Well, what a week.

Even when drafting this blog yesterday (Thursday), I knew that this week couldn’t get more than 6/10. Looking at things this morning, on balance, it’s getting 5/10.

This week has been a bit of a ministry struggle. Lots of things have seemed hard work. There’s been some difficult rumours to cope with. And although I feel fine during the day, the cold seems to come back just before I go to sleep. I’ve also had a lingering head ache. Some weeks just feel heavy, and this is one of them.

That being said, there have been lots of nice things happening this week. The wreathing went really well on Sunday. The wreath I helped to make hasn’t fallen down (yet!) and my sermon was seemed to go ok.

Also, it was announced that Nathan has been appointed as Vicar of St Giles, Aintree. I couldn’t be more proud of him and it seems to be such a good fit! I was really pleased to be in St Peter’s when they heard the news and I’m relieved to be able to tell people, because it’s not been an easy secret to keep!

I’ve adone some really lovely home visits this week and Dad arrived yesterday with Bingley for a few days. Last night, we cooked tea together and then went to the pub for carol singing. Ding Dong Merrily On High was especially great when a parishoner gave my arm a squeeze as we belted out the line ‘And “Io, io, io!” By priest and people sungen’ into the pub.

We then came back and watched the results come in until 1am. And despite writing this prayer, overall, I found it to be rather difficult viewing.

O Come, Emmanuel.

Anyway, onto some nicer things. My Weekly Star is Maggie. This week, she has organised concerts and carol singing that has raised over £1000 for two wonderful local hospices. This, I know from experience, will make a huge difference to a great many people. What a star!