I had the privilege of spending two days with something like 60 other Baptist leaders at a retreat centre in Northamptonshire.  As we neared the venue, I remarked to a colleague that my Dad had been a patient at a hospital in Creaton, where the centre was, during the 1970s.  Out of curiosity, I did an internet search, and lo and behold, the retreat centre was in fact the place where the hospital had once stood.

This morning, a group of us went for a walk and passed the URC that had once been paired with the one I attended as a teenager (and which a little bit of research showed me is now part of a partnership of ten churches with two/three ministers.) 

It was curious adding some new and very different memories to a place I had never expected to visit again... seeing how much has changed and how the landscape was actually remarkably similar to how it had been all those long years ago.

None of this was what we were meant to be pondering, but it was interesting to me.

Today is full of Christmas cheer - even if it is still Advent!

This morning our youngest deacon and leader of our children's work, J, will facilitate our Pop-up nativity using the Grumpy Owl resource (see here).

So, since, if you have an owl, you also need a pussy cat (if no beautiful pea-green boat) it's the Sophie jumper this morning.  Over the coming days, look out for Sasha, Rudolph and others from my cheesy collection of jumpers!!

Really looking forward to the chaos and joy of this morning's service.

I love this tableau in the foyer of Railway Town Baptist Church... we bought the 'garage door' hanging, the Rainbows and Brownies made the stars, and the effect is very eye-catching.

Lots of people pass by on their way to/from the local retail park, or from the railway station, so I hope this brings them some joy on their journeys. 

Donkey Roads and Camel Treks by Gemma Simmonds

Every year I buy a new Advent book, and most years I soon grow tired of simplistic or sentimental reflections.  This year I have found one that not only accepts, it embraces and expresses thoughtful, educated theology without becoming dry or soulless.

I have yet to discover the basis for the title, but I am enjoying reading the work of a woman of deep faith and profound wisdom who can write in an accessible way without losing the keen insights of her academic study.

Definitely one to consider for next year - unless you are up for playing a lot of catch up this year!