Sabbatical musings from Keele and beyond

For many years I've had the privilege of receiving pastoral supervision, it was something I sought out myself; mainly through almost burning out within the first few years of my work/ministry. I'm pleased that my own denomination is now rolling out a programme of supervision for all ordained ministers (It's not perfect but will be a great gift to the church and those who receive it). One of the main gifts for me has been having a dedicated space (& person) in/with which to stop, reflect and process some of: who I am, what I've been doing, things that are coming up or that I need to reflect on (Maybe there's a link to my previous blog and the need to create intentional space as part of my sabbatical?). For much of my time in supervision it's not been so much about the impact of the pastoral work I'm undertaking (although it's great to have a safe place to take some of that occasionally). A greater focus has been the challenge to self reflect,...

From my time in Birmingham I was blessed to be welcomed to Donald Eadie's room, a sacred space where he regularly prays, reads and meets with people. It is an amazing space surrounded by things of meaning, images, the odd quote and most importantly where Donald is... Since I've been at Keele I've made a real effort to create in my 'office' a space that enriches both me, but hopefully also those who meet with me there. In my office are various objects, posters, sentimental items and symbols that indicate things of importance to me. Such as, the chalice and pattern from my ordination, a rainbow peace flag, postcards and posters of inspiring quotes and images of memorable places. If I wasn't trying hard to take a step back I'd pop into the chapel to take a picture! What then of the space, physical and metaphorical that sabbatical brings? I somehow knew that I needed to create intentional spaces and ways to mark out the time and space I have as 'differen...

Looking back at  Creation and the creator  I realised that my first day of sabbatical last time was spent with camera in hand enjoying the garden. I've not spent as much time in the garden today or with camera in hand (although I have done the first cut of the grass). I did however have to get a few pictures of the beautiful cherry blossom from the grass area just to the side of the house. Given the timing of this sabbatical and the current weather I may well be taking more cherry blossoms photos - I suppose I could pretend I'm in Japan and not Keele! 

This blog is a holding space to share images, thoughts and reflections. Some posts may well be factual about where I am or what I'm doing, some may just be an image, others may be more reflective or personal. As with my previous blog  Creation and the Creator - I'm aware a variety of folk may read this so the inevitable faith stuff I'll try and keep accessible (but apologies if it's not, once sabbatical is over I'll be more than willing to talk it through with anyone!)  I hope and pray this blog will help me to pause and reflect a bit more and maybe that might be true for you too... I should probably just be completely clear, anything shared is my own personal reflections, does not necessarily represent the views of other individuals, the university where I work, or the denominations to whom I am also responsible. If I do share from other sources I'll do my best to make appropriate reference. I will also offer another quick disclaimer, I am no b...