Rivergate Church

It coming along nicely!!  The church is located at Barking Riverside.  It seems incredible that we, as in the C of E and the Methodists, have been working towards this for the last seven years and 'here it is'.  For me it certainly has been a journey in so many ways - spiritually, mentally, physically but more so because I have represented the three denominations at the various planning, designing and site meetings.  I have studied the 'plans' in so much detail but then to see it 'alive' is just a feeling I cannot describe.

My purpose for being at the Church today was for the delivery of 100 chairs and one Communion Table, which was stored safely away in the school as the Church is not finished yet.  The Church and School is just so bright, colourful, cheery and airy and there is such a calming atmosphere already - even though there were workmen everywhere. Maybe that's because the 'then' Project Manager brought out in the land rover to this location, before anything was built, and said to me 'Judith you are now sitting (we were still in the land rover) where you're pulpit will be in a years time' - that, in itself will be a moment I shall never forget and it gave me the opportunity to say a prayer for the whole development and future community.

The highlight for me is to see the Cross finally up and looking very prominent as it faces the new houses/community.  The Cross is very simple in design but I have spent time with the designer highlighting what we wanted, then had to approve the design, material, location - it also had to go to for planning permission!! At night it can be illuminated (I have control of the switch in the vestry/office!!)  The two rooms next to the Church are the staff room (top floor) and P.E. room (downstairs).  The P.E. room has a partition wall, which we can open (with school's permission) and extend the area of the Church.

Rivergate Church is housed within a complex 'The Rivergate Centre', which compromises of a Primary school, restaurant, Church and community facilities.  The C of E won the bid for the school for which I am now a Governor.  It has been my privilege to be involved in the setting up of the school, the interviewing and selection process. Nigel and I attended a barbecue and the home of the New Headteacher and we were delighted to meet all the new teachers, teachers assistants, office staff in such a happy and relax manner.

After the chairs and table had been safely stored away - I popped into the school and received a guided tour from Headteacher, then had lunch with the some of the staff in their new staff room.  This I find the most valuable time (in the staff room) as conversation soon turned to the graffiti that is already appearing on the new paths and how disappointed they were to see it; however, this reinforced for them the importance for them to engage with the existing community as well as the community which will be moving in shortly.  Conversation then turned to the Church and they asked me what we would be doing in there i.e. services etc.  I explained that for the first year we would primarily be a 'House Of Prayer' and anyone could come in and 'just' pray by using the resources available and that we would be mirroring the school ethos of creativty and music and so, we too, would be encouaging people/children to be creative in prayer by art, music, dance and even graffitti.  I assured them that they would be welcome at any time of the day to pop in for prayer or to be prayed for.  Our concept for the first year was not impose services etc upon the community but to welcome their thoughts as to how they wanted to do Church. I also explained that there would eventually be three ministers in the place of worship and that we would be Chaplains to different areas of the school - this meant that they would see us regularly popping into their classrooms/staff room.  One of the teachers said to me later 'I have worked in a few church school and I've always found the Chaplains to be the best aspect of the school' - how reassuring but what a challenge too :))  

The furture looks bright, exciting and rewarding; however, there are a few hurdles that we have to overcome, which I can't write about here but Krystyna (Methodist partner) and I have a meeting tomorrow at 11am with one particular person at the Barking Riverside Office, for which (if you are reading this) we would value your thoughts and prayers.

However, as I was writing this post the postman knocked at the door with a parcel and it contained the above pillow.  It came from a person I haven't seen for a few years but she had remembered that Nigel & I have just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary.  Also there was a card with the Bible verse from Deuteronomy 33:27

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms"

Yes, I have 30 years of fond, happy memories to look back upon but it was also a reminder this morning that I also have many, many years of memories where God has been so good and answered prayer (not always in the way I had envisaged) but He has been, is, and will continue to be faithful to those who follow Him obediently.

Christ Church

This morning I led worship at the 9.30am service at Christ Church on Bastable Avenue, Barking.  Revd Mina was away on holiday so I covered for her.  I have been taking services at Christ Church for just over seven years now - and I still love the atmosphere and the people who attend.

This morning I was a little sad as I looked at the congregation and recalled all the those who have died over the last seven years, those who are now housebound, those who have moved away and I could still see their faces looking back at me and silently, in my heart, I thanked God for their faithful service. However, the plus side is to see new faces - that I don't know - and to listen to their stories this morning after the service - that always lifts my heart.

It's even more encouraging to young people, especially young lads, taking part in the service and being actively involved in preparing the church for the service.  This young man, Daniel, operates the multi-media then, after the service, he carefully put away the items on the Communion Table.  Daniel also very kindly offered me a cup of tea :))  I asked him to stand next to the newly renovated Church window.  Over the years various panes had been vandalized and replaced with clear glass, so the original depiction of the Cross on a green hill with blue sky had been lost - however, it is now back to it's full glory and when the sun shines through the window the Cross is reflected on the wall opposite.

