Jane Robson, previously a member of our church, is currently training for the ministry at Regent's Park College, Oxford, and is working with Kingswood Baptist Church, Watford. Keep up with Jane's news here.

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Sunday 16th June 2013

So, it arrived. My last week at college. A surprisingly emotional couple of days for me – bringing to an end an amazing chapter in my life. Monday’s weather was at least dry if not particularly warm, although the sun did manage to shine some of the time. So the annual punt down the river happened this year. (It got rained off last year sadly.) I settled for a bit of nonchalant paddling this year rather than exerting myself with the pole – consequently it was a very relaxing meander up and down the river. On returning to college we all met with David Kerrigan (General Director of BMS World Mission) for a ‘conversation’ (a listening to and then having a question and answer session). David also preached at chapel that evening. The day ended with about 8 of us going down to the MCR with cheese and wine and watching ‘Love Actually’!!

Leaving gifts from the first and second years were based on Harry Potter this year...my character was Professor McGonagall...can’t think why! :-)

On Tuesday, Colin Norris (Regional Minister in SCBA) led us on an excellent Quiet Day at Cumnor URC which finished with communion and a reminder of the Bible passage we had heard at the selection conference we had attended way back in March 2010 (Luke 5:1-11 v.4 “Put down into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”) A very appropriate end to that part of this incredible adventure. A huge thank you to my colleagues and tutors for the last three years.

But, of course, life goes on and the following day I found myself discussing the need to replace the side door at church which was rotten – and how could we afford that – with Les who looks after the church fabric! A couple of chats with folks who had been to the Christianity Explored course and a deacons’ meeting all helped to refocus. And then on Friday evening I saw Abby Guinness in a play entitled ‘The God Particle’ (which was excellent) with my friend who also stayed over Friday and Saturday night so that she could come with me to my valediction from college on Saturday. Another very moving occasion and I was pleased mum, my brother and his wife could also be there to support me. My name is in the college register! :-)

And yesterday it was Kingswood’s 62nd anniversary. We were pleased to have Steve Rackett, the Chairman of Watford Borough Council with us...and I was even more pleased to have another friend come for the day. It was so good to be able to spend a whole day together just chatting (we did ‘attack’ the church garden in the afternoon as well!)

The second photo is valediction day with Anthony Clarke and Nick Wood

Sunday 9th June 2013

The end of college drew ever nearer with our last two days of seminars and tutorials including Biblical Interpretation using music and Paul Goodliff preparing us for our NAMS (newly-accredited minister status). Our final week will be far more laid back! The dog collar came out on Tuesday evening as I joined with a number of clergy colleagues at the institution and induction of Revd. Duncan Campbell at Christ Church. They all wore their robes...I particularly liked the Bishop of Hertford’s cloak!

I had an enjoyable three hours with the Finance Team (grand name, hey?!) on Wednesday trying to work out just how between three of us we are going to look after the church’s money. (I get to do the computing bit as my contribution to the team). We made a good start, and managed a few laughs...maybe it was just hysteria setting in? And then an enjoyable visit to one of our folk who, sadly, will be leaving us soon – she’s moving to be nearer family in Sussex. Sounds like I had far too much fun last week doesn’t it?!

Amazingly Thursday brought the last of the seven Christianity Explored sessions – and everyone turned up again, so that was encouraging! Less encouraging, although moving in the right direction, was Friday’s study day – and the Romans essay – grrr. So I was delighted to be able to go walking on Saturday morning round Hellidon, a village near Daventry with the usual group from Rugby Baptist minus the minister who normally leads it. Funnily enough we didn’t get lost this time! Just a co-incidence, I’m sure. And a cream tea in the afternoon to help raise funds for folk going to India from the Rugby cluster of churches was very yummy – as were the extra pieces of cake I was able to bring back to Watford.

And then we had 17 in the congregation Sunday morning :-)

The photos are a few shots of the walk and walkers...

Sunday 2nd June 2013

Despite lots of prayers and encouragement from all sorts of people, it would seem that the essay saga is going to continue right up to the wire. I even worked all day on Bank Holiday Monday to try and ‘break the back’ of my current challenge! Sadly, progress was not as spectacular as I had hoped and on Tuesday another ‘slightly depressed’ email winged its way to my ever-patient tutor. Onward! Back in Watford on Wednesday a good number of us got together to plan the church’s stall at the Junior School fete at the end of the month...it all sounds good – but sadly I shall miss it as I shall be at a colleague’s ordination / induction service in Birmingham that day. And after that the new finance team got together for an official hand-over of responsibility from the old treasurer – a very productive time.

It was good to have Brenda and Joan from Rugby here on Thursday evening as they stopped off for a meal on their way to Gatwick to pick up Margaret Reeve, returning from her time with BMS in Albania again. And it was good practice for feeding the ‘Christianity Explored’ group who came for the ‘day’ on Saturday. We had a good time together – our last session is next Thursday. Where have those seven weeks gone?!

I wasn’t preaching at Kingswood on Sunday so was able to be part of the congregation before coming up to Rugby for a meal with friends from Wolston and Rugby Baptist Churches to raise funds for their trip to India in the summer. And then I went to Friar Lane and Braunstone Church in Leicester to lead their evening service. It was good to be there and I really enjoyed being with them...the link is through a member at Rugby whose mum and sister are at the Leicester church!

And I’ve paid the balance for my week’s silent retreat at Lee Abbey next month! There’s no backing out now!!

The photos are of flowers in the college quadrangle, Emmanuelle being fed by one of the college staff – she is very well looked after – and Bob, the college maintenance man with myself and Helen, one of the first years.