car access to St Chad’s is a hassle due to Durham’s restrictions, but there’s info about that in the programme. There are also optional prayer times – a period of silent prayer before Morning Prayer (i.e. at about 7.15), and then Compline at about 9pm. I personally like the peace and space of these times – there’s usually only a handful of people, and it’s worth making the effort at least once!
If I manage to get ahead on my essay, I might write some stuff about the content (this year’s topic was “Communicating the Gospel”). As this is my first post of 2015, I wouldn’t hold your breath!
Well, that’s the end of the Christmas Cake, mince pies, and other festive fayre. Menu back to normal next week. (Fri Jan 03 08:17:50)
CBeebies HD. Really? (Fri Jan 03 09:05:24)
Bit of liturgical confusion at church this morning. One person thought Epiphany was today, another thought twelve night was tomorrow! (Sun Jan 05 21:30:49)
RT @cluedont: BBC: ‘Much of Scotland’s coastline still being battered.’ They will literally deep fry anything. (Tue Jan 07 06:54:07)
RT @jcodfishpie: Obi-Wan: Use the force Ani.
Anakin: If you must shorten my name can’t you call me Kin?
Obi-Wan: Use the force Kin.
(Fri Jan 10 07:08:31)
I must be doing something right – No. 1 Son was humming Fleetwood Mac to himself as he brushed his teeth this morning. (Tue Jan 14 08:24:19)
Today is being brought to you by the chemicals caffeine and paracetomol. (Tue Jan 14 09:01:29)
I used to think that I prayed every day because I was holy. I’ve come to realise that I need to because I’m not. (Wed Jan 15 09:12:12)
Early start for Growing Leaders away day. Well worth it – all about vision. (Sat Jan 18 07:00:49)
Very sad to hear news from Edinburgh. We live in a fallen, broken world. (Sat Jan 18 07:02:28)
Thank you @leach_mick for another good evening of accountability, encouragement and prayer. #IronSharpensIron (Thu Jan 23 21:46:43)
After 12 years of faithful service, looks like our Dyson has finally had enough. Motor dying and can’t be replaced. Prognosis is 6 months. (Sat Jan 25 10:18:22)
I’m still astonished by how much dust it can extract from an apparently clean floor. Will Definitely get another. (Sat Jan 25 10:20:08)
Great birthday party for my 10yo courtesy of ActionZone. Running through woods firing lasers at one another. 🙂 (Mon Jan 27 12:30:12)
Less positive developments with parents. It’s difficult living so far away, esp as they in middle of nowhere (relatively). (Mon Jan 27 12:33:03)
Nice article on the music of Bond. http://t.co/VqkmX15CGY. I have (unknowingly) put a common tone modulation in one of my songs! (Sat Feb 01 21:56:25)
According to 10yo “Oxfam” are inspecting his school today… (Wed Feb 05 08:17:51)
RT @PacketEmma: No trains in or out of Cornwall – no road alternative either. First Great Western “strongly advises” against travel http://… (Wed Feb 05 12:14:39)
“I’m sorry, an error has occurred with call forwarding.” No secret sound guess for me. 🙁 @strayfm (Fri Feb 07 08:16:10)
RT @tinymind: Don’t smile when taking a funeral at the point in the service when you say “we remember that we are all BUTT DUST! #clergywisdom (Sun Feb 09 09:48:59)
About to venture into the snow to continue our Johanan adventure – taking my parallel NT so I look clever! (Mon Feb 10 20:00:44)
Excitement mounting for Magic of the Musicals http://t.co/fjL5nVf4CT (Tue Feb 11 18:47:12)
Goodness me – some very brave costumes on the year 13s #MustHaveBeenSprayedOn. (Tue Feb 11 20:27:31)
Superb show at Harrogate High. Some outstanding performances. #MagicOfTheMusicals (Tue Feb 11 21:58:29)
RT @JoRoyal: Am I right in assuming there will be no onions in heaven? At least, if there are, they will be ready sliced?! #notearsinheaven (Thu Feb 13 07:16:21)
