Confirmation

Yesterday evening the Bishop of Ludlow confirmed four members of St Mary's Church including the eldest daughter of the CIH. The CIH had a privileged position for this occasion as he was acting as the Bishop's Chaplain - a role that involves looking after the Bish's stick and making sure he has all the books and accesories he needs throughout the service.

The Bishop only just made it to the church in time having got caught by a dodgy bit of roadwork diversion. The road from Cleobury Mortimer to Highley is currently closed for pipe laying and the detour adds about an extra 30minutes to any journey. For those in the know, there is an alternative, yet unsigned, diversionary route that only adds about 5minutes to the journey. Sadly the Bish was not in the know and followed the extensive diversion marked by AA signs.

With everyone there and in place, the service started more or less on time and went off without any problems and the four confirmation candidates made it through without getting too stressed.

After the service there were cakes galore so everyone went home on a sugar boost. Great fun.

Monday Men

Monday men is the name of a new men's group which meets in Highley on, yes you guessed it, Mondays.

We had our first meeting this week and there was a good attendance of men from both congregations. The plan is that the group will meet weekly to discuss stuff together, to work for the good of the community, to socialise and to support one another.

It is really exciting to be a part of this new venture and I will report soon on the CIH's involvement with the group.

A New Focus

What no news?

Sorry

This lack of posting has become a bit habitual lately. Note to self: 'Must try harder'.

A fair amount has been going on for the CIH lately. Yes, funerals, midweek services and Sunday services still continue but the last few weeks have brought a new focus to the CIH's ministry.

Just after I last posted, the church hosted Andrew Pearkes for a second weekend. This time, in addition to a men's breakfast and a Saturday night healing service, he gave an afternoon's practical workshop/teaching session on 'listening to God in the context of healing' (some people struggle to listen to God in any context but this particular session was in the context of healing). He also spoke at the Sunday morning service and offered to pray for healing there too. This was exciting because this time, he used a large number of the church's own members to assist with the prayer ministry. As a result, the church has moved on significantly in its understanding of spiritual gifts.

Hence the new focus for the CIH's ministry in Highley. He has been given the responsibility of assessing the methods, style and focus of the teaching for the whole of the church's youth and children's provision from age 0 - 20. This is a huge undertaking and one which is far beyond his ability. Thankfully, he has got other people to fall back on - oh, and don't forget God.

An initial meeting last night proved to be very exciting. Many members of the church gathered to discuss the way forward and as a result, a new management group is being formed to oversee the whole of the Young people's provision. Many of the existing leaders have agreed to continue whilst a few a considering if it is time for them to step down. Over the next few weeks and months, we are expecting God to call new people into this important ministry. In the meantime, the CIH will concentrate on the formation of the management group and the development of the children's groups.

Another new development far from youth and children's work is a new men's group 'Monday Men' which starts today. This is more the RIH (Rector in Highley)'s baby but it will be interesting to see how many men we can gather together for this new regular group.

A Quiet Start

It's been a gentle start to the new year for the CIH. Most evening activities do not start again until next week so the CIH has been able to spend a bit more time at home with his family.

Having said that, the RIH has taken a few days off so the CIH has picked up a funeral for early next week and is now catching up on arranging some baptisms that people have requested.

Although it's quiet, the CIH is not complaining as "It's bound to get busier very soon". And I think that this busy time will begin for the CIH this weekend as St Mary's Church welcomes a return visit by Andrew Pearkes who will be speaking at a men's breakfast, leading a training event on Saturday afternoon and a healing service on Saturday evening. The main service on Sunday will be a service of family worship with prayer for healing.

The CIH is excited about the weekend's programme and I will report here soon after.