Sunshine !

No, I'm not writing about that huge ball of fire in the day sky...
My theme on Sunday was Sun/Summer/Living Hope.
This morning I was ruminating over whether the use of the metaphor of the SUN was either daft or a mistake.
I try to make time each morning to listen to "Pray as you go.com" which is really a downloadable quiet time, or short daily devotional to the Lord. Some days I prefer to listen to the word of God than read the Bible because I guess I get weary when the Bible is my work tool as well as one of my deep links with God through the Holy Spirit.
Anyway..... today's passage read out was Matthew Chapter 13 vs 36-43. It's about Jesus explaining to his disciples in the serenity of  someone's home...and at the end He says when all evil and evil doing and evildoers are removed from the planet, "the righteous will SHINE LIKE THE SUN in their Father's kingdom!"
I was so grateful to receive reassurance from the Lord that however bitty or mixed up or unclear my service on Sunday may have been, He will make it plain to "those who have ears."
Feel so blessed and tearful actually that my Lord should speak to me..going into Glasgow today to collect some currency so I will ruminate on that image of the SUN some more, and be thankful to the SON !

Bamboozled by the heat!

It's been so humid lately that the church was like a sauna this morning. I had my jacket off for the majority of the service. If you are of a (Christian) nervous disposition, look away now !
I was so bamboozled by the heat and perspiring a la sauna that I told the organist we were not doing the last hymn, and then asked the audience ( I mean congregation) if they would still like to sing the two hymns about hope,on the Order of Service with the reflection in between !!! A gentleman said "yes" so as you were, ladies and men folks and children. "All my hope on God is founded in CH4 ( 4th edition of Church of Scotland Hymnary), a short reflective prayer about summer, and the final hymn from Mission Praise- "My hope is built on nothing less."
Someone asked if I'd had a hot flush, and at the door someone else said that I needed a holiday...I agreed!?
So.... bits and pieces of prep this week,so I don't have to do everything when I get back. Bon Voyage!

Listening to Radio 2 Live...I know it puts me in a category of oldie, but Saturday's "Pick of The Pops" has always been my favourite listeners' fare, alongside Radio 4's "Desert Island Discs" ( but only when I know the guest- usually an actor or singer or politician...I have no patience ,I'm afraid , with the head of some business whom I've never heard of ( literally !)
Was on my bike this morning and cycled round to a new coffee shop on Bothwell Road that used to be a Hairdressers. Now reading my favourite crime writer. You will have to engage with me in the Comments section, if you're curious as to who this is!
Tomorrow's Church Service theme is part celebration of Sun and summer season ( Summer Suns are Glowing!) and part Living Hope, which for the Christian , is not vague optimism that summer will come, but a real Hope, based on the historical life, death and rising living love of One SON of God, Jesus Christ, and promises in Scripture that we can wholly and holy rely on. Byeee....

Ooops....The I.T. from yesterday,  is actually the I.M...

Makes more sense doesn't it? I.M getting older and more forgetful !!??

Today I met for coffee with the new incumbent ( see y'day's blog), who will be inducted to Eastwood Parish Church on Thursday September 8th.2016 "Inducted" is not connected with "induced" or  being helped to give birth: Comes from the Latin meaning.."led into" I.M thinking...

Here is a prayer sent to me by text from one of my sisters- in -law. It is quite beautiful as well as practical. If you are reading this and not a "churchy or religious" person, I hope it has meaning for you too.

O Lord thank you for our wonderful salvation

And your changing power in our lives. 

May all the hurt come to the surface and be expressed with vulnerability and gentleness.

May we forgive all offences and let go of our record of wrongs.

Lord our tender Healer may there 

Come healing and understanding  in our relationships. 

May we bear and forbear with others as you have done with us.

For we ask this for Your Glory and in Your Lovely Name. 

Amen

An I.T with a DG !

I met yesterday with an I.T. For those who don't know this ecclesiastical language. An I.T is not an internet expert ( although he or she might be !) An I.T stands for Interim Moderator- some one usually a Rev but sometimes a Deac, who oversees a congregation when their minister has left. The I.T. does many things- usually on top of looking after their own congregation at the same time, so double work load. The I.T. volunteers ( or hand up the back maybe???) after being asked by the Presbytery Clerk, in this case, Glasgow PC.
I'm boring you...moving swiftly on...I agreed to be the next locum for a north east of Glasgow charge
( church) after I finish at Eastwood in the central south Glasgow at end of August. So..............................
that's why I was meeting the I.T in a well known international chain of coffee shops .....and tomorrow I meet with the new incumbent At Eastwood......incumbent is not, contrary to public opinione, someone lying ona lounge sofa, he/she will be the next minister of a charge/church.....easy for some to say...see you tmors. Dot

The Sound of Music !

