One of the games we love to play with our 15 month-old granddaughter Chloe is "How big is Chloe?" It's interesting to see how she seems to understand what we are asking her and she imitates the gesture we make to show her how big she is.
Before coming to Iowa I never thought to ask the question, "How big is Iowa?" I had only been in Iowa once back in 1972 when I passed through the state on my way back to seminary after internship in Southern California, and that was just "cutting through" on my journey.
But after spending three days here and traveling from Des Moines to Council Bluffs (near Nebraska) and then from Des Moines to Iowa City (out east), I have a much better sense of how big this state really is.
But the size of the state is something that cannot be measured simply in miles or hours traveled. One of the ways to "measure" this state is to ask about the people who are living here and serving Christ through the church here.
My visits gave me a chance to meet several people who have responded to the call of God to serve in their churches as members of their Ministry Development Teams. Each person has their own gifts and personalities, but one thing they share in common is the sincere desire to offer themselves in service to God through their churches. For some that means serving as a team "member," but for others it means accepting the call to be ordained and serve as priests.
To meet the "requirements" for ordination they need to be nominated for the office and then take part in a training program that includes all the members of their future MDT. In most cases it also means that they must be willing to serve without being paid for their ministry (although that is not a "requirement"). Then, after being ordained, they take on a role, not as the clerical "boss" over the congregation, but as another member of the team.
All of these elements undoubtedly create serious anxiety in the hearts and minds of Lutheran clergy and even many lay people. All of the institutional "safeguards" built into the Lutheran system of creating pastors are virtually set aside, and what results is an order of ministry that is locally rooted y and locally grounded. The servants of the Word are raised up from local communities of believers, trained alongside members of that same community, and then authorized to preach and preside in the midst of the very same people.
Is it possible for God to work through such a system? That's a good question. To say "yes" is to assume that God has provided and will continue to provide the gifts the community needs in order to not only survive but to go forward effectively with the mission of making disciples of all nations.
And what are we saying about God, God's Church, and God's mission if we say "No" to that question? Are we wiser than God? Do we think we are better than God at the task of discerning what is in the hearts of people? And most importantly, as we look to the future of the Church, seeing the aging and the decline in the numbers of church members and the decreasing financial support church members can provide, can we honestly say that the way we did ministry in the past will turn things around?
And one more question: can we really insist that the proper calling of those who are baptized and gifted members of the Body of Christ is limited to sitting in their pews and putting their envelopes in the offering plate while their "paid pastors" take on an increasing share of responsibility for the ministry of the whole body?
How big is Iowa? How big are our hearts?
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
IOWA JOURNEY BEGINS
When I contacted Bishop Alan Scarfe about visiting the Iowa Diocese of the Episcopal Church to learn about their experience with Total Ministry, I was warmly received. Today I experienced more of that warmth as we ventured out across the state of Iowa for two hours toward the Nebraska border.
In Council Bluffs, Iowa I met with members of the Western quadrant to learn about how they became involved in ministry and eventually became members of their ministry teams.
At the heart of their experience was a process known as ordination to local ministry.
Essentially what happens is that a parish or a cluster of parishes that need to make a change in their pattern of ministry seek assistance from the diocese in the forming of a ministry development team. With the assistance of the bishop's staff members of a parish are brought together to learn about the ministry of the baptized, spiritual gifts, and the biblical foundation for ministry in the church.
As members engage in the conversation, a time comes when they are all asked to nominate persons from their group whom they believe may be called and gifted by God for ministry in specific areas, including the priesthood.
The bishop contacts the individuals who were nominated to see whether they have heard God's call, and if a group of them respond affirmatively, they are asked to commit themselves to take part in a multi-year training process that will eventually result in their commissioning for ministry as a team, with one of more of their team being set apart by ordination.
Such a process is quite different from the traditional pathway to ordination for most clergy. Instead of leaving home for three or four years of study (after receiving a college degree), candidates are trained together with a group of people from their own parish with whom they will be ministering and developing the ministry of others in their parish.
Also, instead of starting out in ministry with a tremendous debt after attending seminary and heading out on their own into a parish where they will have to develop relationships with everyone there, these priests are able to carry out their roles as ministers in a place where they have already been trying out their gifts for ministry among people with whom they already have relationships.
There are plusses and minuses in having such a system of preparing people for ministry at a local level. That would take too much space to write about here. But it is a meaningful way to address the issues that exist when churches have small membership and are unable to call or support their own full-time, salaried clergy leader, and it makes possible the continuation of the ministry of the gospel in settings where it might otherwise be impossible.
In Council Bluffs, Iowa I met with members of the Western quadrant to learn about how they became involved in ministry and eventually became members of their ministry teams.
At the heart of their experience was a process known as ordination to local ministry.
Essentially what happens is that a parish or a cluster of parishes that need to make a change in their pattern of ministry seek assistance from the diocese in the forming of a ministry development team. With the assistance of the bishop's staff members of a parish are brought together to learn about the ministry of the baptized, spiritual gifts, and the biblical foundation for ministry in the church.
As members engage in the conversation, a time comes when they are all asked to nominate persons from their group whom they believe may be called and gifted by God for ministry in specific areas, including the priesthood.
The bishop contacts the individuals who were nominated to see whether they have heard God's call, and if a group of them respond affirmatively, they are asked to commit themselves to take part in a multi-year training process that will eventually result in their commissioning for ministry as a team, with one of more of their team being set apart by ordination.
Such a process is quite different from the traditional pathway to ordination for most clergy. Instead of leaving home for three or four years of study (after receiving a college degree), candidates are trained together with a group of people from their own parish with whom they will be ministering and developing the ministry of others in their parish.
Also, instead of starting out in ministry with a tremendous debt after attending seminary and heading out on their own into a parish where they will have to develop relationships with everyone there, these priests are able to carry out their roles as ministers in a place where they have already been trying out their gifts for ministry among people with whom they already have relationships.
There are plusses and minuses in having such a system of preparing people for ministry at a local level. That would take too much space to write about here. But it is a meaningful way to address the issues that exist when churches have small membership and are unable to call or support their own full-time, salaried clergy leader, and it makes possible the continuation of the ministry of the gospel in settings where it might otherwise be impossible.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
COOPERATIVE MINISTRY PART 2
Alas the Rangers lost , but that gives me the freedom to root now for the Penguins without any misgivings.
I said I would say more about Cooperative Ministry as it is experienced in the Pittsburgh Lutheran United Ministries (aka PLUM).
PLUM was started several years ago as a result of a discussion between some pastors who were looking for alternatives to the "Lone Ranger model of ministry" for their small and declining congregations.