Being quoted The Lego Movie this morning over breakfast (everything is awesome). (Mon Feb 17 08:16:11)
Time was when I was the first hit for my name on Google – now you have to go to the fourth results page. #DigitalNobody (Sat Feb 22 20:14:08)
So begins my trip to Stafford. Nice sunny day for it. (Mon Feb 24 12:12:27)
Wonder if anyone else on their way to Shallowford is on twitter? Not going to tweet from there – taking time out to discern God’s calling. (Mon Feb 24 12:17:00)
Wonder to where I would fly if I decided to stay on this train to Man airport? Probably not very far w/o my passport. (Mon Feb 24 12:50:58)
Have done all I can – the rest is out of my hands. Soon will be travelling home! (Wed Feb 26 12:09:23)
Leaving 3 is worse than breaking up. 20 minutes of “why are you leaving. What went wrong. Please stay. I’ll change, I promise. ” (Tue Mar 04 13:18:48)
The net effect of which is that I’m very unlikely to go back when my next contract is up. #OwnGoal. (Tue Mar 04 13:23:06)
I like my new phone. It’s much bigger than my old one, almost too big. Glad I didn’t go with the S3 in the end. Motorola Migrate is awesome. (Sat Mar 08 09:17:16)
It’s a Moto G for the interested. UI very tablet like, whereas my old Samsung still felt like a phone. (Sat Mar 08 09:21:30)
Sunday mornings often start with Bob and Pat in this household. (Sun Mar 09 07:23:24)
Still busy day ahead. Friend’s birthday for No. 1, church for the rest of us, then what should be an interesting trip for me to Ripon. (Sun Mar 09 07:26:45)
Phone number port day tomorrow for me. Just thought I’d share that. (Sun Mar 09 09:48:17)
Lovely to see the good folk of Harrogate out enjoying the sunshine today.
Car reckoned 20 degrees at one point. (Sun Mar 09 19:05:50)
Really liking the new, quick @timescrosswords. Finished today’s in 30 mins. (Tue Mar 11 19:00:12)
So, good people of Twitter. I have Carte Blanche for supper on Monday, it being my birthday. What to choose? Needs to be cook-able at home. (Wed Mar 12 21:52:42)
Some really good discussion at Growing Leaders tonight. For me the material works best as a stimulus, rather then providing the “answer”. (Wed Mar 12 22:15:13)
Smells like the muck spreaders are out and about. #HarrogateLife. (Thu Mar 13 12:26:09)
You know it’s going to be one of those cycles home when your shoelace gets tangled in the pedal as you set off. #CouldHaveBeenNasty. (Thu Mar 13 17:35:19)
REALLY like the new @timescrosswords quick cryptic. Finished today’s in about 15 mins – flashes of my aspiration for the main one. (Thu Mar 13 19:28:01)
Wow – woken up to a beautiful sunny day in Harrogate. And its time for DIY pain au chocolate as a pre-birthday treat. (Sun Mar 16 07:34:54)
Just realised that I talked about a pre-birthday treat in a pre-birthday tweet. Cool. (Sun Mar 16 07:35:57)
Yay it’s my birthday. Four decades lie behind, hopefully as many lie before. I think the next decade is going to be especially interesting. (Mon Mar 17 07:15:24)
Also, happy St Patrick’s day. I quite like sharing his day, except that it’s always in Lent. #TopOfTheMorning (Mon Mar 17 07:17:18)
RT @hollyrayfield: I would rather read the iTunes terms and conditions than go to school tomorrow #monday (Mon Mar 17 07:22:21)
Well, it’s not everyday that one applies to theological college! But today was one of those days. (Mon Mar 17 18:29:25)
Hoping my fellow groupies will be joining me for cake later. House-groupies, that is. There may also be some fizz… (Mon Mar 17 18:31:42)
3 fire engines in 5 minutes heading into town along wetherby road – presumably Prezzo fire? (Tue Mar 18 13:37:42)
Right, everything sorted here. Going to be fashionably late to the Lent course again! #RamToLamb (Tue Mar 18 19:47:14)
RT @HalfBloodTweet: ‘On a scale of 1 to 10, how obsessed are you with Harry Potter?’
