And we're back!

Well I was a bit taken aback to see the last post here was 18 June. Dearie me, what laziness and neglect! 

Quickly trying to absolve herself.... I have been posting on Ptcee Suva, including news from USPG's International Consultation on Climate Justice which was held in July and at which I was the reflector. It was great to renew acquaintance with the Anglican mission agency USPG - United Society Partners in the Gospel - as they were such valued ecumenical partners in the United College of the Ascension and Queen's Birmingham when I served there. Every four years they gather Bishops and senior leaders from the Anglican Communion together in some part of the world, and this time the vital issues of climate justice were debated and compared from a number of regional and country perspectives in Fiji. My role was to listen carefully and offer some reflection at the end of each day. It was humbling to be invited to do this and useful to be conveniently local as the Consultation was happening at a resort down the road. Here we are at 'The Pearl'.

Also on Ptcee Suva (still seeking blogger's absolution) there are posts from the International Association of Mission Studies Assembly which was in Seoul 11-17 August. I attended this with Rev Iosefa Lefaoseu, currently pursuing PhD research at PTC, who's a minister of the Methodist Church in Samoa. 

Then to the UK for two months, having completed two years of the mission partner contract in Fiji, to fulfill what's still quaintly known as mission partner 'furlough' or 'deputation'. One month of that, roughly, was for rest and reflection; catching up with friends and family etc. And the other month was for speaking and preaching engagements as follows. 

Maybe we saw each other at one of the above? If so, thank you so much for coming and for your heart for the wider World Church. Lovely to meet you or renew acquaintance! 

And I must say, from the bottom of my heart; there just aren't the words, in any language, to thank the brilliant squads of local organisers who got everything together in the various venues. There were Pacific display boards, delicious Pacific-inspired things to eat, music groups having a go at Fijian and Hindi songs, organists being troubled by strange hymn requests, great questions raised and discussion topics wrestled with and kind, kind hospitality in numerous homes. I also know there were cheques sent to the World Mission Fund of the Methodist Church in Britain on the back of these engagements, and for those - God Bless you. 

Lots of memories and photos of furlough, naturally, so I share just one or two...

Stewards on duty: always be ready, please, to inflate a Fiji rugby ball before services. Thanks Laurie at Badminton Rd, Bristol!

Ohhh  - how brilliant it was to see you again at Upper Norwood in the Blackheath and Crystal Palace Circuit. Happy memories of 2013-2014.

And here's the Chester and Runcorn and Delamere Circuits' event at Helsby. SO much planning and energy had been put into getting this together - thanks everyone

And here Fiji meets Barry Island! With the wonderful Team Taylor - Rev Pete, Deacon Sam, Rose and Matthew.

Lastly, the event at Dorking Christian Centre (the last time I was a 'proper minister' it was at St Martin's Shared Church in Dorking) was very touchingly mentioned in St Martin's magazine. I covet no coverage in the broadsheets after such an honour! 

Next blog - back in Fiji. See you soon.