Good evening all,

A day early this week, because Will and I are doing as we are told! Last year the Bench of Bishops amended the conditions for clergy rest and annual leave. As you know we have traditionally had one rest day per week, and this has now been changed so that we are to take a full 48 hour break once in each month, which effectively means one day off every week and then once a month we can have a second day. We are doing that tomorrow! I must confess it is extremely difficult to take that second day, but tomorrow it’s going to happen! 

September was ever so busy and I don’t feel as though I’ve really caught my breath, I suspect it’s been similar for many of you too. I must confess to sometimes getting a little frustrated that much of my day is spent keeping my head above water, when what I’d really like to be doing is getting creative and planning and dreaming new stuff for us all! And now I’ll stop moaning, no one likes a moaner 🙂

I wonder. If you could dream your biggest dream for our churches and communities, what would you dream? Money no object, time no object, resources no object. Dream big, tell me! It will be interesting to see how many of you have the same dreams and hopes. It might get us started on something!

And with that, I’ll finish for now. Please find below a prayer for us all unashamedly stolen form the Methodist Church – 

Father God,

We pray for creativity in our lives. Help us to think outside the box and to find new and innovative solutions to problems. May our creativity bring joy and inspiration to ourselves and to others. Let us use our creative talents for good.

Thank you for the gift of creativity. Help us to nurture and develop it in all areas of our lives. Guide us to use our creativity to bring about positive change in the world, addressing challenges with fresh perspectives. Help us to find inspiration in your creation, drawing on the beauty and diversity of the world around us. May our creative efforts be expressions of our unique gifts and talents, reflecting your creativity in us.

We pray for those who feel stuck or uninspired. Help them to tap into their creative potential and to find new sources of inspiration. Thank you for the joy and fulfilment that come from creative expression. Help us to embrace and celebrate our creativity every day.

Amen.

You know how to be in touch if you need anything from me.

Love Sally xxx

Please note that Friday is usually my rest day. Emails received on Friday may not be responded to until after the weekend. Thank you for your understanding.