‘Nine and three quarters.’ (Sat Mar 22 19:11:51)
My other half is having an evening out with Miranda. I’m having an evening in with Katniss. #EveryonesAWinner. (Sat Mar 22 19:13:12)
First stab at breadsticks http://t.co/UzydPHPLXN (Sun Mar 23 09:17:29)
We’re hiring where I work! Extraordinary company to work for. Been here 6 yrs and it feels like 6 months. http://t.co/B758vGlIeD (Mon Mar 24 17:17:20)
Right. Climbing tonight. First proper session for 4 months, which is a shocker. Might manage a 4+. (Wed Mar 26 18:56:24)
Cracking day today. Finished the Times quick cryptic without any aids, and climbed my highest lead grade (6a), and on sight. (Wed Mar 26 22:17:30)
Looking forward to the songwriting workshop tonight at St A’s. Should be a good ‘un. (Fri Mar 28 08:21:56)
Productive morning. Mothers day photo taken and made into card. Need to repeat with other son after school (& before said mum gets home!) (Fri Mar 28 12:41:01)
Flowers looking lovely at Harlow Carr @ RHS Garden Harlow Carr http://t.co/q1np6CycK5 (Sun Mar 30 13:48:53)
Takes me ages to get the hang of the clocks change. Darker or lighter. More tired or less tired? Earlier or later. So many questions. (Sun Mar 30 20:38:25)
I just about nail it in time for them to change back… (Sun Mar 30 20:38:57)
I can answer 2 of my “clock change” questions. “Darker” and “more tired”! I may have to revise them this evening… (Mon Mar 31 06:45:39)
Nothing like deleting records from a live production database for getting the heart working! Thankfully I got the query right. (Tue Apr 01 16:20:33)
Is it bad if I go to the APCM with my own plungey coffee cup? http://t.co/UbWpampzAb (Wed Apr 02 17:30:56)
@samanthajoy2 there’ll be wine? Perhaps it will became fun evening after all! (Wed Apr 02 18:14:38)
So it turns out there really was wine (and cheese) at the APCM. I thought it was a joke! And yes, I took me coffee cup. (Wed Apr 02 20:33:22)
Cornwall is back! (Fri Apr 04 05:52:43)
Kids are hilarious sometimes: “Penny Morris can’t do it – she’s busy upstairs in the firefighters bedroom” (Fri Apr 04 08:27:41)
RT @OurCofE: I’ve just been on a once in a lifetime holiday. I tell you what – never again! (Fri Apr 04 21:36:28)
RT @OurCofE: I was playing chess with my friend and he said ‘Now let’s make this interesting’. So we stopped playing chess. (Fri Apr 04 21:36:36)
We have been greatly blessed by an evening of superstars. Stars giving us a lift. Stars feeding us magnificently, and stars babysitting. (Fri Apr 04 23:01:10)
Oops – just hammered my wordpress server trying to delete all the spam comments in one go! Hopefully it’ll recover soon. (Sat Apr 05 08:49:31)
When they look on the one whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child. (Mon Apr 07 21:05:04)
Right. Off to Yorkshire Ministry Course to see if I’m offered a place (and that I want one, I guess) for ordination training. (Wed Apr 09 13:13:00)
Took 5 minutes to admire the red kite cruising at low altitude over the stray.
