“Ordinary” days

Hello again,

Today is the third “ordinary” day of the conference (remember that the first fews days were a retreat). An ordinary day consists of bible studies, ’self select’ sessions, where one can choose from a variety of events, ‘indaba’ groups, to share thoughts and ideas and worship throughout the day, planned in turn by different provinces or with a different theme. Yesterday evening worship was led by the Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil and tonight, ’Jerusalem and the Middle East’.  

There is still a great atmosphere here – the sun is shining and although people are getting hot and tired, the conference is going really well. The Bible studies are enthusiastic and the self select sessions are all (well, mostly, not identifying any in particular!) fascinating. Tonight I hope to go to one on ‘The Quiet Garden Movement’, about the place of a contemplative approach to the ministry of hospitality and prayer and what place it has.

I’ve met lots more with Manchester links too over the last few days – beginning with Stefani and Joe from the US who have been working in Manchester Diocese. They were leading a ‘Fringe event’ on Anglican Identities and the postcolonial with the Lincoln Institute so I popped in to say hello – it was great to see them and meet another fan of my blog from the US  (Please send me the photo when you get a chance Stefani!) Yesterday I met a priest from Manchester called Marcia who I recognise from events that I’ve been to and today I met a man who knew Father Ian at college… I asked for a few stories… if you’re interested, be in touch!

Tomorrow is a far from ordinary day! We leave early for London for the day. We will walk from Whitehall for about half a mile as a “Walk of Witness” to celebrate the work that the church has been doing with Millenium Development Goals, then visit Lambeth Palace for lunch and Buckingham Palace for a Garden Party – very exciting. It will also be interesting to see how well our fluorescent orange jackets match out “day dress” for the palace!

Will try to write again tomorrow evening to tell you of the days excitements…