Searching for Hymns for Advent 2 (my next preach) I came access this beautiful hymn based in Isaiah 11: 1 - 10 which can be sung to 'Jerusalem' or 'Ye Banks and Braes' (I found a gorgeous version recorded by someone called Josh Garrels but I can't persuade YouTube to let me share it here... maybe try your favourite music streaming service!)

O day of peace that dimly shines
through all our hopes and prayers and dreams,
guide us to justice, truth, and love,
delivered from our selfish schemes.
May swords of hate fall from our hands,
our hearts from envy find release,
till by God's grace our warring world
shall see Christ's promised reign of peace.

Then shall the wolf dwell with the lamb,
nor shall the fierce devour the small;
as beasts and cattle calmly graze,
a little child shall lead them all.
Then enemies shall learn to love,
all creatures find their true accord;
the hope of peace shall be fulfilled,
for all the earth shall know the Lord.

Carl P Daw, Jr (born 1944) © 1982 Hope Publishing Company.

Theology, Ministry & Mission... that's what we teach academically at vicar school, alongside and incorporating ministerial formation for a number of traditions.  But just what do we mean by those words?

Yesterday was a day that seemed to capture something of the essence as it really was a bit of everything...

I preached on the Lectionary readings of Isaiah 65: 17 - 25 and 2 Thessalonians 3: 6 - 13 about the God of hope who rejoices in all that God has made, about the vision of a new or renewed creation characterised by flourishing for all life... and about the need for us to get stuck in and help bring it to pass.

As part of the service we prayed with and for two people we've been supporting to differing degrees in the asylum process, one moving elsewhere to dispersal accommodation (which they are pleased about), one staying put in permanent accommodation (which they are delighted with).  We are also just starting to get to know another who has been dispersed here.

We had a fire drill - and with real good humour everyone cleared the building and assembled in under two minutes.  We learned how we could do this even better another time.

We are lunch together - delicious veggie and meaty stews with pickles, followed by apple sponge and cream. And as part of this raised money for Home Mission.

In coming weeks, we will hold a toy service, gathering gifts for people trapped in poverty; we will host a radio Stoke Christmas Coffee Morning; we will hold our first Community Carol Festival; we will make Advent wreaths as an act of worship, we will sing carols by candlelight, and we will hold a Christingle Service - and more besides.

This is mission.  This is ministry... Messy, unpredictable, costly and courageous.  And the God who dreams of a renewed creation abso-bloomin'-lutely loves it!