Lunch at St. Hughes and a trip to Chipping Norton

It has been a wonderful week with quiet days and lovely lunches. I had lunch with Adrian Moore (a professor of philosophy) at St. Hughes college. It was great as the professors and fellows have a fantastic lunch spread each day and eat at the head tables while the students have cafeteria fare. We had a nice conversation about St. Columba's church in regard to their youth programs and the service that they will be doing while I am in Bury St. Edmunds. I am a bit disappointed that I won't be able to participate and many families will be away on holiday when I return. It was an interesting position to be with a briliant scholar asking me questions for my expertise. I praise God for giving us each different gifts. I have to say that I did go to the bookshop and get Infinite by Adrian just to see the kind of work he does. He is currently finishing a four year project on the history of Metaphysics!

Thursday I took the day off and took the bus around to some of the local towns; Charlbury for a walk where I found an amazing garden and Chipping Norton where I had lunch in a local pub. Then the busride back to Woodstock where Winston Churchill was born. It was a beautiful day and very relaxing. I was glad for the company of my camera and took lots of pictures. I enjoyed the day and hope to see more of the country side in the weeks to come. the first picture here is from the Parish church in Charlbury. The second picture is from Chipping Norton and the third picture is from Woodstock.

Friday was a reading day and then I thought I would go into the City Center to use my computer at St. Columbas but when I checked in with the Administrator she wanted to have a conversation as she had a review that afternoon about which she was quite anxious. I was then able to sit in on the review which was interesting and really helped me see a dynamic in the pastoral/administration role that I would not have otherwise seen. Then I was off to a BBQ at Carla's house with several clergy friends from around the city. The day's schedule had been a bit tight so I was happy to help chop and prep for fajitas. Fun to serve Mexican food to Brits! The weather stayed nice enough for us to enjoy the new patio table and then after a bit of icecream and berries we were sufficiently chilled and moved inside.

Today the rain has come and I will enjoy a bus ride through the city to visit an elderly memeber of St. Columba's who quoted Jane Austin to me on the phone yesterday. Then I will return home for a dinner out with the Harris' and their friends.

I am learning a lot about myself, what pushes my buttons, what makes me hesitate and how to be alone in a crowd which is a growing edge for me. I know this whole experience will impact the way I do ministry in the future.

Walking along the River Thames

What a beautiful day again - they keep telling me there will be rain and I don't doubt it but I am enjoying the warm, clear weather now for sure. Before my 11 o'clock meeting I walked along the Thames and got to see several narrow boats in action - some used as houseboats, some as pleasure boats. After lunch I walked along the Christ Church Meadow and back along the Thames. There were young boys learning to play cricket - I have no idea how that game is played and so far anyone I ask says to stick with Football (soccer) and skip learning about cricket. I think I will take that advice. I walked so much that I have developed nice blisters on my heels, hence today will be spent arranging some visits to home bound parishioners and working on my independent study.

I saw this sign on a door in a room in Christ Church College and couldn't resist taking a picture through the window. It is the epitome of English attitude.

It is interesting here and I am learning more each day about these two very different congregations. I feel a bit out of it at times as I am calling on people who have no idea who I am or why I am here and I am not sure what they think of it all. It is a place to enrich my skills and to share God's love so it is all good even if my stomach turns up each time I place a call. I meet tonight with the City-wide Audit group and hopefully I will learn from them about the way church works in Oxford - well the way the non-Church of England works anyway. I have to say I am a bit nervous as I don't know anyone in the group but I do know where they are meeting and I know how to get there and home.

Weekend Update - Preached too!

Friday in Oxford



Friday I had some time in Oxford and spent some of it at St. Columba's meeting the parish associate, Sue, and talking with the homeless drama group that is using the space on Fridays. Here is the outside of St. Columba's. It is down such a small street that it is hard to find but is perfectly located in the city center. Sue has great ideas about how the facility can be used and is very enthusiastic about making connections with other organizations throughout Oxford.

Saturday in Cumnor

I have had a good weekend. I spent yesterday (Saturday) at the Cumnor URC with 17 other folks learning about contemplative prayer. It was very nice and affirmed what I learned in my prayer and spirituality class this spring. It was a beautiful day so we were out early to enjoy the sunshine. So far the weather has been absolutely gorgeous so I am sure I will be a bit sad when the cooler, wetter weather shows up. As for now it is just fine. After an afternoon of reading in the garden Malcolm and Diana Townsend picked me up and we went to a very good Chinese restaurant. Diana is a retired URC pastor who came into ministry after a full career of teaching Mathematics in the Baccalaureate School System in Belgium. Malcolm was a European Civil Servant and primarily an economist who was very involved in the development and implementation of the Euro. They are a lovely couple and I am thankful for their hospitality. A house in Cumnor Village

Sunday in Cumnor

This morning I had the pleasure of leading worship in the Cumnor church. I had been in the building twice before and met a handful of the parishioners but had not seen worship at all. I was anxious as one could imagine. I always pray that my message, simple as they are, are able to reach someone and move them along on their faith journey. It was Pentecost Sunday and they have a section called "introduction to the theme" This is in place of their children's time since they don't normally have children. How wise they are to have a simple way to hear the message worked into the service. My sermon was about sharing your faith story so that the generations yet to come can know how and why your faith is important. The power of the Holy Spirit allowed the disciples to share the story of Jesus life, death and resurrection in a way that people could hear. As Christian's today, we must do the same.


