From Sunny Winchester to Windy Chicago
We had a wonderful family day last Saturday when our eldest son Ben married the beautiful Alice Conn - we now have another Mr and Mrs Tibbert! The weather was kind, Hope Church, Winchester - the place where Ben and Alice first met - provided a brilliant setting for the service, and David and Hilary Conn hosted a fantastic wedding reception at The Long Barn in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. There were many highlights throughout the day, but if I had to choose one it would be when each of my three sons spoke at the reception - Ben as the groom of course, and Josh and Sam as best men. They expressed with great confidence, clarity and humour the type of family we are, and I was extremely proud of each of them. It was a very moving moment, one I will carry with me forever.
Then early on Monday morning, Phil Varley and I flew to Chicago to attend the USA Vineyard Large Church Conference, held on this occasion at Bill Hybels’ church, Willow Creek. It was great to have the opportunity of catching up with Steve Nicolson while we were there – his wisdom and advice is always highly valued by us. It was a very short trip this time, but a very useful one, and we returned yesterday morning.
Lastly, this coming Sunday we will be having 16 baptisms throughout the day. I look forward to seeing you all there! And, if you have not already done so, remember to pick up the latest copy of King’s Life and have a look to see what groups are on offer this term – places will be filling up quickly.
See you all on Sunday!
