Christian chat thread continued

[Dutchoma]

A place to share and chat about our funny (and not so funny experiences) in and out of church.
Did anyone say coffee? That would be good

I read Glittering Prizes which I really enjoyed, have stalled fairly near the beginning of the second one, Glamorous Powers, but will get back to it now I've finished some other things I was reading.

I have read some Susan Howatch a long time ago and not any of this series.

The Starbridge novels are a new one on me - will have to have a look at that!

Looks like my panic attacks have started again, which is a bit embarrassing. I made a deal with DD that we would go to the 'family' Mass once a month (when other people can do the music at my usual Mass); unfortunately it is a lot more crowded which seems to be a big trigger for my attacks. Luckily I don't have to see the school parents who witnessed my (very quiet) meltdown very often.. they probably think I'm possessed or something :(

Back to normal tomorrow. I think. At least when I'm on the ambo I'm not trapped in a crowd, which is something! Fingers crossed the hymns are nice.

Meanwhile, at home, DD's First Communion preparations prove controversial. Parents have been asked to be involved, DH refuses point-blank - no discussion, no negotiations, it's a flat no. He got very huffy when I suggested he should at least attend the ceremony to show his support. Hopefully I'm not alone in this scenario... ironically, half of my friends are already looking to come along to the ceremony so I suppose we won't "need" DH there, but I'm hoping he does come of his own accord rather than because I nag him. Pharaoh wasn't quite as stubborn as my spouse on certain issues, I swear..

I used to read a lot of Susan Howatch - not so much All Gas And Gaiters as All Cassocks And Condoms.

Schadenfreude

pigeon really sorry to hear about the panic attacks. They are so scary. And sorry too your DH is being so difficult about DD's first communion.

Well four sessions done on Ecclesiastes. Seemed to go well, or at least everyone was kind enough to say it was good. And lots of laughs, and some pretty deep moments too. The vicar has asked me to lead the January one but I don't know if I will, everything has gone tits up at home and frankly I'm barely coping. It was a good distraction though.

Never read Susan Howatch. Just finishing the last of the Lindchester books; I'll miss it when it's over.

pigeon sorry about the panic attacks and the situation with DD. Looking on the bright side at least he's letting her do it. My DP (should say XP I guess) would never allow that.

Glad your sessions on Ecclesiasties have gone so well, Edd. They sound brilliant, I'd love to be at them!

Pigeon, sorry to hear about your panic attacks

I'm just wandering in to say hello after an absence of many years. I used to follow MN avidly then took a break. I used to follow the chats on meditation, Buddhism, Quakerism and then would lurk into the Christian prayer group. Fast forward a few years - I"m now a fully confirmed Catholic! It's nice to see a few familiar names here like DutchOma. So hello to everyone, in future I hope to be a more frequent visitor to this parish!

Oh hello! Should I have remembered your user name or have you namechanged?

Just coming down to earth, my editor from IVP just rung to tell me the aquistions panel have commissioned my book and the contract is being drawn up!! I can't quite believe it, I'm so excited, I just wish dh was here to have some champagne with tonight!!

Obviously can't be a writer because I can't spell acquisitions

Dutchoma Nice to say hello ! You won't remember me because I was a lurker and I name changed lots over the years - but I think I started with PinkFlufflySlippers....

MadHairDay - congrats on the book!

MHD you are an inspiration! Huge congrats. Can't wait to read it

Thanks, pink and Edd! Still can't take it in.

OMG! Great news mhd

I'm also celebrating- after 4 months out of work - DH got a contract! In our home city too - so no travelling (last contract was in The Hague)

The Hague is a nice city, but I’m glad he is working a little closer to home.

should say XP
I'm so sorry, Edd 🙁

Congrats, mhd!

I also have a job! After 11 years as a SAHP, I am very excited. And it's in a cathedral gift shop, so vaguely relevent to the thread, too.

Yeay! Broom that's awesome!

That’s wonderful Broomstick.

I'm very excited. And it's 2 weekdays and a Saturday, which gives me time to do a post-grad and some volunteering on the side to build up to a better job later.

Well done. Broomstick!

That's great Broomstick! It sounds a lovely job. I once worked in a similar place and loved it.

Yay Broomstick that's great news! (And it will be NOTHING like the Lindchester Cathedral gift shop as described by Catherine Fox ). Also yay Madhairday for more good news! I'm so looking forward to reading that book.

Thanks, niminy!

Have you started the job yet, Broomstick?

I was feeling down about the state of the church the other day, esp the c of e, after reading a report about declining attendance. Do you think it's destined to fall into ruin, or can it be revived somehow? Revival would be cool, God... the report said in some areas attendance had fallen by 30% in just five years. But in some it had risen, particularly in the diocese of London. The reality is that many churches, especially rural, are on the brink of collapse just due to numbers, despite the faithful few. There are loads of bigger churches, not that bigger is always better. But what will keep us going - and what will draw more folk in?