Heyup!We've been here a couple of weeks now, with a spot of camping and plane watching in between.
We got moved in really well thanks to a completely epic effort from the removals guys (Pollards, based in Huddersfield I think - recommended!). Ruth's parents took the children from our leaving bash at City, and kept them entertained until the Thursday after the move, which was such a big help. Great for the kids to come to a house with their rooms all ready for them.
Ten days of camping was a blessed relief from all the boxes and unpacking. A bit of simple living was just what the doctor ordered. We chilled out, took in a few sights, met up with Glen and Emma and watched *many* planes at the Airbourne festival. James loved the Eurofighter Typhoon, Hannah seemed to love the Tucano T1 for some reason. My favorite was the Belgian F16 - the noise was incredible, and we all loved the Red Arrows - nobody does display flying like those guys.
Work at the Tab begins on September the 8th, so I've been using the opportunity to visit some other churches locally to connect with them and their ministers. Having said that, we went along to the Tab last Sunday as it was (interim) Pastor John's final preach. I was glad to be there and be reminded that the joy of the Lord is like "indelible ink" sealed by the Holy Spirit in our hearts. It can't be taken away. Even if we are as low as can be, the Lord was lower still. His righteousness is mine, which brings peace and hence joy. That's the kingdom of God.
Ruth got to go to the evening service (her first, and for a good few months at least, probably the last time she'll get along). There were two baptism during the service which is such a massive encouragement.
The Tab is such a fantastic church. There is a palpable love for Jesus and so many passionate people who love Him and serve Him. The warmth of the church family is fantastic too. A lovely lady came up to me on Sunday morning saying how she is praying and praying for me, and pleading that the Lord will do wonderful things in my ministry. Having prayers like her is what brings the life and fire. There is a 'ripeness' at the Tab... dunno how else to describe it. So much excitement, anticipation, readiness for change. It's a huge challenge for me, but I'm confident in the Lord's plan in bringing us to Worthing. I preached from Jeremiah 1 at the Tab a couple of months ago (with a view- whatever that means!) and it was a timely exhortation for me as much as anyone else. I hope I won't be as reluctant as Jeremiah, but a healthy amount of that fear and anguish would be a blessing.
Although work proper doesn't begin till the 8th, there is a stack of preliminary and preparatory work to do which will keep me plenty busy. Ruth is getting stuck into all the boring admin stuff - registering for the Doctors, changing address etc. James starts school a week tomorrow. It's a lovely school and had it not been so far away, we'd be delighted. There are 12 closer schools. We're happy though and sure that the Lord has something for us (and James!) at his new school. Hannah's nursery is just round the corner and she starts in a couple of weeks. She's very excited that she can play outside with water.
My induction... commissioning... installation... service is on September 21st - 3pm (I think!) at the Tab. If you can come - amazing! If not, then pray for me, Michael and those others involved. We're hoping to get a Skype link for City folk who can't come. We'll keep you posted on that. If you are coming and need accommodation, then please get in touch with the office at the Tab. Also, if you could let Ruth know if you are coming (ruth owen email AT g mail dot com) we can help the team here to know about catering etc.
We miss City, Leeds, Yorkshire... the North.
Si thee later.
Rich, Ruth, James and Hannah