Deadly beauty and gracefulness. (Wed Apr 09 13:20:10)
And for my next trick I will navigate the Leeds inner ring road without crashing or getting lost. #HeresHoping. PS not in car yet! (Wed Apr 09 13:22:07)
Didn’t follow up from yesterday – all systems go for YMC come September. Was a fab evening; v impressed by George Lings on Fresh Expressions (Thu Apr 10 21:26:22)
Interesting analysis by George Lings that the presbytery is becoming more episcopal with things like fresh expressions and shared benefices. (Fri Apr 11 18:48:30)
Daddy and the Hoovertrons: the epic ongoing battle against the evil dust aliens. (Fri Apr 11 16:49:40)
Suddenly feeling a bit rash for heading out in short sleeves and a light jacket. (Fri Apr 11 18:41:36)
I’m not the only one who’s underdressed in Harrogate. But I am the only one who’s male (and over 20) (Fri Apr 11 18:57:34)
Just read how 1 Cor 14 (“women, keep quiet”) may be Paul quoting and refuting, rather than proscribing. Paradigm shift!! (Mon Apr 14 20:57:11)
To be clear, I have often struggled with those particular verses, especially in recent years. (Mon Apr 14 21:00:29)
Officially on holiday. Ended up leaving the house earlier than on a work day. #MOT&Service. (Tue Apr 15 07:45:33)
The tomb is empty! He is Risen! He is Risen indeed – hallelujah! (Sun Apr 20 06:25:40)
Rest In Peace my delightful, frustrating, loving mixed up Mum. You were loved more than you know. (Sun Apr 27 09:51:03)
Next job is to start processing my Mum’s affairs. All very final. (Mon Apr 28 07:33:51)
First time on a Grand Central train. Seems pretty comfy thus far. (Mon Apr 28 15:45:16)
RT @OurCofE: Academics call it “theological reflection”. I call it @nandos. (Mon Apr 28 15:46:28)
Free WiFi and power sockets noticeably bigger and more widely spaced seats too. Just hope my ticket is valid! I also like clunk-click doors (Mon Apr 28 15:57:05)
Overwhelmed by the last few days’ events, and by all the love and support. I seriously need to change into some clean clothes now though!! (Mon Apr 28 17:29:59)
You can tell it has been a long journey when you’re happy to see Starbeck. (Only kidding – love ya really) (Mon Apr 28 18:40:14)
I think my attempt to impress the girl next to me on the train by doing the crossword failed. As indeed did my attempt at the crossword. (Mon Apr 28 18:44:35)
(I don’t think I’m allowed to make jokes like that once I’m a vicar, so making the most of it now.) (Mon Apr 28 18:48:45)
I love Harrogate – this is my walk home from the station.. http://t.co/NbJXvQqAqD (Mon Apr 28 18:56:01)
Choosing the music for my mum’s cremation. Makes me wonder what I’d like to play me out. (Fri May 02 07:45:27)
Agg. My server has demised. Everything spins up, but won’t even POST. Guessing mobo is fried. 🙁 (Sun May 04 12:37:22)
Right. Now for a sex education lesson at school! (Wed May 07 16:46:59)
Today’s excitement is a quick hop over the Irish sea for AGI conference in Belfast. Time for flight mode! (Tue May 13 07:06:17)
Arrived in Belfast. Little bit disappointed there are no leprechauns and nobody’s said “top ‘o’ the morning. (Tue May 13 08:22:01)
My sort of lunch break – enjoying the sun in the Botanic Gardens with a 99. (Tue May 13 12:19:20)
I like being at a conference where all the contributors say “the data are”. (Tue May 13 15:34:47)
Back on the mainland. Genuinely surprised that Belfast was so British – silly really, but I expected some difference after a flight overseas (Tue May 13 18:58:36)
So confused about what day it is, but I am sure it’s Growing Leaders session 8 this evening. Great session about the realities of leadership (Wed May 14 11:55:47)
All of my “rpm” dials are way in the red at the moment. Hoping that the external pressures ease before something internal gives! #RedZone (Wed May 14 12:25:18)
I hate reconfiguring a server. Dovecot is playing silly beggers and doesn’t appear to be logging anywhere. (Thu May 15 21:07:27)
