Distant Mountain

Written for parish magazine January 2011, not used as it seemed like it was from a vicar, which I'm not... This is one of those times when the first paragraph was written last, because I realised that the title made it sound like I was writing about Star Wars, but that isn’t the case, this time. My apologies if that got your interest! Reflecting in the middle of December of 2010 on what 2011 may bring can seem like trying to gaze into a crystal ball (for the more secular folks out there). It is certain that 2011 may bring some difficult times with reductions in budgets across many areas of Government spending. This in turn may increase hardship and possibly bring increased protests and demonstrations. The employment market will also struggle as a result, making many of us in work less secure, those out of work less likely to find work and increasing the risk of unemployment. In addition, many of us will be praying for specific world issues, for the homeless, the hungry, the po...

First published in Parish magazine in October 2010 In sunshine with only a few scudding white clouds to break up the blue sky, fourteen of us gathered on Saturday 18th September to commence a boundary walk. We started with a prayer, “….At the end of our day out May we know the satisfaction of time well spent with you and with one another…” then wound our way through the streets of Kingshill to Dursley Police Station. We waited for a little while and gradually, from every direction, we were joined by more and more people until we numbered twenty-seven. Before we set off again we prayed for the community, “We thank you for those who, day and night, maintain the public services; for the police, the fire service, the ambulance drivers and all those who respond to emergencies and for the doctors and nurses and all those who work in health or healing and social care…” It was then time to ascend Stinchcombe Hill, by one of the steepest routes possible, but everyone did it with enthusiasm and...

First published in St Georges Church magazine in June 2010. On the 16th May I ran my first marathon, around Windermere in the Lake District. Why? Initially, it was just to prove to myself that I could do a marathon, it then needed to be 2010, to prove I’m not over the hill (as it were). I then realised that this wasn’t just about me, it needed the support of my family, but also, something told me that some good could come out of it as well. Then, at about the same time as I entered the race, St Georges announced we would be supporting Tearfund this year and that was the extra incentive I needed. Training actually brought home just how difficult the challenge was going to be. As I increased my distances, probably too quickly, I struggled to finish and actually had to be rescued twice by Louise when I attempted 20 miles on two attempts (first after 16 miles, then after 19 miles). This didn’t improve my confidence as I travelled up to Cumbria on the Friday before the race. My confide...

First published in St Georges Church, Cam, magazine in August 2009. A couple of months ago I wrote about how, as a result of the recession, my job at Renishaw had been made redundant. In many ways (but not all) this has been a blessing, I've been able to spend more time at home with my family, took James to school and was able to build a patio. I was also able to spend more time with God and in church. I was able to reflect on my future and that of my family and all the time with the support and fellowship of the God, church, friends and family. This has been immensely reassuring and has given a sense of purpose to life, even when the path has been unclear, knowing the path was nearby has enabled me to keep heading in the right direction. In some ways it’s working. As some of you may know, I recently started a new job, similar to my last job but about an hours drive away. It’s working out well, although it’s a temporary contract so not as secure as it could be. The last few month...

Modern Times First published in St George and St Cyr's Parish magazine, June 2009. As many of you will know, I was one of those affected by the recent redundancies at Renishaw. The last few months at Renishaw had been very uncertain, with salary reductions, working hour reductions and voluntary redundancies in the months preceding the final announcements. Its very easy to see events like this as a negative, frightening experience and in faith terms, we could be asking God, why me? why now? That has not been my experience though. Since I returned to church and faith when we moved to Cam (to work at Renishaw), the support and friendship has often been overwhelming, especially for a family not used to fellowship like this. We were used to getting on with life with very little support around us, and our families were too far away to help regularly. This has been brought to the fore though in the last month since the redundancy programme started. We've lost count of the number of t...

First published in St George & St Cyr's Parish Magazine August 2008 As some of you may know, I’m into hill walking (much like many others I’ve met since I came to St George’s). So, before I ramble on further, I must say that it’s been a pleasure to have been joined by, and invited on, walks with others to local pubs, to the Brecon Beacons and even a three peaks challenge. Thank you all! I’m sure more opportunities will come along soon so watch this space. I have increasingly wondered why I enjoy exploring the hills, especially the more remote, less well-trodden areas. There are a number of obvious reasons, which include; ‘because it’s there,’ fellowship, solitude, to see wildlife, geology, the experience, the challenge, exercise and to tick the summits on lists. I have to admit that all these are reasons I have used to go out there and I think they always will be motivators for me. Another reason has become more apparent recently, and with hindsight, had always been something ...