Today has been a day of good meetings where I have been able to chat with people I admire and respect and tussle over some theological type issues.

This morning I met for a long overdue coffee with Mark and it was good to simply chat over issues that are interesting to both of us. I don’t get this opportunity very often, but to analyse, think and wonder over key issues such as ecclesiology in a safe environment is always good – so thanks Mark!

After coffee we both made our way to the Gillingham Hope08 meeting. Recently some people from local churches used a simple questionnaire to ask people what they thought and enjoyed about living in Gillingham. People were also asked for their views on how the church could help the community. I was surprised by the answers. People want more clubs for young people and children, and drop in coffee shops for themselves. I was surprised by this as the churches already run loads of these, and it became clear that we are not very good at advertising what we do so that people can make use of them. So, to start with, Hope here is going to need to be about getting the info about what we are providing out to those that may wish to make use of the clubs and drop ins.

As part of Big Hope on Easter Saturday (Easter Eve) I have volunteered to pull together a stations of the resurrection art installation at St Marks Church. I’ve wanted to have a go at something like this for a while and I need a challenge! At the moment I think I have 8 of the 12 stations covered with people producing a cartoon, writing a song, painting, using computers and so on. I think the variety is going to be quite impressive. I’ll keep you posted, but if you think you’d like to be involved and take on a station either on your own or with a group of friends why not give me shout! Whatever … please pray for those involved as this is a first for all of us!

After the Hope meeting I met up with Den in a great coffee shop in Cranbrook. This was another time of chatting over some great stuff and sharing ideas and dreams. Thanks for the time Den.

I came away from my day full of hope, inspiration, enthusiasm and love.

I thank God for those lives that have touched and inspired me today.