This blog has become a scrapbook in its true form: not something which is regular like a diary, but a periodic place in which to put fragments of my journey as a Licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England. It is mainly here for my benefit, to record prayers, ideas, events which have had a particular meaning for me, thoughts I wanted to keep in the midst of a very full life. It was originally called Polly Pilgrim’s blog.

There are many gaps, it is not a journal of what I do or think as a Reader, but more a way of collecting those parts of the journey I do not want to lose as time goes by. My Reader life connects in many ways with my personal, family and professional life, but this is a place in which to store things I want to come back to. As a Reader I am privileged to preach and lead services, lead prayers, create prayers, take home communion, serve as a Cathedral Day Chaplain, support Christian charities, particularly Christian Aid, work alongside friends in many other local churches through our local Churches Together group, lead or help with courses relating to discipleship, attend and minute PCC and committee meetings, meet with the local ministry team and Deanery Synod, go to Reader conferences and study days, visit and talk with my spiritual director and make a private short retreat each year in Aylesford. All these things are woven in and around the other parts of my life and I am grateful for, and constantly learn from, every one of them.

None of the personally written items in this blog are the views of, or agreed by, my Minister, my parish, my benefice or my Diocese – I take full responsibility for all content. And while this is mainly a scrapbook for me, I hope that any visitor who stumbles upon it may find food for thought and learn a little of a Christian way.