Say's it all really! After an extended sabbatical, which somehow involved almost the whole of Poppleton New University moving to a new campus, and locking me out of the office for several years, I'm delighted to find that Prof. Graham Oogle (Edinburgh) has allowed me access to my account.
Of course, you'll understand I have lots to do after being away so long... if I could actually physically enter the building. Which I can't. Mmmm....
Thursday 16 April 2020
Saturday 24 March 2012
Hope springs eternal
It is most definitely spring, and with spring come signs of life and growth. The garden, after all, is full of them. Perhaps that explains why we've been getting many of the moderately established but unwanted trees at St Geoffrey's hacked back, before they can continue in their unwanted growth.
At Poppleton New there are also signs of life. Not just the increasingly frantic scurrying of students, some of whom have realised they actually have a degree to study for rather than simply a night-life and a low-paid job to support it, but that dissertations are due any week and with exams to follow, earlier this year than has been common. More surprisingly I have been delighted and surprised that my attempts to encourage and support the Christian Alliance have resulted not only in a chance to speak to a regular meeting but also to speak to the International meeting as part of their campus crusade (chainmail optional!). And, as an upshot of preparing for that meeting I received a phone call on what would otherwise have been my day off and would otherwise have gone to my answering machine. From the secretary of Bishop Nigel no less, the suffragan Bishop of Brambling, "Can the bishop see you at University tomorrow at x.45pm?"
I can't say the communication was a total surprise, but it was still a little off-putting. I'd better explain. A few weeks back a colleague of mine pointed out that a rather nice University Chaplaincy post was up for grabs. It was, in fact, a post I'd considered applying for a few months ago. The reason I hadn't applied in the end was that it came up at the same time as the exceedingly good Diocesan Conference at Goosewell, when I realised that I would really rather stay in this diocese and plucked up the courage to speak to Bishop Rex about whether there were any possibilities. I had, however, heard nothing, and so decided when the post was re-advertised (something which seems to be happening too much lately) that I should go for it, although not before emailing Bishop Rex to let him know and ask whether anything was happening about making Poppleton New a Full-Time post. Interestingly, or providentially it was timed quite well for a Diocesan Staff Meeting, but that might have nothing to do with it.
So there I was, put on the spot by Bishop Nigel's secretary. Twenty-four hours notice and trying desperately not to second-guess bishops, who after all can travel in four directions, and all of them oblique!
I'm most pleased to report that Bishop Nigel had providentially seen our beloved Vice-Chancellor the day before, and, over the course of a wide-ranging discussion had broached the prospects of Poppleton New actually putting come money into the work of the Chaplaincy in the light of all the work it was doing and had received an encouraging response. (This comment to be noted in the light of the current 0.5 provision of yours truly and the need for institutional "buy-in"). Hence my hope and now-made appointment with our dear leader... And also, of course, the reason for almost-optimism in the Vicarage...
You heard it hopefully here first, but, of course you don't know who I am, or who the Bishop described as a "natural chaplain", and as the Vicar of St Geoffrey's Argleton would say, "I couldn't possibly comment". (But maybe, just maybe, after 5 years of groundwork things might be pulling together).
At Poppleton New there are also signs of life. Not just the increasingly frantic scurrying of students, some of whom have realised they actually have a degree to study for rather than simply a night-life and a low-paid job to support it, but that dissertations are due any week and with exams to follow, earlier this year than has been common. More surprisingly I have been delighted and surprised that my attempts to encourage and support the Christian Alliance have resulted not only in a chance to speak to a regular meeting but also to speak to the International meeting as part of their campus crusade (chainmail optional!). And, as an upshot of preparing for that meeting I received a phone call on what would otherwise have been my day off and would otherwise have gone to my answering machine. From the secretary of Bishop Nigel no less, the suffragan Bishop of Brambling, "Can the bishop see you at University tomorrow at x.45pm?"
