So it begins ...

Now you are probably thinking what does the title mean this time, essentially it means that the party is over and the hard work has begun. That sounds as if it is a bad thing, but it's really not. What it means is that I now feel like I have gotten to know the area and a majority of the people and now it's becoming more and more routine. I know where I have to be at the right time, if I'm waiting to do another job there are things to be getting on with in the mean time. Really and truly, it's time to get down to business. 
Last week was a manic week, as I mentioned at the end of the last blog we were in Millom school last week. We had three lessons throughout the week and each was different and great in it's own way. We were talking to the kids as part of their BPE (Beliefs, Philosophy and Ethics - a mix of RE and PSHE) lessons. The lessons last week were on self esteem and how they see themselves. I think the message that they took from the lesson was that firstly they can feel good about themselves but also that what they say to others can impact others self esteem. All of the lessons were great and we are going back next week for lessons on bereavement - how cheery. I have to think about the things I want to do before I die as preparation for the lesson. 
Vic and I also went to Coniston last Thursday for a youth group called NJOY. The young adults meet in John Ruskin School (a senior school with around 200 pupils). It was a great group with an interesting way to get kids thinking about faith. There are a wide variety of groups up here so it is interesting to see how each group does things. The group ended with an intense game of hockey which was great fun although I think a few people were scared to tackle me ... 
Sunday was another big highlight of the week as I helped out in junior church for the first time. We were learning about obedience and saying sorry. It was great to get to know the younger members of UPC youth. 
Then in the evening came the biggie. I had to lead Cafe Church. I have done plenty of speaking before but I haven't led a service. Not only was I leading but I was also playing! To be fair I did volunteer to play as well. So Mike, who leads worship sometimes, and I got there early and practiced the songs before going into prayer before the service. After a few biscuits the moment arrived. It was great fun and I liked engaging with the audience and not making it all about me after all that's what worship is all about - joining together before God. The theme of the service was having faith that can move mountains. I think it got a lot of people thinking about faith and how we can ask God for anything as long as we have faith in him. The prayer response section was all about getting people to think about really difficult topics or situations where we really want God to break through. Then everyone prayed aloud and it was great to hear just a rumble of noise, which was people praying to God about things that they want changed in the world. Faith can do amazing things and sometimes we forget that, perhaps you should try it too if you weren't there. 
What are the situations where you desperately want God to break through? Think Saul on the road to Damascus. That kind of stuff.
So the service went well and I can't wait for the next one. I know I am rambling but there is so much to tell!
On Saturday I met up with Barbara and the Barrow interns which was hilarious as ever. So nice to have great friends so close. We had Big Questions at UVHS on Wednesday with the biggest turn out of the term so far. It's great to see that the young adults are willing and wanting to engage in topics of faith. Big Questions is a great outlet for that and you can see that they are really thinking about faith and starting their own journeys. 
Last night I was in Ambleside with Vic and Matt (the curate). I knew when we talked about going out that it would be a fun evening. You see Matt is Scottish and we have differing opinions of the temperature so there is a lot of North/South banter. Anyway we went to see Bishop Robert (Bishop of Penrith) talk about God in a digital age. He raised some great points about how relevant God is, in a digital age. Got me thinking about personal online identity and also church websites and facebook pages. There is so much potential but often it is wasted. Anyway I'll stop that there. 
Tomorrow I am off to Carlisle for training seminars before diving home in the evening to catch the Y! group being confirmed in Ashtead on Sunday! Looking forward to sharing all the stories with them.
Also well done St. Mary's (Fetcham) in getting the ad for the new vicar out! Exciting time ey! Alan (the vicar at UPC) spotted it in the Church Times so people certainly know about it.
That's all for now!
Catch up with you after the next manic week!
God bless and thanks for the support!
(Oh and I went to Preston for the Churches Certificate in Youth Ministry with Brittany and Mark! Great to see them again.)

Me leading Cafe Church - Cheers Rowan for the photo!

Some of the locals are a bit threatening ...