a Saturday in Chester was the recipe for inspiration and time together...Chester is located about 30 miles to the southeast of Birkenhead. originally founded as Dewa, a Roman outpost, more than a thousand years ago. the city wall nearly remains in tact after these thousand years, still surrounding about 3/4 of the original city. perhaps most famously known for the Rows, these Tudor style, 2 story shopping area is perhaps the birth of the modern mall as the variety of shops provide a galleria up and down several streets
what's great about this outdoor shoppers paradise is the artistry of the old colliding with the new--within the ancient walls that tourists can still walk upon, there's Gap, Starbucks, Apple, along with hundreds of quaint and posh British retailers. after the Town Crier gives the days announcements, commentary and comedy, the air is filled with the sounds of musicians performing throughout the city, as well as a variety of Christian groups proclaiming the Gospel, songs, or prayers
at the cities heart is the Chester Cathedral, dating back nearly a thousand years as well--Zach took some pictures of original walls that have been added to through the centuries. The Cathedral is a very active parish ministry with an emphasis on the arts, mission, and sanctuary worship.
we stopped into the bookstore to pick up a gift for our hosts, and then sat down in the Refectory that has been refurbished as a grand cafe to ''nourish the body and soul''. i had not previously been in this room, but was deeply inspired from the moment i walked in. here in this amazingly beautiful, ancient hall previously used for education and chapel services was now a modern food service area that still ministered to the spirit ever so uniquely. above you as you enter the room is a large tapestry, easily 10feet by 20feet, originally created for the Sistine Chapel in the 1500's, moved to Chester in the 1700's -- above that is a recently commissioned stained glass called ''Creation'' to commemorate the dawn of the 3rd millenium. as in the grand sanctuary, ever so discreetly along the walls, wiring had been added to provide lighting, sound system needs, etc.
so many other wonderful and inspiring sites within this one room--but i was reminded again, as i was upon the first visit, how we would rather create a monument to the past in such a place, rather than allow it to be changed as a vehicle for present and future ministry. Chester Cathedral continues to minister effectively today because it remains a movement of ongoing ministry, willing to change and be recreated for continuing needs and creating opportunity.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wonderful Wales
due south of the Wirral is Wales...the southwest corner of the United Kingdom--a land full of beautiful and majestic countryside, breathtaking views, quaint towns, and a lot of sheep! we took the road trip with Pastor John, Linda, Janet, Terri & Audrey--Pastor John and Janet are both at home in Wales as they are indeed Welsh.
2 years ago, John took us on a similar journey, but extended it this oast Sunday--and what a wonderul day--my first day in England where i desired sunglasses and bathing suit! so hot and sunny i forgot that i was in the UK
we began with a brief break at Bala lake--a nice ''photy'' (picture opportunity) as Linda would say. we then continued due south (2 years ago, we went inward to the west to Mt. Snowden) down to a panaromic view where a river emptied into the sea below us
i'll insert the names of these locations later :) -- the Welsh don't skimp on their use of letters, especially consonants which can double in all sorts of tricky pronunciations.
after lunch at that majestic point, we continued around the coast to H______ castle along the sea--we were so hot that we had to put our feet in and wade a bit, as well as looking for rocks and shells.
from their, we moved along the coast to yet another town and Cricketh castle (time for ice cream for the kids and tea for the adults) -- on from their to Caernaervon, the largest of the castles. we skipped Beaumaris castle as it was getting late in the evening and we were eager for our tea (dinner). but we had to stop in Conwy and take a walk on the Town Wall that wrapped around this beautiful town leading up to the majestic castle.
we soon stopped at a wonderful fish & chip restaurant for a late tea--but once overly filled, had to make our way to the Promenade--a very wide boardwalk type area along the east coast of the town of Londonier (?). as we watched the sun set we took more photies, collected more rocks, and refelcted on a marvelous day
my reflections began to consider this area of Wales--then of Northern Ireland, and Scotland, too. it's like whole states where we don't have a church work, along with declining church influence.
especially Wales, so close to the Wirral. once the site of the historic Welsh Revival, leaving a chapel in every community--unfortunately now, few active chapels remain.
surely, something can be done--surely, in the States, we would do something. why can't we? what if?