The typical institutional response to the problem of churches that have people but are not capable of supporting their own individual "full time pastor" is to look for a couple of congregations that are near each other and convince the leadership that they would be able to survive if they made the decision to call one pastor who would serve both congregations. In some cases, if the pastor were a member of the "Superpastor Club," they might even convince three or more churches to join together in a "yoked" ministry (as well as the potential Superpastor, of course.)
On the surface this might seem logical to people who are used to relying upon their pastor to do everything for them. The only tough part for the congregations is figuring out how to equitably divide the cost of having a pastor between the "partners in ministry."
Conflicts may rise up when they are forced to set up a Sunday worship schedule. Who gets to have the pastor for the early service and who gets the pastor for the later one? Do we have to change our regular worship service time?
Other issues might arise when the pastor has to schedule specific meetings to attend-- Council meetings, committee meetings, etc. but those can usually be worked out if there aren't too many churches sharing the one pastor.
In any event, the only real advantage such an arrangement has is that it provides worship leadership at a lower cost to the congregation. The pastor pays a price for the "privilege" of being able to do twice as much as other pastors our required to do, but isn't that what Jesus was talking about when he said that anyone who wants to be his disciple must be willing to take up his cross?
In a "cooperative ministry" relationship there are at least two "pastors" for two churches from the beginning. In time there will be other congregations involved in the shared ministry, and there may be some cost savings, but the cost of ministry will be shared by everyone and, more importantly, the work of ministry will be shared as well as people begin to discover their spiritual gifts and use them in the service of the gospel.
One of the less visible but very important features of bringing churches together for cooperative ministry is that the new "body" discovers it has resources that it didn't have before. Instead of having two congregations operate in isolation from one another, they now begin to think about ways they can offer one another resources that would benefit each other.
Another equally important feature of this relationship is that it gives the pastors an opportunity to share in pastoral ministry with one another. Rather than having to do everything alone, they benefit from the interaction that takes place as they think together about the ministries of the congregations they are serving. Sermon preparation, educational programs, pastoral care of members, conflict mediation, and just regular prayer and reflection is richer when there are two minds rather than one moving in the same direction.
Sadly, we have designed the pattern of pastoral ministry of the church in such a way that failure is much more likely than success in most cases. We continue to foster unrealistic expectations of those we call to serve us and we deprive them of the possibility of having a collegial, interactive, supportive relationship that will bear fruit for the entire community of believers. More to come . . .
I said I would say more about Cooperative Ministry as it is experienced in the Pittsburgh Lutheran United Ministries (aka PLUM).
PLUM was started several years ago as a result of a discussion between some pastors who were looking for alternatives to the "Lone Ranger model of ministry" for their small and declining congregations.
The typical institutional response to the problem of churches that have people but are not capable of supporting their own individual "full time pastor" is to look for a couple of congregations that are near each other and convince the leadership that they would be able to survive if they made the decision to call one pastor who would serve both congregations. In some cases, if the pastor were a member of the "Superpastor Club," they might even convince three or more churches to join together in a "yoked" ministry (as well as the potential Superpastor, of course.)
On the surface this might seem logical to people who are used to relying upon their pastor to do everything for them. The only tough part for the congregations is figuring out how to equitably divide the cost of having a pastor between the "partners in ministry."
Conflicts may rise up when they are forced to set up a Sunday worship schedule. Who gets to have the pastor for the early service and who gets the pastor for the later one? Do we have to change our regular worship service time?
Other issues might arise when the pastor has to schedule specific meetings to attend-- Council meetings, committee meetings, etc. but those can usually be worked out if there aren't too many churches sharing the one pastor.
In any event, the only real advantage such an arrangement has is that it provides worship leadership at a lower cost to the congregation. The pastor pays a price for the "privilege" of being able to do twice as much as other pastors our required to do, but isn't that what Jesus was talking about when he said that anyone who wants to be his disciple must be willing to take up his cross?
In a "cooperative ministry" relationship there are at least two "pastors" for two churches from the beginning. In time there will be other congregations involved in the shared ministry, and there may be some cost savings, but the cost of ministry will be shared by everyone and, more importantly, the work of ministry will be shared as well as people begin to discover their spiritual gifts and use them in the service of the gospel.
One of the less visible but very important features of bringing churches together for cooperative ministry is that the new "body" discovers it has resources that it didn't have before. Instead of having two congregations operate in isolation from one another, they now begin to think about ways they can offer one another resources that would benefit each other.
Another equally important feature of this relationship is that it gives the pastors an opportunity to share in pastoral ministry with one another. Rather than having to do everything alone, they benefit from the interaction that takes place as they think together about the ministries of the congregations they are serving. Sermon preparation, educational programs, pastoral care of members, conflict mediation, and just regular prayer and reflection is richer when there are two minds rather than one moving in the same direction.
Sadly, we have designed the pattern of pastoral ministry of the church in such a way that failure is much more likely than success in most cases. We continue to foster unrealistic expectations of those we call to serve us and we deprive them of the possibility of having a collegial, interactive, supportive relationship that will bear fruit for the entire community of believers. More to come . . .
Saturday, May 25, 2013
COOPERATIVE MINISTRY PART 1
I won't be able to say a lot right now about my visit here in Pittsburgh. Although my visits were not as intense as my visits in England, I experienced a lot that I will need to reflect on in the future. Besides, the Rangers game is going to start in just a few minutes.
But I do want to introduce a term I have heard constantly ever since I began meeting people here. It is a form of sharing ministry that is called "Cooperative Ministry."
Cooperative Ministry has a lot in common with the type of ministry going on in Britain, but there also seems to be something about it that is different about this way of doing ministry. That's why I need time to process it.
Simply put, "Cooperative Ministry" describes the way clergy serve together as a team by providing leadership for a group of congregations who are willing to enter into a "contract" with one another that requires them to cooperate with one another so that together they can accomplish much more than they could ever hope to accomplish on an individual congregation basis.
But Cooperative Ministry is more than just an agreement or contract between different parties. There are very specific expectations that the pastors and the congregations share in relation to one another. Their joint ministry relies upon the willingness of pastors and congregations to make a commitment to one another that will enable them to be there for each other for the sake of God's mission and to put aside personal priorities and agendas for a common good.
I will say more about this in the future.
But I do want to introduce a term I have heard constantly ever since I began meeting people here. It is a form of sharing ministry that is called "Cooperative Ministry."
Cooperative Ministry has a lot in common with the type of ministry going on in Britain, but there also seems to be something about it that is different about this way of doing ministry. That's why I need time to process it.
Simply put, "Cooperative Ministry" describes the way clergy serve together as a team by providing leadership for a group of congregations who are willing to enter into a "contract" with one another that requires them to cooperate with one another so that together they can accomplish much more than they could ever hope to accomplish on an individual congregation basis.
