What to tell?

I haven't posted for a while. Not because nothing has happened. In fact, I've been rather busy, but as I review it all, little seems blog-worthy. A few dinners out, a few meetings at work, a restful day off... nothing remarkable.

I did, however, accompany my boss on his theatre chaplaincy round on Thursday night. He is chaplain to two of the major West end theatres, and chaplaincy, so far as I could gather, consists of hanging out backstage and drinking wine with famous (and semi-famous [and unknown]) actors and actresses. Not a bad deal at all!

We took a group round the National Gallery this morning, exploring the relationship between art and faith. This was particularly helpful for me because I tried out my Selection Conference presentation on art and prayer on them. They seemed to like it. Indeed, one of them said that if she were a selector she would recommend me on my presentation alone. What a sweetheart! If only it was so easy.

I'm preaching tomorrow. The gospel is the healing of the leper. I'm going to try preaching from bullet points rather than a full text for the first time. I'm fairly confident in what I'm going to say so it should turn out okay. Unfortunately, that means there won't be a text to post here. You're gutted, I'm sure.

I'm on retreat for some of next week. As you've become accustomed to doing, dear reader, don't expect much to go on here.

Fulham and other time zones

A friend of mine was in London last night, staying in Fulham.
"Yes, I'll come and have dinner with you." I said.

Never go to Fulham (well, at least not if you live in Camden and haven't a LOT of patience). It may pretend to be in London but, believe me, SW6 is a different time zone. It took me over an hour to get there by tube. However, we had a nice relaxed evening with a curry, some beers and the TV all of which was much needed. Then I had to make the return journey...

Highgate, on the other hand, I visited for the first time today. It is just a 20 minute bus ride away and is delightful. You could honestly believe you weren't in London. It has a quaint rural-esque feeling to it. I am going to go up that way again, having borrowed a parishioner's dog, and walk on Parliament Hill. (Going for a walk seems more valid if one has a mutt on a lead)

Apology & prayers

First, an apology: I do hope you can forgive my recent blog-posting sluggishness.

Below is part of an email I sent out to friends earlier in the week...

On 20th February I will be going on what is now called a Bishops' Advisory Panel. This may be more familiar to some of you as a Selection Conference, ABM or ACCM. The point is the same. This is a three-day residential conference when the Church of England examines candidates for training for the ordained ministry. Basically, it's kind of a big job interview for potential priests.

For me this will be the culmination of a few years' prayer, thought, conversations, interviews and a large chunk of my life as we decide whether God is calling me to be a priest in his Church. Obviously, this is quite a big deal (to me, at least).

I would therefore ask your prayers over the coming few weeks, and most especially during the conference itself (20-22 Feb). Pray especially that the Church and I can discern God's calling on my life and that I would have the faith to accept the outcome.

Pray also for the other candidates (there will probably be 16 of us); the "Advisors" (interviewers); my DDO (the person who prepares me) Jules; and Richard, my Bishop.

With my thanks and prayers.