Clergy Conference

I arrived at St Michael's Retreat House mid afternoon and headed off for a short walk. I found a board with St Francis' prayer to Brother Sun and a bench nearby on which I lay down and soaked in the warm late afternoon rays. It felt good to be there and I was looking forward to the three days ahead of the Diocesan Clergy Conference.

The atmosphere was relaxing, prayerful and friendly. I enjoyed talking with and getting to know the clergy. Dean, recently ordained in the Diocese, spoke on Luke/Acts and inspired us to reflect on parallels between the two, on Paul's conversion, Peter's conversion and our own and on being in missional mode. Nich Brotherwood from St Stephen's, Montreal (a congregation depleted by 80% in fallout over same sex blessing issue) and Fresh Expressions, Canada, urged us to 'Put out into deep water and let down the nets' and for us to engage in some eye rolling discipleship and to do so 'only because you say so even though we know it's a waste of time'.I met Catherine who used to be priest at Weyburn who is now based at St Michael's and we talked about a possible link with Shallowford House in the Lichfield Diocese.

The chapel is circular and in the centre of the building - good symbolism - though I could have wished for some natural light. We followed the offices though one evening prayer for healing was offered instead of Compline. I took the chance to be prayed for and asked for fresh resourcing.

The last night I sat out with Jonathan and Del waiting for the Northern Lights to appear - as they had evidently the previous night. Some time after midnight I went to bed having seen little more than a vague lightening of the lower skies. Then I awoke two hours later and it looked to me as though there was a good bit of light outside.