My Christian Beginnings

Obviously I do not remember anything of my infant Baptism but I do not want to begin with that anyway. I want to begin with a confession: Forgive me that I am so wrapped up in trying to persuade You to sort out current problems, that I forget to be grateful for all that you have done down the years in new beginnings. I say to be grateful rather than just to thank You because I want to emphasize to myself that it needs to be a continuous state of mind not just a polite action.

I am grateful that I was baptised as an infant and I think that all babies should be baptised and remembering a dear former minister (now with You) and You know who I mean, the service should be altered so that Baby is Baptised before the parents and Godparents make their vows.

Now I want to remember some of the other New Beginnings: Going to Sunday School as a junior, as most kids did in those days, even though I was so shy they never got my name right. Going to the Methodist Youth Club, Sunday School and Church as a teenager and finding my feet and confidence. And especially that weekend away at High Leigh where we sat at the feet of a wonderful preacher and ended with When I survey the Wondrous Cross. I thank You for all that Hymn has meant since. And of course I have always cherished becoming a member of the Methodist Church which I remain and always will.

Then there was Meth. Soc. at University where we had great discussions in which I eventually took part and began to learn some doctrine. I met my wife and we moved here to where two Methodist Churches were coming together under the Minister I mentioned before. Oh what ups and downs I have had there, very high points and very low ones but You have always been nearby, getting me out of scrapes. While in a wilderness period with regard to that Church, You provided the Christian Fellowship at work and I even became chairman. We held a few communion services and the lessons from them are still pertinent. And I must not forget the end of my marriage when You baptised me in he Spirit and gave me the gift of tongues.

You know very well the lowest point in my life which followed, where You made rough places smooth and hard corners rounded and where, amazing grace, You brought me into the Anglican Communion. I remember the Christmas Services especially and of course my Anglican Confirmation. I am especially grateful for that amazing window of opportunity which allowed me to go to confession. I acknowledge Your wonderful planning. That was especially clear when starting from a game of cards You led me, with absolute clarity, to a service of deliverance, where as I understood only later, that You had removed my fear of Angina and probably healed it.

So here I am a fully fledged Methodist and an Anglican with feet and responsibilities in two very different Churches. I assume that is Your will, it seems like it to me. Many folk seem to make a song and dance about seeking Your will, but I just take what comes and I am happy with that. The Faith and Ministry Course is the current example of that, where to now?

Added December 1999

The above asks the question Where to now?. His answer was to lead me to join the Third Order of the Society of Saint Francis, and (surprisingly) to become its Webmaster.

How do I feel about my Christian Beginnings

Added December 1999