It’s been a month…

Hey everyone.

First I need to apologise because it has, as the title suggests, been a month since I last posted a blog. Which is far too long, I know. Especially because this has been a particularly excited and busy month. But then again, maybe that’s why I haven’t posted.

Since I last posted, loads has gone on. So, this post is basically going to be a long list of what I’ve been doing, which I agree isn’t particularly exciting, but for the sake of those back home who are eager to find out what I’ve been up to, it will be fulfilling!!

Here we go:

I lead worship at a funeral (a first!)

I’ve sung in a vocal group at a Women’s breakfast (yes, women’s…!)

I’ve had some time songwriting with Luke

I’ve visited home (which was lovely and full of catching up over coffee!)

I’ve been on tour with Worship Central (see below for more details)

I’ve sang in a vocal group for the 150th anniversary of St. Pauls, Onslow Square (which had over 1000 people attending)

And I’ve lead worship in a prison

(Oh, and seen the new Harry Potter movie!!!)

 

So, there is a super quick overview of some of the things I’ve been up to.

As I mentioned, I’ve been on tour! Worship Central do a UK tour each year and this year I got to go with them. Well, for most of it anyway! We visited Southampton, Bristol, Bradford and Edinburgh. The tour involves a lot of shifting heavy equipment, a long of counting in and out stock for the merchandise stand, a lot of button clicking for the song words, a lot of travelling, a lot of fun, BUT not a lot of sleep!!

We left London on Wednesday the 10th November at around 7AM (we were there earlier to pack the bus and so on), and we didn’t get back to London until Sunday the 14th November after a long drive down from Scotland.

The night involved a great time of worship, some teaching from Tim and Al, lots of ministry and more worship. It was truly a privilege to be with them and to experience the incredible skill of all of the musicians, techies and event planners! I’m not sure I could ever do what they did!

The way we got around was in a big bus. But not just any bus. Oh no. This was a tour bus. The bus has 16 bunk beds on the upper floor (so that everyone can have a snooze while the driver takes us to the next location), 2 lounges (both with flat screen TV’s and sofas) and a little kitchen area to make a cuppa tea. Basically, it was the coolest bus I’ve ever been on. Although, I can imagine after sleeping on it for 4 days, it’s not so wonderful any more. I only slept on it once on the trip down to London from Scotland, and it wasn’t exactly the most comfortable I’d been, but not as bad as I thought it might have been.

Anyway, I can see all of your eyes glazing over so I had better stop.

One final thought. The other night as I was leaving my house to go and meet some friends to do some worship right outside “Erotica”, the porn festival (a story for another time perhaps), I felt God remind me of the amazing words in Isaiah 40. We often sing these words in the song “Everlasting God” by Brenton Brown, but I think I often sing them without really thinking them. Have a look, and no matter how busy your last month has been, or how busy the week ahead of you is going to be, remember this:

 

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

 

God Bless,

Oli x

Settling in…

Hey guys.

Hope you’re all well?

So, currently I’m sitting in Starbucks (as expected) but this time, as well as getting coffee, I’m using the free internet as I have none yet in my new flat!

YES, my new flat!!! Wooo! So glad to have found a place and moved in. I’ve been living in Wandsworth for 5 days now and so far so good! I’m really close to a big shopping centre with supermarkets, cinemas and so on, and close to a tube stop as well. It’s worked out well PTL!  (here’s a few picutures – click me)

As the title suggests, I’m really starting to feel like I’m part of the team and the HTB family here, I’ve met loads of great people and starting to form great friendships. This week, for the first time since I’ve been here, all of our department were around for our weekly meeting (as Tim’s been away on paternity leave after having a beautiful little girl called “Lois Jubilee Hughes”) and so it really did feel like I was a part of the team.

It’s been another fairly busy week, with office work, various worship bits (eg. the Student Alpha Conference) and the start of my ‘Monday Morning Theology’ classes, held at St. Paul’s Theological Centre (SPTC). I’ve been there 2 weeks now and already had Jane Williams (the Archbishop’s wife) and Graham Tomlin as lecturers, and it’s been great to have at least one morning of real deep thinking and some form of academic input. However nice it was to finish school, it’s also quite nice to think again!

Also this week, I was privileged to be a part of the Worship Central Podcast (both setting up, setting down and actually being introduces as the new intern) which was very exciting, so make sure you listen out for that soon!

So, once again, I’m having a nice chilled day off, although I have to go and do some grocery shopping soon (and excuse the American/Canadian phrasing there) but I am living with a Canadian and so it’s becoming natural. (Kate Murphy will be very pleased!!!)

I am going to be sending out my first proper newsletter soon to those who have expressed interest, but if you want one as well, just send me either you’re email if you’re OK with receiving a PDF or postal address otherwise!

Missing you all, hope to see you soon!

Oli