Mass Observation Day Coming Up

[curiouswombat]

Just saw a reminder on ffutures journal that it is Mass Observation Day on May 12th. For UK friends, if you want more info, and how to participate, just click here. This regular event has built up a wonderful archive of everyday life in Britain, over many years, for the use of researchers now and in the future. It is all anonymous. They hope you are having a totally ordinary day as well, so don't feel that you couldn't participate as nothing exciting is likely to happen.

I have actually posted my last two MO diaries, if you are interested in my very ordinary life you can read them if you click my mass observation tag.

Actually May 12th will be a slightly unusual Sunday for us as our new minister will be taking her first service at our church!

Comments

[brutti-ma-buoni.livejournal.com]

Huh. I haven't had a reminder this year. Good to note!

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

I must send D-d a reminder - she usually participates as well.

[debris4spike]

I really must try to do it this year ... I meant to last year but never got round to it.

New minister - have you met her yet?

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

I have indeed met her. The URC system means that once she felt she had been called to the post she came and met the elders and we, and she, decided whether we would be a good fit for each other. As we were happy she then came and 'preached with a view' - which wonderful phrase means that she came and took a service and all the members then voted on whether we wanted her or not. We did! it was unanimous.

She is Rev Dawn Mather who has come to us from the hospital chaplaincy in Weston super Mare. She arrived on the island a couple of weeks ago and is now beginning to learn the island and the two churches. She takes her first service in Ramsey this Sunday, and her first in Douglas on May 12th.

[debris4spike]

It sounds as if she is what you are all needing - I pray that things go well, both with her move, and with the Church.

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[chaotic-binky.livejournal.com]

I have never seen this before - I might do it :D

I am baking a fruit loaf to your recipe this very moment. I wonder if I have the willpower to let it sit for a couple of days.

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

I've done it for the past couple of years - I gather that the more they get the better so do join in.

I hope the fruit loaf came out well.

[chaotic-binky.livejournal.com]

The fruit loaf is moist, dark and delicious. I had some for breakfast this morning.

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

Hurrah! Glad it came out well.

[momflower.livejournal.com]

Best wishes for the transition for the church and its members. :)

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I think it should go OK - she seemed very nice when I met her.

[kazzy-cee.livejournal.com]

Timely reminder thank you!

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

My pleasure.

[myrhiann.livejournal.com]

I hope you will post your contribution to Mass Observation Day. It was an interesting read.

I like the way your church is run. It is very democratic.

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

I will certainly post it - it is interesting looking back for me, too!

Our church (the United Reformed Church) has a very long tradition of such decisions being made by the congregation rather than by someone 'outside' like a bishop - the church was formed by the coming together of the Congregational Church and the English Presbyterian Church. Of course congregations and ministers do make mistakes and end up with someone who doesn't 'fit' - but there is also the feeling that they have some responsibility for, and control over, such a situation, and it is pretty rare.

[estelcontar1.livejournal.com]

I enjoy reading your MO diaries, so, I'm glad you're writing one this year.

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

It will probably read - 'ran round organising things for church, went to church, collapsed into heap in front of TV....' :)

[bojojoti.livejournal.com]

I hope your new minister is a good fit.