New year, new objectives

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jer. 29:11

I had a chat with my ADDO last Sunday and we decided together that this year I wouldn't be ready to go forward for candidacy. I haven't yet had enough time for formation. Granted this is a little disappointing as we as a society are so used to quick gratification, however, I do believe it's for the best and I am very excited about the year to come!

Bishop Philip and Rev Cindy have said I am to continue my placement at the Benefice until Advent so I will have had a full year of working alongside my ADDO, developing my calling and gaining further insight into what it means to be a priest. As I am married and have commitments I cannot take part in one of the 'Years with Christ' that the CofE have created so this is as close to that as I can get, so I

am going to throw myself into it headfirst!

I'm going to be assisting with mission outreach in the Benefice. I'm going to be setting up a few social groups for the members of the local community and I'm looking forward to seeing who comes and how it evolves from my initial thoughts!

This coming weekend I am off on a course in Wigan to learn about Fresh Expressions in the area and how to implement them. I'm very much looking forward to it as this is an area of great interest to me personally. I do believe that our Religion does not need to be confined to conventional church services, and in order to remain relevant in today's society it cannot solely remain that way.

Last year's logo

Then later in the year the Northern Bishops are visiting my diocese as part of the crossroads project and I want to get as heavily involved in that as possible. I want to be able to spread the good news of the gospel in as many ways as possible and this will be a great platform to see how best to do so.

These are just the tip of the iceberg, who knows what other opportunities are going to be heading my way this next year. Suffice to say I am excited and honored to have this chance. In the end if it is God's will that I represent him then I shall, if it isn't I shan't. But I will try my best either way to reflect his love out into the world.

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