Yes, friends, The Sound of Music is where that famous quote comes from, that I use too often ! ( I have sinned Reverend Mother) Spoken by Maria after she has fallen for Captain Von Trapp and he, apparently for her. And she comes running back to the safety of the Convent because she can't handle her feelings. So, in my opinion, she hasn't sinned at all, since emotions and sexual feelings come from God The Creator, who made us and it was good.
Back to yesterday. I got on the train home, and found myself sat or sitting next to a beautiful woman, a Mum, originally from The Gambia.  She told me she had left the Muslim faith behind and was now a Christian. I listened  with  deepening respect as she told me she had three jobs- hairdresser, chef, and cleaner. She also seemed so hard working and ambitious, rightly so- that she could bring up her two children alone, her husband having left her.
I hope and pray she is able to keep working, and finds a nice flat in an area she feels safe, so that life keeps improving for her and her family.

So, we had a wonderful day of hot summer...."shades" of the Med...then we are to be thundered upon...ok!

Yesterday's visits were fine. I called in on a lovely couple from the church on my way to visit number 3. I am trying hard not to use any "pastoral identifiers"- which means that anyone reading this, would be able to say "Ah! Dot is describing X or Y" Further to my decision on whether to have tea or not...one visitor had prepared a plate of sandwiches and cakes, so I couldn't very well refuse ! Then at house no 2, nothing, zilch, not even a whiff of a kettle on the boil.  Extra visit ...a choccie biscuit and lovely hot tea from a teapot, and Visit 4 another choc biscuit and a colder cup of tea.....oops too many sweet things in one day " I have sinned Reverend Mother" Anyone know which film  that choice phrase comes from??? Answer tomorrow. Byeee

Monday 18th July
Great sadness to hear of the death of one of the Diaconate's most influential Deacons. I had recently had a long conversation with Moyra MacCallum DCS at June annual conference in Dundee. We were discussing
 " children should be seen and not heard- in church." It was a super conversation with great insights from Moyra from past and present. She will be sorely missed.

Today I hope to visit 3 homes.
 I used to think an hour was a long time for a pastoral visit. I now realise how quickly the time goes and that in an hour, we have barely got started! Sometimes I enjoy a cuppa with the person. Most times I don't
a) Because I don't like anyone to go to any bother for me
b) If it relaxes them, then fine, but too many choccie biscuits is deadly for my muffin tops!
c)Would rather speak to the person face to face and  build our relationship, than have them "faff" about in a kitchen. I take myself to the kitchen anyway, so we can keep chatting and I can help with it if the person is infirm.

One of the visits is to encourage a couple (who have been coming to church for a few years) to finally join the church. I've tried to take out all the "scary" language and make the process as enjoyable and relaxed as possible, whilst sharing with them that they are about to take a big step in making vows to God and the congregation.
Let you know how it went tomorrow. Dot

When I was in Hieton Writers Group ( Hamilton)  many moons ago, I remember someone saying how vivid memories are, when evoked by our sense of smell.
Well, today as I took out my bike from the garage, I caught a distinct whiff of creasote !
This took me back to my childhood and my Grandpa's shed which held his own higgledy- piggledy hardware shop. That tarry smell on saturated wooden slats makes me nostalgic...wish I'd been naughtier than my cousins and hosed them back with the water on the huge lawn on hot summer days. But I was one of the youngest and they were all bigger and English !?

My loving Grandpa always called me a "meddlar" because I loved exploring the hidden depths of his dark cave that was his shed.
Grandpa  reminds me of a faithful  white haired man who used to cry at Easter time when he heard the hymn "There is a Green Hill Far Away.' Sadly my cousin Rose and I ( we must have been about 5 and 7 yrs old ) used to laugh at him crying. I wouldn't now...I realise why he was weeping...
That Jesus Christ should take my place on Calvary's Hill to show how much He loves and values me...
All this from that gorgeous coal tarry browny black treacle smell of creasote !

Bit dreech ! Just done an online shop with a new supermarket cos I got £18 off a £60 shop. Worth the wait -but may go back to my other one after this. Like to keep them guessing !!??
All my "favourites" are on my other supermarket groceries which means I can do a shop and have it delivered pronto. Family comes first today, so hoovering, havering and ironing..
Have good days yourselves !
Dot

Had a wonderful sunshiny trip across to Rothesay today on the Isle of Bute ( or isle of beauty!)
T'was lovely watching the foamy entrails from above on the stern upper deck of the Cal Mac ferry. Visited the Scripture Union team based in one of the church halls. Over 30  keen youngsters under 12. And the age of volunteering is not gone !...younger and older leaders from Newton Mearns, Glasgow, Rothesay itself,and Prestonpans near Edinburgh- all gelling together as a team to share the Good News of Jesus the Healer Who can raise people from the dead. Hallelujah!
And the answer to yesterday;s "Gypsy Box" question, was, of course, b) because it travels with me if I have to change bedrooms due to David's 0430 wake up call or his return from a back shift @ 0100 hrs...
Well I need my beauty sleep. Night! Night!

