Wow, what a start to the new year, hear we are 11 days in and I have not had time to draw breath never mind post on the blog. All too sadly a lot of my time has been taken up with preparing funeral services - 6 in total for this coming week and all connected with Shirley MC in one way or another. We continue to hold those bereaved in our prayers.
On a brighter note, the launch service for the new circuit went very well indeed. I now have some photo's to share with you which I will probably pose later today. It was an excellent time of worship and celebration and still people are talking aout what a great event it was.
Yesterday we attended Synod. This was held at Stratford Methodist Church whose hospitality was superb and the homemade biscuits very yummy. We discussed the theme of discipleship and what it means to be mission shaped as a church. So important was this discussion (which began at conference with a report form the General Secretary) that it warrants a post in int own right. Hopefully i will do this in the coming week and I urge you to look out for this, especially Shirley members as I think this really will impact upon our strategy discussions.
Todays post however is really concerned with introducing our new minister Vicki Atkins. Vicki is looking after Cheswick Green, Earlswood and sharing Trinity Monkspath with Baptist Minister Ken Hawkins. I asked if she would be prepared to write something for the blog that would help you to get to know her better. Here it is;
Hello!
My name is Rev Vicki Atkinson and I’ve newly arrived ready to roll up my sleeves and start work in the Shirley Cluster of Methodist Churches in September 2011.
So, here are few things you might like to know about me and my role as I begin partnership in the Gospel with you. There are 26 things to be precise, as I’ve created a kind of alphabetical guide to ‘Who is Vicki Atkinson?’.
A is for ACOCKS GREEN – where I’ve spent the last 6 years of my ministry.
B is for BOOK WORM – treasuring the Truth and Fiction.
C is for CHESWICK GREEN – where the manse can be found.
D is for DRAMA QUEEN – not histrionics but I’m first to volunteer for
sketches, monologues etc.
E is for EARLSWOOD – my most rural chapel.
F is for FACES – so many faces to remember, and names too!
G is for ‘GOD’S LOVE’ – my message and my motivation.
H is for HALF-TIME – my working week is 20 hours plus my Sunday
commitments.
I is for IDEAS – I’m full of fresh ideas and value the input of more practical
folk keeping my feet on the ground.
J is for JAYNE WEBB – my presbyteral colleague in the Shirley Cluster
K is for KEN HAWKINGS – my Baptist colleague at Trinity Monkspath Church
L is for LINCOLNSHIRE – where I was born and bred.
M is for MUM – I’m mum to two daughters.
N is for NEIGHBOURS – I’m always eager to share good news with neighbours
of all faiths and none.
O is for OUTREACH – I’m passionate about playing a part in communities.
P is for PRAYER – a vital ingredient because in our roots are our strength.
Q is for QUEENS COLLEGE – where I did my ministerial training.
R is for RESURRECTION – a symbol of new life and hope.
S is for SHIRLEY – the final link in the chain of my involvement in the cluster
T is for TRINITY MONKSPATH – an outlet for my ecumenical enthusiasm.
U is for UNITY- encouraging shared vision and action in the church communities
V is for VERY fond of VISITING.
W is for WIFE to Richard.
X is for eXcited at fresh opportunities in the new Birmingham Methodist circuit
Y is for YOU – looking forward to getting to know YOU.
Z is for A-Z map – very useful in exploring new territory.
Hope this gives you a flavour of who I am and what my role involves.
In the coming months, it will be a privilege for me to get to know individuals, churches and neighbourhoods, their hopes and concerns.
Wishing you all an A-Z of God’s blessings,
Vicki