But Cooperative Ministry is more than just an agreement or contract between different parties. There are very specific expectations that the pastors and the congregations share in relation to one another. Their joint ministry relies upon the willingness of pastors and congregations to make a commitment to one another that will enable them to be there for each other for the sake of God's mission and to put aside personal priorities and agendas for a common good.
I will say more about this in the future.
PROM NIGHT
There are several things I want to share about my visit here in Pittsburgh, so I will write a few short items beginning with a more "light-hearted" topic.
Last night, for many people in Pittsburgh there was only one thing to think and talk about. The Penguins were getting ready to meet the Ottawa Senators in the fifth game in the NHL Stanley Cup series.
Everywhere we went all day, from morning to night, there were "Penguins" all over the place-- that is, people dressed in Penguins game shirts who were psyched up for the evening's Big Event. There were so many people dressed that way that it made me feel rather conspicuous walking around with a simple clergy shirt, but at least it wasn't a Rangers shirt.
All this being the case, you can understand why I was so shocked when my host, Pastor John, brought me up to Mount Washington, a location overlooking the entire city of Pittsburgh. In several places along the road there are scenic overlooks conveniently available for anyone to visit to enjoy the view, and as we approached each one we saw large limos parked alongside the road.
They were there, I soon discovered, because it was also Prom Night for local high school students. They were dressed up in their fine array and taking pictures before darkness fell over the city. There were no Penguin outfits here. Tuxes and ball gowns were the appropriate apparel for these folks, and although there was a pretty stiff breeze blowing through the valley and over Mount Washington, they seemed to be in a world of their own.
I must admit that I didn't really know what to think about these folks. I never went to a Prom when I was in high school. I was one of those who grew up thinking that there was something decadent about activities like dancing. I never had the chance to feel the excitement of getting ready for that "Special Night."
But then again, I've only been to one NHL hockey game in all my life-- and that wasn't part of the lead up to the Stanley Cup. I'm sure I was excited that night, but I can't even remember whether the Islanders won or lost.
But I'll remember this night on Mount Washington and the view of that city which was once such a jewel for so many in a much more prosperous time. I'll remember the passion that the "Penguin people" displayed-- as evident by their different forms of dress. I'll also remember the enchantment that brightened the faces of the beautiful teens who came up the hill to take photographs. But most of all, from my perspective, I will remember that magnificent view.
It struck me that this was a sort of parable about how different people can experience life differently by focusing on different things. For some the highlight of the day was seeing the Penguins decisively defeat the Senators, and still, for others it was "Prom Night." For us it was the ability to look out and see the beautiful city before us. Which group was right? Perhaps they all were.
Enjoy the game, enjoy the dance, but don't forget to enjoy the view.
Last night, for many people in Pittsburgh there was only one thing to think and talk about. The Penguins were getting ready to meet the Ottawa Senators in the fifth game in the NHL Stanley Cup series.
Everywhere we went all day, from morning to night, there were "Penguins" all over the place-- that is, people dressed in Penguins game shirts who were psyched up for the evening's Big Event. There were so many people dressed that way that it made me feel rather conspicuous walking around with a simple clergy shirt, but at least it wasn't a Rangers shirt.
All this being the case, you can understand why I was so shocked when my host, Pastor John, brought me up to Mount Washington, a location overlooking the entire city of Pittsburgh. In several places along the road there are scenic overlooks conveniently available for anyone to visit to enjoy the view, and as we approached each one we saw large limos parked alongside the road.
They were there, I soon discovered, because it was also Prom Night for local high school students. They were dressed up in their fine array and taking pictures before darkness fell over the city. There were no Penguin outfits here. Tuxes and ball gowns were the appropriate apparel for these folks, and although there was a pretty stiff breeze blowing through the valley and over Mount Washington, they seemed to be in a world of their own.
I must admit that I didn't really know what to think about these folks. I never went to a Prom when I was in high school. I was one of those who grew up thinking that there was something decadent about activities like dancing. I never had the chance to feel the excitement of getting ready for that "Special Night."
But then again, I've only been to one NHL hockey game in all my life-- and that wasn't part of the lead up to the Stanley Cup. I'm sure I was excited that night, but I can't even remember whether the Islanders won or lost.
But I'll remember this night on Mount Washington and the view of that city which was once such a jewel for so many in a much more prosperous time. I'll remember the passion that the "Penguin people" displayed-- as evident by their different forms of dress. I'll also remember the enchantment that brightened the faces of the beautiful teens who came up the hill to take photographs. But most of all, from my perspective, I will remember that magnificent view.
It struck me that this was a sort of parable about how different people can experience life differently by focusing on different things. For some the highlight of the day was seeing the Penguins decisively defeat the Senators, and still, for others it was "Prom Night." For us it was the ability to look out and see the beautiful city before us. Which group was right? Perhaps they all were.
Enjoy the game, enjoy the dance, but don't forget to enjoy the view.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
ROUND TWO
One of the most important things I learned on my first sabbatical journey was that there are many things I do not need to pack and carry in my suitcase. My 50 lb. 29" suitcase was a challenge for me wherever I went. Even just going upstairs in someone's home required some careful planning.
So I am packing lighter and smarter, I think, and I have downsized the suitcase as well. Rightly so, since this trip will be shorter and more "local" (if going from New York to Pittsburgh to Des Moines, Iowa, to Sacramento by way of Dallas, Texas can be considered shorter.)
My purpose in making this journey is to learn how shared ministry has been developing in the U.S. among Lutherans and Episcopalians in quite different settings from overseas.
I am starting out by visiting with Lutherans in the Pittsburgh Lutheran United Ministries (P.L.U.M.). They are, in a sense, "groundbreakers" among Lutherans when it comes to sharing ministry, with a multi-church, multi-site, multi-pastor ministry that is already spinning off similar experiments in Western Pennsylvania. They are demonstrating an alternative to the "Last one out, turn off the lights" strategy that is far too common among churches today.
The Brits have been experimenting with different approaches for nearly four decades already, but it is only in recent years that anyone saw a need for even thinking about alternatives to the way we are doing church in this country.
My visits in Iowa and Northern California Dioceses will give me another glimpse of how bishops, clergy, and lay leaders have been trying to develop new approaches to the challenges Christians face in the midst of an increasingly secularized culture where church attendance is not "automatic" and where mission is still possible.
After this trip I will be home to celebrate my wife's birthday and rest for a while before heading out once more to Minnesota where I will visit with Episcopalians who have been sharing ministry in a variety of settings in very creative ways. In Minnesota Lutherans are still in abundance, while Episcopalians are in somewhat of a "minority" status membership-wise, in a way somewhat similar to the situation we face in Metro New York in relation to our Roman Catholic neighbors. That's why I know we can learn a lot from their experience.