Gypsy Box

If I were to ask you what a "gypsy box" was, I wonder what you would say?

a) It's a box type kennel where a dog called Gypsy sleeps. I do know a  gorgeous retriever called Gypsy
OR
b) A box where I keep a book, alarm clock and other bits and pieces?
OR
c) A trinket for jewellery where I keep my earings?

Tell you tomorrow, if I'm not too tired from a trip to Rothesay. Tell you about that too!

What have you done today, to make you feel proud?" I searched for the hero inside myself and cycled 10 miles along the Forth Clyde Canal ( no hills: not many bumpy bits) from Anniesland to Bowling. Train to A, and back from B. A to B.....with DG. weather wasn't hot or rainy, so a very pleasant journey watching swans and locks and lily pads and people strolling with buggies and weans, ambling side by side or speeding past us in lycra. hope you have had good days too. Dot

This morning was an emotional funeral for me to conduct: a church service, then the committal at the Crematorium. It never gets any easier to do these duties as you want to honour God as well as trying to capture the essence of the deceased. I had known this particular lady for  over a year and grown to love her. Had a bite to eat in a favourite scenic eatery, and bumped into a colleague- now working in Hamilton Presbytery. Home for a "power nap," put on the dinner, check the emails, take back a sale dress for one of my daughters at M and S, and discovered a lot of perishable foods are reduced. ( if you want these, go after 5pm weekdays. They are all on a trolley in main aisle!) Who knew ?!
Bye for now. Thank You for sustaining me God.

Well well, The Scotsman Andy Murray is up two sets against the Canadian, and I had fun this morning teaching the congregation the Childrens@ Golden Oldie song" Listen to my tail of Jonah and the whale."
No-one spotted my deliberate mistake. have you??
The song was light relief for a serious topic about the consequences of our disobedience. But with God there is always a second chance due to His mercy. Pity Jonah went into the huff about it but he's been given a second chance by God too. Why can we still be so nasty and want the "come uppance" of others...forgetting how much we've been forgiven. Pause for thought.
If God spares me, I have a funeral to conduct tomorrow. Hopefully not Andy Murray's.
Kindest Regardos to any one following
Dot

Hi everyone, awakened by the Orange Lodge toots and flutes and boom booms this morning, which frightened the cat. I'm taking this as a day off because Jonah Service is done. You can always tinker and make wee changes right up till 11 o'clock on a Sunday, but I try not to do this. If I haven't said it by now........ So...off to Strathaven ( God willing) for a swim and a steam room to relax. Daughter 2 is asleep and Daughter 1 gone to Boots to work a Saturday shift. She forgot one of her medications so Dad will take these over to her...fetching and carrying never stops with your offspring whatever their age!
Wee PS on the DayOff...Locums ( like what I am) are usually paid for doing Sundays and two days a week ( or one day) However, as  serving Deacon, we just do what needs to be done. Most weeks I do way more than two days a week..but it's a joy and responsibility to the flock of The Good Shepherd.

Thursday 12 noon
My husband and I ( mei hasbande end ai) are preparing for our summer holiday. Checking whether we need to bring bedding and towels- a tall order when we are going all the way by rail ! Getting there.
Am still ruminating over the Bible story of Jonah, which I am speaking about on Sunday. Childrens' talk fine. I have a super resource which only requires us to do actions to go with the funny well written words.
I think Jonah is about obedience to God but it's also about second chances. God is merciful and will forgive us when we turn to him- no matter how long it takes us!?
See you tomorrow
Dot

This week's day in the life of a Deacon!

Couldn't wait to tell you that I met a little white poodle- crossed -with- a -Shitzu ( !?) ) dog at a flat this week. He'd just been clipped so was pristine white and a bit yappy ( whether that was in protest to my coming, or his haircut I don't know ! These difficult pastoral conversations can last anything from forty minutes to over an hour, depending on the folks concerned, their state of mind, and whether they have managed to put together a fitting tribute to their loved one.
Sometimes I have to ask a lot of questions to draw out information, and sometimes, as in one case this year, the daughter of the deceased had kindly typed up a full life story for me to use at the coming funeral service word for word.
Also this week, I went to a semi detached home of a dear couple who are in their nineties and still looking after each other. B had just had an online supermarket delivery! We had a laugh over my last visit, when a "big whig" from Social Work had come to assess how much help they needed, so I made the tea!
B and M sang two of their fave Christian songs from large print hymns that I'd brought with me. And I saw myself out...lovely couple!

Welcome to Deacon Pink !

Hi! This is my first ever blog. I've wanted to write one for so long- mainly to let all you readers know how varied a job I have and how my days and evenings are spent in a Parish and Community as a Church of Scotland Deacon.

I am currently serving in  the south of Glasgow, in Pollokshaws (or Shawlands if you prefer to say you live in this demographic ! )

Ok...see you tomorrow...... Deacon Pink