Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads

Scott’ Sunday Stories

E4 June 25, 2023

Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads

On Monday night this past week my wife and I landed at London Heathrow for a two week holiday. As I write we are on a 90 minute train ride between London Paddington station and Bristol Meads where we are meeting Robin Mills for the evening and then a little tourism Monday and Tuesday before we get over to Amsterdam to see Jake Walker and some sites before returning home.

We started in London in order to attend my dear friend Andrew Blacknell ordination as a Deacon in the Church or England on Saturday. Andy has been serving as a prison chaplain and this is just another step in his ability to serve the men through pastoral care and ex-offender transition. I had the privilege of shadowing Andy and got a first hand look at the impact he is making. The ordination ceremony was full of high church liturgy and rich in tradition. The ordination took place to the Southwark Cathedral, a building full of beauty and history.

Today we had the privilege of worshipping at Holy Trinity Clapham, the church William Wilberforce attended. The grandfather (maybe great grandfather?) of Venn (of the diagram) also was a part of this church as a Rector in the 1700s. If I was smarter I would draw a Venn, Venn diagram…

Having long term (we both lived in Atlanta for about 5 years of overlap), though now across the “pond”, relationships with the Blacknell’s has been so life giving to Patti and myself. Visiting with them, their family and local friends over the week has been so rewarding. We have met such lovely people whose lives and stories inspire us.

As I think of the number of posts, news articles and more concerning male loneliness, I am extremely grateful for men like Andy, and others, who have been involved in my life. I know we can be vulnerable with one another and find encouragement and challenge in our conversations so that we both grow as men, husbands, fathers, in faith and service.

Do you have an Andy? You need one.

I am also grateful to have the opportunity to travel with Patti to attend something as important as an ordination of a good friend. This season of life - empty nest, solopreneur, grandfather, etc. is exciting and new! I am looking forward with anticipation of what the rest of 2023 and 2024 will hold.

Thanks for reading and taking the ride with me!

-Scott