Our weeks.

I noticed how popular Justin's post was.  Really makes a girl feel good to think her husband is more popular than she ;)  It's okay -- I can handle it once a year.

We were asked to reflect today at a church meeting, and I thought I would just post what we talked about.  I'm sure for those of you state-side, not everything will make sense, but it should still give you a bit of an idea of our weeks.

Sundays

            J:  With Doris away, and Ron moving on, we’ve found a bit of a niche this spring in being some of the first people to arrive on Sunday mornings and getting the space prepared for worship, and then helping clear up after the service.  If the church were a rock band, we’d be the roadies who always show up, get everything ready and take everything down…and get none of the glory (or hard drugs). ;)

            V:  Sundays are the days we have with you – our reason for being here.  And, while we’re still getting used to the traditions and eccentricities of this church, we do love being here on Sunday mornings.

Mondays

            Justin:  I start out my workweek in the office, which is challenging work -- but it’s very rewarding serving the many wonderful characters who inhabit this building throughout the week. 

            Valerie: My highlight of Mondays is often going down to the Turner’s for dinner, and experiencing Jesus with those who show up, however they show up.

Tuesdays

            J:  Every other week, we eat dinner with our housemates at the Community House.  This is usually the only time that all of us are in one room at one time and interact much beyond the pleasantries of simply living together.  Sometimes we have “spiritual” discussions, sometimes we talk about chores … sometimes we have extra guests, etc.  But those evenings always end up feeling “right” to us – we have often reflected on how grateful we are that we are living in community here – it has meant we had instant friends outside of regular church folks.

            V:  All that said, we are really looking forward to having a little holiday at Mary’s flat when she’s in Australia.

Wednesdays

            V: The middle of the week typically means I’m busy getting ready for the weekend.  My work isn’t quite as “containable” as Justin’s, as I’m sort of all over the place with my roles and responsibilities.  I do various things, including finalizing the newssheet every week, helping occasionally organising the worship service for Sunday morning, coordinating Sacred Space.  But then, I’m also taking on more of a role with Community Meal and the Quiet Garden.  Then there’s the crafty side of me, which comes out in yarn bombing.  There’s the techie side of me that is looking at how to put a little more life into our website. 

            Our interest was, and continues to be, supporting the work that the church and community are already doing.  And that has kept us busy enough! :)

Thursdays

            J:  Thursdays are usually our “day off” during the week.  I’m not at the office, and I provide ample distraction at home for Valerie to not do her work.

            V:  Thursday evenings, we have enjoyed eating with our friends at 33 Powerscroft, and then Community Meal.  The hospitality that under-girds this church is, even after 4 ½ months here, a delightful and inspiring surprise.

Friday

            V:  And that hospitality has expanded into meals with you all in your homes.  Each time we eat with you, you share with us a little bit of your lives and we have cherished those experiences tremendously.  I hope that that same hospitality is extended to all newcomers who walk into this church, not just those of us who are here on “official business.”  It’s an amazing witness to your faith and values, and I sure hope that we’re not the only ones benefiting. :)

Saturday

            J:  Saturdays are a mix of work and play for us.  We’ve enjoyed finding moments of respite in the Quiet Garden on Saturday mornings, going to various workshops and conferences, and mentally preparing for Sunday worship.  We’ve also been out exploring Hackney and London, recently taking in Victoria Park, Broadway Market, etc.

So, that’s a brief glimpse into how we’ve found our weeks.  We continue to feel at home here, busy being just two parts in the body of Clapton Park URC!  We look forward to continuing down this journey together!