And another weekend when I actually did something. My friends were having their youngest son christened and invited me along. Well, really, as it was at the church I go to anyway, it was just telling me, so I could make sure I was there at the morning service, as I don't always make it. Apparently, there was an actual invitatation, but I never saw that.
And so Sunday morning arrives, and I make the attempt to get up and get there in time. Thankfully, it was the night after the clocks go back, so I effectively had an extra hour to sleep-and I didn't try to push it by deliberately going to bed later. But somehow or other, I still manage to get there late. Not too late, I miss the start of the service, but I'm there for the actual baptism. Which was great. Jojo behaved himself really well, and when the minister asked him if he was excited to be baptised, he said 'yes'. Which was unexpected, but brilliant. And now it's my responsibility, along with everyone else there, to encourage him to grow in his Christian faith. So I will-as much as I can, given that I don't see him that much. However, I am confident in saying that his parents will do that job well.
Then Joseph and all the other children went off to Kidzchurch, and the service continued. The sermon, fittingly, was about evangelism, and was entitled 'You Can Do It'-the point being that God has called us all to evangelise, so He has gifted us all to do it. Well, maybe. I'm not sure I agree. I think that evangelism is a specialised task that He hasn't called everyone to. The church as a whole He has called to make disciples, and obviously evangelism is part of that-it has to be. But I don't think it makes sense that everyone has to do everything-and if there are some who are called to do just evangelism, then doesn't it make sense that there would be those at the other end of the scale as well. However, what He has called each of us to do is "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have" (1 Pe 3:14-16)-that is something to glorify Him. I could say more, but I won't just yet.
So, let's skip the rest of the service, which, you know, went pretty much as you might imagine, and cut straight to the afternoon celebration. After I finally got there-I had to make my own way there, but that's good, as I'll be going there the next couple of weekends, so now I'm confident I can find it-I met up with some friends I hadn't seen for a while. All sorts of friends, from people who moved away years ago who we still keep in touch with, to a guy who recently left to go to train to be a vicar, to Joseph's parents (who I don't get to see that often) and their parents. It was a really nice mix of people, and I did know a fair few of them-most of whom commented that I had long hair last time they saw me, so that's at least 3 years ago. And all sorts of interesting conversations-it's really good catching up with people and finding out what's been going on in their lives. Which was amazingly varied.
And, then, all too soon, it was all over. People were leaving, and going off to their various places in various parts of the country. Which was a shame. But it had to happen-celebrations happen, and then life goes on. And then we tidied up, and I went back to Jojo's house with his parents-which was literally just down the road. Which was nice. As I said, I don't get to see them that often, so that was good. A mixture of TV and chatting happened, and then the children went to bed, after Joseph's older brother reading me the story of the Jews escaping through the Red Sea from his children's Bible-and then telling me what happens next. But I won't spoil it for you. And then we carried on chatting for a bit, and then I got a lift home-with a short detour to take some stuff back. And I don't know about everyone else, but I can definitely say that it was a great day for me, and Jojo certainly seemed to enjoy it too. ;).
Tuesday 30 October 2012
Wednesday 24 October 2012
Odd Shaped or God Shaped
After getting back from D-Fest, I've been thinking seriously about mission and what and how it could (and should?) be. There is one particular issue that's been on my mind in various forms, and is simply this:-how do we reach those who don't fit? I'll explain in a bit, but the background is that most of the talk I've heard about mission/evangelism over the years has been based on basically one premise. We have a community that we are part of, which we call 'church', and at some point, the idea is that people will become part of 'our' community. This often involves going to 'them' first and developing some sort of relationship, but, eventually, we expect/hope that 'they' will join 'us' in 'our' community-and become part of 'us'. Leaving aside for now the point about us all being one church (a different issue, and for practical reasons, not really relevant to this post), I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with that. It works for a lot of people, to the extent that we do have genuine community; and the more we work on that, the better it will get. However, what I've been thinking about, as I said, is those who don't fit. I'm not talking about those whose behaviour is not really conducive to the growth of commmunity (all of us?), but those who for one reason or another can't fit into our version of community.