I feel successful because a woman came up to me afterward and said that she hadn't really thought too much about writing down her faith story but a series of recent family reconnections combined with my message made her feel that she would start right away. Two other people mentioned what they were taking away from the message so... over all I feel good about it. I meet with Carla to reflect on the worship service on Wednesday. I am looking forward to this as I only grow when I reflect and hone my skills.


I spent the afternoon with the Townsends again going to Aston Tirrold where a new URC pastor was being installed. This was a tiny little town but Malcolm made sure I understood that the church was started as an English Presbyterian Church in 1662. This was after Cromwell was removed from power and the Church of England regained control. This little church stood on their faith and has been doing so ever since. It was interesting to see and I was glad to be in company for the afternoon and get to see some of the countryside. I think tomorrow I will walk along the Thames River.

May 20 - Sermon prep and then some

I have access to the Internet at the house I am staying at! Yipee! This morning was spent in a meeting about the Cumnor Parish Youth Project. This is an ecumenical project that helps connect youth in the area to Christ. The leader is a wonderful 30 year old woman named Ruth. We are thinking that maybe the Cumnor Church could host a few summer movie nights for youth and or families. They have the projection capability and they want to share it. They are a very hospitable congregation but have little connection with the youth in the area. Ruth and I divided up the tasks and we will see what comes of our efforts. Not bad for being in the country less than a week. Feels like I have been here longer in a way. Well, off to the sermon and hopefully a bit of time in the city as the weather is nice. A bit lonely in a home by myself. I enjoy the quiet but am not here for the quiet.

So - at 16:08 I caught the bus to Oxford to see what was what. I only know a few people and low and behold I see one of them. Sue is the Administrator of the St. Columba's church and I am beginning to realize that she is the on the spot person in charge of daily affairs. We had a nice chat and she was off home to rest and get rid of a nasty virus that has been bothering her for a few days. It was a beautiful day so I went to St. Mary's and went up the tower.

I am still trying to figure out how to upload the pictures but I did take one of me - I think other people must have longer arms because my 'self portraits' never quite look right.

Here is a view from the tower of the street below with the double Decker buses and all and another of the colleges. This makes Garrett look shabby but... we have gargoyles too!

May 18 later and May 19

May 18 later post
I have met the family who is so graciously hosting me. They are wonderful and only home for a few hours. They flew in from the Canary Islands and fly to Budapest on Thursday. I have a full day on Wednesday so we will have to get better acquainted when they come home for a bit longer.

Tonight the city of Oxford had fun as their football (soccer) team did something amazing yesterday at Wimberly but I don't quite know what it was. As I was leaving the city there were people of all ages coming in the Oxford team yellow and gold scarves, shirts, hats and such for a
big parade of sorts that I did not really need to see. So, I went the other way and had a salmon salad and a pint of the Oxford Gold beer before heading home. I tried to eat at the Eagle and Child because Toliken and C.S. Lewis used to drink there but… there were no seats and I didn't want to drink a beer alone and then try and make the bus so…. Perhaps, no, I will do it another day and toast to all my friends who are much bigger Toliken fans than I.

For my Methodist friends – I have been to Lincoln college where Wesley was a Fellow and have seen the Methodist church in town. Here was the place, the town and the very hallowed halls where the Wesley brothers were moved by the Holy Spirit. I hope that same Spirit is in full
force here this week as the sermons have to flow. Carla wants to help me move forward in my ability to preach and this is a challenge to get up to speed with a congregation fast enough to preach a sermon that will meet their needs, challenge them and provide support and encouragement to live out the Good News . We will see what happens.

