I have had about a dozen false starts while trying to catch up with my blog diary, so I have decided to let the gap that exists from last summer remain and to start again.
At the moment I am looking after the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney as well as my own Diocese. Aberdeen is at present without its own bishop following the retirement of +Bob and I am enjoying exploring what used to be my home territory.
I have preached, presided and lounged in the throne at the Cathedral in Aberdeen, a chair I used to sit opposite as a choir boy! Iit all felt a bit odd to start with, I have met with the representatives from Longside, New Pitsligo, Old Deer and Strichen as they explored financial matters. I enjoyed good fellowship at Ellon followed by their AGM, I have popped into St James’s Cruden Bay, visited Kincardine O’Neil and chaired the Diocesan Synod at Westhill Community Church. The road and rail track between Inverness and Aberdeen is becoming very familiar once again.
At the same time I have been coming to terms with the gift of The Crask Inn. Mike and Kai who owned the Inn have experienced such joy from the development of a worshipping community at the Crask that they have decided to gift it to the Diocese so that as they retire those spiritual matters can continue, alongside the provision of good hospitality and yes a touch of 12 year old spirit.
Watch this space as things develop.
I have been out and about across the Diocese in the past few weeks, trips to Wick and Thurso, Nairn and Forres, Keith and Huntly. We are awaiting the arrival of our new Priest for the Isla Deveron Group and Gordon Chapel, Fochabers and the final preparations are in hand for advertising the post at Dingwall and Strathpeffer with Invergordon and the post at St John’s, Forres.
If you fancy ministering in the North let us know.
So let’s see if I can keep up a weekly diary blog again, how hard can it be?
