New Methodist song/hymn book

Methodist Conference 09 decided to go ahead with the idea that the church needs a new music resource to take over from Hymns and Psalms. There have been mixed views on whether this should happen, or what format it should take - but that particular boat has sailed. So I'm not looking for views on that! New groups have been set up to look at aspects of the resource and I am on the 'Content' group - we have a lot to do in a very short time.

What I am looking for are people - especially Methodist and most helpfully (but not exclusively) women - who write worship songs and hymns.

Please let me know if you are such a person or know such people.

Outstanding Oratory

Want a lesson in how to work a crowd? Want to know the actual plan behind President Obama's health care revolution (as opposed to reactionary rumours...)? Want to learn a little about the history of the labour movement in the USA? If so, watch this. It is 30 minutes of excellence.

President Barack Obama says it how it is.

A busy hiatus

The non-blogging between 1st July and today is not because I've had nothing to talk about - rather that there has just been too much!

So for anyone who wants to know what I've been up to - here is a thumbnail sketch of the Summer of 2009

Early July - Methodist Conference. I helped with the organising of worship - The Sunday service went particularly well and I am thrilled with the feedback. The Thursday Communion would have been fine if business had not over-run and a number of people had to leave for trains - this needs looking at for next year. As I'm now both on the Ministerial Business Committee and also going to co-ordinate all the worship at next year's Conference, it might be possible to smooth things a little.

Late July - Methodist School of Fellowship.

What a great thing to be part of! I was privileged to lead the morning prayers each day (had to get up early but it does me good from time to time!). Sandy was able to come for part of the week long event and the kids came for all of it. The highlights for me where Inderjit Bhogal leading the week, a great poet, Michael Symmons Roberts, and the Psalm Drummers. The drummers had all 170 of us, from a few months old to people in their 90s, drumming in time. The sound was amazing and the laughter and unity in the room was very special.

August - Holiday in North Devon.

Sun, sand, wind, sea, rain, sea-views, great cottage in Appledore overlooking the estuary, kite boarding, body boarding, folk jam nights in local pubs, food, Sky TV, West Wing series 2 and 3, Hockings ice cream, walks, sleep....

- Quick trip to Greenbelt.

Rob was dropped off on our way back from Devon and stayed for the weekend with friends he met at the School of Fellowship. Sandy, Tamsin and I went back to London, I preached on the Sunday - then we drove to Tewkesbury, stayed in a Premier Inn, went to Greenbelt for the day, stayed in the Inn again, back to work Tuesday.

Highlight of Greenbelt for me was seeing Applecart. If you get the chance to see them DO DO DO!

Early September

Spent time with Jennifer, new colleague. Circuit Policy, Conference Business Committee, Meal out with lovely people at the Loch Fyne, Pastoral visits, trip to Chesterfield to scatter Sandy's Mum's ashes, Church 50th Anniversary evening, 3 services and a training session on Sunday 6th - lost voice and exhausted Monday 7th!

Jen's welcome service was wonderful, local ecumenical and civic guests, a variety of music including the choir and musicians from King's Hall Urdu speaking congregation, good preacher and very welcoming.

So now, it's September with a vengeance and I'm ready for a holiday!

A very important apology

Gordon Brown has made a statement, following lobbying and petitioning, rightly apologising to Alan Turing for the inhumane and appalling way he was treated because of his sexuality. Read the article here.

A much less important apology is mine to those of you who wander by here and have not seen anything change since July. I'm back!