Konference, Kenosis, Kindness and Kinship

  Had a great time with the folk who were at the Minister's Refreshment Conference at Hayes Conference Centre. The folk could not have been kinder in welcoming me .

Met a number of people I'd only had blog contact with before - which continues to persuade me that  virtual community is possible, providing at some stage faces, voices and presence are experienced in encounter. The faces matter  - if only to revise preconceptions of how we imagine people look! Myself included!!

Enjoyed the magazine section when people were able to tell stories of ministry in different ways and places. The common thread seemed to be that however it does it, the church is called to love, to serve and to accompany.

Met and made friends with several folk as we exchanged email addresses and made arrangements to meet or share ideas.

Got the chance to do my paper on kenosis - it was well received and encourages me to pursue further what can sound utterly preposterous, ridiculously pretentious and well-intentioned but hopeless - personal research into the love of God!

Amongst the highlights - a service of communion which included anointing for refreshment of ministry. I was privileged to share in offering this ministry - and at the end to receive it. No need for theological analysis - I am content with humbly receiving whatever God wants to make of such a gift and grace.

And finally. The opportunity to sit and talk at the table, or with coffee holding up a doorpost, or in the corridor or wandering round the lake - to share, listen, recognise that this ministry thing is a lifelong entanglement and a lifetime's investment in ordinary folk struggling to make sense of their lives, looking for comfort and support, and willing to risk belonging in covenant and community with others. So the great purpose of God moves on, towards the renewing and bringing to completion of a creation born and borne - born out of love and borne eternally in the heart of God.

 

Comments

[Catriona]

Glad it went well and that my Sassenach friends were on good form.

Wondered how the BUS refresher compares? Guess I'll find out in four years time...