Ridley Hall and our last six months in Cambridge
Although 2013 was the year that I left Ridley Hall, it will always hold a very special place in both mine and Ellie's hearts. Our two years there were fantastic and we have some great memories from being in Cambridge. Ridley was mainly a highlight because of the amazing people that we met there and continue to be in contact with and share life with. While I was training to be a vicar Ellie worked at St Barnabas Church with our great friends Tom Finnemore and Anne Maclaurin. She loved her job there and I was on placement there which was also a real joy. 2014 will be the first year since 2007 that I have not worked with Tom.
Lee and Rachel's Wedding
Saturday 27th July was a fantastic day as two of my favorite people married each other. It was a fantastic day and I was honored to be Lee's best man. I always love weddings, but this was an extra special one!
Family Holiday to France
In August Ellie and I went to the Dordogne in France for two weeks with my brothers, their girlfriends and my parents. Good food, fine wine, sitting by the pool and doing nothing but relaxing was a wonderful way to spend two weeks and prepare for the term ahead.
Football and that 6-0 win.
2013 was one of the greatest years in my football teams 100 year history. Not only did they gain promotion to the premiership in the most dramatic fashion ever (at the expense of Watford!) but they have had a remarkable first half of the premier league season. On the 28th December Lee and I had a day out in Hull (courtesy of Barclay's bank) went to see Hull play Fulham. The second half was one of the most extraordinary 45 minutes of football I have ever seen as The Tigers smashed 6 past Fulham in a crazy and enthralling 35 minute period. Great stuff!
Moving to York
2013 was the year that we moved to York. While we miss Cambridge and it was sad to leave we have had a first great six months in York. Our church, The Belfrey, have been amazing since we arrived and gave us a great welcome. We have a fantastic house in a great area. It is good to be near family and we are enjoying being back up north. Most importantly of all we know that God has called us here.
Getting Ordained
In June I was ordained in York Minster. The three days silent retreat were a challenge (a good challenge) and the service itself was a real personal highlight of mine. I had been in the discernment and training process for eight or nine years and I felt it was a real confirmation of the calling God has placed on my life.
Starting work as Curate at The Belfrey
The day after my ordination I started working at The Belfrey, a city centre church in York. It has been quite a few months! I have responsibility for the seven pm congregation, students, baptism and have been looking after evangelism. We are working with a fantastic staff team who are hungry to see God move in the North of England and it has been a joy to see glimpses of God's transformation in York and in peoples lives. I have enjoyed preaching the word, seeing people give their lives to Christ as they realise what he has done for them through the cross and resurrection and it has been a joy to baptise a number of different people. God is on the move!
Here is to a great 2014!