May 19 – Risa's Birthday
Early morning for a Newsletter meeting but thankfully right in the home I am staying in. I learned of two new rooms that I didn't know even existed. One was a beautiful study overlooking the back garden and the other a large closet room that houses the ironing board. Now my clothes are all wrinkle free from the suitcase I am free to wear what I want. The newsletter meeting was for the Cumnor congregation which is highly organized and has people who will do what is asked in a timely manner – amazing! The tasks were divided and some of the articles and layout are already done and it won't go to print until the end of the month. From there a bus trip into the City Center to the St. Columba's Welcome Wednesdays that they co-host with Archway (a supportive center). This is a time for people who suffer from loneliness to come in and have tea and cake and company. It is an interesting group of volunteers who age up to 90 something along with 'guests' who are mostly middle aged and many have some mental or social issues. The conversations were interesting and I really had to listen hard because of my hearing and the accents in an old room with vaulted ceilings. Thankfully I don't have to repeat the conversations so I could just listen and pick up what I could. This is an ongoing ministry/ partnership of the congregation so I will probably go most weeks I am here. After that was another bus ride up the hill to the actual Cumnor church building for Wednesday prayers. This is a small group with shared leadership for a mid-week time of devotion and prayer. I hope to prepare the prayer time in August. After that Rev. Stopps and his wife gave me a ride back to the house.

I worked a bit on the sermon for Sunday – looming already – and then Richard Dewar picked me up for the 4:30 meeting back at St. Columba's. This was my site committee meeting. The folks on it will be supportive and provide guidance and correction when possible. I will put the entire service learning contract together for Sunday. We will meet after worship – where I preach – and after the cream tea in the afternoon. I wish I were done for the day but – alas I have more meetings tonight at the Cumnor parish. It is Elder's meeting night. We shall see how it goes. I am still figuring out internet – I have to be brave and ask the home owner if they have it and if I can use it.

First things First

First things first - Happy Birthday to my one and only older brother - Doug - I hope you have a great day and I will drink a pint in your honor.

That will be after I leave Carla's where I have been working all day on church stuff - imagine that . I get to preach on this coming Sunday. It will be a Pentecost sermon as well as an introductory sermon and it has to be short as there is communion and elder re-dedication. It should be fun and I am already working on prayers and such to round out the service. I have to come up with a sermon title and that is a bit challenging right now.

I did buy my bus pass for the week and can go anywhere I want around the city as much as I want - this week. I plan on taking full advantage of it so I will keep you posted. When I am out and about I will have to get someone to take my picture - and not run off with the camera - so you can all really believe that I am here, which I am.

May 17

May 17, 2010
I did walk to the city this morning and late in the afternoon did find the bus station but thought that it was only for the national buses instead of for both local and national. I saw a lot on my walk that took me until 4:30 when Nigel and Glenda were coming back from Hethrow airport after dropping off the Kansfields for their flight that was delayed, but not canceled by the volcano. I found St Columba's first to get my bearings. You have to realize that St. Columba is not the place that very many people mark their route from, but for me it works.
I saw lots of the colleges – at least t hose parts that were open to the public. The skys were only partly cloudy and there was no rain so it was really nice. The colleges are beautiful, each ancient and unique with all the learning safely inside. Each quadrangle has been
the host to scholars for centuries. I have to say that the people walking around looked very normal. I did get to hear a beautiful concert by Anne L Ryan (http://www.movingtrone.com/) at St Michael at the North Gate. Her beautiful celtic voice bounced off the age ole stone of the
church and filled the space with life, light and energy. I think I will sleep well and know that tomorrow I get to brave the bus and get to Carla's where I can post this.

Obviously I am at Carla's (well maybe not to you but I know it) I have gotten my bus pass for the week and plan to take full advantage of it. Tomorrow will be back and forth between churches and "home" but then time on Thursday and Friday to prepare to preach at Cumnor on Sunday - it is communion and rededication of Elders so it can be short which may be difficult for me as it is Pentecost Sunday and I love Pentecost. I will keep it short and sweet and tell some of my story so they will know that the power of the Word of God came to me through stories from their own shores. The stories of faith have been shared through the generations and have called me to come to this place and reconnect with my roots. Should be fun.

Afternoon in Cumnor

After tea I had my inaugural ride on a bus to the village of Cumnor where the second church is. From the bus stop to the church is a 10 minute walk through the village and I would have been fine but I attempted to keep my umbrella from getting caught in the rosebushes that had overgrown the wall. In so doing I ungracefully slipped off the side of the sidewalk and fell – I was very glad there were no cars on the road enroute to the church. I was unscathed excepted for a scratch on my left palm but will need to spend some time cleaning my jacket and my pride. I am told that I am getting a bicycle but I wonder if this is a good idea as I am not allowed to take advantage of the health care system here. I will do my best to be safe and know that tomorrow I will get to the bus station and figure out the bus system that has a stop right outside of the home I am staying in.

Anyway, the Cumnor congregation has recently completed a renovation project that focused on their sanctuary. They are using the completion of the project to celebrate and evangelize a bit by hosting different events. Today was a hymn sing that was well attended – almost all the seats filled (capacity is 50 I think). The 81 year old organist from St. Columba came to play the organ as the normal organist was unable to be there. It did take a while to clip open the hymnal pages but other than that he did a jolly good job (have to add the local flavor or you might doubt that I am really far away.)