There are lots of them, for one reason or another, and some of them the church (this time I mean all of us) is better at reaching out to than others. The most obvious are students, those in jail, and people serving in the military in some capacity. It's fairly obvious that each of those groups 'don't fit' in the sense that their lifestyle doesn't allow or encourage them to be part of a local Christian community. Strictly speaking, students can-there is nothing physically stopping them-but they would tend to live in a way that sets them apart from non-students. Now, there are official church chaplains for all of those groups, and other forms of Christian outreach for at least two of them; Christians who are there with them, living alongside (or, at least, visiting often), and who build a community there from a postition of understanding. However, there are many other groups and individuals, who for one reason or another or another 'don't fit'. What about travellers or circus performers, for instance? Or people who work at holiday camps, like Butlins, who live onsite? (After going to Spring Harvest for 3 years in a row and seeing several of the same staff, I did start to wonder what their life is like). People in care homes of one sort or another-or hospices? Or even long term patients in hospitals, especially those whose family can't or don't visit? Now, in some ways, I recognise this is somewhat unfair, as most of these people simply cannot leave their situations easily; so, anyone wishing to take Jesus to them would have to be committed to it for the long haul. It's not something you can really do half heartedly.
So, what about those who could physically join a local Christian community, but live in a way that they are unlikely to come across anyone who might want to introduce them to Him? I mean, for instance, those who mainly work at festivals (as cleaning staff, security, stallholders, etc). Or, on a somewhat subtler level, how about those who work in local nightclubs or music venues:- owners, bar staff, AV guys, even DJs and bands? I'm not saying that they wouldn't ever come across Christians (most of us do believe we're allowed out now and again), but that when they do, they probably wouldn't notice. With probably hundreds of people passing by them every week, how are any of them going to stand out? The only answer I can think of is the answer Jesus modelled, and what He told us to do, indirectly; and that is to build relationships with them. On an ongoing basis. For as long as it takes. In whatever way we can. Which for some of us may mean becoming bar staff, or even a DJ/musician. But not, repeat not, in order to 'reach out'. The only way we can 'reach out' and earn the opportunity to share Jesus is to live. With integrity and living a full life, the life He promised. So, if He has given you a gift of music, then use it and enjoy it to the best of your ability. But, if you just happen to be someone going along to the pub or club on a fairly regular basis, you can do so without leaving Jesus behind when you go. And then maybe, you may end up leaving Jesus with someone when you leave there.
These are just some thoughts, some questions, maybe some answers. Let me know what you think. . .
There are lots of them, for one reason or another, and some of them the church (this time I mean all of us) is better at reaching out to than others. The most obvious are students, those in jail, and people serving in the military in some capacity. It's fairly obvious that each of those groups 'don't fit' in the sense that their lifestyle doesn't allow or encourage them to be part of a local Christian community. Strictly speaking, students can-there is nothing physically stopping them-but they would tend to live in a way that sets them apart from non-students. Now, there are official church chaplains for all of those groups, and other forms of Christian outreach for at least two of them; Christians who are there with them, living alongside (or, at least, visiting often), and who build a community there from a postition of understanding. However, there are many other groups and individuals, who for one reason or another or another 'don't fit'. What about travellers or circus performers, for instance? Or people who work at holiday camps, like Butlins, who live onsite? (After going to Spring Harvest for 3 years in a row and seeing several of the same staff, I did start to wonder what their life is like). People in care homes of one sort or another-or hospices? Or even long term patients in hospitals, especially those whose family can't or don't visit? Now, in some ways, I recognise this is somewhat unfair, as most of these people simply cannot leave their situations easily; so, anyone wishing to take Jesus to them would have to be committed to it for the long haul. It's not something you can really do half heartedly.
So, what about those who could physically join a local Christian community, but live in a way that they are unlikely to come across anyone who might want to introduce them to Him? I mean, for instance, those who mainly work at festivals (as cleaning staff, security, stallholders, etc). Or, on a somewhat subtler level, how about those who work in local nightclubs or music venues:- owners, bar staff, AV guys, even DJs and bands? I'm not saying that they wouldn't ever come across Christians (most of us do believe we're allowed out now and again), but that when they do, they probably wouldn't notice. With probably hundreds of people passing by them every week, how are any of them going to stand out? The only answer I can think of is the answer Jesus modelled, and what He told us to do, indirectly; and that is to build relationships with them. On an ongoing basis. For as long as it takes. In whatever way we can. Which for some of us may mean becoming bar staff, or even a DJ/musician. But not, repeat not, in order to 'reach out'. The only way we can 'reach out' and earn the opportunity to share Jesus is to live. With integrity and living a full life, the life He promised. So, if He has given you a gift of music, then use it and enjoy it to the best of your ability. But, if you just happen to be someone going along to the pub or club on a fairly regular basis, you can do so without leaving Jesus behind when you go. And then maybe, you may end up leaving Jesus with someone when you leave there.
These are just some thoughts, some questions, maybe some answers. Let me know what you think. . .
