Formal introductions

Today I was formally introduced to the congregation where I am doing the remainder of my CFA. The experience was totally different to my first placement. The minister showed me exactly where everything was, gave me information on how the mics work and explained how the service would go.

I went into the church with the minister and sat with her during the whole service. During the intimations she introduced me to the congregation and wished me the best and hoped I would enjoy my time with the church. This allowed everyone to get a good look at the new girl and me used to sitting at the front of a congregation during a whole service. This was a bit more what I expected during my last placement, as a minister will normally sit up front for the whole service and that's very different to taking part in worship, but being in the congregation and only stepping up for you part.

The readings seemed to go well. I felt I delivered them well and would be heard. After the service many of the congregation commented that they enjoyed my reading and I have a good clear voice.

As an aside, the first reading (Amos 7:7-17) really spoke to me. I suppose in some ways it could be said I was sent back to my home town (or, in my case church). Also, I am a civil servant and colour in for a living, but God is sending me to spread his message, just as Amos was a herdsman.

At the end of the service, I left the worship area with the minister and stood with her while the congregation left. This allowed me to individually meet them and get used to that part of ministry. Again, that was something I didn't get the chance to do at my previous placement. When I tried I was told it wasn't necessary.

I have a meeting with my local assessor on Thursday and, if my presbytery rep can make it, my formal CFA agreement will be drawn up. If not, it can wait. Again, arranging that meeting was very different from my last experience. Here, I was given 3 evenings this week we could meet. At my last placement, I was told when we would meet and it didn't go down too well when I couldn't make it. I understand how busy ministers are (I've seen enough of their diaries!), but I too have things to do. My new assessor seems to understand much better.

I feel much more with the assessment this time. I know I am being watched and assessed with all I say and do. I am much happier with that and feel I will get the guidance and support I need during this period of growth and exploration which I didn't receive last time. All in all, today was a very positive experience and I hope it continues to be.

Patience

I was away when the letter from Ministries council finally arrived with the details on my next CFA placement, so there was about a week and a half delay between the letter being sent and me being able to contact my local assessor. Given the time of year, not too bad I thought. Besides, it had been nearly 3 months since my last local review, so ministries council weren't exactly quick off the mark.

Well, today ministries council were in touch chasing-up my CFA agreement. I explained I had been away and had only briefly met with my local assessor after last Sunday's service to make introductions. The person at ministries council seemed a little surprised by that. Err, you keep me waiting for 3 months then chase me up after 2 weeks...patience is a virtue.

I'm doing to readings on Sunday at my new placement and rather looking forward to it. My local assessor wants me to enter the church with me, so she can introduce me to the congregation. That's very different from my last one were I was to sit in the pews and I was pointed out. I think I prefer the new local assessor's way of doing.

Now, I'm going to hang out the washing and pick some strawberries. What a thrilling way to spend a Friday evening. If there's enough strawberries I might make jam...

Written for me?

Parts of yesterday's sermon spoke to me so well, it could have been written with me in mind.

The theme of the sermon was "The sacrament of failure" - where during our journey with God, as His disciples spreading His message, we will sometimes fail. People won't listen to what we are saying, we aren't saying the right thing for the people we're giving God's message to etc. But, the important thing about the failure is the get up, dust yourself down and move on. Move onto other places, to tell other people the message of God. And, hopefully they will hear you and listen.

Well, it just felt like my CFA journey. I failed at my last placement. I made mistakes. Hence me now starting another 6 months placement at another church. But, although I failed, I have dusted myself down and moved on. Even move to another town which isn't my home town. Wow. Okay, so I'm not directly spreading the message to my new placement church - I'm there to learn, grow and discern my calling. But the other things rung so true for me it was uncanny.

This isn't the first time I've been at churches or read a bible passage since the start of my journey of my calling to God last year, but every time the message I'm hearing feels as though it's specifically for me. Like the minister knew I was going to be there (which wasn't always the case) and their message was what I needed to hear.

I find this really quite amazing. God is with me in this journey. Helping me get back of the ground when I fall, dusting me down and leading me where He needs me to go. And where He needs me to go seems to provide what I need too!

Chalk and cheese?

I attended the church where I'll be doing my next 6 months of CFA today. It's a fairly new building, but that's a replacement to another which went on fire.

It was a really friendly welcome with everyone on the door even shaking hand with us. That's something I've never experienced at any church I've ever visited! Prior to the service starting, there was a lively buzz about the place, with the congregation chatting in fellowhsip with one another. Where my hubbie and I sat all those around us said "hello" or "good morning". Quite a change from my last placement!

The service was Church of Scotland, but with elements I hadn't encountered before, but I really liked. At the start of the service the minister invites the congregation to say "hello" to those around them. A good bit of inclusion and fellowship, I thought. Also, it took a couple of minutes, so that'll pad out the service!!! The other element I've never encountered before was the whole congregation joins hands during the short song they sing post-benediction. Those around us ensure we were included. I really liked that and think more churches should do it, though I knew at the time (and he later confirmed it) that it was outwith my hubbie's comfort zone!

Post service, I met with the minister briefly. I've already learnt more about why CFA is used than I did in my time at my previous placement. The minister was really down-to-earth and open. I'd hold fire getting too enthused with how wonderful she is now (I've only been to 1 service and met her for 1/2 hour), but I really feel this placement is going to be poles apart from my prior one.

Interesting times ahead, I feel.

New placement

Finally, I've received a letter from Ministries council regarding my next placement. This is to be another 6 months of co-ordinated field assessment.

The only information ministries councils gives is the name, address and telephone number of the minister who's to be my local assessor. A bit of googling allowed me to find the church they are minister of.

I called the minister last night and left a message in their answerphone. Now, I just have to wait to hear from them. Given the time of year, they may well be on holiday.

So, another day in my journey of discerning God's call for me is dawning.