Rev Matt iBlog

Last weekend one of the football greats Jack Charlton died. He played for Leeds United with 629 appearances and his brother Bobby played for Manchester United. Both Jack and Bobby played in the famous 1966 World Cup Final. England beating West Germany 4-2. During the lockdown, this famous final was repeated on the television. 1966 was before my time, but we all know the well-known quote from the commentator… England took their opportunities well.  Jack Charlton said... What’s your story? Andy Warhol (famous American artist behind the pop art movement) once said... Paul takes about taking opportunities when in Ephesians 5 writes… If everyone is going to be famous for 15 minutes we need to take the opportunity - to wake up and Christ will shine on us as Paul reminds us to make the ‘most of every opportunity because the days are evil.’  To take every opportunity means sometimes we can’t just sit back. Especially when things are not right in the world. We need to speak up and challenge unj

On Saturday 27th June I was received into Full Connexion but not Ordained until next year. The Methodist Conference receives into Full Connexion with itself those who are called to exercise an Ordained ministry specifically through the Methodist Church. When they are received into Full Connexion ministers (both presbyters and deacons) enter a covenant relationship with the Conference. At the heart of this mutual relationship, made possible through God's grace, both the ministers and the Conference have appropriate privileges and responsibilities. After Reception into Full Connexion, ordinands usually go to their venues to be Ordained. I was going to be received into Full Connexion in Telford and Ordained in Wellington. At first, I was sad not to be Received into Full Connexion and Ordained physically. I was sad not to be standing with my good friends. Instead, we were received into Full Connexion on Zoom. But let's be honest so many people have lost a loved one or had