Did you ever believe that this would occur? Err…No
Possibly, as we look back, we might see instances where I could have discerned such an opportunity but nothing that clear…well to me. I was asked directly “what made you do this?” Oh wow! Interesting phrase …made you…
What made you do this?
As I started a video from the back of Nettleham Methodist Church one day, my job was to ensure that it ran correctly and all could hear it. Suddenly I was transfixed. This video highlighted Street Pastors, those who go out on a Friday and Saturday night in our towns and cities to help those who may have ‘over partied’ or the homeless. I saw something that was not me at all, a declared founding member of the introvert club: I heard that call “go where the people are“. Oh wow!
The walls are made out of rubber…
Recently, just prior to ordination – still sounds strange hearing that – I was told that I was an irritant. It was actually done in a complimentary way, although I knew I had been a pain in the bum to the individual for the past 7 years. I had pushed the boundaries, saw just how far the walls could be pushed, explored those off-track areas. Just when you might want people to follow the ‘path’ I clearly wasn’t. Perhaps many in society aren’t also following the expected path? Who is there for them?
Kin_dom anyone?
One card in particular was wonderfully made, hand crafted and also – bringing a real smile to me – included the word kin_dom. 😄. Oh wow!
To me this word speaks of us all being as one, sharing (Acts 4:32-35), and flourishing together. Another picture I received highlighted this absolute inclusivity, of celebrating with us all – and particularly topical with the recently produced Glasgow Pride video from the University of Glasgow interfaith Chaplains.
Fitting together
But this jigsaw concept is also so powerful. Deacon Eunice spoke at the Ordination service about our limitations: that they should be seen not as a problem but an opportunity. The individual jigsaw piece is a specific shape, cut out to fit only one way, into a certain space to fit the overall image. It is limited where it can go. Nevertheless, when put together, they create a wonderful masterpiece, which has intrinsic structural integrity. Trying building a puzzle with square pieces… The rainbow sheep above is loving being as one with the other sheep.
I was given a very unusual present at Ordination. It had been presented to them, two years before I was born, at their ordination in 1961. Oh wow! Their wish was that I would pass this on when I “sit down” or retire from active ministry – you never stop as a Deacon. This is beautiful, both inspiring and heart warming.
The badge
Finally, the MDO badge. At our pre-ordination retreat, where we go away to contemplate what it all means, we were shown the tomb of Cuthbert. His body was taken, by a circulous route, to Durham Cathedral. There he was finally laid to rest, to then a few centuries ago, find some people seeking to confirm that his bones were truly in the tomb. What they found there was remarkable. His body had apparently not decomposed, and his cross had sunk deep within his chest cavity – it was impressed into him literally. Oh wow!
Now, to me, this Methodist Diaconal Order badge, shown here, sinks deep within me, impressing to me what is required as a Deacon: of loving all others, seeking out the lost, caring for the needy, praying for all.
To those who attended the service, to those who watched online, to those who sent me cards and gifts, this all shows that we are as one. Without you, I would have not been on this journey. To Mandy and the children – who have travelled so far literally – thank you. But without God, we will not be sustained on any of our journeys. So Thank you. How best to really conclude : Oh wow!