Sunday 21 October 2012
Post Script Poem - Giving
This subject has continued to be on my mind since I wrote the previous post, and I felt like writing this poem, which came out quite a bit different to how I thought it might. I'll explain a bit at the end of the post.
Giving
If giving is better than receiving,
Then we know giving must be a good thing:
Not only does it do good,
But it does us good
As we do it;
The more we give, the more we gain,
And those around us gain as well-
God loves those who give hilariously,
As their giving blesses those who see
And those who receive;
And as we give cheerfully, hilariously,
We are blessed ourselves
(Before, during, after).
So give, because giving is good (for you).
The main thing I guess I need to explain is the reference to hilarity. There is a verse in the Bible often translated 'God loves a cheerful giver'; however, the word translated 'cheerful' is actually closer to the word 'hilarious'. So I was thinking about this, and what it could mean, and the only thing I could come up with is that 'cheerful' giving should be giving that is both enjoyable to watch, and inspires the watchers in some way-as well as being enjoyed by the givers themselves.
Incidentally, I got a message from a friend who lives and works in Kenya who liked the previous post-she said she found it interesting, being in the situation she is in. Which is that her and her husband don't have much (money or otherwise), though they have more than enough. Because they don't need much where they are. But, because they still have more than most people they know, they get asked for help a fair bit. But, no matter what they do, there will still be need-that is clear and obvious. But them being there does help - when I was there in the summer, one of the things I did was go to a children's home and help hand out shoes. Shoes that the money was raised for by people from our church - but those people would never have thought about it, or even known, if she hadn't told people. That was something that would never have happened if she hadn't been there. And that made me think about the effect that each of us have that only we can have, where we are. What can you do - in your place, your situation? What can you do that no-one else can?
Tuesday 16 October 2012
Giving-Without Caring
The idea for this post came about shortly after Destruction Fest (see 2 previous posts), as a result of two things that happened that evening. The first was that on my way home one day, I saw a new Big Issue seller who I hadn't seen before, and I really didn't want to stop-I was completely exhausted-so I didn't. And thought about that most of the way home, as much as I was thinking about anything. The second thing was reading this post from a friend who was also at the weekend, about his experience, and what he remembered about the weekend.
So, giving, what about it? And I don't just mean money, but time, and practical help as well. What about it? As far as I can see, there are two ways to think about it-certainly only two that I am aware of ever thinking, though I often think about it in both ways. The first is that we should give, both because we have more than we absolutely need, and because in some vaguely not-quite-defined way giving is good for us. And the second is that giving should arise naturally out of us, that we only really have to think about how to do it best. Some background to the second is that as we grow closer to God, He changes us to become more like Him in character. We give because we want to more and more often, and we also become more aware of the need around us, even actively look for needs to fill. The problem with this is that it doesn't work. What I mean is not that we don't fill (some of) the needs we see, but that that isn't enough. Clearly; there is still need around us.
And the background to the first way of thinking is that we are told to. Not only do we find in the Bible that giving is always talked about positively, and that God loves a cheerful giver; but, more importantly, we are commanded to love everyone. Starting with God, and then others and ourselves in equal measure. However, it seems that nearly everyone has a problem with that most of the time. I know I do. And, all too often, when this is talked about, there is a vague sense of guilt hanging around. Either of feeling we are not doing enough, or that we could be doing more. Or both-the two are different. The first is looking around and seeing need still there; while the second is just knowing when we have reached our limits. And we will reach our limits before all the need is filled. At that point (preferably before), we should step back and rest, recover our strength, and then step forward again. Otherwise, we will collapse and become part of the need, and so making it bigger. Indeed, in the verse where we are told God loves a cheerful giver, we are told to do it 'not reluctantly or under compulsion' (2 Cor 9:7). We need to know our limits and exceed them rarely-there will be occasions to do this, but it should never become a pattern.
And so back to me, because of course it's all about me. Well, maybe not, but ideas need to be grounded in real life, or they remain (almost) unimaginable. So, two more images. The day after that, at a Bible study group, we were talking about helping vulnerable people, and ways we could do it. I used to be part of a group which went out in the evenings and gave out sandwiches and tea/coffee to people on the streets, which I have taken a break from, and started thinking seriously about going back. I needed a break from it, but I now know I will go back. And the following Sunday after a talk that was introduced as being about evangelism but actually talked about compassion practically, I had a long chat with a friend who I met through going out on the streets. When we met him, he was in a really bad way, but due to many people in the church and God (his words, more or less), he has sorted himself out. I don't lay claim to being a good person, but things I have been involved with have changed people's lives for the better. But there is still need. There always will be, but I can do something. And doing something is better than doing nothing.
