summer school

Well what a week that was! Went to Liverpool for the week to Liverpool Hope for summer school with the ordinands from Chester, Manchester and Liverpool, plus Jennie and Jacqui.

Crosby beach was beautiful - much better than crowded Liverpool - got to chill, chat and theologically reflect about life and God - question where was God in all of this? In His creation, in the laughter and conversations that took place as well as the silence...

Sunday went to Kirkby to a service at St Chads - which was a beautiful building even though not many people were there due to holidays. It was fascinating to see the baptism afterwards and then to hear about the parish(es) from the clergy and some parishoners.

Monday was a 'classroom' day, tues went to the two cathedrals and Chinese Gospel Church, but I also saw Rich in the evening which was the first time in a year- so that was good. The trip into Liverpool was a bit frustrating as I had been given a very long tour only three weeks previously of the Anglican Cathedral and some of the others know it inside out. I have also had a tour of the Metropolitan one in the past and although not had one of the Chinese Gospel Church by the time we got there I was too tired to take much in unfortunately.

Wed it was a classroom day but I managed to get to see Steve in his last week as chaplain and also Ruth who told me where to get the wig needed for the next day!!

Thurs was again classroom day but also 'panto' night - which was a lot of fun and there was a lot of laughter that evening, and then fri after lunch we came home.

At the end of the week - how do I feel? exhausted, frustrated, sad and disappointed! I did have some good times and loved most of the worship, but I think frustration is the biggest feeling and sadness.

I long for the time when people actually start to really observe what is going on for others, when people will really listen to each other - and I mean actively listen to each other and keep their mouth closed more than they use them. When anyone and everyone is welcomed into the group without conditions, when 'power' is not abused, when cliques are done away with. Love God with every ounce of your being and love your neighbour as yourself!!!!!