It's feels a very vulnerable time for Lou and I particularly here in Telford. I guess there is always something vulnerable about who we are as a community, to some extent small is by nature vulnerable and difficult to sustain. We have been reflecting for a couple of months on gifting and at this time we feel it is still the right place for us to be, we are committed to safespace and Telford and feel called to stay here, we are excited about the new possibilities working with +Mark (our new Bishop) may bring... but, firstly being small and active is not easy and we would really value your prayers for everyone one in the community, at times it feels like we are individually and corporately being picked on! Secondly, for Lou and I things feel increasingly insecure, at this moment CMS does not have the money coming in to pay it's half of my stipend and things don't look good... we have three years left of a seven year contract and suddenly (at least that's how it feels) those three years are in question. We have some wonderful people and Churches who support us through CMS but we are someway short of the funding we need.
FYI the article on us which was on the old Fresh Expressions Web Site has been reposted on the new one - here please have a look and if you feel you can support us in any way please make contact. :)
Technorati Tags: alt.worship: Blogging: Christianity: Church: Church of England: CMS: Emerging Church: Fresh Expressions: Missional: Pioneer Ministry: Prayer: safespace: Telford
Hi Mark,
Just want to add a few words of support from myself and no doubts other people who you have come to know here in Telford, Mark i dont consider myself a religeous person, but i do consider myself spritual, i have spoke with you on many issues, be they about football or indeed close and personal to myself, you have been there and helped with compassion and understanding everytime, i am i am not alone in saying that your work in the local community is vastly appriaciated, I do hope that those last few years are not coming to end.
Regards
Ron
Posted by: Ron Shaw | 05/11/2009 at 12:06
Ron, thanks for that mate it means a huge amount :)
Posted by: Mark | 05/11/2009 at 12:33
This is a bit spooky, Mark. Some uncertainty also hangs over the continuation of my post too. And the issue here is also half the funding looking a bit wobbly. We always have to live with a degree of uncertainty but it is a major distraction when you’re not sure if you’re going to be around to see things through. It certainly curtails one’s freedom to innovate -- should you start something new if you may not be there to bring it to birth? My prayers are with you for this time. It’s disappointing isn’t it that when things get tight financially that there’s a strong temptation to retreat into the more familiar patterns. And we know where that will lead us...
Posted by: Mark Rodel | 05/11/2009 at 18:42
Mark,
so sorry to hear about this stressful time for you & Lou. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Not sure how to pray for you, as i am struggling with prayer in my life right now and wondering if it works or not. Anyways, know i love and support you.
Hugs,
Adele
Posted by: Existential Punk | 16/11/2009 at 08:18