I can't say the communication was a total surprise, but it was still a little off-putting. I'd better explain. A few weeks back a colleague of mine pointed out that a rather nice University Chaplaincy post was up for grabs. It was, in fact, a post I'd considered applying for a few months ago. The reason I hadn't applied in the end was that it came up at the same time as the exceedingly good Diocesan Conference at Goosewell, when I realised that I would really rather stay in this diocese and plucked up the courage to speak to Bishop Rex about whether there were any possibilities. I had, however, heard nothing, and so decided when the post was re-advertised (something which seems to be happening too much lately) that I should go for it, although not before emailing Bishop Rex to let him know and ask whether anything was happening about making Poppleton New a Full-Time post. Interestingly, or providentially it was timed quite well for a Diocesan Staff Meeting, but that might have nothing to do with it.
So there I was, put on the spot by Bishop Nigel's secretary. Twenty-four hours notice and trying desperately not to second-guess bishops, who after all can travel in four directions, and all of them oblique!
I'm most pleased to report that Bishop Nigel had providentially seen our beloved Vice-Chancellor the day before, and, over the course of a wide-ranging discussion had broached the prospects of Poppleton New actually putting come money into the work of the Chaplaincy in the light of all the work it was doing and had received an encouraging response. (This comment to be noted in the light of the current 0.5 provision of yours truly and the need for institutional "buy-in"). Hence my hope and now-made appointment with our dear leader... And also, of course, the reason for almost-optimism in the Vicarage...
You heard it hopefully here first, but, of course you don't know who I am, or who the Bishop described as a "natural chaplain", and as the Vicar of St Geoffrey's Argleton would say, "I couldn't possibly comment". (But maybe, just maybe, after 5 years of groundwork things might be pulling together).
Thursday 14 July 2011
The Future is Bright, the Future is..... Grey!
Preparations for both the Summer Graduations and the 2011-12 intake are continuing apace as betrayed by frenzied activity around the Poppleton New campus (and no, I'm not refrerring to the escapades of the newly-arrived Language School students, to whom we say cheerful "Bonjour!")
Upon artful "Utilitarian School" fixings new floodlights are appearing, allegedly to "allow the rugby field to be more efficiently used" - although there are dark mutterings about the creation of a "killing zone" in the same location, guarding the approaches to several key buildings. The colour of the lighting gantries? Grey.
The Senate Building, with its tasteful exterior-cantilevered design is receiving a thorough jet-wash before the annual drought declaration, and possibly accidentally washing any slothful staff who should be passing by. Its colour? Grey.
The venerable varnished wooden benches, the beloved hangouts of many students and staff languishing before the entrance to Reception, vigilantly guarded by the Security Cohort, have been replaced by new, hard-wearing, easy to maintain metallic benches, which surely by oversight, are both convex and backless. That this might accidentally discourage slumbering upon them and providentially drive others into the refuge of the Cafeteria can only be good news to Poppleton New's balance sheet! Their colour? Why, grey!
Even the trustworthy green, open, litter bins have been replaced by smart new, lidded ones, doubtless Autons from the School of Applied Cybernetics, combining tidiness with security, in swish and utilitarian.... grey.
(Rumours that the concrete foundation so recently laid in close proximity is to serve as the base for a watch tower, replete with searchlights, have been coolly disputed by the new Executive Dean for Corporate Promotion, Dr Gunnar Grey, as has speculation of corporate rebranding to the new and dynamic shades.... of two-tone grey.)
Upon artful "Utilitarian School" fixings new floodlights are appearing, allegedly to "allow the rugby field to be more efficiently used" - although there are dark mutterings about the creation of a "killing zone" in the same location, guarding the approaches to several key buildings. The colour of the lighting gantries? Grey.
The Senate Building, with its tasteful exterior-cantilevered design is receiving a thorough jet-wash before the annual drought declaration, and possibly accidentally washing any slothful staff who should be passing by. Its colour? Grey.
