Underage

I can exclusively reveal that the new Archbishop of Dublin is... not going to be me! While it would be a quare move from first Curacy to Archbishop, it won't be happening. The Episcopal Electoral College meets today in Dublin to celebrate Communion, consider what is required in a bishop, and to propose and vote on the new Archbishop.

However it's happening just too early for me to be considered. Three months too early, to be precise. You may not realise it, but there are minimum ages for deacons, presbyters (or priests) and bishops in the Church of Ireland: 23, 24 and 30 respectively. Here's what the Constitution says regarding the election of bishops:

12. At every meeting of an Electoral College there shall be in the first instance an informal discussion, after which any member of the College may propose a bishop or priest of not less than thirty years of age for consideration by the College. Each proposer shall state the age of the person proposed and shall give a summary of that person’s academic career and ministerial service. All voting shall be by orders, the bishops if they wish to vote voting as members of the clerical order. The President shall be entitled to vote in the same way as other members of the College. The voting shall be conducted in such manner as the President may determine, and may be repeated once or more often. Informal discussion may likewise precede the taking of any repeated vote. The President’s decision regarding any dispute as to the voting shall be final. The President may adjourn the meeting from time to time. (Chapter VI, Part I, Section 12)

Pray today for the college, the candidates considered, and the proposed new Archbishop.

Surprise!

Tonight we had a fun time in the church halls. It's our rector's birthday on Tuesday, a big birthday, and we had to do something to mark it. A surprise of some sort. It being June, we thought of a barbecue and set about organising it. Word was spread about the party, invites given out at the door last Sunday, when Tim wasn't looking, and food arranged.

Last night we decorated the hall with balloons, posters, streamers, sprinkles and photos of the birthday boy. Tables were set and chairs laid. Now we just needed the people. Oh, and for Tim to come without knowing what was happening.

And tonight, it all came together. About 75 people in attendance, barbecue and dessert served, and the surprise worked! Party poppers were fired, photos taken, and happy birthday sung! Mark took the lead, having compiled a series of photos from throughout Tim's life in a This Is Your Life feature. Short speeches were given by Bill Press, Margaret West, Robert Smyth and myself. A good number from the congregation and some visitors. All in all, a reminder that the church is God's family, a community of celebration.

Photos will follow in due course, but tonight, we're thankful for Tim's ministry and thankful that the surprise came off so successfully! So, for Tuesday, a happy birthday Tim!

Old Getting

Today I've been marking my 28th birthday. The day started down in Newcastle, finishing off the retreat with a reflective session and then a feedback on the past year of CME. This was the last time for Adrian and Craig, but come September we'll be joined by the new Deacons in the diocese. At lunch, there was a birthday cake, a pleasant surprise.

Then it was off home to see Lyns and spend some time together. 28 years ago I was born, and dad missed going to see Northern Ireland beat Portugal 1-0 as he had to come and see me! Incidentally, Northern Ireland went on to qualify for the 1982 World Cup in Spain through that victory.

So now I embark on my 29th year. Only God knows what's in store. Here goes!

Older and Wiser?

Today I celebrated my 27th birthday, partly by redding out some of my old clothes (which went to a charity shop), partly by having an afternoon of photography around Comber, Nendrum, Killinchy and Saintfield, and partly by returning to Dublin to properly start studying tomorrow for the old exams.

I trust you are well, my reader.

Happy birthday to me!

26 today. Hurray! And I escaped without any ill-treatment from my colleagues!

Ebenezer. 'Till now the Lord has helped us.' (1 Samuel 7:12)

Jean's 80th

I know granny won't ever read this, but sure... congratulations and best wishes are due to her on reaching her 80th birthday today!

Easter holidays over

Well, we only had two days of holidays - Good Friday and today, Easter Monday, but it's drawing to a close, and it's almost time for me to head back south again. Over the long weekend we had a surprise party for mum, who has retired due to a 'special' birthday. Never have I seen mum without words before! It was an ok night, with a band playing from Belfast.

We've also had the Easter celebrations, and then today we went on a mystery tour for the family... ended up having lunch in Larne then back by Carrickfergus.

Le Weekend

Just a wee quick posting to update on the weekend's activities... Thursday I was up in Castledawson for a funeral - the Presbyterian Church was packed. It was good to see friends from BB Camp again, but not so good given the circumstances. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family.

Friday was placement, the final day, and into hospital again to do some visiting, and managed to combine it with family visiting too. Then on Friday night it was off to Lisburn for a birthday meal for Scott (who is rapidly approaching thirty... yeah, I know, I'm not 'that' far behind him...). We were in Ed's, the quite new place, and it was very good.

It must have been the weekend time for birthdays - yesterday I was at Korin's birthday party, she being 2 and very cute! And then today, four of my bebo friends all have birthdays - which is craaaazy!

So anyway, back to the weekend - Saturday I had a lie in, then away with me ma to Lisburn (not so far this week) and Tesco, then finished off my sermon for Magheralin, which was preached yesterday morning and is contained in the previous posting.

That's really all I have to update on... quite a busy time... which won't stop now as we're into the new timetable, being in the second semester - halfway through the year properly now!!! Tonight we have College Fellowship with Maurice Elliott speaking on the practicalities of preaching.