Blessings

I have been blessed by several visits over the past 6 weeks.
John Bell led a session on worship which was entertaining and challenging. Irene really enjoyed that day, and has been using one of the songs in her services.
Adrian Plass made me laugh, and cry and gave some food for thought at Cliff College. The afternoon ascents walk was very good as well.
John Hull delivered a lecture in Wakefield with a focus on re-discovering the real prophetic faith. Illustrated by challenging actions associated with Queens ministerial training
2010 has provided many opportunities to listen to people who have worked at theology from all sorts of angles. I love diversity (and I don't really mean the group) especially when it helps to broaden my understanding of God.

Progress

The resubmitted formative assignment has now been passed. The content has been trimmed. The continuing variation in acceptable referencing style is still not resolved. Have spent the last 3 weeks focusing on detailed analysis of J.W. journals - a significant amount of work gleaned useful, but small amounts of evidence. I am continuing to enjoy the reading and still hope to finish for Sept/Oct

Formative Assignment

The feedback on the formative assignment seemed positive - mostly technical issues to sort (which takes a long time). This has been resubmitted. Very unsatisfying to spend so much time on form and style. It is difficult to discern where this figures in the Kingdom of God.

Discipleship

Graham Cray at Cell, Martyn Atkins and Barbara Glasson at the Lay conference. All talking about following Jesus. Decided to follow up one of Crays sources - Dallas Willard:The Great Omission which led to Alan Hirsch:The Forgotten Ways and Bill Hull: Discipleship. Very good stimulating reading. They help to inform and resource my understanding of the importance of small groups. It is not surprising that John Wesley is mentioned so many times. The Hirsh resource is excellent - anything that has been reprinted 9 times since its first publication in 2006 is impressive. These are really helping to prepare for encountering the small groups in Circuit.

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?