Time flies...

They say time flies when you're having fun. Well... I don't know about having fun but I do know that the time seems to be 'flying by'.  I suspect that it is because I am so busy. Now, you're probably reading this and thinking 'how come?...the churches are closed, there's no church services to take, no baptisms or weddings to plan or conduct. There's no people I can visit in their homes...what exactly does a vicar do during a time of lockdown? A good question!

Well...my routine has had to change but I like to keep a bit of a structure to my day if I can, so I am always showered, dressed and in my study for 9am. I like to start with Morning Prayer and I have a great little app on my tablet which means that I don't have to look up the readings or juggle with books. Then I go through my emails...you wouldn't believe the mountain of emails that I receive every single day! Next, I start to write this blog (this isn't something that I plan in advance and the words normally come to me as I sit down to write but it can take me a little while). Once that is finished, it is normally round about lunchtime and I do take time out and spend an hour or so with Chris over lunch. (Chris is the cook in the house and he is the one who 'enables me to be enabled'). In the afternoon, I work at a slightly slower pace. It isn't quite as structured because it differs from day to day depending on what needs responding to or planning. I spend quite a bit of time on the telephone and far too much time on the computer. The afternoon is the time when I plan the funerals that I have, the Sunday service and write my sermons. I'm not really a 'To Do List' sort of person, so I prioritise as I go along. I like to fit a little walk in as well and if the weather is nice, then (depending on my workload) I might leave the study for a couple of hours and do some gardening. Phew! See what I mean about the time flying by?

What about you? How does your day pass by? Do you struggle to fill your day? One of the things that I try to avoid is...'Box Sets' on the TV...they are marvelous...and addictive! They are great for people who have a lot of time on their hands because they allow you to watch a complete series, episode after episode and you don't even have to record them. You finish one...and the next one starts automatically.  Before you know it, it is 3am!

The church services on the TV are also well-worth tuning into on a Sunday. So slick when compared to our little online services held in my study...but they are our little online services and our time of fellowship and praise to our God who loves each one of us beyond measure.

Don't forget that the joining details for the online service can be found on our A Church Near You website (just google: A Church Near, followed by your village name and you will find the details of the service in the 'Services and Events' tab). I have been working on making our weekly services a bit more inclusive and am now putting a Pew Sheet on our 'A Church Near You' website and this can also be foung on the ACNY webiste in the 'News and Notices' tab. It is available to view or download and will be updated each Friday. I also intend to print some off each week and deliver to those who are unable to join us online. Please let me know if you know someone who would like one delivered. I'm also looking for people who are willing to read or be an intercessor at the online service. If you would like to be on the rota. please let me know. 

Well, the morning has flown by and it's time for lunch. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
 the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26