Watching the ward go by

Well fascinating day so far sitting in hospital. The diversity of cultures makes for interest . The way people speak could so easily be misunderstood for rudeness . But it’s not just culture.

Then there has been the amazing patience of the doctor who explained at least fifty times to a father about his daughter. How he did not lose his cool I don’t know. And we all had to listen to the Father on his phone time and time again. Poor girl in a bed just wanting to rest . 

Looking around I still wonder why people voted for Brexit.  If many of these staff had to leave no way could this hospital operate , literally . That’s true for most of our hospitals. 

Well one daughter had her op and we wait to see if she is discharged tonight. It’s looking good which will please her. But you can tell she’s not there yet as she didn’t ask for her mobile !!! So far it’s been ten hours .

Half term - a break ?

Sitting in Newham hospital having brought our youngest daughter in for an operation makes for a different experience.

We had planned to be in London to look after our granddaughter for  a few days as son in law in Australia and eldest daughter teaching. This we have done and it’s been great fun reading books, singing songs,  drawing - well making marks on paper , and generally messing about. 

However the visit fortunately coincided with our youngest daughter need to have her gall bladder out . So now sitting on the ward waiting for the consultant and the operation in about hour and a half. Strange to be in Dad mode and not Minister mode. Just glad we can both be here with her . So nurse has been and the consultant so we wait.....

Time to plan next trips out for granddaughter . So far it’s been September London Aquarium and the chance to build on her interest in sharks. October it was London Zoo . On seeing the Camel it was Grump. Great days out. So what’s the next trip? The science museum? That may have to wait as the Sheffield Circuit waits to  see if potential new ministers are directed to visit. That will take up two weekends in November so no visit to London for me.

Of course some of the best moments with a granddaughter are just the way she recognise you. A great smile as she comes into the bedroom first thing in a morning . Or when cooking she just comes up and says Granddad so clearly . Then she changed it to granddee . 

So we sit waiting and observing. 

Youth work - Konnect 5

Firth Park Church does not stand still while waiting for its church building to be renovated. Just s few months ago we started a youth group for year 7 and above on a Sunday evening once s month. Soon the young people wanted to meet more regularly . Now with 24 on the books we meet on the second and fourth Sunday of the month. Food, games, and general conversation and a fantastic group of youngsters mean the leaders enjoy it just as much as the young people . It’s another sign we are a church community that is alive and growing . If you want to know more contact the church office firthparkmethodistchurch@gmail.com

moving things on

Firth Park at last is seeing the beginning of the work towards bringing the main worship space (church) back into use and to get it ready for part to be a soft play centre.

Half of the roof is in process of being renewed to make it watertight. Then we will be able to move onto reshape a space ready for the soft play equipment. 

The working party did a great job in lifting the pews ready for sale .

It’s a good job we are as rain finds its way through the roof and suspended ceiling . 

So we continue to seek grants to enable us to complete stage one .

Firth Park is an area that deserves to be invested in. We pray as a church that by serving our community in another practical, way people will know there is a God who cares about them.