Isn’t time flying !!

This week the Questionnaire has gone out and already I’ve had about 40 responses which is incredible. They have to be in by 30th June so if you still want to be involved, see last weeks details

Last week I had two ‘doses’ of Tony Campolo, an American Preacher/ writer/lecturer who is now 75 years old. I’ve quoted him often in sermons so good to hear him ‘live’  (see: http://www.stjohnsegham.com/)

It was there that I heard a hymn that really struck my soul. Stuart Townend andKeith Getty are really writing some superb Christian hymns and in particular ‘There is a hope’ has been not far from my ‘humming’ all week….so FMC members can expect to get to know it well !! (see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyMWBx6vvJo)

Also just started reading ‘Why men don’t listen and women can’t read maps’. An excellent look at the difference in sexes that so far points everything back to men being hunters and women being child bearers/homemakers. Can’t really be as simple as that in 2009 but some interesting avenues to explore

Oh yes, the major event this week….the publication of the Premiership Fixture list….now I can start filling in my diary around the Gunners fixtures !

Quote of the week ‘ To sing ‘Rooney,Rooney’ at Old Trafford is worship ; to sing ‘Rooney,Rooney’ at the Emirates Stadium is Evangelism

Well what a week ! Last week I walked the Isle of Wight Coastal path travelling 70 miles in four and a half days. As you can see from the weather, it was perfect…though the first three days were roasting hot and I understood that phrase about ‘only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in such weather’ !

For me it was a challenge…and one that enabled me to gauge my limitations for mileage per day; it was a delight….seeing things on the island I had never seen before and only can be seen on the path rather than from the roads ; I concluded the walk by thinking (and singing !) primarily ‘How great is our God’ but also if I were to die tomorrow I would be content !

I also started reading William Young’s book ‘The Shack’ (see www.theshackbook.com) which is an incredible theological book wrapped up in fiction style. I’m very tempted to recommend that all preachers in the circuit should read it to challenge their view of God…but not just preachers..ANYONE !

This week I’m doing more work on men and the church and putting together a Questionnaire to send out to men in the church or ‘on the edge of church’ . If you would like to receive one to help me in that, contact me at sabbatical2009-men@yahoo.co.uk