During the time of Intercessory Prayer, Gerry (Church Warden) prayed for those today affected by Hurricane Irene, the situation in Liberia and for members of our own community who are facing hardship.

Christ Church is only fifty years old so, in Church of England terms, it is still a relatively new church when it's mother church up the road - St. Margaret's - is over a 1000 years old.  Christ Church has a heart for the community in which it is actively engaged and it is always a delight to participate in  worship and, on accasions such as today, to lead the congregation in worship too.

                                                                                                                                                                         

Mother's Song (Gerard Kelly)

Sometimes, I wake up at 'ridiculous' o'clock with the sense to pray for my family, especially my son, Karl.  There is nothing drastically going wrong in his life: however, that shouldn't stop me from bringing him before God in prayer. 

I love this spoken worship poem by Gerard Kelly and it sums up my thoughts this morning. It is entitled a 'Mother's Song'.

                                                         

I gave you the earth,

my child, gift of love,

its contoured face carved

by time and the weather's knife,

it's patchwork of forests

sewn with the threads of rivers,

its oceans

of salted life.

I give you the rhythms

of time and tide and voices,

the drumroll of rainfall

when the ground's tight skin is dry.

I give you a choir

of leaves to sing the wind to you,

a palette of sungold

for a canvassful of sky.

I give you your place

on this planet of wonders,

crown jewel of the heavens

in a Guinness-black dome.

I give you the garden

God's artistry has landscaped

to be your classroom and playground,

your palace,

your home.

For joy

I give you laughter.

For peace

I give you sleep.

For fear and failure,

my embrace to call upon.

I give you the earth,

my child, gift of love,

and I give you my prayer

that you live

to pass it on.

Thought of you today

I have posted this photo today as my blipfoto - www.blipfoto.com/majorjudy

Do you ever feel paralyzed with the sense of not being able to do something?  I felt that this afternoon.

I was looking for something 'Army' for my blipfoto and as most things are packed away for our move there wasn't much to look through - then my eye fell upon this little wooden church; a gift from a 2nd year Cadet who stayed with us many years ago. This Cadet is now married and serving overseas.  I thought to myself - 'oh that will do'.

Then I noticed the fallen Inca Lilies on the sideboard and that's when it HIT me - paralyzed with shame, grief, pain - I haven't written or contacted you lately and I know you are finding life tough.  I have been so caught up in my world that I've forgotten you in yours.

We are not 'bosom buddies' but I did say I would prayer for you - oh how easily those words glide off the tongue :(

Sometimes I joking say to my husband when we are talking - 'cue a song' - but often the words of others mirror our thoughts and express how we feel..

Song 576 verses 1 & 4 (Doris N Rendell)

God of comfort and compassion,

God of wisdom, grace and power,

Hear our (my) earnest intercession

In this quiet evening (afternoon) hour.

Strengthen all who fight thy battles

In this land and lands afar,

Be companion, friend and shepherd

Whereso'er thy children are.

May thy grace and peace o'ershadow

Those for whom we pray tonight;

May thy mighty arm uphold them;

They are precious in thy sight.

Lord, for answered prayer we thank thee,

Thou art good in all thy ways;

With thanksgiving we adore thee,

Fill our hearts with love and praise.

It's Official

Yes, it's official now - I'm up for Sale.  I waited patiently yesterday for my neighbour to leave his house - in order that I could take a photo without his car being in the driveway..  If you happen to go on to website 'PLEASE' ignore the state of the rooms!! when the Estate Agent came I thought she was just coming to view the house and, as I didn't accompany her on her tour of our estate, I didn't realize that she was taking photos too!! otherwise, I would have removed the ironing board from the little bedroom, taken away the cleaning items from the kitchen, removed the grubby looking towel from the downstairs shower room and tidied away Nigel's clothes and bag in the main bedroom - but there you have it..

Ecclesiastes 1:9 reminds me that 'there is no new thing under the sun' and, yes, selling homes is certainly not a new phenomenon it has been happening and taking place for years and years and years BUT it is new to me.  Nigel and I lived in three various sorts of accommodation before we entered the Training College - a rented bedsit, then we house-sat for Lt. Colonels Bram & Lily Sylvester when they were in Nigeria for six months and then, finally, a two bedroom maisonette - so - the selling of a home, after 30 years of marriage, is NEW NEW NEW to me.