So, I'm getting the suitcase ready and will head out via LIRR for my second journey from JFK on Wednesday. Please keep me in your prayers as I keep you in mine.
So I am packing lighter and smarter, I think, and I have downsized the suitcase as well. Rightly so, since this trip will be shorter and more "local" (if going from New York to Pittsburgh to Des Moines, Iowa, to Sacramento by way of Dallas, Texas can be considered shorter.)
My purpose in making this journey is to learn how shared ministry has been developing in the U.S. among Lutherans and Episcopalians in quite different settings from overseas.
I am starting out by visiting with Lutherans in the Pittsburgh Lutheran United Ministries (P.L.U.M.). They are, in a sense, "groundbreakers" among Lutherans when it comes to sharing ministry, with a multi-church, multi-site, multi-pastor ministry that is already spinning off similar experiments in Western Pennsylvania. They are demonstrating an alternative to the "Last one out, turn off the lights" strategy that is far too common among churches today.
The Brits have been experimenting with different approaches for nearly four decades already, but it is only in recent years that anyone saw a need for even thinking about alternatives to the way we are doing church in this country.
My visits in Iowa and Northern California Dioceses will give me another glimpse of how bishops, clergy, and lay leaders have been trying to develop new approaches to the challenges Christians face in the midst of an increasingly secularized culture where church attendance is not "automatic" and where mission is still possible.
After this trip I will be home to celebrate my wife's birthday and rest for a while before heading out once more to Minnesota where I will visit with Episcopalians who have been sharing ministry in a variety of settings in very creative ways. In Minnesota Lutherans are still in abundance, while Episcopalians are in somewhat of a "minority" status membership-wise, in a way somewhat similar to the situation we face in Metro New York in relation to our Roman Catholic neighbors. That's why I know we can learn a lot from their experience.
So, I'm getting the suitcase ready and will head out via LIRR for my second journey from JFK on Wednesday. Please keep me in your prayers as I keep you in mine.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
GETTING READY FOR HOME
Today I am getting my suitcases packed and ready to go for an early morning bus trip into Heathrow airport tomorrow.
It has been over a month since I left home and, while I am grateful for all the hospitality I received and for the learning I have gained about how people are sharing ministry in this country, I will be happy to be home with my family again.
I do not have a "report" to share at this time, but I have nearly 100 pages of notebook notes taken with my Livescribe recording pen and at least 60 hours of other audio recordings and 12 hours of video that I have accumulated along the way, so I will have some "raw material" to sort through at some point later on.
I took off on this journey with the hope that I would learn from people about how and why they are engaged in ministry at a local parish level. I also learned as I went along how the leaders of dioceses and educational leaders have worked together to create the kind of environment in which people can discover and develop the gifts God has given them and then offer them in service to God through their churches and in their everyday lives at home and at work.
All of this presupposes that there is a way clergy can learn new ways of providing leadership that will empower rather than relegate the gifts of the people of God. As Pastor Fred Lehr said at our Institute for Evangelical Outreach pastors' event a decade ago, there is an invisible but clearly functioning "conspiracy" between clergy and laity that allows them to continue in a relationship of mutual codependency which is no longer able to serve the Lord's mission in our increasingly secularized culture. We have to begin to challenge that.
Pastors and members cannot afford any longer the pretence that the pastor is "in charge" as the shepherd of the flock and that the people are therefore relieved from the burden of taking responsibility for ministry because they are totally dependent on their pastor as docile "sheep."
Here in England there are sheep everywhere. They are pretty to look at, but they don't do much more than eat and sleep. Surely the baptized people of God can do better than that.
So, "getting ready for home" means a lot more for me than merely packing my suitcases for another journey. It means getting my vision and my thoughts clear enough that I can be able to share them in such a way that they will motivate and encourage everyone to fulfill the calling to which God has called them. If I can do that, then my journey will make a real difference in the lives of others.
It has been over a month since I left home and, while I am grateful for all the hospitality I received and for the learning I have gained about how people are sharing ministry in this country, I will be happy to be home with my family again.
I do not have a "report" to share at this time, but I have nearly 100 pages of notebook notes taken with my Livescribe recording pen and at least 60 hours of other audio recordings and 12 hours of video that I have accumulated along the way, so I will have some "raw material" to sort through at some point later on.
I took off on this journey with the hope that I would learn from people about how and why they are engaged in ministry at a local parish level. I also learned as I went along how the leaders of dioceses and educational leaders have worked together to create the kind of environment in which people can discover and develop the gifts God has given them and then offer them in service to God through their churches and in their everyday lives at home and at work.
All of this presupposes that there is a way clergy can learn new ways of providing leadership that will empower rather than relegate the gifts of the people of God. As Pastor Fred Lehr said at our Institute for Evangelical Outreach pastors' event a decade ago, there is an invisible but clearly functioning "conspiracy" between clergy and laity that allows them to continue in a relationship of mutual codependency which is no longer able to serve the Lord's mission in our increasingly secularized culture. We have to begin to challenge that.
Pastors and members cannot afford any longer the pretence that the pastor is "in charge" as the shepherd of the flock and that the people are therefore relieved from the burden of taking responsibility for ministry because they are totally dependent on their pastor as docile "sheep."
Here in England there are sheep everywhere. They are pretty to look at, but they don't do much more than eat and sleep. Surely the baptized people of God can do better than that.
So, "getting ready for home" means a lot more for me than merely packing my suitcases for another journey. It means getting my vision and my thoughts clear enough that I can be able to share them in such a way that they will motivate and encourage everyone to fulfill the calling to which God has called them. If I can do that, then my journey will make a real difference in the lives of others.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
RETURNING TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Today we are going to worship at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford and spend some time walking around the city. That's important for me because Oxford is the city where my sabbatical all began many years ago.
When Linda and I were on an anniversary trip to London we took a side trip that included a brief stop in Oxford, a city famous for many things, not the least of which is the University of Oxford with its many colleges. A few weeks later , as I was planning a study leave, I came across a mailing about a seminar organized by two American clergy, a Lutheran and an Episcopalian, called the "Ecumenical Liturgy and Worship Seminar."
Having attended a seminar where the course on liturgy was required but given for no credit, I was interested in learning more about liturgy and decided to attend the seminar a year before the Study Leave anyway. That was the first of eight or nine visits to Oxford for a period of at least two weeks.
While at one of the seminars I first learned about "Shared Ministry," the approach to ministry which was being developed in the Diocese of Oxford and which is at the heart of this sabbatical journey. It is also where I first heard about the Rev. Robin Greenwood who has since become a mentor and friend to me and who actually helped me plan the itinerary for the first month of this journey.
