A day in Matlock

Today I was planned to lead worship at Matlock Methodist / URC Church. Margaret and I set out around 8:45 having loaded p the car with all my equipment, including the guitar and amplifier. We set out on a cloudy morning but as we approached Matlock, the clouds lifted leaving us with a beautiful sunny day. I set up the equipment with the help of the people at Matlock and everything worked fine. I was greeted by an excellent group of musicians and an organist. Together they led worship wonderfully. Mike, who played 12 string guitar was celebrating his birthday. He had the dubious pleasure of playing his guitar as we sang 'Happy Birthday To You'.

I really enjoyed the service and introduced them to some Celtic liturgy and songs. I was encouraged by Mavis, a circuit steward, who said how she enjoyed reading my evangelism bulletins. Also the couple who had attended the district 'Pray without ceasing' event which I organised a few years ago. All in all it was a really good morning.

The church has been tastefully refurbished with an excellent new entrance hall. The inscription over the entrance was 'Never underestimate the power of God'. So apt and telling for a church which clearly takes prayer seriously.

We dined in Matlock at the chippy on the high street. That saved my jet-setting wife having to prepare a Sunday lunch. On the way back home we stopped off at the Tansley Garden Centre for a cuppa. We were both quite whacked when we got home so relaxed before visiting Esther to lend her a car as her car has developed an electrical fault. I then reviewed the enormous workload I have before me this week. Several meetings are taking place in different parts of the district along with the launch of a new Alpha course in Beeston.

Whirlow Grange

We have a 48 hour residential here at Whirlow Grange in Sheffield. Pleasant surroundings and adequate rooms. The food so far is excellent.

A rural Sunday

The frost soon cleared and the sun shone sparingly on a cool spring day. This morning I was leading worship at Bradmore, a secluded rural Methodist Chapel to the south of Nottingham. Some years ago we talked about a mission endeavour which culminated in the building of a prayer labyrinth in Rushcliffe Country Park, not far from Bradmore. It's 2 years since it was completed and according to John Randall, the main driving force behind its construction, is well used. So I stopped off at the country park before the service although I didn't get out of the car, I simple savoured to peace and stillness.

The service featured John Wesley's famous saying on a 'dead sect' and took the letter to the church at Laodicea and Nehemiah Chapter 1 as the texts. I introduced them to 'Sing of the Lord's goodness' which they seemed to enjoy.

After lunch I went to Wheatcrofts and bought some primulas and a squirrel dome for the bird feeder. I erected it and got the pole to stand up straight for the first time. I also planted the primulas and planted the wheelbarrow. I also put the rocks into the rock garden in the front. All in all with yesterday's work in the garden I feel I have achieved a great deal.

Esther popped around for a coffee. She had been to Wheatcrofts too and bought an orchid. She brought the Vaseline which we no longer need now that I've sorted the bird feeder. She confirmed that we can invite up to 120 people to our anniversary party at the Embankment.

A couple of years ago I sat with the members of Bradmore Methodist Church to discuss a community outreach project. This culminated in the building of a prayer labyrinth on Rushcliffe Country Park a mile up the road from Bradmore. This is used by visitors to the park although, how much they connect with its spirituality is questionable. Some use it for prayer, some simply walk around it while others kick footballs across it.

A day in Derbyshire

We set out about 9.30 and drove to Chatsworth House Farm Shop where we enjoyed a cappuccino. The weather is sunny and, compared to recent temperatures, quite warm. The aim of the day is to deliver two talks on Robert Foster's EDEV weekend.

Chatsworth House must be one of the most appealing stately homes in the country, set in the Peak District between Matlock and Bakewell. The rolling hills and pastureland make it such a relaxed setting with lots of walks, country pubs and fresh air. It's a god place to re-charge the batteries and prepare for my service tomorrow.

Ready for the weekend

Having delivered my prayer video to Sherwood last night and written my sermon this morning along with two talks for Cliff College tomorrow, I can relax and prayerfully prepare for the weekend. Sitting in the library is a good place to reflect but the Internet connection bars me from Facebook, Twitter and other essential services.

Oh well - I'm in Caffe Nero where all access is available.

I admire this man's sense of humour.

I will be delivering two seminars tomorrow. One on evangelism in today's culture and another on faith sharing. On Sunday the theme is dealing with failure.

Queen's Medical Centre

Well, I didn't expect to land up in the QMC today but the problem in my left eye took me first to the opticians and they referred me to the QMC. I should not have driven but I drove to the park & ride and caught the medi-link bus. I soon got attended to b Peter, the nurse and then Mr. Kumar, the doctor. The nurse put drops in my eyes and the doctor had a good inspection and diagnosed PVD (posterior vitreous detachment). This means that the vitreous at the back of my eye is becoming detached and is causing lights and floaters in my vision. It should o after a few days but I need to go back in two week's time.

I went back to the park & ride and drove (naughty) to the wheel specialists to ask about my tyre which keeps losing pressure. I need to come back tomorrow to have it looked at. Had a restful day at home after that.

I had to cancel my visit to Tilly Merriman in Sherwood but sent her an email instead. I had a nice email from Anne Leake asking permission to use my last bulletin in her news letter. I asked in turn about how many of the group are coming to our anniversary do.