It has almost arrived. This week, I turn from being a 20 something, to a 30 year old. And while many around me are unsympathetic to my distress; there are those who share my concern about this milestone.
30 just seems like I really can't call myself a young person any more. And while the Anglican Church (and lets be honest, many other churches) still consider me lumped into the same category as a teenager, I just don't feel it any more. Sigh, I really am going to have to grow up.
But let me state for the record, growing up doesn't mean turning into a complete Nana. I will still dance around the lounge when watching Glee; I will still sleep in on Saturday mornings; and I will still (occasionally) choose chocolate as a legitimate breakfast food group.
Happy Birthday to me.
Rev Annette
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
reflection for Lent, version two
I realise lent is over, but I thought I'd share my lenten practice with you anyway. For a few years now, I've picked a project (painting, cross stitch, etc) that I can do during lent. Instead of doing it for a specific amount of time each day (I would have been sunk before I began - ENFP on the Myers Briggs), I aim to complete it by the end of lent.
This year I wanted to do a meditation painting based around the tree/vine/plant imagery in the bible (needed a broad topic - see ENFP). I started with a hiss and a roar - then got stuck. A bit like writer's block, but for artists. I was reading, and reflecting, and staring at this giant canvas that I'd begun... and nothing.
I flicked back through my notebook of verses that had struck me and came across Jeremiah 17:7-8 (It will do you good to look it up! Go on, you know you want to!)
It really got to me, and yet it didn't mesh with my lenten painting thus far.
So, hence reflection for lent, version two. Started and completed post lent. But it still feels lent related because it was part of the same journey.
And in case you are wondering, version one is on the wall in my office in all its incomplete glory. I know that at some point I'll break through the block. And in the mean time, I look at it every day and it helps me pray - a reminder to persevere in prayer, that some prayers take time to be answered.
Hope you enjoy the meditation.
Blessings
revannette
This year I wanted to do a meditation painting based around the tree/vine/plant imagery in the bible (needed a broad topic - see ENFP). I started with a hiss and a roar - then got stuck. A bit like writer's block, but for artists. I was reading, and reflecting, and staring at this giant canvas that I'd begun... and nothing.
I flicked back through my notebook of verses that had struck me and came across Jeremiah 17:7-8 (It will do you good to look it up! Go on, you know you want to!)
It really got to me, and yet it didn't mesh with my lenten painting thus far.
And in case you are wondering, version one is on the wall in my office in all its incomplete glory. I know that at some point I'll break through the block. And in the mean time, I look at it every day and it helps me pray - a reminder to persevere in prayer, that some prayers take time to be answered.
Hope you enjoy the meditation.
Blessings
revannette
Thursday, April 28, 2011
what resources are there nationally for under 40s ministry?
I am one such 20 (nearly 30) something Anglican vicar wondering just that.
I believe that one of the best ways to start is to connect with what is happening outside your immediate area. And one of the simplest ways to do that without even leaving the comfort of your own home is the internet.
In the Anglican tradition in Aotearoa, we have a network called StraNdZ (the acronym that isn't an acronym. If you want the full story, then you'll have to ask me for it!) While people who are church hierarchy groupies might be aware of it, many would still go "Huh?" if you asked them about it.
So here is the web address: http://www.strandz.org.nz/
Start your research here. Believe it or not, those levies that each parish pays help provide some fabulous (underutilised) resources including straNdZ. They are getting in on the committees that decide policy, funding and direction for our church in NZ. One of the projects in development is a new lectionary based children's ministry programme created by locals.
Blessings and keep up the good ministry and mission!
Rev Annette
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
it has been a while...
...since I posted. I have been dealing with earthquakes, slow laptops and internet connections as well as preparing for my first parish AGM!
I have published my blog address on my business cards and gone to the effort to start this (in lew of a website at this time), it really is about time I put something on here.
This week is what is called Holy Week. That is the week leading up to Easter Sunday. It is arguably the biggest event in the church calendar as it remembers the last week of Jesus on earth culminating in his death and then resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Some churches are really busy at this time with extra services during the week, but here at S. Nicholas I have sent parishioners (thats a fancy word for those who go to church at S. Nics) home with a breakdown of short readings, reflection questions and a prayer for each of the days during Holy Week. It is an opportunity to worship in dispersed community. Which is another way of saying that no matter where we are during the week, we are still a church community. So if we are doing the same basic practice (reading, reflection, prayer) but in different places then its a reminder of church not just being what happens on Sunday mornings!
I have also encouraged our parishioners to join in with what other churches are offering this week. It seems a shame to me that we double/triple up on worship services and get only a few people when we could combine or advertise each other's offerings. Especially knowing how much time and preparation goes into these services. (Reading that last bit back, I suspect I might be a closet idealist... )
Blessings
Rev Annette
I have published my blog address on my business cards and gone to the effort to start this (in lew of a website at this time), it really is about time I put something on here.
This week is what is called Holy Week. That is the week leading up to Easter Sunday. It is arguably the biggest event in the church calendar as it remembers the last week of Jesus on earth culminating in his death and then resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Some churches are really busy at this time with extra services during the week, but here at S. Nicholas I have sent parishioners (thats a fancy word for those who go to church at S. Nics) home with a breakdown of short readings, reflection questions and a prayer for each of the days during Holy Week. It is an opportunity to worship in dispersed community. Which is another way of saying that no matter where we are during the week, we are still a church community. So if we are doing the same basic practice (reading, reflection, prayer) but in different places then its a reminder of church not just being what happens on Sunday mornings!