(pictures to come...)
2 years ago, John took us on a similar journey, but extended it this oast Sunday--and what a wonderul day--my first day in England where i desired sunglasses and bathing suit! so hot and sunny i forgot that i was in the UK
we began with a brief break at Bala lake--a nice ''photy'' (picture opportunity) as Linda would say. we then continued due south (2 years ago, we went inward to the west to Mt. Snowden) down to a panaromic view where a river emptied into the sea below us
i'll insert the names of these locations later :) -- the Welsh don't skimp on their use of letters, especially consonants which can double in all sorts of tricky pronunciations.
after lunch at that majestic point, we continued around the coast to H______ castle along the sea--we were so hot that we had to put our feet in and wade a bit, as well as looking for rocks and shells.
from their, we moved along the coast to yet another town and Cricketh castle (time for ice cream for the kids and tea for the adults) -- on from their to Caernaervon, the largest of the castles. we skipped Beaumaris castle as it was getting late in the evening and we were eager for our tea (dinner). but we had to stop in Conwy and take a walk on the Town Wall that wrapped around this beautiful town leading up to the majestic castle.
we soon stopped at a wonderful fish & chip restaurant for a late tea--but once overly filled, had to make our way to the Promenade--a very wide boardwalk type area along the east coast of the town of Londonier (?). as we watched the sun set we took more photies, collected more rocks, and refelcted on a marvelous day
my reflections began to consider this area of Wales--then of Northern Ireland, and Scotland, too. it's like whole states where we don't have a church work, along with declining church influence.
especially Wales, so close to the Wirral. once the site of the historic Welsh Revival, leaving a chapel in every community--unfortunately now, few active chapels remain.
surely, something can be done--surely, in the States, we would do something. why can't we? what if?
(pictures to come...)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
concluding the UK convention...
i didn't realize that i hadn't updated on the conclusion of the conference...the Sunday night with youth emphasis service was great--all the youth (children-teens) led us in songs, prayers, skits, dance and more -- Grace began the evening with a wonderful prayer (i got it on video and hope to post soon!) Pastor Jim continued to challenge the churches on the theme for the weekend, getting into his own history as an adopted son.
Monday morning, we quickly ate breakfast, packed and loaded up. we then hurried through a mens, WCG, and youth meeting prior to our last session. it was good to see the number of men in the session improve since last year. Keli shared as a part of the WCG meeting. Pastor Jim ended a wonderful weekend of challenge and inspiration, and we were off to one last meal together (we did A LOT of eating) -- then it was a long series of goodbyes to all our London friends
our record of this event won't be the only record -- we were thrilled to watch Pastor Jim and his son Andrew recording several of the participants for the CBH Viewpoint program. this broadcast is heard all over the world and streamed on the internet--these particular recordings will be heard beginning in July. among the interviews and subjects, me and the unique 6th Avenue mission and vision of Touching the World for Christ through global partnerships. i'm sure we'll put a link from our website when it comes up!
the journey to Birkenhead was not too difficult--of course, most of us slept most of the way. upon our arrival, we ordered tea (dinner) in -- Chinese, of course ;) it appears that sweet and sour chicken is a universal treat after a long drive.
Monday morning, we quickly ate breakfast, packed and loaded up. we then hurried through a mens, WCG, and youth meeting prior to our last session. it was good to see the number of men in the session improve since last year. Keli shared as a part of the WCG meeting. Pastor Jim ended a wonderful weekend of challenge and inspiration, and we were off to one last meal together (we did A LOT of eating) -- then it was a long series of goodbyes to all our London friends
our record of this event won't be the only record -- we were thrilled to watch Pastor Jim and his son Andrew recording several of the participants for the CBH Viewpoint program. this broadcast is heard all over the world and streamed on the internet--these particular recordings will be heard beginning in July. among the interviews and subjects, me and the unique 6th Avenue mission and vision of Touching the World for Christ through global partnerships. i'm sure we'll put a link from our website when it comes up!
the journey to Birkenhead was not too difficult--of course, most of us slept most of the way. upon our arrival, we ordered tea (dinner) in -- Chinese, of course ;) it appears that sweet and sour chicken is a universal treat after a long drive.
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