ups and downs

Today has been a real day of ups and downs, highs and lows...

This morning I had the joy of going to St Francis church in Strood ( one of our cluster churches) and Preach, preside and baptise a beautiful baby girl. The atmosphere there is always so welcoming and people are so encouraging...and a brucie bonus..it was warm!! During the service the churchwarden produced a card and gift for me to wish me well in my maternity as I wont be going there in my official capacity again on a Sunday morning until after the baby is born. This was such a surprise I was bowled over and felt ever so emotional at the thought and care that had led to that moment... I didn't even know you could get "You're leaving to be a mummy" cards!!! :)

This afternoon we then had our monthly Sunday@4 event which is a bit like messy church mixed with an all age worship experience,,, some craft, games/activities a story and talk, music and food. I love doing this type of thing you never know who is going to come along and its pretty chilled out too. However, unfortunately the last few we have had have only seen the core team and Daniel in attendance. A lot of work goes into these events making sure there's food, craft activities, tech stuff read etc and so when no one else turns up it is disappointing and frustrating.
Time and again I hear people say, "The church doesn't do anything for families", "If only there was something for the children ..", we listened to those statements, we tried something and it hasn't worked, so with great sadness it is looking like Sunday@4 will be no more. I hate seeing things fail but I guess part of being a pioneer is trying new things out and knowing when to move on if something isn't working. Over the next few weeks we will be praying and contemplating what we can do.

So after a strange old emotional weekend I continue to give thanks for the blessings that surround us and learn to let go of the things that are just not meant to be.