Just spotted that I passed my 365 anniversary a couple of weeks ago. I only did 2.5 years of true “365” – all a bit ad hoc now. (Mon May 26 09:02:53)
Orders of service arrived for the memorial – look pretty good (if I do say so myself) (Fri May 30 07:03:00)
Put it off all week, but there is no more avoiding the Stray funfair. (Fri May 30 13:32:40)
For all that it breaks the bank, I do enjoy the funfair. There’s even a rollercoaster this time, which is a first in my memory. (Fri May 30 14:51:18)
Also got my offer of a place on the Yorkshire Ministry Course through. (And another book to read before I start!) (Fri May 30 14:52:13)
It turns out to be very useful when preparing a eulogy if the subject has written an autobiography. (Fri May 30 21:25:52)
I was born when my mum was around halfway through her life (~30 years before, ~39 after). OK, so 3/7ths rather than 1/2. (Fri May 30 21:30:34)
RT @BibleStdntsSay: Dear Students,
Emoticons are not really considered appropriate in academic writing. (Sat May 31 08:28:51)
I have just been followed by “vuvuzela man.” My life is complete. (Sat May 31 08:30:10)
Liturgically confused! So Jesus has ascended, the Holy Spirit hasn’t yet come, but Mary is visiting Elisabeth. (Sat May 31 21:31:29)
Just had my first online shop delivered from Morissons. Pretty good service. (Sun Jun 08 21:12:05)
The memorial went well. The rector reckons I can use the order of service as an assignment! Was an appropriate and moving occasion tho. (Sun Jun 08 21:18:19)
Anyway, time for Pentecost Night Prayer, then the hitting of the sack. (Sun Jun 08 21:19:16)
Browing my weblog – do people really think “GET /../../../../../../../../etc/passwd” is going to work? (Mon Jun 09 07:27:19)
Cracking Growing Leaders session lined up. It’s got flags and everything. (Wed Jun 11 17:05:10)
Flash of genius on cats does countdown – “can we not have the clock this time – it’s very distracting”. (Sun Jun 15 07:18:30)
My new morning exercise regime has so far had no impact on weight or muscle tone. It’s been, like, 4 days too. (Sun Jun 15 20:01:22)
You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity and in the power of the divine majesty to worship the Unity. (Sun Jun 15 20:28:49)
It is a sad truth that the only way to avoid snacking is not to have access to snacks. (Mon Jun 16 12:17:58)
I’ve just taken my 1,000 photo since I started my “365” (it’s not a 365 anymore – more of a 100 – but still). http://t.co/fBLkJ7SpEv (Fri Jun 27 08:37:35)
We may be out of the World Cup, but there’s always St George’s lasagne! http://t.co/6Ln78kVSR3 (Fri Jun 27 12:05:27)
I wonder if I actually got invited into Who’s Who whether I’d realise, or just delete it as spam. (Fri Jun 27 21:28:20)
The mystery of the overflowing drain is solved. http://t.co/GTpkZHRLd1 (Sat Jun 28 08:17:37)
Guessing that the copter hovering over Harrogate is a TV one – practising for next weekend? (Sun Jun 29 13:32:36)
Or maybe related to the spitfire fly by which just happened. (Sun Jun 29 13:33:13)
I have reached the age when quiet weekends are a blessing not a boredom! (Mon Jun 30 07:53:41)
I hate making mistakes, especially with the one thing I’ve been given to do. *sigh* (Mon Jun 30 21:20:35)
Yewdale road is amazing. Every house is decorated http://t.co/XBneEXIpVf (Fri Jul 04 07:20:41)
Roads in the saints are deserted. Could be the school holidays. (Fri Jul 04 07:30:48)
Heard tell of the Beckhams spotted in Betty’s in the last day or two. (Fri Jul 04 08:02:04)
Just realised that I’ve been walking round Harrogate for 2 hrs – no wonder I want a sit down! (Fri Jul 04 09:14:12)
I wonder if Star Trek movies ever get tired? Apart from the odd numbered ones, obviously. (Fri Jul 04 20:24:46)
My phone just failed a drop test. First cracked screen in 22 years of phone ownership. (Sun Jul 06 09:32:16)
Good turnout along the Knaresborough Rd. Ou est le peleton, we all wonder.
