Complete content

Just over a year ago I voiced the possibility of changing the toddler group at Upnor, for a while toddler numbers were dwindling as children (including my own) began to enter the world of education. As we got to that summer some mums voiced concern over missing the opportunity to meet with others during the day once the children were in school and some more mature folk voiced feelings of isolation. so I had the brain wave of opening up the group as a drop in for anyone; not to be in competition with the amazing drop in cafe in Frindsbury but to complement it, for many in Upnor transport is an issue so providing a space locally was important. 

Over the past year numbers have fluctuated but these last few weeks there has been a real buzz in the air of ages mixing together from birth to a little older shall we say!  Each generation looking out for the other amidst hot toast, croissants and cakes and hot drinks. 

Of course the last few months I've had time to be there no time restrictions or work pressures and it's been a real joy. Today I've felt a real glow from being there this morning and it felt just how life should be and indeed church...all ages interacting together...if only that was the case !

A year in review !

This evening I have been filling in my annual review. Each year I receive a form from the church commissioners asking a whole host of questions about my performance , what's gone well what's not worked, what I would change and thoughts for the future .
Tonight as I fill in this form and reflect on the year just gone whilst reading what I wrote last year I have a whole host of emotions .
It has been wonderful to reflect on how things have developed in certain areas of life , my confidence in the traditional vicar stuff due to having to do more in parish since Ian left, the development of relationships on our estate , the bond I feel and hope others do in our little cafe church team but the biggest change would be in the school contacts we've made. Dan starting school has been great for him but also enabled us to meet some truly lovely families and also develop some connections with the school and church communities ...

On the flip side there have been sad times this last year saying good bye to projects that haven't developed how I would have liked (trying to develop a family experience being the main heart ache) and several people moving away changing dynamics being another.

As I finish the report with what do I want for the future I become stuck! In 11 months time I could be anywhere in the country as my funding runs out in it's current state ... The future I would love to stick around and try and develop closer links with the 2 schools I've begun work with , I'd love to continue to open up cafe church to a wider audience and I would love to develop friendships that have become vital to me.
But for now I return to maternity leave enjoying every moment loving every chance to spend time with friends old and new and to try and not worry what the future will bring x