I have also encouraged our parishioners to join in with what other churches are offering this week. It seems a shame to me that we double/triple up on worship services and get only a few people when we could combine or advertise each other's offerings. Especially knowing how much time and preparation goes into these services. (Reading that last bit back, I suspect I might be a closet idealist... )
Blessings
Rev Annette
Friday, February 25, 2011
Update post earthquake
We now have water back on at the vicarage, but not enough presure for a shower yet.
Am about to head down to the church to make plans for Sunday services, and reassure our parish administrator.
I have received so many emails, texts and calls of support and offers of help. God bless you all!
I have also had a God-indidence this morning in that I checked what the Gospel for Sunday is: Matthew 6: 24-34 on our roster. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?" (verse 25). Check out the rest of it. Tell me what strikes you about it.
As we stuggle to sort out our basic needs and establish contact with others, God is with us, Emmanuel. In the joys, and in the hurts. And especially in the long term journey as the effects and enormity of this situation becomes apparent.
If I can say one thing that is a huge help is to have people willing to listen as we talk about it. The precious gift of a listening, empathetic ear is food for the soul.
Blessings
Rev Annette
Am about to head down to the church to make plans for Sunday services, and reassure our parish administrator.
I have received so many emails, texts and calls of support and offers of help. God bless you all!
I have also had a God-indidence this morning in that I checked what the Gospel for Sunday is: Matthew 6: 24-34 on our roster. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?" (verse 25). Check out the rest of it. Tell me what strikes you about it.
As we stuggle to sort out our basic needs and establish contact with others, God is with us, Emmanuel. In the joys, and in the hurts. And especially in the long term journey as the effects and enormity of this situation becomes apparent.
If I can say one thing that is a huge help is to have people willing to listen as we talk about it. The precious gift of a listening, empathetic ear is food for the soul.
Blessings
Rev Annette
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Earthquakes and prayer
Hi All
Being a first time vicar following a major natural disaster in the form of an earthquake is tough. In some ways, it can highlight areas where you weren't prepared - in other ways, it highlights the ways in which strengths come to the fore.
And so I have been praying. Constantly. I have been lamenting. I have been praising. I have watched the news unfolding and used it as a visual prompt for prayer. On the first night when we lacked power and we hunkered down in the lounge for support, I lit candles and used them for meditation and prayer. A symbolic reminder of the presence of Christ in our darkest moments. I have cooked food and cleaned up broken and fallen stuff and prayed.
Its easy to feel useless but this is an event that will require all sorts of skills and abilities over the coming days, weeks and months. Eat, sleep, pray and be ready. You might feel like you're twiddling your thumbs a bit but you will have your time or your way to help. So keep in contact. Keep checking websites - www.anglicanlife.org.nz and may the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds on the knowledge and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Being a first time vicar following a major natural disaster in the form of an earthquake is tough. In some ways, it can highlight areas where you weren't prepared - in other ways, it highlights the ways in which strengths come to the fore.
And so I have been praying. Constantly. I have been lamenting. I have been praising. I have watched the news unfolding and used it as a visual prompt for prayer. On the first night when we lacked power and we hunkered down in the lounge for support, I lit candles and used them for meditation and prayer. A symbolic reminder of the presence of Christ in our darkest moments. I have cooked food and cleaned up broken and fallen stuff and prayed.
Its easy to feel useless but this is an event that will require all sorts of skills and abilities over the coming days, weeks and months. Eat, sleep, pray and be ready. You might feel like you're twiddling your thumbs a bit but you will have your time or your way to help. So keep in contact. Keep checking websites - www.anglicanlife.org.nz and may the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds on the knowledge and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Dog Parks as a place of prayer
I have now moved into the vicarage and am embarking on the challenge of setting new routines in a new context. Translation: where is the best local coffee shop? Where did I put that important piece of paper in my new office? And how do I re-establish regular prayer time with God?
As you may have gathered, I have two dogs and they are my unpaid, unofficial lay ministers during the week. I have made the discovery that my local dog park opens early enough in the morning that I can take Murphy and Angus for a walk before the rest of the day unfolds. This is exciting news because I find walking the dogs is one of the best times to pray.
I have often found that the best way of establishing prayer patterns in life is to link them with something that you do regularly during the week. It might be in the car driving to work (eyes open of course!) or doing the dishes or putting out the rubbish bin. Maybe this is something that would work for you? Perhaps you have other suggestions that help you to pray. I'd love to hear about them.
As you may have gathered, I have two dogs and they are my unpaid, unofficial lay ministers during the week. I have made the discovery that my local dog park opens early enough in the morning that I can take Murphy and Angus for a walk before the rest of the day unfolds. This is exciting news because I find walking the dogs is one of the best times to pray.
I have often found that the best way of establishing prayer patterns in life is to link them with something that you do regularly during the week. It might be in the car driving to work (eyes open of course!) or doing the dishes or putting out the rubbish bin. Maybe this is something that would work for you? Perhaps you have other suggestions that help you to pray. I'd love to hear about them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)