Chickens!

We have just got in  from a rather exhausting evening, chasing chickens around the garden to get them back into their enclosure! We thought they'd return of their own accord when it got dusk, but they seem to have enjoyed their freedom too much! In the end, it was the old corn trick: shake a bag of corn, the chooks follow it, throw a handful into the run and bingo!

So here they are. Meet, from top to bottom: Hattie, Hilda and Hen-rietta (Henny). They are all hybrids, and named after a local place: Blencathra Black, Skiddaw Speckledy and Bewcastle Blue.

We had our first egg this morning, but we don't know which of these laid it. It was small, soft and squidgy which is normal for the first eggs. Not edible, but at least we're under way now with egg production. We're told that each hen could lay around 250 eggs per year, once they get going. So if you live near us or come to visit, you could be getting some fresh eggs every so often.

This is a steep learning curve. We've already had to extend the run as we could see the three hens were a bit too crowded. We have to be up early every morning to let them out of their house; and they have to be safely shut up at night when they go to roost. Then there is the feeding and drinking aspect which needs some care, plus routine maintenance of their environment. They all seem to be healthy, but any problems and we'll be going back to the various reference books we've been given!

This is something I've wanted to do for some years, though I didn't realise how challenging it would be. I think it's about working with the rhythm of nature which I quite enjoy. It also gives me a common interest with local people, and makes me a 'disciple' - a learner, being so aware of my own ignorance. All in all a very positive experience.

A Bat in the Bath!

Last time, it was all about birds. This time, I have to tell you we've had a bat in the bath - fortunately not at the same time as one of us! Les and I had just come home from a pleasant walk and a drink in our 'local' (see below) - and there it was.Sitting calmly in the bath, or at least it was until it seemed to sense it was being watched, whereupon it started to flap about, trying to get out. Somehow, it couldn't get enough height to fly out, so there was only one thing for it: put on the rubber gloves (a bat-bite is seriously toxic!) and pick it up. I managed it first time, and out the window it went. We've seen plenty of bats flying around outside, but this is the first one we've seen inside. Memo to selves: shut windows and doors before going out in the evening! At least this one was contained in the one room. I dread to think how we'd have coped if it was flying round the house. But, as I said to Les, bats are the real residents of the area. We are the intruders.

Earlier, we had had a very pleasant evening in the pub. It only opens 3 nights a week and Sunday lunchtimes: the landlord is an elder of the local evangelical church. Now there's a combination you wouldn't find often! It's a real centre of the local community, so a natural place for Les and me to frequent from time to time. Unfortunately, on Wednesdays, it seems to be men only so Les felt a bit awkward to start with. Now, of course, she's a star attraction and the men seem to enjoy talking to us (well, to her anyway!)  On Wednesday, Bobby came to join us. He will be 90 in October, and is a war veteran. We got his life story, which was fascinating including close encounters with death during WW2, his 40 years at Workington docks, the death of his son and his wife. At the end of the evening I said, 'Any regrets, Bobby?' 'None,' he said. 'I thank God for my life every night.' Very humbling.

Then there is our Everton supporter friend, who this time was even wearing his Everton shirt. Good to see him. Apparently, there is an EFC supporters club in Workington, and a coach goes down to Liverpool for every home game, and some away ones too. I think I might join them one day, especially as now I have a closer connection there: our son-in-law Tim has just got a job as teacher at Everton in the Community School.