So, giving, what about it? And I don't just mean money, but time, and practical help as well. What about it? As far as I can see, there are two ways to think about it-certainly only two that I am aware of ever thinking, though I often think about it in both ways. The first is that we should give, both because we have more than we absolutely need, and because in some vaguely not-quite-defined way giving is good for us. And the second is that giving should arise naturally out of us, that we only really have to think about how to do it best. Some background to the second is that as we grow closer to God, He changes us to become more like Him in character. We give because we want to more and more often, and we also become more aware of the need around us, even actively look for needs to fill. The problem with this is that it doesn't work. What I mean is not that we don't fill (some of) the needs we see, but that that isn't enough. Clearly; there is still need around us.
And the background to the first way of thinking is that we are told to. Not only do we find in the Bible that giving is always talked about positively, and that God loves a cheerful giver; but, more importantly, we are commanded to love everyone. Starting with God, and then others and ourselves in equal measure. However, it seems that nearly everyone has a problem with that most of the time. I know I do. And, all too often, when this is talked about, there is a vague sense of guilt hanging around. Either of feeling we are not doing enough, or that we could be doing more. Or both-the two are different. The first is looking around and seeing need still there; while the second is just knowing when we have reached our limits. And we will reach our limits before all the need is filled. At that point (preferably before), we should step back and rest, recover our strength, and then step forward again. Otherwise, we will collapse and become part of the need, and so making it bigger. Indeed, in the verse where we are told God loves a cheerful giver, we are told to do it 'not reluctantly or under compulsion' (2 Cor 9:7). We need to know our limits and exceed them rarely-there will be occasions to do this, but it should never become a pattern.
And so back to me, because of course it's all about me. Well, maybe not, but ideas need to be grounded in real life, or they remain (almost) unimaginable. So, two more images. The day after that, at a Bible study group, we were talking about helping vulnerable people, and ways we could do it. I used to be part of a group which went out in the evenings and gave out sandwiches and tea/coffee to people on the streets, which I have taken a break from, and started thinking seriously about going back. I needed a break from it, but I now know I will go back. And the following Sunday after a talk that was introduced as being about evangelism but actually talked about compassion practically, I had a long chat with a friend who I met through going out on the streets. When we met him, he was in a really bad way, but due to many people in the church and God (his words, more or less), he has sorted himself out. I don't lay claim to being a good person, but things I have been involved with have changed people's lives for the better. But there is still need. There always will be, but I can do something. And doing something is better than doing nothing.
Friday 12 October 2012
DESTRUCTION!!! Part 2:More than Destruction
And so I got to the meeting about 20 mins late, which you might have thought would be a bad thing. Not really the case, in this case. As any Christian knows, a meeting which is due to start at on the hour, can in reality start any time from quarter past. This one actually started at about 7:50, which meant I had plenty of time to get myself settled, have a cup of tea (of course), and chat to a few people before anything important happened. Loudly. Let me be absolutely clear that two guitars in a small space (one electric) will, without doubt, demand your attention. They used the same set-up for the church service on the Sunday, and the main difference between the two was that more happened in the church.
After starting by worshipping (loudly), we moved on to the main business of the evening-praying for people. It was originally supposed to be praying about what people are getting involved with back home where they are, but apparently God had other ideas. People came up to ask for prayer about what was going on in them, which was both powerful and moving-to know that they trusted people with what was going on with them, and that people obviously cared. I don't really want to go into any more detail, as I don't feel it would exactly be appropriate. It's not my things to share. And then more people arrived shortly before the end of the meeting, but to be fair, they had come from Chesterfield. A rapid tidy-up followed, and then we decamped to a pub-the one where the gig would be held the next evening. And then another. And much merriment followed.
The next day was very busy, but thankfully didn't start too early. I got up at about 9:30, which was actually a fair bit later than I would normally get up on a Saturday, so that was good, and I had a relatively leisurely journey to Islington where I was meeting a friend-and on the way discovered that my phone battery was almost dead. Which would make things tricky to keep in touch over the weekend if we separated. Oh well. The event we were attending during the day was a celebration of 30 years of Workshop. It was an interesting and fun day, but although for my friend it felt like coming home, I had a distinct feeling of not quite fitting. So, for that reason, I don't feel that I should really say more; as I definitely wouldn't do it justice. I enjoyed it, it was fun and interesting, and it was good to spend the day with him; we shall leave it at that. Apart from to say it gave both of us plenty to talk about later, and we are both fully agreed that Universalism is not true Biblically. And then we came to the evening, where we had a bit of a problem-there were two gigs to go to, D-Fest and a gig connected to the Workshop 30 day, and we both wanted to go to both. We decided to do a bit of travelling between venues, and see what we could see. So we missed the first bit of D-Fest and saw the first guy on, and I for one wished we hadn't. I fell asleep during his set. Let's say he was brilliant at what he does, it's just not for me. Or it could have been that I was really tired. Or maybe something else. Anyway, we got to D-Fest, and I was quite happy to stay where I was from that point, so I did. And definitely feel I made the right choice, if only for Seventh Angel-their first UK gig for 20 years. I thought they were brilliant; something I wasn't alone in thinking, I'm certain. I look forward to hearing more from them here....
