Bigger pictures

Methodist Conference rolls around again at the end of June and it's illuminating and formative, as ever, to be at the pre-Conference Consultation with leaders of Methodist and United Churches around the world. Represented are Zimbabwe, Kenya, Togo, Sierra Leone, Southern Africa, Rwanda, Uruguay, Guayana, Ecuador, Cuba, Portugal, Germany, Korea, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Australia. Oh yes, and Fiji. I'm delighted to be meeting again after some years and picking the brains of the Revd Tevita Banivanua, General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Fiji. Among many other roles, he serves on the College Council at Pacific Theological College where I'll be based and is therefore filling me in a bit. We didn't nip over to Fiji for the photo, by the way. This is sunshine, fuchsia and palm fronds in the grounds of Wesley's Chapel, City Road, London. Although the Consultation is looking at and chewing over forthcoming Conference business and recognising the diverse perspectives we bring to it - same-sex marriage for example - there's time for tourism and exposure too. Baroness Kathleen Richardson,  the Methodist Church in Britain's first woman President of Conference (1992-93) who has a cross bench seat in the House of Lords kindly took us around and showed us the Parliamentary ropes. We listened in on speeches about the Scottish independence referendum and ogled at the plush and glinting splendour all around. Here we are on the steps of the Great Hall. Ah.. if we ruled the world...

Transitional times

My bookshelves have changed face a bit. Post-PhD submission (though there'll be a necessary re-visitation of that material as the viva looms!) I'm currently reading Voices of the People - Perceptions and Preconditions for Democratic Development in Fiji and the Citizens' Constitutional Forum's guide to the the 2013 Fiji Government Constitution Booklet. Fiji's elections will be held on 17th September and I'll have begun ministry at the Pacific Theological College on 1st Sept, so it'll be fascinating and very (in)formative to start mission service at such a crucial time in the country's history. Before leaving there's preparation to do - spiritual, intellectual, medical, practical, personal - and administrative. Only potentially interesting bits will make the blog - have no fear! 

It was great to worship and walk London's streets on 24th May for Wesley Day, beginning at Wesley's Chapel and ending at St Paul's for Evensong - the service John Wesley had been attending before his heart-warming, life-changing experience at Aldersgate St. Want a different kind of walking tour when visiting London? The Methodist Heritage walk is highly recommended. 

We laid flowers at Wesley's statue in St Paul's churchyard and the splendid Order of Susannah Wesley rocked it on the steps, much to the delight of passing tourists and all to God's glory! 

Spent last Saturday at the Methodists for World Mission Conference at the Hayes in Swanwick. The regional focus was South-East Asia and the Revd Victor Vinod who co-ordinates the South Asia Ecumenical Partnership Programme reminded us during his powerful presentation, ‘Mission beckons the faithful in every age’. Glad - and relieved - to hear it.