Last Saturday, it was Carnival Day - the 101st in fact. Les and I decided we must be there as this is a major village event, to see the floats and the crowning of the Carnival Queen. We didn't expect to be part of it, though! The organiser (who also attends our local pub) had asked me to say a few words at a certain point in the procession to commemorate the 22 men of Great and Little Broughton who died in WW1, but that was all. Imagine our surprise then, as the procession formed, to be told that we were processing too! Apparently, I was a 'dignitary' and was to walk behind the two Mayors, of Allerdale and Cockermouth. See the photo below: the brass band from Northallerton, Yorks, and (left to right) the 2 Mayors and the Lady Mayoress of Cockermouth. It was all a bit surreal, especially as further into the village, the crowds grew into the hundreds! Behind us, there were all manner of floats, including 'Sister Act' (with a very camp-looking 'cardinal', and a rather suggestive dance routine); Bertie's Dust Busters (men dressed as cleaners), and the rather more decorative and serene floats on which were perched the current and the next Carnival Queens. (Some H&S issues, we felt, there!) It was a fun afternoon, which not even the drizzle managed to dampen completely, and a great way to bring people together. From a vicar's point of view, several 'visits' all at once!

'What about the chickens?' I hear you ask! Well, it's funny how, once you've made a decision, things just fall into place. Once I started to talk about our plans, I discovered that one neighbour had a chicken coop + run which he bought 2 years ago but never got round to unpacking; and another used to breed chickens and still has contacts in the business; yet another used to keep a flock of chickens and is full of good advice. He has also given us a feeder and water dispenser. He assures us that he and other neighbours would be happy to mind the hens when we're away - and they'd keep the eggs of course. One of our churchwardens also has a contact in the trade and can recommend a good breeder. So all I need to do now is wood-paint and assemble the coop and go shopping for chickens.

Birds

Les and I continue to enjoy our new life. We recently took a week out, to return to Kippford near Dumfries, where we used to holiday when the children were young. Weather wasn't good, but it was restful and it was nice to have Jude with us for half the week. The caravan park promised sightings of red squirrels, but we were disappointed not to see any. But Les did often see nuthatches - her favourite bird - on the feeders at the next door caravan.

We went for a walk one day to Threave Gardens, where it's possible to view some nesting ospreys. An amazing sight. And what was particularly remarkable was their habit of migrating to and from Africa every year, returning to the same spot to nest. This particular male had returned for the past 4 years, and the ring on his leg revealed that he was born himself in Wales. How do they manage to navigate over so many thousands of miles each year, to the same spot? The hen has also returned several times: ospreys apparently mate for life.

Bird life round here is good. My current favourite is the song thrush, of which I have seen several. They have a variety of sounds - so many that sometimes you don't realise what you are listening to. One day I came home, and a thrush was on the chimney singing his heart out for several minutes. A beautiful sound.

I hope we shall soon have some resident birds: chickens! I have done a lot of research on keeping poultry and I think the time has come to take the plunge. Apparently, they make excellent pets, being very friendly and responsive. Some breeds are capable of laying up to 260 eggs per year, which is prolific: I love the idea of plentiful fresh eggs for eating and baking with. We'll get 3 hens I think. Plenty of eggs to give away too, at local events, or when visitors come to stay. The only problem is what to do when they get old or past laying. I really don't think I could bring myself to slaughter and eat one of my own chickens! I'll worry about that one when the time comes, I think. Watch this space.

Parish life is good. Beginning to think strategically now, in preparation for an Away Day in September and a parish weekend in November. Relations are good all round, and the issues becoming clearer. There is a major diocesan emphasis on 'discipleship' and we are exploring that further ourselves.

Cumbrian Migrant

Amazingly, it's nearly 6 weeks since we moved in and coming up to a month since I was licensed. Here's something else I've noticed: long evenings. I'm sure it gets darker later here, presumably because we're further north. 10.30 at night and it's still only twilight: we're seeing some wonderful night skies.

