Over the last 2 years I have blogged about Foundation a lot. If you want to know how many times then do a blog search and you'll see! I love Foundation. Even when I have found it hard I have loved Foundation. Perhaps my longing for it as a community has sometimes led me to be cross or protective or romantic but it has been a significant part of my life in Bristol and I am going to miss it a great deal. I say "it" but actually I mean (in no particular order) the people, the fellowship, the theology, the debate, the craic, the pub, Cotham church.
Last night I went to my last little service admirably led by fellow ordainand Philippa. As we all sat around the church and reflected on our limitations (Philippa's theme for the reflection) I was struck by just how limitless God's love is for us. There we were just 'being' together and there was the limitless love of God reflected in our 'being'. We, the ramshackled people of God, 'doing our do' - and in felt good.
As ends go it was a good one. I was very grateful for Paul Robert's affirming prayer for me and my family. I was pleased to be able to say goodbye to my friends and fellow pilgrims. So, thanks Foundation for everything.
I will see you at Greenbelt (or the 'next place') and will miss you loads. xxx
About Me
- Ellen Loudon
- I have lived in Liverpool since I was 18years old. I came here to study drama, pop music and be an actor. I spent a couple of years in a theatre company in Leeds during the mid 1990's returning to start an academic career at Edge Hill University in 1998. In 2001 I started to explore the possibility of full time ministry in the church of England. After a long period of discernment I started at Trinity College, Bristol in 2006 and trained be a vicar. I was ordained as a Deacon in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral in June 2008 and ordained priest in June 2009. I am serving as the assistant curate at St John Chrysostom and St Peter's churches, Everton.
6 comments:
Ever since I first followed a link from Steve's site I've been an avid reader of your blog. I regret that, apart from brief encounter at Foundation one Sunday evening, I haven't had the opportunity to get to know you better face to face. However your blogs have opened a window into your life here in Bristol which I have been privileged to share. I shall miss them.
I wish you and your family well as you return to Liverpool to begin another chapter of your life and I hope I can look forward to hearing all about it in future posts.
God speed Ellen.
I echo that comment too. I know you said you were thinking about what to do with your blog after you move, but I for one would love you to carry on writing here. Apart from anything I need insight into the life of a curate!! xxx
ELLEN: It all felt quite emotional last night (sorry I couldn't stay for the pub!)... as you know, I'll miss you bigtime but am just thankful that we'll be able to stay in touch via our respective blogs (whatever new form your blog takes!)... and, hopefully, Greenbelt.
love+bighugs
x
Sorry I wasn't there for your last night at Foundation, got back a bit late from Birmingham. We'll miss you in all kinds of ways, but I'm glad we'll get to see you at Greenbelt.
Tara, chuck. See you in Liverpool? Hope all goes well in the next phase of the Big Adventure.
i think you and steve should set up a post foundation support group - think he is struggling without it out!
hope all goodbyes go well and nt too tearful
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