And so, after finally getting to bed at some ridiculous hour (our hostel had a bar that stayed open until 3a.m.-though we weren't there quite that long), we had to be up and about in time to check out at 10. I'd discovered that didn't mean we actually had to leave the building, just hand over the keys, so I went to have a shower after that. And I felt so much better after that-almost awake, in fact. Anyway, we left and grabbed breakfast in a nearby pub, and then went to check out the British Library, cos we're cultured, like-and it was basically just across the road. I definitely recommend it-it's a striking maze of a building, and you never know what you might see around the corner. Or who. In this case, it was a fellow D-fest attendee, who we both knew. Which was nice. And we saw some very old Bibles. Which was interesting. And then it was time for us to leave and go back into the real world, as my friend had to catch a coach back to his life. I still had 1 1/2 hours before the D-Fest closing service, and once again, I managed to be late. Which appears to be a real skill I have. Anyway, I got there and celebrated with all. It was a very informal (and, obviously, loud) church service with people wandering in and out, and then people drifted around and chatted for a while-apparently a more or less typical Glorious Undead service, by all accounts. Which was generally just really relaxing and really nice, as well as worshipful-I will definitely remember it and the people for a long time to come (definitely the people, as I'm keeping in touch with several, so I won't be able to, even if I wanted to). And then I had to make my way home. I had thought that a 5:30 coach would be fine to catch, but as I didn't leave Camden Town until almost 4:50, the journey to Victoria was a bit fraught. Especially as I realised that my return ticket was on my phone, and I didn't know what the battery situation was like. Well, you'll be pleased to know that for basically the first time that weekend, I managed to get somewhere on time...
And so I caught the coach, and got home. And just generally relaxed after an absolutely stupendous weekend. I won't forget the people I met, and I look forward to meeting up with them again at some point. maybe the next D-Fest, whenever that may be, but hopefully sooner. Who knows what might happen..?
After starting by worshipping (loudly), we moved on to the main business of the evening-praying for people. It was originally supposed to be praying about what people are getting involved with back home where they are, but apparently God had other ideas. People came up to ask for prayer about what was going on in them, which was both powerful and moving-to know that they trusted people with what was going on with them, and that people obviously cared. I don't really want to go into any more detail, as I don't feel it would exactly be appropriate. It's not my things to share. And then more people arrived shortly before the end of the meeting, but to be fair, they had come from Chesterfield. A rapid tidy-up followed, and then we decamped to a pub-the one where the gig would be held the next evening. And then another. And much merriment followed.
The next day was very busy, but thankfully didn't start too early. I got up at about 9:30, which was actually a fair bit later than I would normally get up on a Saturday, so that was good, and I had a relatively leisurely journey to Islington where I was meeting a friend-and on the way discovered that my phone battery was almost dead. Which would make things tricky to keep in touch over the weekend if we separated. Oh well. The event we were attending during the day was a celebration of 30 years of Workshop. It was an interesting and fun day, but although for my friend it felt like coming home, I had a distinct feeling of not quite fitting. So, for that reason, I don't feel that I should really say more; as I definitely wouldn't do it justice. I enjoyed it, it was fun and interesting, and it was good to spend the day with him; we shall leave it at that. Apart from to say it gave both of us plenty to talk about later, and we are both fully agreed that Universalism is not true Biblically. And then we came to the evening, where we had a bit of a problem-there were two gigs to go to, D-Fest and a gig connected to the Workshop 30 day, and we both wanted to go to both. We decided to do a bit of travelling between venues, and see what we could see. So we missed the first bit of D-Fest and saw the first guy on, and I for one wished we hadn't. I fell asleep during his set. Let's say he was brilliant at what he does, it's just not for me. Or it could have been that I was really tired. Or maybe something else. Anyway, we got to D-Fest, and I was quite happy to stay where I was from that point, so I did. And definitely feel I made the right choice, if only for Seventh Angel-their first UK gig for 20 years. I thought they were brilliant; something I wasn't alone in thinking, I'm certain. I look forward to hearing more from them here....
