So I'm just over half-way through my time as an Interim Minister, which I think will be about 10 months in all. I was a curate here for 3 years, with the most amazing Training Incumbent, who was absolutely the right person for me, and without whose support, training, affirmation and love I would not be able to do the job I am doing now. She retired last September, so I have stayed on for the vacancy - what most of us used to all an interregnum! So I'm having a go at running a church - with lots of help and support from lots of people in the congregation - and I'm loving it! Bit of a surprise to me, as I had always thought of myself as a pretty good assistant - I'm efficient and organised and like to work with and alongside others. But I'm really enjoying the challenge. The only downside - no, there are two, actually - I'm working lots more hours than I was meant to - anyone else found that?! - and I miss the companionship of my incumbent, so I'm a bit lonely.
So I'm in my mid-fifties, and was ordained in 2011. Prior to that I was a part-time piano teacher and a full-time mum to 3 boys, all grown up and married and living away from home now. My husband is a doctor at the hospital where we live, and also a musician. We've been here for 27 years - blimey, where did that go?!
So the big question now is - where is God leading me next? My church is interviewing for a new vicar next week, and about 3 months on from then I will have to move. There are 2 possibilities out there at the moment, both very different, and both appealing in different ways. Lots of prayer and wisdom needed.
So this is my first blog, so now you know a bit about me. I'm a compulsive reader, love walking by the sea, McVities chocolate digestives, real fires, films - I refuse to call them 'movies' - spending time with my lovely boys and their wives, and my friends - and I'm member of the Queen's English Society - I know, it's sad, I can't help it!
I've never done this blog thing before, so we'll see how it goes..