The venerable varnished wooden benches, the beloved hangouts of many students and staff languishing before the entrance to Reception, vigilantly guarded by the Security Cohort, have been replaced by new, hard-wearing, easy to maintain metallic benches, which surely by oversight, are both convex and backless. That this might accidentally discourage slumbering upon them and providentially drive others into the refuge of the Cafeteria can only be good news to Poppleton New's balance sheet! Their colour? Why, grey!
Even the trustworthy green, open, litter bins have been replaced by smart new, lidded ones, doubtless Autons from the School of Applied Cybernetics, combining tidiness with security, in swish and utilitarian.... grey.
(Rumours that the concrete foundation so recently laid in close proximity is to serve as the base for a watch tower, replete with searchlights, have been coolly disputed by the new Executive Dean for Corporate Promotion, Dr Gunnar Grey, as has speculation of corporate rebranding to the new and dynamic shades.... of two-tone grey.)
Monday 4 July 2011
Low Tide
And so after the high there must be the low. I was in two minds when I was preparing for interview, and got progressively more positive and enthusiastic as time went by, although careful not to take it for granted and to try to be ready for a "no": after all there were four candidates. Despite all that, sleep hasn't been too good the last couple of nights.
Then this morning, "I'm sorry, but..." and the news that I wouldn't be going off for a new exciting Chaplaincy job next academic year. Feedback was good, and the news that in the end no-one had been appointed (the second successive time this has happened for me) brought some consolation, but not really, since as the job is for the benefit of others, a non-appointment is not so much a no-score draw as a loss for those being served, the students of the University.
So. Not only are we still here, but likely to remain so for another school year. On a positive note I must record that all things went very well on Sunday, with a noticeably younger congregation (amazing what the desire for Christenings does!). There are people we really could do with keeping, which would be beneficial to the work of the church here. Although that might not necessarily be to the benefit of their faith... Jesus ushered in a movement and we turned it into an institution. Maybe I need to just keep the institution of the parish ticking over, and get on with encouraging faith and new life in those who are showing signs of interest, even though they are from beyond my remit, so to speak. In which case I need more energy and enthusiasm... which I suppose is a prayer, in it's own way.
I have nothing against the town, either. GLW is happy here, and moving would have been hard for her, even if LMP is desperately excited at the idea of moving, while LM has only one real friend she'd miss at the moment. Perhaps it really is time to go and chat to NiceNew(is)Bishop...
I do need more structure, that's for certain. Anyway, I'm not sure what this will accomplish, if anything, so I'd better shut up.
Then this morning, "I'm sorry, but..." and the news that I wouldn't be going off for a new exciting Chaplaincy job next academic year. Feedback was good, and the news that in the end no-one had been appointed (the second successive time this has happened for me) brought some consolation, but not really, since as the job is for the benefit of others, a non-appointment is not so much a no-score draw as a loss for those being served, the students of the University.
So. Not only are we still here, but likely to remain so for another school year. On a positive note I must record that all things went very well on Sunday, with a noticeably younger congregation (amazing what the desire for Christenings does!). There are people we really could do with keeping, which would be beneficial to the work of the church here. Although that might not necessarily be to the benefit of their faith... Jesus ushered in a movement and we turned it into an institution. Maybe I need to just keep the institution of the parish ticking over, and get on with encouraging faith and new life in those who are showing signs of interest, even though they are from beyond my remit, so to speak. In which case I need more energy and enthusiasm... which I suppose is a prayer, in it's own way.
I have nothing against the town, either. GLW is happy here, and moving would have been hard for her, even if LMP is desperately excited at the idea of moving, while LM has only one real friend she'd miss at the moment. Perhaps it really is time to go and chat to NiceNew(is)Bishop...
I do need more structure, that's for certain. Anyway, I'm not sure what this will accomplish, if anything, so I'd better shut up.
Tuesday 28 June 2011
First, and Second, Thoughts?