And so, after finally getting to bed at some ridiculous hour (our hostel had a bar that stayed open until 3a.m.-though we weren't there quite that long), we had to be up and about in time to check out at 10. I'd discovered that didn't mean we actually had to leave the building, just hand over the keys, so I went to have a shower after that. And I felt so much better after that-almost awake, in fact. Anyway, we left and grabbed breakfast in a nearby pub, and then went to check out the British Library, cos we're cultured, like-and it was basically just across the road. I definitely recommend it-it's a striking maze of a building, and you never know what you might see around the corner. Or who. In this case, it was a fellow D-fest attendee, who we both knew. Which was nice. And we saw some very old Bibles. Which was interesting. And then it was time for us to leave and go back into the real world, as my friend had to catch a coach back to his life. I still had 1 1/2 hours before the D-Fest closing service, and once again, I managed to be late. Which appears to be a real skill I have. Anyway, I got there and celebrated with all. It was a very informal (and, obviously, loud) church service with people wandering in and out, and then people drifted around and chatted for a while-apparently a more or less typical Glorious Undead service, by all accounts. Which was generally just really relaxing and really nice, as well as worshipful-I will definitely remember it and the people for a long time to come (definitely the people, as I'm keeping in touch with several, so I won't be able to, even if I wanted to). And then I had to make my way home. I had thought that a 5:30 coach would be fine to catch, but as I didn't leave Camden Town until almost 4:50, the journey to Victoria was a bit fraught. Especially as I realised that my return ticket was on my phone, and I didn't know what the battery situation was like. Well, you'll be pleased to know that for basically the first time that weekend, I managed to get somewhere on time...
And so I caught the coach, and got home. And just generally relaxed after an absolutely stupendous weekend. I won't forget the people I met, and I look forward to meeting up with them again at some point. maybe the next D-Fest, whenever that may be, but hopefully sooner. Who knows what might happen..?
Tuesday 9 October 2012
DESTRUCTION!!! Part 1 (Eve of Destruction!)
Well, another weekend when I was busy. Very busy this time. This time I was down London way for the third Destruction Fest-a Christian metal festival put on by a church called Glorious Undead, who have a particular desire to reach out to those in that music scene. They are linked to the Elim network, and work together with St Michael's, Camden Town, where they are based.
I first heard rumours of a planned D-Fest several months ago, which was exciting, as it's by no means a regular occurrence; the last one was three years ago. They do them every so often, as they are not a money making venture-the last one was free, and this one was to raise money for a local homeless charity, where they pledged to double whatever money was raised over the weekend. So, it's not something they feel they can make a regular feature in their calendar. I guess that's the reason, anyway.
So, quite a few people I know were at the least intrigued when these rumours started circulating, rumours which quickly became confirmed fact. So I knew I wanted to go, and a couple of others who might want to go as well, so it was just down to whether we would. I talked about going for quite some time without doing anything about it, until I got to a point where I just had to make a decision. So I spoke to one of my friends, and said 'so, are we going or what?'-nothing like passing the buck when it comes to decision making. Anyway, the upshot was that we decided we would go, so we left it that he would book us somewhere to stay in London. There were a couple of practical reasons for this. one was that he is much better with computers than me, so I expected he would do it no problem (whereas I would probably procrastinate-no, make that definitely); and second, at that point, he wasn't sure exactly when he would come down, or if he would stay for the whole weekend, so it made sense for him to work that out, and then let me know what he'd sorted. And it had the added advantage that, if he was doing that, I could assume that it was happening, so I wouldn't change my mind. Probably. So, I booked the time off work (you know, quite useful to know I could go), and then pretty much forgot about it. Until just a few weeks away, when I realised we hadn't sorted anything definite out. It got slightly more complex on each side when we each found other things to do that weekend-some in London, some not. So, after a couple of frantic couple of phone calls, we finally worked out where we would be staying, and (important) where it was in relation to the places we wanted to go over the weekend-4 in total. And then I realised I hadn't done anything about sorting out transport, with less than a week to go. Thankfully, it's pretty easy to get to London-seems quite a few people want to go there. The only slight difficulty was that a friend wanted to show me a church in London, and I'd said I could do this weekend and then hadn't heard any more about it from her. Were we going or not? How long would I need to stay in London? (As it turned out, probably longer than I did.) I booked my ticket there, so at least I knew I could get there, and then I was ready. As ready as I ever am, anyway.
So, on Friday morning, I got up bright and early (well, alright, not early); and got myself ready. I had plenty of time, so I left the house with just enough time to catch the coach. Well, actually plenty of time, as it was late-not that that mattered much as I had about 4 hours to play with at the other end. And I still managed to arrive late to the prayer meeting which kicked the whole weekend off. But, at least I HAD ARRIVED...