Since last blog, a large number of encounters worth writing about:

• I've visited one of our church primary schools: there are two, plus another state school which has good church connections. I was so impressed with the quality of the place, in particular that they offer the children many opportunities of residential experience for learning history or geography, or glimpsing the life of a university student. It's all about aspiration. They also have a Christian value for each half of term, currently 'perseverance'. I have to decide how much to get involved, e.g. taking assemblies or even just story-telling.
• I had a session with the Town Clerk, who gave me the benefit of her knowledge and experience. She had only been in post for less than a year when the flood hit. She explained to me the challenges of having a town so popular with retirees, which both makes for an older population and can exclude younger people from the housing market. (Another problem of migration!) Currently, the Council has a policy that 40% of new housing must be 'affordable' for first-time buyers.
• I have done my first wedding (happy!) and another 2 funerals.
• There has been a church meeting for one of our churches, which has had a hard time in recent years. There is a feeling of a page having been turned, and of a renewal of hope. They may not be huge in number, but there is an unmistakable devotion to the Lord Jesus and his church, which I find quite moving. We just need to think more in terms of blessing the town than 'keeping the church going'. Nothing new there then!
• Last Sunday, there was a more 'normal' service in the morning, this time in Broughton itself, where I live. Unusually, I was present for a non-eucharistic service which enabled a more informal style, led so well by an experienced lay member of the congregation. She has clearly been helping to hold the church together for many years, as vicars have come and gone. That happens a lot round here!
• In the afternoon, I visited two families who have applied for their baby's baptism. A long time since I've done this, but what a joy it was! The thing is, here, everything is much smaller scale from what I have been used to. Smaller communities, smaller churches, therefore fewer people to exercise their ministry, so more for clergy to do. So it's back to the basics of parish ministry as far as I'm concerned BUT, part of my task here is to enable more people to take on pastoral and liturgical roles for the days ahead when there will be even fewer clergy to go round.
• On Sunday evening, I was grilled by a young people's group - 12 in number with 4 adult leaders. So enjoyable, with a tangible sense of joy in the things they share together. I hope we shall get to know each other well, and see young faith grow and mature into adult discipleship.

This Sunday: one of our churches celebrates its 150th anniversary. So, a special service has to be written and we will have two mayors and our MP present! When it was founded, it was intentionally for 'the poor of the parish' and this church has always been known for its care and compassion. This was demonstrated most recently in the flood. But now? Where are we going? What new calling is God placing on our life? Maybe we can use the anniversary as a time of reflection.

So back to the migration issue. I've been doing some more reading around this. Leaving aside migrants who leave their country for another (100,000 already this year in the Mediterranean alone!), there are millions of Internally Displaced People (IDPs): 6m in Syria, 3.3m in Nigeria, 3m in DR Congo, 2m in Iraq and 2.5m in Sudan. All these figures are approximate, of course, but it gives a sense of the scale of the problem. It is hard for us to imagine what this must be like, living in more settled communities. But we do need surely to think 'hospitality'. The former Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks, has pointed out that in the Hebrew scriptures we are only once commanded to 'love our neighbour' but 37 times to 'love the stranger'. And when you think about it, the story of the People of God in both Testaments is of refugees, asylum seekers and travellers: from Adam and Eve, sent out of the Garden to Abraham who was commanded to leave his own country, to the Exodus and the Exile, to Jesus' own flight into Egypt and Paul's travels. 

You could also say that Jesus sought asylum on earth from heaven. Which leads one to the First Letter of Peter, where God's people are described as 'sojourners and exiles' (1 Peter 2.11): earth being our temporary home while our true home is in heaven. Today we remember St Columba, who 'migrated' (as many Celtic Christians did) from Ireland to Scotland and the north-west of England.

None of this, I'm afraid, really addresses the massive problem of migration and human trafficking, but at least if we can get our attitude right it might lead to appropriate actions.

Things I Have Noticed

There's been a bit of a gap since last blog, as Les and I have tried to complete the settling in process. I think we're pretty much 'there', with all the packing cases finally empty, most things put away, pictures on the walls etc. However, there is a garage full of stuff we have not been able to find room for and we have to dispose of that over the next week or two. It already feels pretty much like home, and it's hard to believe we have only been here just over 3 weeks.

There has also been a settling in process at work, in the churches. The two Sundays since licensing have not been typical. Last Sunday, Les and I (with Adrian, my colleague) worshipped at 3 of our churches, having been licensed at the 4th the previous week. It was Pentecost, so we had a special Eucharist at each one. Poor Les and Adrian had to hear the same sermon 3 times! It was good to meet so many new friends, though quite a few were away, being a Bank Holiday weekend. I was told afterwards I could stay!