It's been a long time since I blogged here, but this is the only place I can really make this entry. It might even simply be an exercise in catharsis...
I'm currently wrestling with the possibilities of a job move. I've made no secret of my desire for a Full Time HE Chaplaincy post, and was interviewed for one last year that, obviously, did not come to pass. Now I have another one coming up later this week. And, of course, I'm torn. It looks like a good post, with lots of potential in the best sense (i.e. a solid base to build upon and move on, rather than simply somewhere with lots of problems). It would cause my "career path" to move in a very distinct direction, away from the needs of running a church, or being too hidebound to a denomination, even into a notional 5 day week. Even if that last should be treated with caution, being absolved from having to steer a church, and with all the expectations of parish ministry, is a big plus. It would not only mean a move, with all the dislocation for the whole family that it entails, but renting or buying our own property.
None of these things are, in themselves major problems. They are not deal-breakers. At the same time I know that my Good Lady Wife is very happy here, all the more so since leaving my church to go somewhere else - and it has had major benefits for me, and our relationship. Likewise the children are settled. I still love my Uni post, and feel that things are really beginning to go places now, that I've got the connections and experience of the place that really count. And the parish? Well, it remains the weak point, the area I'm least motivated in, feel the least comfortable, least happy and in many ways the least effective (although I love the contact work with those on the fringes and in the schools). All in all I suppose that means I could be a lot unhappier. (Maybe I'm just resigned to my fate, in the parish at least).
I still can't hide the desire for the FT Chaplaincy, and this is a very good opportunity. All I can do is go and see, do my best at interview and presentation, and try to discern the best way ahead. When I start thinking about it I do find the prospect exciting, but I can't say I'm jumping up and down saying "this is mine! I really want this!"
We said 5-7 years here, and we haven't quite reached the lower limit. At the same time, these opportunities don't come up every day and I really don't want to have to move children from Secondary Schools, which gives us a deadline, if not an imminent one. My worst fear is to be stuck in this post and not be able to escape. Ideally, of course, I'd like to be able to lose one half of my role and for the other to be full-time, but although I believe in miracles, I think that's a miracle too far! Even then I can't hide the fact it would make a lot of sense to move further north, on many counts.
So, all in all, it's a little confusing a present. If you're the praying type, then prayers would be appreciated, and if not, I suspect you'll understand how I feel about this anyway.
All I can ask is that I will have a clear answer after Friday. Whether it's a polite refusal, a definite offer and a real feeling of rightness, or a definite feeling of "no, this isn't for me!"
Catharsis? A definite maybe!
I'm currently wrestling with the possibilities of a job move. I've made no secret of my desire for a Full Time HE Chaplaincy post, and was interviewed for one last year that, obviously, did not come to pass. Now I have another one coming up later this week. And, of course, I'm torn. It looks like a good post, with lots of potential in the best sense (i.e. a solid base to build upon and move on, rather than simply somewhere with lots of problems). It would cause my "career path" to move in a very distinct direction, away from the needs of running a church, or being too hidebound to a denomination, even into a notional 5 day week. Even if that last should be treated with caution, being absolved from having to steer a church, and with all the expectations of parish ministry, is a big plus. It would not only mean a move, with all the dislocation for the whole family that it entails, but renting or buying our own property.
None of these things are, in themselves major problems. They are not deal-breakers. At the same time I know that my Good Lady Wife is very happy here, all the more so since leaving my church to go somewhere else - and it has had major benefits for me, and our relationship. Likewise the children are settled. I still love my Uni post, and feel that things are really beginning to go places now, that I've got the connections and experience of the place that really count. And the parish? Well, it remains the weak point, the area I'm least motivated in, feel the least comfortable, least happy and in many ways the least effective (although I love the contact work with those on the fringes and in the schools). All in all I suppose that means I could be a lot unhappier. (Maybe I'm just resigned to my fate, in the parish at least).
