Jude Smith

THIS ARTICLE. Lord forgive us! (I do need to hold up that teaching gun safety is probably good, but celebrating the right to bear arms in a faith which worships one who surrendered himself to the right to bear arms, where the prophets proclaim a dream of beating our swords into ploughs.... )

I know that I might be better placed placed to blog about ordination and all that stuff, but THIS ARTICLE just caught my eye and has mightily annoyed me. At the foot of Westminster Abbey are homeless folks. The nation is in crippling debt, poor areas of the country are being left with resourceless church buildings, and perhaps even more resourceless church leaders (not a criticism but thats where cuts are being made). Meanwhile we are suggesting that we put a ridiculous piece of campery on the top of Westminster Abbey, which to now has been impressive but not ostentatiously indulgent. Lord forgive us.

I should not be sat on the sofa right now. I should be packing, choosing a spiritual tome to take with me, making sure I have enough 'stuff' for the next few days. But no- I am sat here watching very talented (and slightly precocious) kids who have just won a spelling bee! Today, after a mission meeting, I am heading up to Ripon for a rehearsal and then t'foot of Ilkley Moor for a retreat. I briefly emerge on Saturday afternoon to check in with some friends before heading back to the Cathedral for the official stuff. Its a tiny thing in the overall scheme of things- but I would very much appreciate your prayers over the next few days. I'm pretty tired but want to settle into retreat quickly and get good rest and really be able to hear God speak.. Will see you on the other side!

You join me in Sheffield, just shy of my new home city- hanging out with my lovely friend as I recover (in a good way) from the wedding of Team Flannagrove. Yes, yesterday about 450 of us pitched up in central London for a wedding extravaganza, where the top table was a cricket pitch, where the gifts are all furnishing an orphanage in Uganda and where two truly lovely creative folk got themselves hitched. It was a great day- and a wonderful chance to catch up with some good friends. As usual I forgot to take photos but hey.. the memories are in my head. But that was it: the last thing to do before preparing for ordination. It all feels quite imminent right now: which I guess it should. So before I retreat into retreats and so on, may I invite anyone who really wants to travel to the fairly far north for a fairly dull service, to join me in Ripon Cathedral on Sunday 28th June at 10.30am. I will be wearing slightly unlike me clothes...

Today I slid open my big wardrobe doors: I looked at the trousers and then unwrapped a pile of shirts. I tried one on, buttoned it to the neck and then I slid the little piece of white plastic into place. It fits but it feels weird. In ten days I go through a ceremony that means that dressing routine will become normal. It feels strange. In some ways it feels very right: in other ways it so doesn't. Its drawing into focus and will be rehoned by a four day retreat. I think I need the time to just let it be as important as it is. But before that I have a big ole wedding to go to.. And maybe a BT homehub!

My house is a bit chilly. Which doesn't bode well. I think its warmer outside then in just now.. I think the problem might be the double glazing... I think its so darned efficient that it stops warmness coming in the window via the sun.. Can someone technical tell me if this is true.. cos I feel very southern sitting under a blanket in June!

Today: encouraged by my lovely friend, I made digital TV happen in my private lounge.. Go me! I think I saved at least £35 doing it that way. I also arranged some work stuff. I will be having a Friday day off if anyone wants to play! I am also going to do baking in a wee while! Really I am!

I didn't really believe people when they talked about how many folk visit you when you are living in a vicarage. I have had a whole heap of visitors already: I've had two people tell me that they don't go to church anymore- and have arranged to meet up with the council youthworkers for the estate (they happened to be in just the right place when I was looking for a chippy).. I am loving it.. (and yes I know I haven't actually started yet).. Those are all up points; there have been a few logistical downs. the fridge freezer won't fit in the hole until I move a radiator (I being the phrase for 'nice plumber man'). BT's computer refused an order: no phone etc till Tuesday. I have wrecked my nails! But all in all a good start! More soon.