not so silent

Today 15 years ago Bishop John Austin of Aston presid ed over my first service here at  St. Mary's Church, Pype  Hayes​. We, Erin and  Meself  had no  great  plans but  believed God had directed or whis per ed  to others to guide us here. Daniel and Ruth our children came willingly ,  well Ruth almost willingly , we sent them to the local schools. At 10 years old  Ruth went to the  school  down the road on the estate   at  that time was in special measures. Daniel 13 years old went to the local Roman Catholic school. During the last 15 years we have never doubted that we are in the right placed but there have been some very dark and painful times and possibly as many joyful life giving times. Although  im  not sure of the balance. When I meet strangers they ask how long have I been here and I tell them, they look surprised or a well disguised disappointment. There response at times prods me to ask “ have I stayed too long? ”   Im  not sure how to answer that, I came on a 7 year lic

This weekend has been a time of many celebrations in the Anglican Church it has been a time for candidate s  for the ordained ministry to make some sort of commitment before  B ishop and God that is life lasting. I went through the same journey a number of years ago from deacon to priest sliding nervously but passionately into parish ministry, my commitment was also followed by a family party to celebrate!  This Sunday morning I preached on 2 Samuel 1:17 end. I thoroughly enjoyed the preparation, it is King David’s lament for Saul and Jonathan and their death on the battle field. This section of the Old Testament recognises the cosmic shift from God and people to God, King, the Kings Kingdom and Gods people. I think this  new favoured one of God, David, genuinely laments for Saul and Jonathan’s death. David in his lament models to his people the passing of something and someone  in death knowing  new possibilities to come. So I wonder on the Sunday when people celebrate being ordained