As the academic year (at least term time) draws to is end, I am starting to reflect on how my 'normal' working patterns have panned out... 

Fair to say, it  hasn't been easy as both roles need flexibility in order to fit around the diverse needs of church and college.  It is even meaning that this year I'll be taking a major whack of my annual leave all on one month - not ideal on so many levels, but there we go.

Today is pretending to be Thursday (with a few Monday interruptions) and Thursday will pretend to be Monday... or something like that anyway.

I'm enjoying the challenge of working bi-vocationally (and wondering how on earth anyone manages a portfolio ministry)... I just need to get better at booking my downtime, which I think should be easier next academic year once I have a better sense of how academic and liturgical calendars mesh (or don't!).

I guess this possibly means that August is going to be a month of (non-preaching) Sundays?   

Many years ago, I heard a speaker at a Scottish Baptist Assembly use the phrase 'outrageous generosity' to describe something of the character of God.  I loved it, then, I love it now.

Today, re-reading a bit of Moltmann, I came across the phrase (used pejoratively against his thinking back in the 1970s) of an 'obstreperous theology of hope'.  I love that phrase too, and will be using it in some prayers I'm leading tomorrow.

Put them together and it's yet more wonderful... an obstreperous theology of hope in the God who is outrageously generous... I think I like that as concept to ponder for some time to come.

It's a fairly small part of my book case, but it's a significant one - Jurgen Moltmann, whose death at the age of 98 is being reported on social media, was - is - a significant and thoughtful theologian.  I remember reading both 'The Crucified God' and 'The Church in the Power of the Spirit' for undergrad essays.  I can't recall what either book said or what I wrote, but I do know that it mattered and made a difference to my thinking/understanding/theologising.

Moltmann's words will long outlast him, as they continue to challenge, inspire and educate new generations of theologians and ministers.   

This evening I was in a Zoom meeting to plan for a Churches in Railway Town election hustings - and I am really pleased that our little church will be hosting it.

If you want some good resources to help you think further about the upcoming election then go here, and look at JPIT's 'Love, Pray, Vote' resources.

Today is a Work From Home (WFH) day, which meant I spent my lunch break finishing off the garden tidy-up ahead of this weekend's church barbecue.  In the foreground, to the left of Sasha cat, is a seemingly extraneous stalk... it's actually some self-seeded mint, and very good it is too, I recently used some to flavour some new potatoes.

Hospitality has always been an important aspect of ministry for me... I recently found some photos from a barbecue I held the first year I lived in Dibley, and of course over the fourteen years I was in Glasgow, there were many photos of table settings as I welcomed church folk for roast dinners. I have no idea who will come on Saturday, though I am grateful for one offer of an additional barbecue, another person who has offered to lead some singing, and someone else who has volunteered to organise lifts for those who need them!

In an age of ready meals, take-aways/carry-outs and meals on trays, I am looking forward to the slowness and messyness of a gathering to cook and eat al fresco (or maybe sous parapluies) on a spring Saturday.

Meat ordered for meat-eaters, and some vegan marshmallows to toast... hopefully catering for most!