I've been watching - 'Location, Location, Location' to try and get an insight into the 'buyers' mind!! and it would appear that first impressions are the most important  (when it stops raining I'd best weed the driveway!) other aspects are important too - is the house inviting, is it clean, does it smell nice, is there a good feel about the place, how well has the place being cared for, what are the neighbours like!! So I have cleaned like mad, the house smells like the perfume area of Boots, there are fresh flowers on the sideboard (as we've sold most of the furniture the place looks bare) I've cleared the entrance of the coat stand, shoes, moneyboxes to enable a clear, friendly and uncluttered space - So other than a Welcome Sergeant at the door, the guestbook, a copy of the 'War Cry' to give out - the process could be applied to our places of worship too :)

So I am relying on Scripture and taking it at its word :))  I'm casting my bread (our home for the last seven years, Barking Quarters) out there on the waters (Estate Agent Land) with the full assurance that for 'someone' this will be a happy, loved, cared for, embracing, welcoming, comfortable home - as it has been for us.. The scripture goes on to say - and after many days you will find it again - what an assurance that I need just now - knowing that our home, new Barking Quarters (which is just finished being built) in a new area, with new neighbours all moving in at the same time - will indeed be a blessing not just to us but to the next Officers and what a privilege and ministry to be there as other new neighbours arrive.  I can't wait.

There might be 'nothing new under the sun' but thank you Lord for all the New opportunities you send my way - my I be faithful to you in all that I do and say.

Time

Today is our 30th Wedding Anniversary and I am sitting here wondering where the years have gone.  It doesn't seem THAT long ago when Nigel and I were married at Ilford Salvation Army but I suppose it is :)

I returned to the Corps a few Sundays ago and met up with 'old' friends - as in age and the amount of years I've known them.  I returned as it was the welcome Sunday for the new Officers, who live 10 mins away from me, so I went to support and I sat there and looked at how young they were!! reality hit me that I was old enough to be their mother!! and that they had been born about the time I started my life as a Salvation Army Officer :0  Oh my - where do the years go?

Alongside the Church of England and the Methodists - I have spent the last seven years endeavouring to secure a place of worship within a new build. To be a presence before the new community arrives rather than an 'afterthought'; this we have achieved with the help of Barking Riverside and the Barking & Dagenham Regeneration Department.

The Rivergate Church is located within The Rivergate Centre, which comprises of a Primary school, resturant and community facilities.

It has taken seven years to get to this point and over the last year, whilst it has been in the building stage, I have represented the three denominations at various design, building and planning meetings.

Sometimes time appears to move quickly, at other times it would appear to move slowly.  We were due to have had the 'handover' last Monday (15th) then I was informed that it would be the 29th now I am informed that the 'Church' has been put on hold so that the school can be completed ready to be opened in time for September.  We've waited seven years for this so I suppose a few more week will not make that much difference and as I am a Governor for the new school - I do agree with the decision.

Nigel and I are also 'waiting' to move into our new quarters.  I have watched it being built, we have chosen the tiles, carpet, flooring, kitchen units and, hopefully, next week we should, for the 1st time, be able to see the completed product inside and then, hopefully again, we shall move in at the end of September.

I have started shopping in the area, had my haircut at the local hairdresser, tested the Chinese and Indian take-aways resturants.  We sold most of the furniture in our current quarters, 85% packed and now our current quarters is on the market and we had the 1st viewing last Saturday.  And so another waiting game until we receive the 'official' move date.

At the age of 19 - thirty years would have seemed a life-time away - good grief I hadn't even reached 20!! and yet the time has flown past. We've had our ups and our downs and we are still here :)) to tell the tale.  What's more we are now stationed three miles away from where we first met.  Life has taken us in a complete circle.

We are the proud parents of one son, Karl, who is 24 and is, as I write, currently at the Edinburgh Fringe endeavouring to 'make it' as a comic.  When he is not performing in various pubs and clubs in London in the evening - he is a Health Trainer for the Barking & Dagenham Faith Forum.

At the age of 23 being commissioned a Salvation Officer alongside my husband - I would never have dreamt that 26 years later I would be part of an ecumencial team involved in a new plant in a new housing area.  Nigel has his own appointment as the Corps Officer for Barking Corps.

We have served together in Northern Ireland, Bangladesh, London, Devon, Ghana, Essex and now for the last seven years here in Barking - although at separate appointment (but we still live in the same house!!)

Nigel, this week, is away at Sunbury Court Recreational Centre with 40 folks from Barking Corps - mainly from the ALOVE group. Karl has been in Edinburgh for the last two weeks and has another week to go - performing a show every evening in one of the Fringe venues and the cats are out doing whatever cats do!!!

As for me?  as well as dialoguing/emailing regarding the new Church plant, new house and cleaning/tiding for viewing of the current quarters - I shall spend the TIME in prayer, reading and going for walks and listening to what God has to say to me...