OK, I know, why more than 12 months with nothing. Could be that had nothing much to say. Could be that things were quite 'shitty' in the church and I had to take some time off. And for the last 9 months or so I've been trying to come to grips with my concluding ministry at Glenelg after 15 years. The end of 2012 will see me, probably, in some kind of 'retirement' phase. I'll be just off 67 and despite it being the case that ageism and age discrimination should not exist I'm having trouble persuading folk that I am still passionate and up to it as a minister. At the same time there are a number of recent graduate students looking for a church to serve, and I've been told (by someone who matters) that folk like me should assist them to have an opportunity to exercise ministry in a congregation. As well it seems that congregations are all looking for someone in their 40's with young and teenage children, a committed partner and, oh yes, that the minister has a good 20 years experience.
I'm getting a bit maudlin. Time to stop complaining and start looking at what is around. Perhaps it is retirement and doing something very different. Perhaps it is getting out of the comfort zone and entering into a new unknown.
Will reflect on some different reading next time. Books have just arrived from o'seas in last two days.