Pastor Derek – 3rd July

Day off today so Judith and I drive to Orlando to have a look at the shopping Malls.  A new one has been built which  is very swish and very, very expensive.  We had no mishaps on the journey and found our way without the need of a map.

Just a relaxing day today before the fireworks tomorrow!

Weather has improved considerable just touched 99 degrees F.

Pastor Derek – 2nd July

Well, another interesting day.  Arrived at work early to do some work on this weekends service at New Covenant.  I am the liturgist and not too sure what I should be saying and doing, or when.

Went to lunch with a group of Old Southern Boys and when them lads get together I tell you, you have no idea what is being said!  I let Gary order for me because i couldn’t understand the menu or the waitress!

The church office closed at 1 PM today and is closed tomorrow because its the 4th July on Saturday, and these folks keep reminding me of the historic events.  I was home for 2 pm and after a few lengths of the pool I jumped on the tractor mower and cut the front yard (as they say here).  That took three and a half hours ON THE TRACTOR!

Very hot today and about time too!!  Keep watching…

Very funny

Sounds like we will have to book Pastor Derek for an evening when he gets back so that he can tell us what is so very funny about himself and British Methodism!  Perhaps its just his accent!  Anyway – if tomorrow is a nice day I might just go to the Manse at Longton and cut the grass for Pastor Dan.  I wonder if he will find that funny.  I suppose that he will want to see Blackpool before he leaves this area although it is one of those places which is visited by everyone except the locals, who avoid it if possible.  If you want a brash, loud and glitzzy day out wearing a “Kiss me quick” hat then I suppose it’s OK but driving through is more like a nightmare.

Pastor Derek -1st July

What a great day today.  I led the staff prayers this morning then in the afternoon Judith and I were treated to a guided tour of the place where we are working The Villages, its absolutely amazing!

Tonight i spoke at the JAWS meeting to an audiance of 350 people after eating another wonderful meal cooked on the church premises.  Birds Nest Soup followed by ‘Sloppy Joes, fries and coleslaw then cake and iced tea.

I prattled on for one and half hours about my background, my call to ministry, my family and British Methodism.  The folks were rolling about with laughter. 

Move over Peter Kay, Derek’s here!

Longing to be in Florida

We now seem to be in the middle of a heatwave with temperatures over 26 degrees Celsius. Everyone is sat looking totally sapped of energy but the atmosphere is very humid and feels like a storm might be brewing.  It must be very relaxing for Pastor Derek being entertained by a Japanese cook while waiting for your lunch to be served,  then off to the golf course.  I wonder if he is in danger of  getting into bad ways?  I wouldn’t like him to forget the pleasure of a damp winter afternoon with the joy of a Church Council in the evening.

Pastor Derek – Tuesday 30th June

9:15 pm local time here in Florida and the rain persists.

I’ve had a great day today and really felt a part of what was going on all around me.  The first event of the day was the weekly Men’s Prayer Breakfast at 7:30AM, all you can eat for $4 (£2. 50), about 150 men present and I have been invited to speak next week.

Then a woship planning meeting for this coming 4th July weekend, followed by desk work in the office until finishing time.  We were then taken out for a meal at the local Japanese Steakhouse.  The chef cooked at our table and entertained us at the same time.  It was absolutely superb!!

I am getting a little embarrased as the folks here wont let us pay but we have a plan up our sleeve.  Also, the local newspaper wants an interview so I should be in print before too long.

Here’s to another full day tomorrow!!

Pastor Derek – Monday 29th June

No one bothered to tell me that there are two 7 o’clock’s in America and one of them is very early!!

Monday has been yet another good day.  I arrived at my office for 8:30 AM with my secretary laying out that days schedule and giving me my diary dates for the week ahead.  Pat (my secretary is great).

I had a Church Directors meeting at 10 AM followed by staff lunch (which was plentiful and delicious) in the church with all the staff and Judith too.

After that I came back to the house to work on my talk for Wednesday evening at JAWS (Just Another Wednesday Supper).  I’m told they have sold out, 260 in the audience and 30 staff, all to hear my Lancashire twang.  I’m a bit embarrassed and wondering just what to tell them!!

It seems I have a very busy day tomorrow with a 7:30 AM start at the Mens Breakfast, $6 all in for a feast that will fill a big man all day.

I have also talked to the Senior Pastor, Don, about me doing an English worship service one weekend, and he is keen to let me do it.  Watch this space for more details.

A Reminder

By reading someone’s comment to Pastor Derek, I have been reminded that you can see and hear Derek in action, at New Covenant United Methodist Church.  All you need to do is follow the link to http://www.newcovenantumc-fl.org/ and click on the appropriate date.  It will open a new window where you need to wait  a few minutes for the service to start.

Another good service.

This evening went very well and Dan commented on the quality of the singing.  His blessing was a special one and I must get the recording and put the text of it on the blog.  It is well worth reading and thinking about.  That is my task for tomorrow. 

Good to know that Derek’s services have gone well.  I hope that Judith is benefiting from the good weather in Florida.  This afternoon was rather extreme, even by our standards.  Even the manhole covers on a major road had been lifted by the force of the water as it burst out of the drains.  It will leave behind a hazard for the unwary when the water recedes until the covers are replaced.

First service with Pastor Dan

This mornings service went very well and was appreciated by all.  Dan started by telling us a little of his experiences between Florida and Longton.  He had stayed for 10 days in Ireland and was still getting to grips with driving on the “correct” side of the road when, on a narrow country lane he came across a vehicle travelling quickly towards him.  Dans natural instincts took over and he tried to squeeze down the right hand side of the oncoming vehicle, only to realise at the last moment that it wasn’t going to work.  He swerved across and crept sheepishly past on the left side, safe in the knowledge that at least he wouldn’t be recognised.

One thing in his service which I found particularly helpful was his invitation “will you pray with me” before his prayers.  Although very acceptable, it is not a form of words which is commonly used in my experience but made it seem much more personal.