Today, being a 5th Sunday in the month, it was a 'Parish' service i.e. all 4 churches coming together in one place. Today it was the turn of Christ Church, in Cockermouth, so basically back where we started. Adrian has been away this week, so I co-led with one of our lay worship leaders, and this seemed to go very well. (You will be able to hear the sermon on the Team website later - www.cockermouthareachurches.org.uk/) Once again, we were warmly welcomed.

Living in Little Broughton, I have committed myself to taking their midweek communion every Thursday. Coincidentally, this happens at the same time as St Barnabas, Penny Lane so it's good to have that connection. I have also taken a funeral there and in July will take the wedding of the grand-daughter of the man who had died. My first wedding, however, will be at All Saints next Saturday. I am looking forward to that.

There are a number of things I have noticed here:

• Birdsong. It is loud and tuneful, especially early in the morning. On our first morning here, I was wakened before 5am. I wish I could recognise all the different tunes. That is something to work on: I like to think they are all joining in creation's chorus of praise.
• Hills. Stating the obvious, I know, but it's not just the landscape. It is the way it is constantly changing according to the time of day, weather features etc: sometimes dappled in sunlight, sometimes dark and brooding behind the clouds.
• Accent. The Cumbrian accent is taking some getting used to after 40 years of Scouse! At the funeral reception, one elderly man spoke to me in an accent so thick I couldn't make out a word he was saying. I think that he was being mischievous, on hearing where I was from! There are some new words to learn and I'm interested by the way 'eh' comes into speech, and a soft 'r'.
• People. Without exception, people are amazingly friendly. But a local told me I would need to make an effort to smile and speak to everyone, otherwise they might think I was stand-offish. Consequently, Les and I greet everyone, whether we know them or not. Trouble is, most people seem to know us even if we don't know them.
• Village life. We have been warned that everyone will know our business! When we go out, when we get home, when we do our washing, who we have spoken to etc. And 'be careful what you say - everyone is related, or was at school with so-and-so, so word will get back!' This was illustrated last week: I was in the local bookshop. One of the staff introduced herself to me as a neighbour up the road, whom I had greeted in her garden a few days previously. I couldn't remember, I must admit. She gave me her name; I said, 'I'm Godfrey'. 'I know,' she said.
• Singing. The singing at worship is excellent. None of the churches has a choir, but the congregations more than make up for this. One church doesn't even have an organist, but manages with CDs - a mixed blessing! Last week, I asked Les to come out of retirement and play her guitar for one song. That was appreciated.
• Mobility between churches. There are quite a number of different churches in a relatively small area. It is noticeable how people migrate from one church to another, for a variety of different reasons, and they bring with them something of the style and culture of their previous church. Christ Church, where we were this morning, has a particularly mixed membership.

It's all very different. Smaller scale, slower pace, more travelling - the funeral last week involved a trip to Carlisle Crematorium, 40 minutes away. And several of our church members live some way away, though not in our village where many are lifelong residents.

And speaking of migration, it is desperate to see and hear of the plight of those fleeing from war-torn and poverty-stricken countries in North Africa and Eastern Europe. I suppose you could say I am a migrant myself (originally from the South of England!) - as many of us are, in this sense - and there is nothing new about mass migration as a result of war and poverty. What seems to be different about the current situation is the scale of it, which threatens to overwhelm countries like Italy. I guess this has something to do with global news media which makes even the poorest people aware of a possible better life elsewhere.Somehow, in our wealthier countries we surely have to change our attitude: recognise the desperate need of these fellow human beings, and unite to help them. Who can say we would behave any differently if we were in their situation? It is part of our human nature to seek a better life.

