That’s it then – we are definitely here, and Bob has now been inducted as Pastor of the United Church, Ferndown. Yesterday’s Induction service was great. A crowd of our friends made the journey down from Leicester to support us – and the folk here made them very welcome. But they got on their coach and went back – and we remained here, ready for the new challenges ahead of us. My dear friend Kath [also a Pastor’s wife]sent me this helpful poem which seems very applicable to moving on to a new situation.
God who sets us on a journey
to discover, dream and grow,
lead us as you led your people
in the desert long ago;
journey inward, journey outward,
stir the spirit, stretch the mind,
love for God and self and neighbour
marks the way that Christ defined.Exploration brings new insights,
changes, choices we must face;
give us wisdom in deciding,
mindful always of your grace;
should we stumble, lose our bearings,
find it hard to know what’s right,
we regain our true direction
focused on the Jesus light.End our longing for the old days,
grant the vision that we lack –
once we’ve started on this journey
there can be no turning back;
let us travel light, discarding
excess baggage from our past,
cherish only what’s essential,
choosing treasure that will last.When we set up camp and settle
to avoid love’s risk and pain,
you disturb complacent comfort,
pull the tent pegs up again;
keep us travelling in the knowledge
you are always at our side;
give us courage for the journey,
Christ our goal and Christ our guide.
Thank you everyone who came to the service – and those who could not come, but send kind wishes. Special thanks to my brother Adrian who came all the way from Norfolk – and Liz, Jon, Steph and Mark who came along to support us. It was so lovely to have family with us on such a significant occasion.
So glad it went well. I know you will be blessed as well as blessing many others in your new church xxx
ReplyDeleteCongrats to You and Pastor Bob. Good times ahead. x
ReplyDeleteSounds as if it went really well. No going back now x
ReplyDeleteGlad the day went well. We heard good reports of the day at kmfc this morning. Here's hoping we are as blessed in finding a new minister as you have been with you new flock.
ReplyDeleteThanks - we will be praying for you all at kmfc
DeleteI'm glad you have been sent off and welcomed warmly. Your not far from me according to Google maps so perhaps we can arrange a summer picnic midway :)
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That would be fantastic!!
DeleteGlad all went well! xx
ReplyDeleteSo glad it went well.x
ReplyDeleteonwards and upwards as they say to new adventures.
ReplyDeleteSorry we missed the induction, it seems like it went well, have a good week and we will catch up next Sunday . Alison and Steve X
ReplyDeleteIt was a bit like being the bride at a wedding - so many people there, and impossible to say Hello to them all! I confess I spoke mainly to those who had travelled a long way, deciding I could catch up with the local folk later. See you Sunday!
DeleteSo glad to hear you are settling in to your new place. God bless your efforts there.
ReplyDeleteAngela, my best wishes - change is never easy! Cheers from Carole of Carole's Chatter
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