(Answer – hasn’t left York yet) #LeTour (Sun Jul 06 10:02:32)
Hotting up on the Knaresborough Rd. Wonder how far ahead the break will be when they get here. #LeTour (Sun Jul 06 10:26:20)
Finally, the pelaton follow up the Knaresborough Rd. #LeTour #Harrogate http://t.co/Ql0WRVygdH (Sun Jul 06 13:12:07)
I love the cycle to work during the Yorkshire Show. I get the Wetherby Rd all toyself! (Tue Jul 08 07:55:50)
Feeling bittersweet. Just finished last Growing Leaders course. It’s been a big part of my life for 4 years, but God is doing a new thing. (Wed Jul 09 21:40:21)
That article in the Times about men becoming sexually invisible to women at 39 is nonsense. I’ve been that way all my life! (Thu Jul 10 21:24:53)
Sent no 1 son to have a shower. 15 minutes later he gets out. His legs are still muddy from the cycle ride. (Fri Jul 11 07:03:09)
It even looks as if a little bit of water stayed in the shower this time. #PassTheMop (Fri Jul 11 07:08:48)
The stray is a bit like someone has picked up Hyde Park and dropped it in Harrogate. #ExLondoner (Fri Jul 11 08:17:08)
They’ve done a great job on West Park – you wouldn’t know the TDF had been! (Fri Jul 11 10:06:47)
I’m a little embarrassed by my former stance on women vicars (and my extension Bishops). I can’t find a compelling “anti” argument . (Mon Jul 14 11:28:41)
@HannahnagroM I think it takes a very literal and selective reading of scripture. I can understand the anti position – I just don’t agree. (Mon Jul 14 11:56:10)
Female Bishops is not about equality – quite the opposite. It is only men and women together which form the image of God. (Mon Jul 14 17:19:37)
I’m glad this nonsense about vicars in shell suits didn’t take hold. Can only be good to have choice over robing in my opinion. (Mon Jul 14 18:34:36)
We can now move on from how we dress and get on with the gospel (Consider the flowers of the field…) (Mon Jul 14 18:38:25)
No 1 son at cub camp this weekend. Camping. Bit concerned by the weather forecast. (Wed Jul 16 20:26:14)
That’s it. Final thank you’s written. Final accounts accounted for. No more Growing Leaders for me. #WhatARide #GodAtWork #MixedEmotions (Wed Jul 16 21:12:13)
Looks like interesting weather ahead. Seriously hot tomorrow. Seriously wet at the weekend. Sunshine and showers it aint. (Thu Jul 17 14:25:49)
Rather too much breaking news yesterday. Guess the Rapture Index has taken a hike! Thoughts and prayers for those affected and our world. (Fri Jul 18 07:52:31)
It’s Friday. That can only mean that it’s time for the next exciting installment of Hoovertron and the Dust Aliens. #housework #DaddyDay (Fri Jul 18 08:13:06)
Funny moment at work this week. Colleague asking about a SQL temp table. “What’s hashtag DistMatrix for?” (Fri Jul 18 08:15:45)
Looks like we’ve skipped the heatwave and gone straight to the rain in Yorkshire! (Fri Jul 18 10:58:14)
Looks the the thunderstorm is sneaking past on the east flank, which is sad for me (love a good storm), but v. good for cub camp. (Sat Jul 19 18:20:29)
I found Trouble at Mill? (http://t.co/fyuvYlMb8P). #cgeo #geocaching (Thu Aug 14 16:54:12)
I am genuinely confounded my the depravity of mind which allows IS to believe their actions are right, or of God. (Mon Aug 25 15:00:12)
On a lighter note, why is she an actress and not an actrix? (Mon Aug 25 15:06:52)