I told Barrie that I wanted to visit Oxford to "see what's new," which is a joke I often tell about going into an antique shop. The city itself is beautiful (if you like old things -- something I am beginning to value more and more myself). It will remind me of times past, but I also hope it will inspire me for things yet to happen. I have seen and heard so much already from the scores of people I have met and visited with, that although I am just now beginning to relax a bit after nearly a month away, I am starting to think of new things we can do together as well as things I can renew my efforts to accomplish.
Going to worship and visit in Oxford is a chance to get back to where I can begin again.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
THE PIONEER SPIRIT
As my visits with members of Local/Shared Ministry teams in the U.K. draw to a close, I was given a very special opportunity to learn about how it all came about from some of the real "pioneers" in the work of sharing ministry. Thanks to the thoughful efforts of the Liverpool branch of our Sabbatical Team, I was privileged to have several 1-on-1 visits with people who in pasty generations were willing to take the risk of offering the Church another way of developing and providing ministry in some very difficult settings.
For an ordinary parish pastor like myself, there is a temptation to focus one's attention on the ordinary, day-to-day, week-to-week activities that easily fill up the calendar. Add to those activities an unexpected funeral or an emerging crisis affecting a church member of family, and at the end of the week the pastor can rest comfortably with the confidence that he or she has done the Lord's work and done it well.
The people I met yesterday and today were quite different from us. They were probably considered "radicals" thirty of forty years ago because they were not willing to settle for "business as usual" with respect to the ongoing ministry of the Church. They looked at situations that others deemed as "hopeless" and, empowered by God's Spirit, they stepped out of the arbitrary boxes they were in and started to try out things that had the potential for bringing life and renewal into the lives of everyday Christians.
Not everything these pioneers tried to do actually succeeded, and although many others were hopeful that renewal could somehow come about in the churches, these pioneers were often quickly challenged by those who believed that the ideas put forth by these "innovators" and "experimenters" seemed too shaky or far out.
Imagine, however, what it would be like to try to teach theology or biblical criticism to a group of people whose ability to read and write was marginal at best, or ask yourself how you would teach people to lead "worship" with groups of people who had never even entered into a traditional Christian church or read a passage of scripture.
It is not easy to be a pioneer. It is hard to find the courage to go forward beyond the territory one is most familiar with. Although the Bible is full of stories about people who did just that, in modern times, especially in the church as we experience it, such pioneers are few and far between. Yet as we look to the future as the people of God in an increasingly secularized environment, we will need pioneering souls more than ever before. Thank God for the ones who showed such courage, and pray that God will raise up for us many more of them.
For an ordinary parish pastor like myself, there is a temptation to focus one's attention on the ordinary, day-to-day, week-to-week activities that easily fill up the calendar. Add to those activities an unexpected funeral or an emerging crisis affecting a church member of family, and at the end of the week the pastor can rest comfortably with the confidence that he or she has done the Lord's work and done it well.
The people I met yesterday and today were quite different from us. They were probably considered "radicals" thirty of forty years ago because they were not willing to settle for "business as usual" with respect to the ongoing ministry of the Church. They looked at situations that others deemed as "hopeless" and, empowered by God's Spirit, they stepped out of the arbitrary boxes they were in and started to try out things that had the potential for bringing life and renewal into the lives of everyday Christians.
Not everything these pioneers tried to do actually succeeded, and although many others were hopeful that renewal could somehow come about in the churches, these pioneers were often quickly challenged by those who believed that the ideas put forth by these "innovators" and "experimenters" seemed too shaky or far out.
Imagine, however, what it would be like to try to teach theology or biblical criticism to a group of people whose ability to read and write was marginal at best, or ask yourself how you would teach people to lead "worship" with groups of people who had never even entered into a traditional Christian church or read a passage of scripture.
It is not easy to be a pioneer. It is hard to find the courage to go forward beyond the territory one is most familiar with. Although the Bible is full of stories about people who did just that, in modern times, especially in the church as we experience it, such pioneers are few and far between. Yet as we look to the future as the people of God in an increasingly secularized environment, we will need pioneering souls more than ever before. Thank God for the ones who showed such courage, and pray that God will raise up for us many more of them.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
LIVERBIRDOLOGY
The Liver Bird is Internationally recognised as the symbol of the great City of Liverpool. On the famous Liver Buildings two of them, 18 feet in height, stand proud, wings up and defiant which represents the indomitable spirit of the people of the city. In 1207 King John granted Liverpool a City Charter. On his seal was an eagle and many people believed this was the original Liver Bird. The seal was lost during the seige in 1644 and the copy so unskilfully made that the bird now resembled a cormorant instead of the eagle of St. John. Ornithologists and historians have long debated the mysteries, the myths and the mystique that surrounds the Liver Bird.
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Monday, May 6, 2013
HOME PORT
I guess I didn't really know what to expect I would see when I arrived at Liverpool. I knew it was a city that has gone through and is still going through hard times economically, and I knew it was a port city. But not much else.
Because today was one of six "Bank Holidays" in the U.K. and the weather was sunny and warm, it was a day for tourism, not for meeting up with priests and Local Ministry Teams.
Steve Pierce, my Liverpool host, met me at the Central train station and we drove around the touristy areas so I could get oriented for a day of wandering along the shore of the Mersey river.
I started the day looking through shops in revitalized dock area, and then I went into the Tate Museum, an art museum devoted to modern forms of artistic expression. It must be a great place because for an uncultured country bumpkin like me from Suffolk County, it seemed very odd indeed. There's not too much I can say about what I saw there. Many of the items struck me as rather bizarre and some of them as simply obscene.But I must confess that I was very happy that the admission was free. I definitely got my money's worth.
There are three other museums near that one that I could very much relate to, however. Two were in one building-- the Maritime Museum and the Museum of Slavery. I spent at least three hours in them and hurried on eventually to visit the Liverpool Museum which I also enjoyed
The Maritime Museum had two areas that interested me. One was the area where they displayed many different devices used by drug smugglers (unsuccessfully, of course) to bring illicit drugs into the U.K. Intriguing.
The other part was the area devoted to the Titanic which went down just 100 years ago last year, It was fascinating to walk through the many exhibits displaying what the ship was like as well as the details that described how the ship went down. The events leading up to the demise of the Titanic, however, seemed eerily parallel to the situation that underlies my desire to be on this sabbatical journey in the first place. It was strangely symbolic to discover that the captain knew two days in advance that there was danger ahead, but he proceeded at full speed anyway. Also, the ship received six warning message from other ships, many of which were never even sent on to the Bridge.
I bought myself my first souvenir, a keychain with a working replica of a whistle from the Titanic.
