Last night was our monthly Potty Training. Just in case you're thinking I'm a bit old to just be getting out of nappies, don't worry: it's Post Ordination Training, now known as Continuing Ministry Education. All the Curates in the first three years come together once a month for a service, some food and some training. Sometimes we have a visiting speaker, sometimes we lead it ourselves, and sometimes it's a mixture.
This month we met in Knockbreda (or the church beside Forestside!) and our meeting was partly to discuss our reading (Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI) and partly for each of us to share something encouraging from our ministry. Clergy gatherings, as well as Christian gatherings, indeed human gatherings, can often focus on the negative, the discouraging, the confusing and painful. Last night we had the opportunity of sharing one good thing from our parishes and work. Personally, it was so difficult to only share one thing!
It was really refreshing and very encouraging to hear how God is working in our part of the world for conviction, conversion, discipleship, maturity, growth, and all to the glory of Jesus. Good news about how the good news is impacting our churches and communities. An example of what Paul refers to in Romans 1:12 'that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.'
Jesus was praised, we were thankful and excited to see what is happening, and encouraged in the fight. Wouldn't it be great if it was like this all the time?
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