I first heard rumours of a planned D-Fest several months ago, which was exciting, as it's by no means a regular occurrence; the last one was three years ago. They do them every so often, as they are not a money making venture-the last one was free, and this one was to raise money for a local homeless charity, where they pledged to double whatever money was raised over the weekend. So, it's not something they feel they can make a regular feature in their calendar. I guess that's the reason, anyway.
So, quite a few people I know were at the least intrigued when these rumours started circulating, rumours which quickly became confirmed fact. So I knew I wanted to go, and a couple of others who might want to go as well, so it was just down to whether we would. I talked about going for quite some time without doing anything about it, until I got to a point where I just had to make a decision. So I spoke to one of my friends, and said 'so, are we going or what?'-nothing like passing the buck when it comes to decision making. Anyway, the upshot was that we decided we would go, so we left it that he would book us somewhere to stay in London. There were a couple of practical reasons for this. one was that he is much better with computers than me, so I expected he would do it no problem (whereas I would probably procrastinate-no, make that definitely); and second, at that point, he wasn't sure exactly when he would come down, or if he would stay for the whole weekend, so it made sense for him to work that out, and then let me know what he'd sorted. And it had the added advantage that, if he was doing that, I could assume that it was happening, so I wouldn't change my mind. Probably. So, I booked the time off work (you know, quite useful to know I could go), and then pretty much forgot about it. Until just a few weeks away, when I realised we hadn't sorted anything definite out. It got slightly more complex on each side when we each found other things to do that weekend-some in London, some not. So, after a couple of frantic couple of phone calls, we finally worked out where we would be staying, and (important) where it was in relation to the places we wanted to go over the weekend-4 in total. And then I realised I hadn't done anything about sorting out transport, with less than a week to go. Thankfully, it's pretty easy to get to London-seems quite a few people want to go there. The only slight difficulty was that a friend wanted to show me a church in London, and I'd said I could do this weekend and then hadn't heard any more about it from her. Were we going or not? How long would I need to stay in London? (As it turned out, probably longer than I did.) I booked my ticket there, so at least I knew I could get there, and then I was ready. As ready as I ever am, anyway.
So, on Friday morning, I got up bright and early (well, alright, not early); and got myself ready. I had plenty of time, so I left the house with just enough time to catch the coach. Well, actually plenty of time, as it was late-not that that mattered much as I had about 4 hours to play with at the other end. And I still managed to arrive late to the prayer meeting which kicked the whole weekend off. But, at least I HAD ARRIVED...
Tuesday 2 October 2012
What I didn't do at the weekend.
Well, I know I said I don't go out much, but as of Thursday eve, it looked like I might be having a very busy weekend this one just gone. Shame it didn't quite work out that way.
On Friday, I could have gone to a talk about climate change by a local group with links to Christian Ecology Link, which sounded interesting. Saturday I was supposed to be watching a couple of friends torment themselves with (very) hot chillis-I may have even be persuaded to join them. And I was reminded that I was invited to lunch with some friends, after which we were intending to Skype a friend in China Sunday afternoon. So, what actually happened?
Well, I went out Friday evening with the best of intentions. I was quite looking forward to the talk, even though I felt so tired I could well have fallen asleep, but I couldn't find it. Seriously. It shouldn't have been that difficult, but for some reason, it was. I wandered up and down the street a couple of times, but didn't find anywhere obviously being a venue for a talk on climate change. I was actually quite irritated-not so much because I didn't get to go, but because it shouldn't have happened that way. And I'm now slightly bothered as to where this venue actually is. Maybe I'll find it one day. Saturday was a similar story, in that I was fully intending to go, but didn't get there-this time, I didn't even leave the house. I got home from work (admittedly going via Costa), and then fell asleep. That wouldn't have been so much of a problem, if I'd managed to get a lift-I did ask a friend who lives round the corner, but she got taken ill and couldn't go out. So, it would have taken me about an hour to get there. That's the problem when you don't drive-things take so much longer than they otherwise might. Anyway, I was tired, and really not up to a long journey. So I didn't go. Shame. By all accounts, much amusement was derived from seeing them change colour after they ate the chillis. And I missed it!
