Anyway, here I am again. Very much still alive and kicking - even if one of my feet is still recovering from a torn ligament gained on the tennis court 2 weeks ago. Ouch! Looking forward to being able to wear actual shoes again soon, but at least I got off the crutches pretty quickly, thanks to the (painful) ministrations of 'magic John' (who treated Louisa when she dislocated her toes a year ago).
So, what gives? Best I give a summary, I think. Otherwise we'll be here all day. And the longer I go without posting anything, the harder it is to get started.
My return from UK back in early June heralded the last 5 weeks of Michael's vicaring at St Philip's. It was a bit of a roller coaster. My heart grieved for his going, and for the parish, all whilst I was learning as much as I could from him, and trying to make his last weeks as easy as possible (after my 7 week absence). And he wasn't very well either, which didn't help. Lots of farewells, culminating in a final weekend of festivities and gifts... and then they were gone, Michael, Rebecca, wee Sophie and Isabel. And suddenly where once there had been 3 of us (with Nyasha), suddenly there was an empty vicarage and just ME!
Luckily that didn't last long. Revd Dr Helen Jacobi, former Dean of Napier cathedral, arrived as our priest-in-charge the following Sunday. She has a wealth of experience, a priest of over 20 years, an equipper, a teacher, a woman of enormous capacity with several degrees under her belt - including a doctorate of ministry in preaching. No pressure, then! Funnily enough, my weeks of grieving ended as Michael left, and I found I was quickly able to adapt to the new dynamic. Helen and I have been enjoying working together now for over 3 months; she does 3/4 time, and I work around 30 hrs a week. There have been lots of laughs, and lots of learning (for me, anyway). It's different, but it's still really good, thankfully. [We've also been joined this year by Jaz, our Youth Minister, who's only in her early 20s and has a great passion for young people, especially in their teens. Just what we need. Youth Club is slowly growing again.]
Ministry has been punctuated by a mixture of diocesan and other events:
Ministry conference - 2-day teaching event held this year in Holy Trinity cathedral. Subject matter? Preaching! And Helen was our speaker all of day 2. First time I'd met her, and after a day's teaching from her I just knew we would be just fine :)
Synod - 2.5 (long) days, again in the cathedral (which, though modern, is pretty jolly cold in winter; very glad I took my merino and possum shawl). Covered a whole load of different topics, but the most controversial involved debates on same-gender relationships and how the church should respond, with a motion supporting gay marriage (narrowly defeated) and one promoting gay blessing (majority supported). Exciting times, with paper ballots and divisions. Felt like parliament at one stage, and lots of 'going into committee'.
Post ordination training, twice - It's been the year of the 'Chris', all of them covering leadership. These sessions were delivered by Christopher Luxon, CEO Air New Zealand, and Chris Clarke, CEO World Vision NZ, both excellent value, both discussing leadership/Christian values/change to good effect. Though I have to say delightful though they were, they didn't tell me much that I don't hear from Roy regularly over the supper table! In the evenings our ministry educator encouraged theological reflections on the films Lincoln and The Intouchables. Excellent stuff! Amazing how many 'ologies' and 'isms' can be found in most films :)
Healing conference - down in Matamata, last week. A stimulating few days with the international Order of St Luke. Some great moments; others less so. Met some interesting people, but I don't think I'll be joining the Order...
I've added 'marriage preparation' to my repertoire now, walking alongside a couple I won't be marrying, sadly, as they'll be down in Nelson for the big day. But that's quite an education - and a responsibility. And I have my first wedding coming up! Not til next April, admittedly, but still... Exciting.
And there've also been a few tricky pastoral situations recently that have used up quite a lot of emotional energy and head space. I don't like it when people hurt other people, intentionally or otherwise (though I guess it happens often enough). It's been challenging.
Winter has been pretty kind to us this year. In fact the records have continued to grow. To 'worst summer' (2012), 'coldest June' (2012) and 'best summer' (2013), we've now added 'driest July' and 'mildest winter' (2013). So when you ask us, 'what's the weather like in summer/winter/whatever?' you can see why it's not very easy to answer! What we do know is that 2012's Sauvignon Blanc is particularly sharp, unlike 2011's, and we're waiting to see how 2013 fares.... Think I might be changing from 'Sav' to Pinot Gris, Roy's favourite. Would make buying wine easier.
Now Spring is very much here. Trees are in leaf again, birds nesting, and Roy's been swimming (albeit in wetsuit) several times already. Not me. I'm waiting yet awhile. But as your days draw in we are beginning to enjoy daylight until gone 7pm, and the prospect of summer dresses is just around the corner.
I'll be putting my fur boots away..... soon.....
Can't leave you without any pictures at all, can I? So in response to the many requests I've had, here's one of our adorable granddaughter, Elizabeth, now nearly 7 months, whom we skype weekly. Thank you, Lord, for the miracle of modern communications.
.JPG)
And one of me and my beautiful roses and lovebirds cushion (for my sore foot!) Roy brought home for me on our 32nd wedding anniversary :)
.JPG)
Next blog, some of the places Roy and I've visited recently. Definitely more photos!
No comments:
Post a Comment