What my Sabbatical is all about!

After 21 years ordained ministry, and more recently the diagnosis of advanced renal cancer which has spread to the bone, and requires continual treatment, I thought the time was right for my first sabbatical/study leave.

The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham has agreed, given me a period of Sabbatical/Study Leave, starting 6th January 2012 until 31st March 2012.

When I was discharged from hospital in December 2009, by way of answer to my question as to whether I would be all right, I was told that I hadn't come through all this without some purpose. These words have stayed with me, but as I have prayed, reflected on, and pondered, I feel that I want to take this further -- using this period of study leave which my bishop has approved, to put together and expand my thinking. I want to explore my understanding of my relationship with God through life’s varied experiences.

I am entitling this “ Becoming who I am”.

A key part of my 21 years of ordained ministry has been my ability to relate to people where they are, and so help them to find God in their lives -- becoming who they are. In particular I am keen to explore the spirituality of suffering and struggle.

This not only links in with my current situation with my cancer, but also my on-going interest of suffering and struggle in the world -- the two world wars, the Middle East, and Northern Ireland. Over the years I have led eight parish pilgrimages to the battlefields of the First World War, and I now want to widen my research.

I am planning trips to: Auschwitz, Germany, World War I and 2 sites in France and Belgium, Northern Ireland, and Jerusalem. I intend to interview various people – those affected/or involved with these struggles, plus my own medical team about my cancer. I intend to complete a course on PowerPoint (I currently haven't a clue, but want to present my findings on PowerPoint). I also intend to go on a further Myers/Briggs course (I have already done several), and follow the whole exercise with a retreat for personal reflection. When completed, I want to use my presentation for the benefit of as many people as possible, to help them in their understanding of struggles, both within the world, and personally. I will make myself available in other parishes, and in the wider diocese.

New Year's Eve

Last day of the year being spent, as usual in recent times, with friends on Anglesey. I am feeling very good at the moment, and hoping that visit to Oncologist on Wednesday will not produce any set-backs. And then it is "Sabbatical". It seems weird that I have no more services until 1st April, and then, Palm Sunday, think I will make a grand entrance on a donkey!! Preparations ready for my first trip - to Belfast and Londonderry - already arranged some interviews, including hopefully with some former members of the para military. I will post what I am hoping to achieve during my study leave. Hope you all have a great time tonight, and peace, hope and blessings be to you all as a new year begins.

Title

I have been requested by some special friends to give each blog a title, so I will from now on. Any other requests will be considered!

A week on Friday my Sabbatical starts! Then it will be a blog a day. Have had a good Christmas, and looking forward to New Year on Anglesey as I have done for the last few years ( except the year when I had just come out of hospital). Today I am having a lovely day with my sister and her family in Grimsby. Sue, Charlotte and Harry are with me. Just been to see my mother, who seemed very restless. Tomorrow back to work - a funeral everyday this week! I will blog again before the end of the year!

CT scan went well, but testing time is when I get the results at the Oncologist's on 4 January. A super Carol Service in St Giles Church tonight, with excellent singing and sherry and mince pies. Only disappointment tonight is that Duncan is back in hospital.

Well I have to say that I am very pleased with the results of my efforts last night in setting up my blog.
OK so there are still some bits to sort out, but at least I found a reasonable, if not rare photograph of me looking rather studious and holy.
The last such photo I think was taken of me when I was 14 - some of you will have seen it at my 60th party earlier in the year.
Busy day ahead, with preparations and a very tragic funeral visit.
Tomorrow morning CT scan - pray all is well, so that my Sabbatical can go ahead as planned.

On a steep learning curve here. I will put my photo up and a personalised background as soon as I find out how to.

This is my very first blog, other than one I forgot to save earlier today. 6 days to Christmas - most of my shopping now done, and only a few cards left to write. Sermons and services still to prepare. CT scan on Wednesday, oncologist 4th January, and then hopefully Sabbatical starts 6th January. It is my intention to blog every day - I hope you will follow me!!