And on Sunday, it was a bit up in the air as to whether I would get out in the afternoon after my landlord said he was coming round to pick up the rent cheques. Which could have been any time from about 2. I did think about going along earlier and then getting back here for 2, but it's a good thing I didn't, as he actually came about quarter to 2. Which is pretty much unheard of. I can't remember a time when he's been early before. So, then, I had the important decision of whether to go and catch up with what they were up to. And God told me to stay in and pray for a bit-thankfully they weren't expecting me. So, that turned out to be quite relaxing, just spending time with God. My flatmate was out, so there were no interruptions, and I could just kind of sit. With God. Which was brilliant-I definitely recommend it.
So, was that it? Did I actually go anywhere that weekend? Well, yes actually-Sunday evening I went to an event called Seek His Face, which was set up by a couple of friends. Other friends. Although they mostly know each other. The idea is for people from different churches to get togeher and worship. Together. It's been at the same place the first couple of times, but the idea is it will move around. The next two are pretty much planned already-come along if you can! Anyway, I went along and worshipped. On my own. And I wasn't the only one doing so. I looked round occasionally, and saw most of the people around the walls pretty much spending time with Him on their own, though in company. God was there in a most powerful but gentle way-at least for me. It was kind of an extension of what I was doing in the afternoon. I can't remember asking him anything or Him telling me anything, but I was very aware that He was there. With me, around me, in me. Always. I'm definitely looking forward to the next 'Seek His Face' event.
So, what did I learn from that-apart from that it's alway worth spending time with God. Just that things don't always work out the way you plan, or even think they might; but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Just a thing. There's an old Jewish saying quoted by Woody Allen-'if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans'-and, if that's the case, I need to remember to hold on to things loosely.
On Friday, I could have gone to a talk about climate change by a local group with links to Christian Ecology Link, which sounded interesting. Saturday I was supposed to be watching a couple of friends torment themselves with (very) hot chillis-I may have even be persuaded to join them. And I was reminded that I was invited to lunch with some friends, after which we were intending to Skype a friend in China Sunday afternoon. So, what actually happened?
Well, I went out Friday evening with the best of intentions. I was quite looking forward to the talk, even though I felt so tired I could well have fallen asleep, but I couldn't find it. Seriously. It shouldn't have been that difficult, but for some reason, it was. I wandered up and down the street a couple of times, but didn't find anywhere obviously being a venue for a talk on climate change. I was actually quite irritated-not so much because I didn't get to go, but because it shouldn't have happened that way. And I'm now slightly bothered as to where this venue actually is. Maybe I'll find it one day. Saturday was a similar story, in that I was fully intending to go, but didn't get there-this time, I didn't even leave the house. I got home from work (admittedly going via Costa), and then fell asleep. That wouldn't have been so much of a problem, if I'd managed to get a lift-I did ask a friend who lives round the corner, but she got taken ill and couldn't go out. So, it would have taken me about an hour to get there. That's the problem when you don't drive-things take so much longer than they otherwise might. Anyway, I was tired, and really not up to a long journey. So I didn't go. Shame. By all accounts, much amusement was derived from seeing them change colour after they ate the chillis. And I missed it!
And on Sunday, it was a bit up in the air as to whether I would get out in the afternoon after my landlord said he was coming round to pick up the rent cheques. Which could have been any time from about 2. I did think about going along earlier and then getting back here for 2, but it's a good thing I didn't, as he actually came about quarter to 2. Which is pretty much unheard of. I can't remember a time when he's been early before. So, then, I had the important decision of whether to go and catch up with what they were up to. And God told me to stay in and pray for a bit-thankfully they weren't expecting me. So, that turned out to be quite relaxing, just spending time with God. My flatmate was out, so there were no interruptions, and I could just kind of sit. With God. Which was brilliant-I definitely recommend it.
So, was that it? Did I actually go anywhere that weekend? Well, yes actually-Sunday evening I went to an event called Seek His Face, which was set up by a couple of friends. Other friends. Although they mostly know each other. The idea is for people from different churches to get togeher and worship. Together. It's been at the same place the first couple of times, but the idea is it will move around. The next two are pretty much planned already-come along if you can! Anyway, I went along and worshipped. On my own. And I wasn't the only one doing so. I looked round occasionally, and saw most of the people around the walls pretty much spending time with Him on their own, though in company. God was there in a most powerful but gentle way-at least for me. It was kind of an extension of what I was doing in the afternoon. I can't remember asking him anything or Him telling me anything, but I was very aware that He was there. With me, around me, in me. Always. I'm definitely looking forward to the next 'Seek His Face' event.
So, what did I learn from that-apart from that it's alway worth spending time with God. Just that things don't always work out the way you plan, or even think they might; but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Just a thing. There's an old Jewish saying quoted by Woody Allen-'if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans'-and, if that's the case, I need to remember to hold on to things loosely.
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