Labels

Today I heard a lot of different theological labels: Radical, Conservative, Liberation, Feminist, Cyber-space to name but a few. This is not a common or easy language for me. Generally speaking do you find these labels helpful? bemusing? indispensable? Let me know what you think?

Opening lines

Today was induction day for my course. Its felt a strange weekend. My son left to start his degree course today at the sametime as I was starting in Sheffield at the Urban Theology Unit (UTU). The induction was very comprehensive. All courses met on the same day and it was good to share in the experiences of the students who have already been through this.The people on the course with me come from varied backgrounds - I am looking forward to learning from all directions. The Foundation element will be on Monday afternoon and evening - the Masters (if I get accepted on the course) will be on Tuesday evenings. Although the day was very administrative and informative UTU seems a very supportive environment. The staff are very helpful and careful to ensure that the ethos is stressed - a safe place to share the learning experience together.
I shared my objective of really making the most of this first year to explore how God's calling for me will be fulfilled. A fantastic opportunity that I am determined to make the most of.

Why the blog?

I have been asked so many times by quite a number of people about how things are going and I have yet to even start my course! So one objective is to keep you in touch. I also recognise the discipline of a regular update will help me to ensure that I reflect on my experiences and take some risks. I hope that it will provoke some discussion and definitely some support and prayer so you can get involved in my journey of discovery as well. I will reduce my hours at work to 80% from the last week in September.

I start on Sept 24th at midday so expect my next update in a week.

God Bless
John