Going to worship and starting a new youth group

How rare these days it is to sit in a congregation unless away on holiday. This morning saw me doing this though I was there for a purpose. Listening to a Local Preacher on trial for his final service before interview at the Local Preachers meeting which leads to being accredited as a preacher, and it was one of two services for candidating for the Methodist ministry. Quite a tall order for any to lead a sevice . So I found myself seeking both to worship while having to have a critical eye for detail. It was fun not to be recognised by most people. So as I stood deciding where to sit so as not to be noticed by the preacher if jotting down notes I was told 'you can sit anywhere, we don't have reserved seats' I am sure it was meant. Yet it made me smile as I recalled many a time my wife had been told that when she has come to churches with me, only to discover she has sat in someones seat!  The music group were good and the welcome of the church was very apparant from the moment you stepped through the doors. Certainly a church you could direct people to attend.

Then tonight the opportunity to begin a new venture with a Sunday night youth group. I felt it went really well and we will just have to be patient to allow it to grow at its own pace and out of their needs. For me it was a reminder of numerous young people I have worked with in youth groups throughout my ministry. Always a challenge and always great fun. So a mixed week has ended on a positive note and for that I am thankful.