I still can't hide the desire for the FT Chaplaincy, and this is a very good opportunity. All I can do is go and see, do my best at interview and presentation, and try to discern the best way ahead. When I start thinking about it I do find the prospect exciting, but I can't say I'm jumping up and down saying "this is mine! I really want this!"
We said 5-7 years here, and we haven't quite reached the lower limit. At the same time, these opportunities don't come up every day and I really don't want to have to move children from Secondary Schools, which gives us a deadline, if not an imminent one. My worst fear is to be stuck in this post and not be able to escape. Ideally, of course, I'd like to be able to lose one half of my role and for the other to be full-time, but although I believe in miracles, I think that's a miracle too far! Even then I can't hide the fact it would make a lot of sense to move further north, on many counts.
So, all in all, it's a little confusing a present. If you're the praying type, then prayers would be appreciated, and if not, I suspect you'll understand how I feel about this anyway.
All I can ask is that I will have a clear answer after Friday. Whether it's a polite refusal, a definite offer and a real feeling of rightness, or a definite feeling of "no, this isn't for me!"
Catharsis? A definite maybe!
Saturday 26 February 2011
Ethically Challenged
Rev Dr Alcine wonders whether it is ethical to consider that attending a PCC meeting with a heavy cold, and the subsequent effects it might have in streamlining the leadership of St Geoffrey's, might actually constitute a "good thing"?
Saturday 19 February 2011
Cyclical, cynical or something else
One of the features of the wider catholic tradition is the use of a Lectionary, a fixed cycle of readings in an attempt to ensure a balanced diet of scripture over a fixed period. It's three years in the case of the Revised Common Lectionary. This has been widely adopted, having spread far beyond its Roman Catholic roots, into Anglicanism and beyond. It allows the harassed preacher to escape from his or her hobby-horse subjects, but also allows the creation of a personal library of sermons, which every three years you can bring out, dust off, adopt, adapt, improve, or ignore.
It's invaluable, there's no doubt about it. But if I repeat a sermon from three years ago, virtually verbatim, to the same congregation, what does that say about me as the preacher, and us as the church?
It could say that I am lazy, uninspired, overworked, or all three.
But it could be because what I said then still applies now. I firmly believe that there are timeless truths to our faith, just as much there is the need for change and adaptation to fit the needs of the current time.
So if I preach the same sermon to pretty much the same congregation (making allowances for those who have moved in, or on, and including that endless churn of families who appear for a few weeks or months, get what they want and move on, hiding our numerical decline), what am I saying?
Am I being too harsh if I interpret that as saying that nothing has actually changed in the last three years? Could it be that the people who benefit most might actually be the transient ones, the sparrows coming in from the darkness for a few brief moments and then flying out?
Am I being too harsh a critic of myself? Of my congregation? Or am I, by posting this here, on my anonymous blog (and, maybe, to the safely-screened readership of my Facebook friends) actually colluding with such lack of change and failure of faith? My own, and that of others?
It's invaluable, there's no doubt about it. But if I repeat a sermon from three years ago, virtually verbatim, to the same congregation, what does that say about me as the preacher, and us as the church?
It could say that I am lazy, uninspired, overworked, or all three.
But it could be because what I said then still applies now. I firmly believe that there are timeless truths to our faith, just as much there is the need for change and adaptation to fit the needs of the current time.
So if I preach the same sermon to pretty much the same congregation (making allowances for those who have moved in, or on, and including that endless churn of families who appear for a few weeks or months, get what they want and move on, hiding our numerical decline), what am I saying?
Am I being too harsh if I interpret that as saying that nothing has actually changed in the last three years? Could it be that the people who benefit most might actually be the transient ones, the sparrows coming in from the darkness for a few brief moments and then flying out?
Am I being too harsh a critic of myself? Of my congregation? Or am I, by posting this here, on my anonymous blog (and, maybe, to the safely-screened readership of my Facebook friends) actually colluding with such lack of change and failure of faith? My own, and that of others?
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