Hope the babysitter got my cancellation message. If not he’s going to find me in bed with a lemsip, feeling grotty! (Mon Aug 25 18:45:37)
Wading through “A History of Christianity”. Wondering at times if I’m reading about 400 or 2014. #PlusCaChange (Mon Aug 25 18:47:48)
“We’re off, we’re off on a mighty quest”. Good fun at @RHSHarlowCarr at the weekend (in our paladin band). (Tue Aug 26 08:10:18)
Not been climbing for 6 months. As a wise friend said, when you have a bereavement you also get lots of knock-on little bereavements. (Wed Aug 27 06:33:05)
“Ola, senior Toucan”
Yup, No 2 has entered the Dora zone. (Thu Aug 28 06:09:02)
Getting into loom bands. Easy, cheap, and no special equipment needed. Like a quicker reincarnation of (embroidery) friendship bracelets. (Fri Aug 29 17:00:46)
Swapped my jeans and boots for shorts and sandals. It’s a scorcher in #harrogate. (Fri Sep 05 11:36:27)
The Cutting Edge mini-albums were well named. Still sounding fresh and relevant a couple of decades on. (Fri Sep 05 14:06:54)
Cake Trails…: How to make a fire truck cake {Tutorial} http://t.co/iRKazYKtxD (Tue Sep 09 12:53:30)
So good to pray with @leach_mick. Our time is often uncomfortable and vulnerable, but always a means of trust, blessing and growth. (Tue Sep 09 20:46:24)
( … Might need to have a sherry to calm down a bit before bed) (Tue Sep 09 20:47:25)
Well. So it begins. YMC induction day tomorrow! (Fri Sep 12 12:57:24)
Had my first stab at piping mashed potato this afternoon. Didn’t go too well! (Fri Oct 24 19:55:08)
Is there a cosmic rule that dictates children may only sleep in on days when parents have to get up early anyway? (Tue Nov 11 07:08:46)
We will remember. (Tue Nov 11 07:10:36)
Jenga lorry. http://t.co/8JEoOwUvLh (Fri Nov 14 15:10:53)
Good week so far. Fixed 2 bugs at work, did alright for my first YMC assignment, climbing this evening and Gospel of John tomorrow evening. (Tue Nov 25 17:04:59)
Dangermouse is coming back! With no less a vocal talent then Xander Armstrong and Stephen Fry. (Mon Dec 01 12:19:16)
Well. First term at YMC in the bag. Exhausting and exhilarating, 2 assignments due in January, then it all starts again! (Wed Dec 03 22:30:00)
Apparently I used my “vicar voice” at house group this evening. #DangersOfBeingAnOrdinand. (Mon Dec 15 22:02:34)
I’ve also decided to pronounce “Xmas” “Chi-mas”. (Mon Dec 15 22:03:48)
School nursery nativity this morning. It’s great to not work Fridays so I can help out and watch! (Fri Dec 19 08:57:17)
Got about 4 clues left in the Church Times Christmas Crossword. Unfortunately they’re the hardest four. (Sat Dec 20 23:08:07)
.. But there have been some brilliant anagrams along the way. Loved 1A for instance. @churchtimes (Sat Dec 20 23:09:40)
@Kneewax Funnily enough 1A was indeed Jesus (in a long winded way) as were at least 2 others (if you squint a bit). (Sat Dec 20 23:10:57)
Loving the “12 days of Christmas” trail at Fountains http://t.co/bFfE75D7nd (Mon Dec 29 15:48:08)
There was a time when I’d always have to fish at least one plectrum out of my pocket whenever I put my trousers in the wash. (Mon Dec 29 22:20:41)
RT @NickMotown: I’ve noticed that parents who go into “Baby Changing Facilities” invariably come out with the same one.
Very suspicious. (Mon Dec 29 22:26:32)
It’s the panto. Oh yes it is. http://t.co/lLQssoQal1 (Wed Dec 31 09:51:08)
Well, 2014 was one heck of a year for us. I’m not too sad it’s over, to be honest.
