the final count

Living Light Wellington’s first Sunday meeting is this week.  The past couple of weeks have felt like the “final count” – there’s an undercurrent of tension present when you’re poised for the count at a starting line or on New Year’s Eve, even if the tension is mostly exciting.  In this case, the tension is felt in a few ways: the higher consistency of meetings, unexpected time dedicated to administrating details that will prove to be important…it’s a matter of helping people find their places and giving them the tools to go.  I’m half participant, half observer in this process with the living situation being such as it is, and I’m very glad for both perspectives. 

Preparing for the church weekend away has been an added dynamic during the past few weeks.  The weekend was something of a blur, as I ended up heading up the kids’ work and being pretty actively involved in the worship.  All in all, though, it was fantastic: God spoke, we had great times together in the presence of God, there was plenty of unhurried time for people to spend together, and there were ample English novelties for this American to enjoy.  Here are a few highlights:

Welcome to Brunel Manor.  This is the view as you pull in.

 The front door.  Why residential doors were ever designed to fit elephants through, I’m not sure, but it’s a welcome break from the standard glass revolving doors we Americans are used to.









About one third of the main staircase.  Ever so slightly reminiscent of Hogwarts…ask me how many times I sprinted up and down just because it gives the sensations of trail running and flying, respectively.

 




My room, affectionately dubbed my “hobbit hole”.  I am standing with the camera just outside the door frame.  Floor space was about 2x5 feet.


…But no matter the size, the English are committed to necessities.  Every room came equipped with its own teakettle and assortment of coffees and teas.  A personal sink basin was to the left. 










Fun times with the kids.  During one of the sessions, the kids were tied together and sent on a scavenger hunt on the manor grounds.  Here they are getting ready:

                                                          

 Evening entertainment includes food, of course.  One of the Saturday night traditions are  elaborate cheese platters filled with apples, pears, tomato chutney, piccalilli, and of course, an extravagant variety of cheeses from all over Europe.  I’ll save my exultations for an entirely food-devoted post.

Brunel weekend has the feel a big family reunion- far more laid-back than the annual OCM conference.  By necessity, next year will no doubt be different.  Wondering what it will be like a year after church planting is a bit like wondering what your life will look like in ten years’ time…but who knows?  The next few weeks may give a little insight…