It's been a busy few days, with a visit on Friday to St Andrew's, Boness to meet with St Silas' alumnus, Albert Bogle and his multimedia team to see if there are ways churches using high tech stuff might work together. It was a joy to see how things are going there, and there is much to think about.
We tried to see Slumdog Millionaire on Friday night, but I made the stupid and elementary mistake of leaving my mobile on. Saw the first half hour, then we had to come home to show the love. Parenting does not get easier as they/we get older!
Had an early breakfast at church on Saturday morning with thirty blokes gathered to hear Ian speak about 'Heroes'. The testosterone was heavy in the air! It was great to be and think together.
Then off to Diocesan Synod. I reluctantly spoke towards the end on the subject of the Anglican Covenant. Most Piskies don't seem to want it, and I can't help but feel that it's coming from that "You're no the boss o' me!" thing that Scots are prone too. That and a fear that we might grow just a little bit more accountable and submissive to one another.
In other news, I find myself inexplicably elected to General Synod in June. Well not elected strictly speaking, as there wasn't a vote. Nonetheless, I will have to attend the three day meeting in June, which, must be because I reach the maturity of having been in holy orders for twenty one years that month.
The really big news was the announcement right at the end of business by the Primus', the Most Revd Dr Idris Jones, that he would be retiring as Bishop of Glasgow & Galloway at the end of July 2009. He spoke movingly, and it was obviously very hard to contain his feelings. A hard thing to do, but clearly it's time for him and Alison to enjoy more time with each other. Prayers and blessings as they contemplate future ministry together.
Sunday was a long day. I attended the 9am Prayer Book service. Excellent liturgy and leading, and a good sermon from someone learning the craft. A cracking All-age at 11am, with good preaching and excited kids (what a joy it is to see them enjoy being in church so much). Evening was a simple Communion. We showed clips from 1980's movie "The Mission", to illustrate wrath/forgiveness. I can't help but weep when De Niro's armour is cut from him and cast into the river.
A most helpful preaching preparation meeting this morning followed by lunch with a few Piskie colleagues. Then there will hopefully be time to listen to U2! Oh yes, for Amazon tells me the CD will arrive today.
Next weekend should be a little less frenetic. We are going to Edinburgh on Friday to see Elbow, and will probably stay in the city overnight, maybe visiting a few of our old haunts if we can. I'm looking forward to that.
Congratulations on the el-e-va-tion (wooo-ooh-ooh! ;-)) to General Synod. Told you that you should have celebrated your twenty years in Holy Orders! Hope you got the fancy box version of No Line on the Horizon; the book has a photo of Bono which shows he wears red Emporio Armani shades. You can get them in Glasgow! It could be argued that Bono as he is now would be a more appropriate look for a middle-aged man of the cloth at the forthcoming party, rather than, e.g., The Fly (a look Bono rocked when he was but thirty!);-).
Posted by: ryan | 02 March 2009 at 11:42 PM
sounds busy busy!
Posted by: Cyber Rainbow | 03 March 2009 at 09:54 PM