Back on the Platform

The last two Sundays we have had the privilege of platform ministry again - today to Clapton for our Sunday placement, last weekend to Cardiff Ely for YP Annual.

We are enjoying the placement at Clapton - but today I am struck by the contrasts of a worshipping community in a challenging inner city area, a congregation of haves and have nots certainly, but also what the iChurch people would call "messy church". Someone commented that some of the people don't know how to behave in church, but as I reflect on the way in which people so readily accept us, share with us in conversation and, through their own response and participation in worship, minister to us - maybe it's not so messy after all...

Au Revoir Starbucks

Our local Sainsburys also plays host to our local Starbucks. Last Friday came the news that the coffee shop was closing for 6 months refurbishment. Sad news indeed - even 4-year old Caitlin was asking why! Many of us in the Denmark Hill community will miss Starbucks - not only for the convenience of a coffee before, after, or during grocery shopping - but also as a place of escape and refuge!

Saturday saw a number of us passing through for a final latte and a fond farewell.

The unwritten rules of the Starbucks/WBC social code: when and when not to sit with cadets or staff - will have to be applied in other places for now.

The good news is that the staff have been relocated to another site and the coffee shop should be back before commissioning. In the meantime there is a Caffe Nero in East Dulwich, not to mention our friendly coffee stand in Denmark Hill station (you can just about get a cappuccino between morning prayers and first lecture).

And the news was a lot worse for a certain staff member who was given a Starbucks top-up card for Christmas!

Self-Promised Progress

Much to my disappointment, in Sydney England managed to lose 3 wickets on day 4 before the highlights of day 3 had even finished in the UK!

In the meantime, I did at least manage to get up to date on my reading plan, so progress to date now stands at:

• OT - Gen 11:9
• NT - Mt. 5:20
• Psalms - 4:8
• Proverbs - 1:7

Other stats of interest are:

• 34 days to appointment
• 197 days to commissioning

More importantly, key verses of the day are:

"But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high." (Psalm 3:3, TNIV)

"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 5:8, TNIV)

Taking Stock, Thinking Blog

I have been browsing some of the blogs I check into from time to time and find myself wondering why it is other people have more to say. As I sit here waiting for the "highlights" of today's play in the 5th Ashes Test I find myself thinking about work I should be doing:

- Preparation for the YP Annual next weekend at Cardiff Ely
- A 2000-word paper on post-modernity
- A seminar paper and presentation on ordination
- Completing review & evaluation self-assessment documents
- Preparing Monday's band practice

Alternatively, I could be reading any number of books.

I am also aware that this year I have made a personal commitment to a "read the Bible in a year" plan - something I haven't done for quite a while. It's day 4 of the reading plan, but I am still on day 2. I am resolving to catch up after the cricket. Maybe if nothing else, this blog could be my own personal accountability place!

College life has started again, and already we are back in reflective mood as we approach our next review and evaluation (a bit like an appraisal). Having to write about one's own spiritual development is quite a daunting task... So I have opted for the cricket highlights instead!

Next time I check in here I should at least be back on track with the reading plan!