The Move

So here we are. Cockermouth. Or, to be more precise - Little Broughton. A village, next to Great Broughton, set on raised ground above the River Derwent, about 3 miles outside the town, a mile or so off the A66. We have had a marvellous welcome, and so many people seem pleased to see us. The villages have had a difficult time, without a resident vicar for about 5 years, so we can understand why we are greeted so warmly. The surrounding landscape is beautiful, best appreciated when driving away from the village, back to the main road. I'll send publish some photos when I get round to it!

The move itself went as smoothly as it possibly could, and for that too we are very thankful. There is still much to do, with several cartons to unpack, furniture to arrange and the study to organize, but we are making good progress. We are actually enjoying it! The vicarage is about 30 years old, and is best described as 'quirky'- a most unusual design with sloping roof and skylight windows in every bedroom! The landing acts as a kind of bridge across the hall, with two bedrooms at either end, one of them with a new en suite bathroom (which we'll use for guests). We are especially grateful for the way the diocese have provided for us, investing much in the vicarage to bring it up to modern standards, with a view to the longer term,beyond our stay here.

Today we are going to worship at the King's Church - part of the New Frontiers network, with whom, I gather, there are friendly relationships across the churches. Last night, we had a really lively and enjoyable evening with my new colleague, Adrian, his wife Lucy and children Eleanor and William. A very special, talented family, with whom I know we will get on well.

In other news (!) - our moving day was also Election Day. Not to boast, but I did actually share with a few people that I thought the Tories might emerge with a clear majority. So I wasn't shocked. Just a feeling I had. To quote from Bill Clinton's 1992 election campaign, 'It's the economy, stupid!' Like it or not, the Tories managed to get across a message that the economy is safer in their hands (and, to be fair, Labour's track record in this respect isn't great, even allowing for the crash of 2008), and they coupled this with a 'fear factor' of possible Labour/SNP partnership. In the end, I think a lot of people were swayed by this, and felt safer, more secure with a Tory government - overlooking, sadly, the all too obvious consequences in terms of those who would suffer most. It is, after all, human nature to look after one's own interests and the Tory propaganda really appealed to this. As I said in my previous blog, there was little to inspire us in the whole campaign with a vision of the kind of nation we could become as one that sought the 'common good', and illuminated the world as a beacon for justice, righteousness, peace; goodness, truth and beauty.

Many people are angry with the result, as is clear from social media. My immediate response is to say 'Our God reigns'. This is not pious talk: it's a reminder that any government, of any colour, has to be accountable first and foremost not to the electorate but to God, so we are not to be the judges. It's also a reminder that our task as Christians is to act with the authority of Jesus to alleviate suffering, to live compassionately, to bless our neighbours rather than expend our energies in furious political attacks. I like what Bishop Paul of Liverpool wrote before the election: '...we need people who can see that the church is part of the solution...My responsibility is not to moan, but to vote. To vote, and to work for the common good. My responsibility is to vote for, and work with, those with the moral vision and courage to work for a better society.'

One of the first things I did on May 8 was to discover who is our new MP in the Workington constituency, to write to her, congratulate her, and express the wish that we might meet up sometime. I hope we might
discern what the priorities round here might be and how we, with others (Christians or not) can work for the common good. I have also invited her to my licensing service next Sunday: please remember us all in prayer that day.

Nearly there

Another 48 hours and we will have left Liverpool. The moment I am really not looking forward to. There have been many farewell occasions in the past two or three weeks, all of them bitter-sweet. We have so much appreciated people's warmth and friendliness towards us, their well-wishing and expressions of appreciation for the last 20 (and in some cases, 40) years. It is true, you don't realise just how much impact you have had on a person's life until the time comes to leave them. I have been really humbled by things people have said, and memories recalled which I had not even noted in the first place. I guess that's one of the joys and blessings of ministry. It will be so sad to leave, but we do so believing that this is God's will for us,who has surprised us with this little adventure before I retire.

We are delighted - and amazed - at the number of people who have said they want to come to the licensing service on the 17th. It's a long way to come, and we really appreciate the support that is being shown us. Maybe others sense, like us, that it's something of an adventure?