The Museum of Slavery was very powerful as well. The horror of slavery was truly demonic. There are no suitable souvenirs from a place like that.
The Liverpool Museum had some interesting areas of sports and rock and roll.
After having a huge order of fish and chips at the "World Famous Dockside Fish and Chips Restaurant," I finished my tour by buying a ticket and walking through the "Beatle Experience." I learned a lot about the lads from Liverpool who were so important to so many of my contemporaries. It was a walk down memory lane, or was that Penny Lane?
Now I am at the Sisters of Mercy (RC) Prayer Centre in Formby on the coast of the Atlantic. The grounds are loaded with rabbits. I counted 14 of them eating on the lawn just outside my room, and there were many more behind the building as well. I haven't seen any magicians yet, but with all those rabbit's feet around here I'm feeling very lucky.
Because today was one of six "Bank Holidays" in the U.K. and the weather was sunny and warm, it was a day for tourism, not for meeting up with priests and Local Ministry Teams.
Steve Pierce, my Liverpool host, met me at the Central train station and we drove around the touristy areas so I could get oriented for a day of wandering along the shore of the Mersey river.
I started the day looking through shops in revitalized dock area, and then I went into the Tate Museum, an art museum devoted to modern forms of artistic expression. It must be a great place because for an uncultured country bumpkin like me from Suffolk County, it seemed very odd indeed. There's not too much I can say about what I saw there. Many of the items struck me as rather bizarre and some of them as simply obscene.But I must confess that I was very happy that the admission was free. I definitely got my money's worth.
There are three other museums near that one that I could very much relate to, however. Two were in one building-- the Maritime Museum and the Museum of Slavery. I spent at least three hours in them and hurried on eventually to visit the Liverpool Museum which I also enjoyed
The Maritime Museum had two areas that interested me. One was the area where they displayed many different devices used by drug smugglers (unsuccessfully, of course) to bring illicit drugs into the U.K. Intriguing.
The other part was the area devoted to the Titanic which went down just 100 years ago last year, It was fascinating to walk through the many exhibits displaying what the ship was like as well as the details that described how the ship went down. The events leading up to the demise of the Titanic, however, seemed eerily parallel to the situation that underlies my desire to be on this sabbatical journey in the first place. It was strangely symbolic to discover that the captain knew two days in advance that there was danger ahead, but he proceeded at full speed anyway. Also, the ship received six warning message from other ships, many of which were never even sent on to the Bridge.
I bought myself my first souvenir, a keychain with a working replica of a whistle from the Titanic.
The Museum of Slavery was very powerful as well. The horror of slavery was truly demonic. There are no suitable souvenirs from a place like that.
The Liverpool Museum had some interesting areas of sports and rock and roll.
After having a huge order of fish and chips at the "World Famous Dockside Fish and Chips Restaurant," I finished my tour by buying a ticket and walking through the "Beatle Experience." I learned a lot about the lads from Liverpool who were so important to so many of my contemporaries. It was a walk down memory lane, or was that Penny Lane?
Now I am at the Sisters of Mercy (RC) Prayer Centre in Formby on the coast of the Atlantic. The grounds are loaded with rabbits. I counted 14 of them eating on the lawn just outside my room, and there were many more behind the building as well. I haven't seen any magicians yet, but with all those rabbit's feet around here I'm feeling very lucky.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
OLLIE'S DAY
Today was a special day for me and for the people attending the morning eucharist at Chester Cathedral. It was also a very important day for Ollie James who became a child of God through the sacrament of Holy Baptism.
I enjoyed the message, preached by a former biology student of Pastor Barrie Lawless whom I will be visiting in a few days at his home in Oxfordshire. He is now a Canon at the cathedral. He reminded us all of the importance of the event they were celebrating today and encouraged the many guests and relatives who were there for the occasion to take responsibility for supporting Ollie in his life of faith.
After the service I went up to his mum, introduced myself, and asked if I might take a picutre of Ollie which I did. Her response didn't surprise me, but I was surprised to hear that this is one of the three baptisms that they have in any given year at the cathedral.
I didn't pursue the question that naturally came to my mind, but it was interesting to me that there are so few baptisms in a year at the cathedral. I suppose it has to do with the fact that cathedral worship services are much more complex than a simple parish baptism like we've had on so many occasions.
Nevertheless, it was refreshing and encouraging to me to be there for this event. It reminded me of what a precious event it is when we have a baptism. Parents bring a child to be baptized with all good intentions, but they often can't even grasp the enormous wonder of the relationship that is starting in that moment of grace. That's understandable, of course, for there are so many other things that are going to happen to this precious child in years to come, that it would overwhelm us to try to contemplate them all. It is enough perhaps just to recognize that when a child is baptized, God is launching that child into a great adventure.
I enjoyed the message, preached by a former biology student of Pastor Barrie Lawless whom I will be visiting in a few days at his home in Oxfordshire. He is now a Canon at the cathedral. He reminded us all of the importance of the event they were celebrating today and encouraged the many guests and relatives who were there for the occasion to take responsibility for supporting Ollie in his life of faith.
After the service I went up to his mum, introduced myself, and asked if I might take a picutre of Ollie which I did. Her response didn't surprise me, but I was surprised to hear that this is one of the three baptisms that they have in any given year at the cathedral.
I didn't pursue the question that naturally came to my mind, but it was interesting to me that there are so few baptisms in a year at the cathedral. I suppose it has to do with the fact that cathedral worship services are much more complex than a simple parish baptism like we've had on so many occasions.
Nevertheless, it was refreshing and encouraging to me to be there for this event. It reminded me of what a precious event it is when we have a baptism. Parents bring a child to be baptized with all good intentions, but they often can't even grasp the enormous wonder of the relationship that is starting in that moment of grace. That's understandable, of course, for there are so many other things that are going to happen to this precious child in years to come, that it would overwhelm us to try to contemplate them all. It is enough perhaps just to recognize that when a child is baptized, God is launching that child into a great adventure.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
A VISIT TO HEREFORD
On Friday I had a chance to spend a whole day in the town of Hereford where the cathedral for the Diocese of Hereford is located. My hosts, Richard and Barbara Glasspoole, brought me there in the morning so I could see the cathedral and tour the town.
In addition to the cathedral there are two chief churches located near each other: St. Peter's, the oldest church in Hereford where Christians have worshipped for over a thousand years (not 24/7 of course) and All Saints'. Each church is quite unique. I have several photos from each of them.
St. Peter's is definitely a "welcoming" church as is evident from the banner that is visible from the street in the entryway of the church.
Inside all the "normal" features of a church have been transformed, although the medieval elements are still very visible and used regularly. There are display areas and areas for casual seating, and there are people around who welcome walk-in visitors who drop by.
