Dissertation update

I am awaiting some feedback on the formative assignment from my new Tutor - Ian. He is new to the York St John process so its a bit like two uncertain travelers making their way! Still its the road to Emmaus next week so it fits in rather well. Have done some more reading and sorting of notes in the meantime - realised how much I have been able to cover. Wesley is a fascinating character - not least for his pragmatism. Wonder how he would have got on today?

Refreshment

Fantastic experience at the Methodist Youth and Lay Employees Conference.
Met some great people and shared some fascinating stories. I was privileged to hear Barbara Glasson who led the bible study on the parable of the sower. There was a really good session on "with Integrity" by Helen Cameron.
Martyn Atkins inspired with discipleship challenges.
Worship was thoughtful
Overall it was good work, good fellowship and good worship.
I still am struggling to come to terms with the absolute privilege of being able to worship as part of my working day. Life is great.

Dissertation Progress

The first stage of my dissertation is being reviewed by my supervisor. I have managed to get 60 references into the 2000 words to provide some indication of what sort of reading I have undertaken. The process is uncomfortable but I feel I have really found out the scope of the challenge.
I am certain that I will have significant re-work to do (based on experience) but I am really getting a feel for Wesley and Leadership in the Church.
One more step along the road....

Love --->>> Action

Reading Wesley's sermons in one go at the moment - the themes are pretty strong:

What is in your heart?


What are you going to do about it?


Great questions for reflection, and to keep reflecting. This is not a one time "work" but a journey of discovery. The reading in one go also produces a huge sense of urgency. I sense that my urgency to fulfil the "what are you going to do about it?" is the dissonance for me at the moment.

Progress

The research work continues - a long haul, but learning loads about John Wesley. He was an interesting character and had a significant impact on those around him.
The ministerial training element has focused on leadership tools and introductory theology.
All helpful - but not a lot of discovery. Interestingly, in my termly review the majority of my learning has come from the activities I have been involved in in my Circuit job this term: Church sale, meeting planning, circuit re-organisation, property matters and supporting a number of people in a number of tasks related to ministry.
Further changes next year when I will have a new dissertation supervisor as Debbie Herring moves on to pastures new - I'll miss Debbie, but look forward to working with Ian again.