The September sunshine is streaming through the Vicarage living room windows as I type. Yesterday the Engineer was off school for a teacher training day and we had a lovely time at the park with his friend, playing in the early Autumn warmth. I’ve been quiet on the blog this month, but not only because of trips to the park and the temptation to sunbathe in a garden that has usually been warmer than the house. In addition, I was writing some other things, explained below.
Our sunny September park
At the beginning of the month I took the plunge and put my name forward to stand for election to the General Synod of the Church of England as a representative of the laity of Lichfield diocese. There are 22 candidates for six places, and you’ll find me fifth from bottom of the list and can read my election address. You can also identify me by my surprising middle name. With so many people standing, I am praying for wisdom for the electors and trusting God’s sovereign will to be done throughout the next synod.
And at the end of the month – this weekend just gone – I got to speak about mess to a group of clergy spouses from Chelmsford Diocese at their annual retreat in the beautiful surroundings of Pleshey. Following publication of The Ministry of a Messy House my Twitter friend from the diocese, who organises it, asked me if I’d be the speaker and didn’t seem to mind that my speaking experience was very limited.
It was a real pleasure to meet her face to face and to share some of the things I’d learnt whilst contemplating (and writing about) mess. It was especially good to talk with a group of people who I know are often overwhelmed with extra mess not of their own creating – ecclesiastical, emotional and spiritual. We laughed a lot and encouraged one another. We shared recipes and tips for mess containment. We prayed and we sang and we gathered around the Lord’s table. I enjoyed myself very much and came home encouraged and surprisingly energised, with some new recipes to try and thankfulness to God for the work of the gospel in Essex and East London.
October is kicking off with the excitement of joining the youth group on their first ever weekend away together. I suspect there will be as much chatting as the weekend just gone, but with added running around and screaming. The joy of youth work, eh?
[Edited to add some words I lost in a draft and then found again]
The Vicar's Wife 
It is a loss for General Synod that you are not representing Lichfield diocese this time round. However, wonderful to hear how God is using your gifts in his service in the meantime. Thanks for letting us know you were willing to put your name forward for election – perhaps more of us should consider doing so in the future too.
Thank you Denise. That’s very kind. I was not sure about standing and was happy that the Lord’s decision was for me to not be elected this time round. The more people stand the better I think. But also more people need to vote! Of the eligible laity in my diocese (mainly members of deanery synods), only 40% actually cast their votes!
Hi! Very much looking forward to reading your book. Just wanted to let you know the IVP link is broken – they are setting up a new website all are y. I will google it on amazon but also wanted to flag it up to you. (I chose here instead of your ‘about’ page so that hopefully it’s less public.).
Wonderful title. I have a feeling it will minister to deep parts of my soul. I have been a VW for 5 years, leaving a busy career moving to a new culture and then becoming a mum. Wow the skills it takes to run a home…. who knew? (And why didn’t they say anything!!)
Hi Ros. Thanks for the comment – I’ve changed the link on the main website page to 10ofthose, but haven’t gone back through the other pages. IVP have been taken over by SPCK so their website has now shut down. I guess I should go back and change the links now! I do hope you find The Ministry of a Messy House a blessing as you read.
Where is the link to the new book? also sorry the Synod didn’t work out!
Hi Elizabeth. It’s not a new book but a new link to the old book. IVP no longer have a website to buy from but you can get it from 10ofthose.com (see box at top right hand side of the main blog page) or from The Good Book Company (http://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/the-ministry-of-a-messy-house). New book might be a while coming ie is not even started yet!