After a lovely quick dinner at Carla and David's home (without the youth as that was last night) I was returned to my home to rest and reflect and get ready for a new day. I have not felt the affect of jet lag too much but… there is always tomorrow. I am generally determined
to be here and enjoy things and not to sleep. The dawn will come soon and I will be up and about early to take full advantage of the day. I think I will be with Glenda Appleton but that is dependent upon the Volcano – the Appleton's guest the Kransfields are scheduled to leave
Monday but the ash cloud may alter that. I will be happy to walk to Oxford along Botely Road and find the bus depot and get the right pass to get home and then to Carla's home on Tuesday.

I am glad to be there and have been warmly welcomed and am finding things quite comfortable. I know that I will learn a lot and will grow in my ability to serve God and guide people in their desire and ability to do likewise.

May 16 - St. Columba's and Cumnor both in one day1!

A great night's sleep and awake to a steady rain which sounded wonderful as I drank my morning tea in the garden room with the rain making its pitter pattered on the roof. Nigel picked me up and we went to St. Columba's in Oxford City Center. The service was lead by the First Sunday group which is the LGBT group. It was a nice service with music I knew and prayers that were all written out. I appreciated the courage it took the people who gave their testimony in place of a sermon. It takes a lot to stand up before a congregation and say anything, no less that you have been hurt by the church before but have found a home at St. Columba's. After worship there was coffee, tea and biscuits. I think they have a lot to learn about biscuits though - I really prefer a good baking powder biscuit to the thin crunchy things they served today - but it what you are accustom to I suppose.

St. Columba's is an old church in the heart of Oxford. It is located on Alfred Street, which is only a street in name as I can't see how a car can pass through, no less two. Nevertheless, its doors first opened to serve the University as a chapel but has more recently (that is probably a hundred years or so) as a Presbyterian Church and after 1972 it has been a United Reformed Church. Carla Grosch -Miller has been the pastor for almost two years now and is from America. It is interesting to hear how the congregation has adapted to her and she to the congregation. I had the pleasure, if you can call it that, of being at the AGM (Annual General Meeting) for the afternoon. We were to bring our own lunch and I was able to find peanut butter and jam to bring so I was in a flux state with America on my taste buds and England in my eyes and ears. The meeting went well and I can see that they are a congregation that desires to share their ministry of radical inclusiveness with others so that more people will have the opportunity to praise God. In a conversation with Carla over coffee (from Starbucks) she told me that in England about only 7% of the people are religious and she has often experienced great distrust and dislike of the church. This is so different than my experience so I will be interested to see if I encounter this in any way. I imagine that most of my time will be spent with folks from the congregations so I think my exposure to other folks may be very limited.

May 15 - Ensconced

I will confess that I had typed this all up in Word but can't seem to cut and paste much to my frustration - anyway - here it is retyped.

I have arrived and obviously made it through customs and can stay for 6 months as long as I don't get sick or try to earn any money. I was picked up at the airport by Matthey, a photographaer who makes his living taking pictures of stars like Ozzy Ozborne and Bon Jovie and the like. He has had his work in National Geographic so he rates in my book for sure. A lovely drive around Hethrow a few times to pick up the motor way and we were off through the countryside toward Oxford and beyone to Cassington where Nigel Appleton lives. He, Nigel, was away in the Cambride area with his family saying their final goodbyes to his late Uncel. I was greeted by Norman and Mary Kansfield from Pennsylvania of all places. (Norman is the former president of New Brunswick Seminary and is now Theologian in Residence at Drew in NJ) They greeted me and took me around the town to see the church with its Norman baptismal font and knights burried in the floor. After that a stroll to the former Methodist Church (now owned by Nigel) and then to the pub for a bite of fish and chips. A delightful way to start my trip. A nap refreshed me and then we spebt a lovely afternoon with Nigel and his wife Glenda when they arrived home. A deliciuos pasta dinner and a glass of wine topped off the night.

I am staying at West End, the home of Francis and Rodger Harris. They are away so I have had their beautiful home to myself. I expect their daughter and friends to come home but am sure I will sleep right through it. THe home is really beautiful and quite large so I feel more like a queen than a student. Sunday will be a long day for sure with Nigel picking me at 10 for worship, church meeetings, Songs of Praise and tea in the afternoon. I am not sure what dinner will be but... I doubt I will go hungry. I expect to sleep on Monday but don't want to because there is so much to see and explore.

Getting Ready

I have finished all my papers and can commence packing. The piles have grown and now I have to sort and figure and scrunch and stuff so that I can get all my stuff in the smallest possible suitcase. It should be fun but I am married to a fantastic engineer so I will ask for help if necessary.

I can't believe this is my last full day at home, a place I don't get to be very often during school so I appreciate my room with a few of my lush backyard, verdant and dripping with the new spring rain. I imagine I will see a few rainy days in England but... I am waterproof so that will be just fine.