Ladies who Lunch

I nearly forgot all about the Ladies who Lunch yesterday.  You see, on my day off I tend not to look at my diary but thankfully something made me look just in time to race up and meet the other 13 at the German market in Princes Street.  We only do it once a year and tradition has it that we meet for a Gluwein first and then a wander round the stalls or shops. (Mine was a Flirt – Gluwein and Amaretto – and was just delicious, thank you.)  This year we went to B’est for lunch opposite the Festival Theatre and what a great meal at a great price.  I’ll be back there again. Then back to Princes Street and M and I had a go on the Big Wheel.  It was dark by then and the lights were twinkling.

There is something quite magical about being suspended in the cold, crisp air while the lights sparkle as far as the eye can see.

So beautiful.

Then it was off to Jenners (not the same nowadays) for a wee wander as we caught up with D.  The rest had gone off in various directions – most to get the last train back when they can use their free passes!

Not sure whose idea it was to go to Harvey Nichols but off we wandered past a lovely crib scene in St Andrew’s Square where the baby Jesus appears to have arrived already.  Harvey Nicks is always fun and after a little make-up testing we decided to go up to the top floor for coffee.  Coffee changed into champagne cocktails and as the dinner restaurant was just opening all we could get to eat were chips with aioli.  What fun.  Ladies who Lunch should always end with champagne cocktails in Harvey Nicks.

It was a lovely day, catching up with old friends and hearing the news. That was really the best bit about yesterday. The places and the food (and the wine!) didn’t really matter.  What mattered was the blethering.

And so ends my first week back at work. It has been a busy one although I tried to take it easier than I normally would.  I’ve been in hospitals and I’ve been in Homes.  I’ve said Morning Prayer in church every morning with one person and with twelve people. I lost my temper at the Vestry meeting, something I’ve never done before. And I have apologised. I’ve thought and I’ve pondered and I’ve taken advice. I’ve partied with the oldies (sorry K!) but I didn’t go dancing. I moved chairs and more chairs and acted like a janitor. And now I’ve got a sermon to write… It is good to be back.

From darkness to light

For the past 6 weeks a group have been meeting as part of the Exploring our Faith course. This term the group were looking at the history of liturgy in the church and at the end of the term they had to design an act of worship. Being off work for 6 weeks has meant that I did the first session and then left poor +Alan to do all the rest but clearly he did an excellent job for last night the group offered a wonderful Advent service.

We started in darkness in the narthex and heard a voice in the distance (at the Advent wreath) bringing light into the darkness. The light was brought to us and we sang as we processed to the lectern for the first reading.  Then we moved to the 2nd lectern for more reading and another hymn. We listened to scripture and to why we need to reflect in these weeks before Christmass. Then we found a picture of jesus that spoke to us before moving to the star to reflect upon it. The seats were in a star shape around lots of candles which we all lit and gradually the light grew. it really was beautiful.

 

WE reflected on why we had picked ‘that’ Jesus and then sang a Taize chant for Advent.

The service continued with the right balance of quiet and words and music. (Love that Wachet Auf – and yes it does sound like a German curse!)

And mulled wine and cake after!

It really was a wonderful evening and such a joy for me to sit and ‘be’.  Loved the star seats, which we’ll keep for morning prayer this week, and the ever-increasing light.

So thank you little flock-group for offering yourselves and your worship to us.

PS. This is what I’ve been working on for the last week. In Hobbycraft you can buy cardboard letters which you can paint. Don’t they look good?

Oh happy day!

Oh I can’t tell you how good it was to be back at work today. I feel as if I’ve been away for 6 months, not 6 weeks, and it was lovely to catch up with folk. It seemed appropriate to be going back at the beginning of term, as it were. (Mind you I did forget to take my correct uniform with me in all the excitement so I’m afraid the lacy alb was worn when it should have been plain. But I think I got away with it so sshhh!)

The candle was lit.

The child knew what to do.

O Come, O Come and Lo, he comes.

No 3 microphone wailed.

A little Bach Chorale to soothe the soul.

From the step a toddler solemnly watched.

Our Father who art in heaven, Harold is thy name…

Deep, deep purple satisfied.

The Body of Christ – and one was missed.

Dawn and evening celebrate your glory…

Music and muttering

Oh its good to be home.

And in all the excitement what I didn’t do was thank Bishop Alan and Fr Alex for looking after my little flock so well. It made such a difference to know they were in safe hands. Thank you boys. Put your feet up now, why don’t you? Mother’s back in charge!!

And tonight the group who were doing the Adventures in Faith course have put together a service of Darkness into Light at 6.30pm.  It is strange for me to go to something I’ve not had a hand in but I’m looking forward to it. (I don’t mind not being in control, really!)

Advent Fair photos

‘The best yet!’ was the response to this year’s Advent Fair. We raised a magnificent £1600 and a big thanks to Nicola for all her organisation. There were the usual Christmas crafts and nearly new, books and DVDs, cakes, jams and chutneys and a wonderful cake to raffle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year we also had a chocolate fountain, tile painting and snowboarding on the Wii. Yes, your Priest took part but did not win. Let it be known she is a Wii virgin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A big thanks to all who took part, who prepared the church and put it back together again, and those who worked and those who bought. We couldn’t have done it without you all. I am so proud of you, little flock.

Mark my Words

Our new magazine is out now in pdf format. Pop over to St Mark’s website to download.

love blooms bright

Advent approaches and you may be looking for something to read or ponder during these dark days.  Why not put love blooms bright into your Favourites or Reader and I’m sure you will find something to mull over?

Gay Bishop?

Does this mean we can have a gay Bishop then?  Hurrah!

Swine flu and the Holy Water Stoup

I see that some Italians have invented a Holy Water electronic dispenser so that we are not all spreading germs by dipping our fingers in the Holy Water stoup at the door.  Don’t they know that Holy Water is germ-free by virtue of it being holy?

Thanks Ship of Fools. It has been a while since I dropped in but as ever you had me smiling.

The Church of the Wii

Mass: We pray the video game

Now this is what I could have been doing while off work/church.

Ministry meanderings

Bishop Alan (not one of ours but one of theirs) has been pondering the things he’s learned in ministry. They make for good reading. I especially like number 2.

Fr Kelvin has been saying what he wants in a new bishop. You can add to the list here.  Of course we are very happy with the one we’ve got. (If you’re reading this Bishop B, good morning!)