Today I attended an oxymoron: a clergy quiet day! I know it's hard to
imagine, a group of ministers being quiet, but it happened today!
It's Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Tuesday as it's better known by many. Lent begins tomorrow (for those who mark it) so Bishop Harold gathered together the ministers of Down and Dromore along with the Church Army officers and retired clergy for a Quiet Day. The speaker this year was Bishop Bill Love, the bishop of our link diocese of Albany in New York State.
Bishop Love's theme for the day was 'Back to Basics', returning to think about the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Love for God and love for neighbour are commanded, and flowing from these we are sent to share the good news of Jesus. Three sessions accompanied by periods of silence and reflection, within the context of an extended Communion service. We also shared in a great lunch supplied by the ladies of St Ignatius' Church, Carryduff.
All in all a useful day to take stock after a month and a half of ministry in this new year. The thing is, it'll be another year before the clergy are quiet again!
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