We've had a couple of 'final' visits to the City. Last Thursday, something which we had booked months ago, before we knew we were leaving: a performance of Mahler's 2nd ('Resurrection') Symphony at the Phil. It really is the most astonishing piece of music, and something of a signature tune (if a symphony can be just a 'tune'!) for my life. Written when the composer was only in his late 20s, he had suffered several recent bereavements, which led him to reflect on his own mortality. Mahler was not a Christian himself (though he converted in order to obtain a top conducting job later in life), but he wrote a piece which defiantly proclaimed the defeat of death - perhaps more for this life than the next. As our pre-concert lecturer said, Mahler was about life after life rather than life after death. Nevertheless.allowing this marvellous music, sorrowful, lyrical, triumphant, glorious, to wash over you for 1 1/2 hours - especially as a Christian, who does believe in life after death - is to enjoy a heavenly experience. I am moved to tears every time I hear it.

The other City visit was to the Cathedral yesterday, for the morning eucharist.  It seemed appropriate somehow, as that building has had a special place in my life these 40 years. What I will miss, I reflected after both these visits, was the sheer size and scale of Liverpool's buildings. Their grandeur is so impressive and by contrast Cockermouth is miniature - but of course has many other delights to offer both resident and visitor. We look forward to more exploring.

I took a couple of days last week to have some quiet, engaging heart and mind for the new challenges. I read a lot of Cockermouth's history, which goes back possibly even further than Liverpool's. Some of it quite controversial too, especially with the historical rivalry between 'church' and 'chapel'. I wonder how much of that remains, however vestigially.

While I was away, I meet a fiery black Pentecostal. He wanted to know what I thought of gay priests. I said, 'Well, it's a fact - there are gay people and there are gay priests'. Then - as I half expected - he launched into a tirade. He seemed less interested in what I thought; more concerned to tell me what he thought. It was a bit embarrassing at the meal table, but I decided to engage in the debate. 'It's an abomination to the Lord', he said, quoting various OT scriptures. I asked him what Jesus had to say on the matter. He couldn't think of anything (that's because there isn't!), and I asked whether that was not significant given it is Jesus we follow and not OT law. Not the point, he said.  I then asked if he if knew a) any gay people and b) any gay Christians. 'No' to both. I suggested maybe it would be a good idea if he did, then he could hear their story and understand a bit better the kind of issues gay people have to face - including others' prejudice.

He then shared something of his story: a converted drugs dealer and gangster. So...if he could be 'delivered' from that kind of life, so could a gay person from theirs. I pointed out that there must have been a time when he wasn't into that lifestyle; a gay person would say that they had no choice. However, I did make clear that I believed a gay Christian must be just as chaste and faithful as a straight one, if they were to fulfil the law of Christ.

My companion then told me (us) about his training as a preacher, and how he wanted the 'pow-er' (emphasis on the first syllable), believing that God really could and did totally transform people's lives. Difficult one that: because I believe the same. But I think that has much more to do with where one's life is centred, and the fruitfulness that flows from that centre (Christ) rather than fixing on one particular aspect of a person's identity. I asked him why he felt so strongly about this one particular issue.  I might just have well said to my friend that God wanted to deliver him from his blackness.

I mention all this, because I am aware this man was expressing a view which he had learned from his own particular culture. Knowing how, historically, black people have been enslaved and abused, could this be a reason why they feel so strongly about another persecuted minority - as if, somehow, to alleviate their own sense of despair and anger. In fact, is it human nature to construct a values system around a perceived 'enemy' when one has been a victim oneself?  Might this be a factor in helping us understand Islamization?

The day is nearly over. Les and I have been so grateful for the help of family over this Bank Holiday weekend, and we have just enjoyed a final takeaway meal with them. The next two days will be long ones. Next time in Cockermouth. By the way, should I name-change from 'Harthill musings'? Any suggestions?