Why do I always rise to the bait????

Yesterday I had a conversation with my Line Manager about the rights and wrongs, risks and blessings, of being on Facebook where any of your parishioners can see what you do in your spare time, show photos and so on, and so on. I, in my pride, said well I never, or rarely, enter into controvertial discussion topics on Facebook. there are forums for that ( such as the closed one Minister's Forum, where bucks and roes can rutt to their heart's content!?) "But, no, I only put fun things up, or where I've enjoyed and would recommend a film...."
Then today someone had notified me of a particular sermon to watch on youtube. The title alone should have had a red beacon of fire glowing out at me saying "Avoid avoid! Danger! Danger!" What did I do? i listened to the first few sentences then...wallop...straight I fell into a bear bated theological trap of "Commenting"...actually knowing that I might be the only Christian to disagree with this person because their Facebook "friends" would be those lads and lassies who either went to their church, or who would agree with their viewpoint.
So.o.o.o. I have fallen at the first hurdle in my pride, and open a potential tinderbox ..But I couldn't help myself. I was raging!! Why do I always rise to the bait????
On a lighter note- walking round a small district of Mannofield Parish to do Christian Aid collection, I came across a lady from the congregation whom I didn't know. Not hard, I hear you say, since you've only been in post 3 weeks and there are 998 on the roll!!! But I was invited in, and we had tea and a chat. She filled me in on a lot of useful info about the church,and her dear late husband. It was especially joyous cos I had wondered how to fill in my time from early afternoon till 6.15pm when the Alpha parenting course began. (Not enough time to get 2 buses back to my Northfield home base, and too tiring...)
APC was very worthwhile, by the way. There were 3 Iranian Mums included in the number who came.
God is good. Byeeee
PS Will try and blog once a week....

Pastures New...meh! meh bah! ( humbug)

Started new job at Mannofield Parish Church on April 27th, as well as my part time commute between Hamilton and Aberdeen 3/4 nights a week. Enjoying meeting folks and trying to remember faces and names, names and faces. With almost 1000 on the congregational roll, it could take some time!?
This week, in lovely sunny weather, I was invited out to the garden of one of the "flock" and she gave me a big bunch of ....................flowers?
No, rhubarb...delighted...stewed it that evening with maple syrup and ginger...whoop whoop!
This dear wee lady also gave me some  sweet smelling honeysuckle, which I promptly put into water in a toothbrush mug for the kitchen window since my wee home- base ( not the DIY store) is pretty sparse. These wee touches will make a difference. Have also met a local church Session Clerk who lives across the road, so I'll make a bee line for her if I'm feeling lonesome of an evening, especially since I have no tv!?

Found a smashing quote by Maya Angelou that I like " My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive, and to do so with passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style!" Hopefully the folks I will be serving for three years, will see this in me....

Oh , one last thing.... I'm truly blessed in this job! why?
For the first time in my Diaconate career, I am in a church where there is
a) A Caretaker ( Jannie)
b) A dedicated office and secretary 4 mornings a week (she's a star, helping me to settle in and much more)
c) I no longer have to buy my own stamps for posting pastoral cards...there's a drawer full of them!?
d) Most people are on email, which makes communication that bit easier and often all in one go ..
And all in a warm modern environment... Thanks God.