All Saints' is also different from the normal medieval church building because as you enter the church there is a cafe called "Cafe@All Saints" with a kitchen, large posted menus, and a serving line where you can order a lunch. There are cafe tables all around the raised area in the rear of the sanctuary as well as in the balcony above the kitchen/serving area.
There are no pews in the sanctuary. The main altar is plainly visible to all who come for lunch, and there is also a "Lady Chapel" for smaller services adjacent to to it. There is also a play area for children, a large modern toilet area accessible to the public, and a separate chapel space used for various sorts of exhibits by non-church groups similar to an art gallery.
They have morning and evening prayer on certain days as well as a weekday Eucharist which is visible to lunch patrons. There are also "Stewards" who are around to welcome visitors and explain some of the features of the space and the congregation's ministry.
Occasionally people are surprised to learn that there is actually a "living church" that carries on this ministry, but after meeting the Local Ministry Development Group members at All Saints', I can assure you that they are very much alive there. They have an average Sunday morning worship
attendance of about 40 people, but there are thousands of people who spend time at All Saints' during any given week.
Richard is the organist who plays as a volunteer. He also plays the bass in a jazz combo and fills in as a tenor voice in the cathedral choir where he was once a member of the Volunteer Choir.
Walking from one end of the town at midday with Richard takes a long time. After seeing him stop to speak with many people along the way, including the local Member of Parliament, Jesse Norman, whom I met, I called him the "Mayor of Hereford."
Eventually a few of us gathered at the cathedral in the Chapter Room to chat about the differences and similarities in church life in the U.S. and Britain, and then, after running into and meeting several of the members of the cathedral choir, we attended Evensong in the cathedral.
After Evensong we went to "The Barrels," a local pub that has its own brewery to sample some of their products and then headed over to "Bunch of Carrots," a pub with a carvery where we had dinner.
Today I journey onward to Chester where I will rest and recuperate from my busy visitation schedule before heading on to the final diocese, Liverpool, on Monday (a Bank Holiday in England) and the Sisters of St. Joseph Prayer Centre in Formby which will be my longest dwelling place so far.
In addition to the cathedral there are two chief churches located near each other: St. Peter's, the oldest church in Hereford where Christians have worshipped for over a thousand years (not 24/7 of course) and All Saints'. Each church is quite unique. I have several photos from each of them.
St. Peter's is definitely a "welcoming" church as is evident from the banner that is visible from the street in the entryway of the church.
Inside all the "normal" features of a church have been transformed, although the medieval elements are still very visible and used regularly. There are display areas and areas for casual seating, and there are people around who welcome walk-in visitors who drop by.
All Saints' is also different from the normal medieval church building because as you enter the church there is a cafe called "Cafe@All Saints" with a kitchen, large posted menus, and a serving line where you can order a lunch. There are cafe tables all around the raised area in the rear of the sanctuary as well as in the balcony above the kitchen/serving area.
There are no pews in the sanctuary. The main altar is plainly visible to all who come for lunch, and there is also a "Lady Chapel" for smaller services adjacent to to it. There is also a play area for children, a large modern toilet area accessible to the public, and a separate chapel space used for various sorts of exhibits by non-church groups similar to an art gallery.
They have morning and evening prayer on certain days as well as a weekday Eucharist which is visible to lunch patrons. There are also "Stewards" who are around to welcome visitors and explain some of the features of the space and the congregation's ministry.
Occasionally people are surprised to learn that there is actually a "living church" that carries on this ministry, but after meeting the Local Ministry Development Group members at All Saints', I can assure you that they are very much alive there. They have an average Sunday morning worship
attendance of about 40 people, but there are thousands of people who spend time at All Saints' during any given week.
Richard is the organist who plays as a volunteer. He also plays the bass in a jazz combo and fills in as a tenor voice in the cathedral choir where he was once a member of the Volunteer Choir.
Walking from one end of the town at midday with Richard takes a long time. After seeing him stop to speak with many people along the way, including the local Member of Parliament, Jesse Norman, whom I met, I called him the "Mayor of Hereford."
Eventually a few of us gathered at the cathedral in the Chapter Room to chat about the differences and similarities in church life in the U.S. and Britain, and then, after running into and meeting several of the members of the cathedral choir, we attended Evensong in the cathedral.
After Evensong we went to "The Barrels," a local pub that has its own brewery to sample some of their products and then headed over to "Bunch of Carrots," a pub with a carvery where we had dinner.
Today I journey onward to Chester where I will rest and recuperate from my busy visitation schedule before heading on to the final diocese, Liverpool, on Monday (a Bank Holiday in England) and the Sisters of St. Joseph Prayer Centre in Formby which will be my longest dwelling place so far.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
LOCAL MINISTRY (DEVELOPMENT) TEAMS
As I neared the end of the circuit of dioceses to visit, I started to compile a list of the Local Ministry Teams I have met. (Some are called "Local Ministry DEVELOPMENT teams".) It will be a while, however, before I get the list done.
There are many things that are different about the places where I have visited, and I have been in many different settings: rural, urban, and suburban. I have visited some relatively new churches and many that go back as far as the 4th century and have no indoor heating or plumbing. I have also toured six beautiful cathedrals (plus Westminster Abbey), and I have met dozens of people who were willing to take time out to meet this Lutheran pastor from New York who is making the rounds.
I have met several vicars and leaders on a 1-to-1 basis, and I have been privileged to meet archdeacons, praecentors, and several bishops (including the Roman Catholic Bishop of Northampton). I have also attended several regular Local Ministry Team meetings and observed how they carry out their business.
I have a college-ruled electronic notebook with nearly 50 pages of notes (with recordings), and I carry along my trusted pocket journal book to make miscellaneous notes as I ride along with some very enthusiastic and knowledgeable people who are happy to answer questions and tell all sorts of stories about all sorts of things.
There are at least two things all of the LMTs have in common. First is that each member has a clear, personal commitment to serving Jesus Christ through the Church. Some of the team members have received theological training in various forms, but most team members are just "regular Christians" like the people I have been privileged to serve with in my own ministry as a pastor. They express surprise that their fellow church members would have selected them to be asked to serve on a Local Ministry Team, but they humbly accepted the responsibility as well as the training they were expected to receive in order to be "mandated" by their bishops for this role in their respective parishes.
The other thing they have in common is a willingness to focus on the mission of God wherever it may take them. They did not volunteer to serve, and they do not see their ministry as being limited to the local setting where they are. They know that God's mission is going on locally, but they also recognize that they are part of something much bigger. They are not the Vicar's Helpers. They were ordained as ministers of the gospel on the day they were baptized, and now through their parishes they have the privilege of living out that calling.