The two big hitters of the year were the death of my Mum back in April (and everything leading up to it, and following it), and being recommended for ordination training (again), but this time actually starting it.
My younger son also started going to nursery school, and he now goes for 6 sessions (i.e. 1/2 days) a week. He’s also managed to get through 2 childminders this year. In both cases they announced they were giving up childminding, and gave us 6 weeks notice to find alternative childcare!! I don’t think it was because of him…
Thankfully the elder son has had a quieter year, the biggest excitement probably being that he is now a scout.
I spent much of the first quarter of the year on the phone or dashing down the country to be with my Mum. I’m so glad I was with her on her last night, and was able to speak at her memorial service in the summer. It’s been a lot of hard work executing her estate (and it wasn’t a particularly complex will either), but we’ve about managed to wrap it up. Like the loss of my Dad a decade ago, it’s been great to be going through this with my two sisters. I found the loss of a second parent easier, I think partly because I had a better idea of what to expect, but also because I don’t feel like there was unfinished business between us. There were 2 or 3 times when I was sure it was “goodbye”, but each time she rallied! So the end, when it did come, was no surprise. Praying quietly with her by her side as she drew near the end was a privilege.
The ordination thing was the other rollercoaster – going to another BAP (at the same place as last time), knowing in the back of my mind that my last BAP was in the shadow of my Dad’s death, and this BAP was with my Mum on a fairly sticky wicket! But together we discerned God’s ongoing calling, and my recommendation report was better than first time around (which you might hope – would be a worry if I was in the same place spiritually as 7 yeasrs ago).
The Yorkshire Ministry Course was the only realistic option for training, and so far it was been brilliant. During term time, my “space” has completely evaporated. I refused to give up climbing and photography altogether, and my “rocks” come before my training – but mountains of reading, note taking, essays, lectures. Really really good stuff, and I’ve never read the Bible so intensely before (most of the whole NT in 10 weeks – a book or more a week, each read in a single sitting). But the theology side is half the story – it’s really about formation, being formed into a minister of the Church, and a visible/”official” public representative of God and Jesus.
Without doubt the best part of the course is the other people on it, and the time we spend together. There are already one or two people who have made a huge difference, and I’m sure will be friends for life.
Well, just 4 days left of 2014 – seems like a reasonable point at which to have a look back over the year, and in particular how I did against my “hit list” which I posted way back in January.
Pocket Money – YES. System worked well.
Climbing – Not so good. Only 6 climbs, but I did lead a 6a clean in March.
Photography – Better than I thought, as I posted 146 photos (and counting, I guess), and did at least one most weeks. It’s really tailed off since September, when I started training. Only 33 photos since the start of September.
Cinema – I did go and see Catching Fire, which was fab, and I wanted to see Mockingjay pt 1 but missed it. We did get Netflix this year though, so I have been sneaking in the odd film via that medium.
Blogging – yes, well. The main casuality of this year. A paltry 9 posts (10, including this one). It might reach 12 by year end.
Roast app, TweetRate – neither.
Hospitality – not really any better, although we have had more people to stay this year.
40th – came and went really. I did have plans to get singing lessons, but all the stuff with my Mum meant I had to shelve this, and then didn’t have time before I started training.
My “rocks” are in much better shape, and it’s a tick across the board for them.
There have been some positive things too, which weren’t on my hit list, but might have been:
Being recommended for ordination training.
Starting ordination training.
Studying theology.
Some very cool baking – fire engine cake and meringue mushrooms in particular.
![FIER](/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2012-04-07-300x200.jpg")
There are many ways to interact with the Bible – I have previously talked about
One of the ancient contemplative habits of the ancients is Lectio Divino, or Holy Reading.
, Mark Yaconelli, SPCK Publishing 2006.
, Eugene Peterson, Hodder & Stoughton 2008
