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The Last of Lasts


And so, after a series of "Lasts", some formal and some more informal, I am coming, at last, to the last of the lasts... At least in my current role.
On Sunday 12th April at 11.30am the only service on the Belfast Central and South Circuit will be taking place in Donegall Road Methodist Church with the Circuit Superintendent Robin Waugh leading and me preaching for one last time... Everyone is welcome... those from elsewhere on the circuit... friends from other churches (admit it you often mitch off your home church on this "Low Sunday" anyway)... family... passing acquaintances... There will be refreshments beforehand from 10.45am.
As a bit of a spoiler, I will be referring to the attached piece of art in the sermon (which isn't written yet, but there is plenty of time). It "The Incredulity of St. Thomas" by Caravaggio and it is usually to be found in the Bildergalerie of the Sans Souci Palace, in Potsdam, Germany, but I saw it "in the flesh" earlier in the year. Come along on Sunday to hear more.
It will almost certainly also be the "#EasterArt" post that I will put up on social media on Sunday morning... I've been posting these through all the liturgical seasons, on and off since the Covid-19 pandemic. But with me heading into a time of sabbatical from Monday I have decided that Sunday's post will be the last one, at least for the time-being, as I hit the "re-set" button and attempt to establish a new physical, mental and spiritual, rhythm that will sustain me into the next, very different phase of my ministry.
Thank you to all those who have journeyed with me on the various social media platforms, on the circuit/s I have served over the past 13 years and in relation to my role in Belfast Central Mission. I hope that our "encounters" in person or online have been helpful, and I trust that whilst this Sunday is a significant "last", we will encounter one another further on... As Thomas encountered Christ...

Selah

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