Can we all learn from their experience and example?
There are many things that are different about the places where I have visited, and I have been in many different settings: rural, urban, and suburban. I have visited some relatively new churches and many that go back as far as the 4th century and have no indoor heating or plumbing. I have also toured six beautiful cathedrals (plus Westminster Abbey), and I have met dozens of people who were willing to take time out to meet this Lutheran pastor from New York who is making the rounds.
I have met several vicars and leaders on a 1-to-1 basis, and I have been privileged to meet archdeacons, praecentors, and several bishops (including the Roman Catholic Bishop of Northampton). I have also attended several regular Local Ministry Team meetings and observed how they carry out their business.
I have a college-ruled electronic notebook with nearly 50 pages of notes (with recordings), and I carry along my trusted pocket journal book to make miscellaneous notes as I ride along with some very enthusiastic and knowledgeable people who are happy to answer questions and tell all sorts of stories about all sorts of things.
There are at least two things all of the LMTs have in common. First is that each member has a clear, personal commitment to serving Jesus Christ through the Church. Some of the team members have received theological training in various forms, but most team members are just "regular Christians" like the people I have been privileged to serve with in my own ministry as a pastor. They express surprise that their fellow church members would have selected them to be asked to serve on a Local Ministry Team, but they humbly accepted the responsibility as well as the training they were expected to receive in order to be "mandated" by their bishops for this role in their respective parishes.
The other thing they have in common is a willingness to focus on the mission of God wherever it may take them. They did not volunteer to serve, and they do not see their ministry as being limited to the local setting where they are. They know that God's mission is going on locally, but they also recognize that they are part of something much bigger. They are not the Vicar's Helpers. They were ordained as ministers of the gospel on the day they were baptized, and now through their parishes they have the privilege of living out that calling.
Can we all learn from their experience and example?
PLACES YOU AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO
The other day as I was glancing at pages in a book of maps I was struck by some of the interesting place names I saw. There is no particular order to them, and I must admit that I have not visited any of them (yet), but here are a few that I thought sounded interesting.
Hog Hill, Cuckold's Hill, Hatch End, Ruislip, Temple Fortune, World's End (right in the midst of many small villages), Gospel Oak, Barking Flyover, Finsbury, Shooters Hill, Plumstead Common, Twickenham, Strawberry Hill (no relation to Blueberry Hill), Birdlip, and Hope-under-Dinsmore.
There are so many of these names around that the list would be endless.
As you can see, there are many places named after relatives I have never met.
Hog Hill, Cuckold's Hill, Hatch End, Ruislip, Temple Fortune, World's End (right in the midst of many small villages), Gospel Oak, Barking Flyover, Finsbury, Shooters Hill, Plumstead Common, Twickenham, Strawberry Hill (no relation to Blueberry Hill), Birdlip, and Hope-under-Dinsmore.
There are so many of these names around that the list would be endless.
As you can see, there are many places named after relatives I have never met.
HOW RURAL IS RURAL?
One of the unexpected features of my journey was the opportunity to experience first-hand what "rural" life is like in Britain. All along I had been told that the churches in Hereford Diocese were very rural (meaning small and distant from one another), but it never really dawned on me that I would have the privilege of actually staying in a home in a rural area overnight in Gloucester Diocese.
Canon Andrew Bowden, one of the prime movers in the creation of Local Ministry in the Diocese of Gloucester over 20 years ago, is now retired and lives with his wife Sue in a rural home not far from the city of Gloucester. He brought me to his home where I stayed overnight this week.
The vehicle we drove around in had straw in the back section, and there was evidence that he had encountered some muddy roads recently, but it was when we arrived at his home that I began to see "rural" more clearly.
They have a farm at their home. They raise chickens, including some rare prize-winning chickens, some sheep with newly born lambs, several horses that they rescued and are nursing back to health, at least one donkey, some Shetland ponies and Shetland sheep, and a few ducks. Many of the animals roam freely around their yard, but early in the morning they go out into the fields to graze.
We had eggs for dinner and eggs for breakfast. Fortunately no lamb chops. The home itself is made of Cotswold stone and has wooden beams in the ceiling (real wooden beams), and their home is filled with paintings and photos all over every wall surface including the stairway.
Andrew has an office in a shed which he currently shares with about a dozen recently hatched chicks. They haven't yet figured out how to use the computer he has on the desk there.
There are about a dozen churches in the benefice in the small villages along the roads near his home. Many of their buildings are medieval in origin, and the population of the villages has remained fairly stable for the last 300-400 years. One village of about 30 people has an average worship attendance on Sunday of at least 12 people, and they take turns leading the various parts of the worship service. Their clergy get by occasionally so they can celebrate Holy Communion together.
All together there are about 300 people living in the benefice of a dozen or so parishes.
From Andrew's home we drove to a Local Ministry Team meeting held in a very modern home located in a parish in a suburban community outside Gloucester City, about a 10 minute ride.
I have pictures I will post on Facebook when I get a chance.
Canon Andrew Bowden, one of the prime movers in the creation of Local Ministry in the Diocese of Gloucester over 20 years ago, is now retired and lives with his wife Sue in a rural home not far from the city of Gloucester. He brought me to his home where I stayed overnight this week.
The vehicle we drove around in had straw in the back section, and there was evidence that he had encountered some muddy roads recently, but it was when we arrived at his home that I began to see "rural" more clearly.
They have a farm at their home. They raise chickens, including some rare prize-winning chickens, some sheep with newly born lambs, several horses that they rescued and are nursing back to health, at least one donkey, some Shetland ponies and Shetland sheep, and a few ducks. Many of the animals roam freely around their yard, but early in the morning they go out into the fields to graze.
We had eggs for dinner and eggs for breakfast. Fortunately no lamb chops. The home itself is made of Cotswold stone and has wooden beams in the ceiling (real wooden beams), and their home is filled with paintings and photos all over every wall surface including the stairway.
Andrew has an office in a shed which he currently shares with about a dozen recently hatched chicks. They haven't yet figured out how to use the computer he has on the desk there.
There are about a dozen churches in the benefice in the small villages along the roads near his home. Many of their buildings are medieval in origin, and the population of the villages has remained fairly stable for the last 300-400 years. One village of about 30 people has an average worship attendance on Sunday of at least 12 people, and they take turns leading the various parts of the worship service. Their clergy get by occasionally so they can celebrate Holy Communion together.
All together there are about 300 people living in the benefice of a dozen or so parishes.
From Andrew's home we drove to a Local Ministry Team meeting held in a very modern home located in a parish in a suburban community outside Gloucester City, about a 10 minute ride.
I have pictures I will post on Facebook when I get a chance.
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