This evening - or is it last - I was one of the local clergy persons being wined (or shloered in my case) and dined by the local penties for whom I occasionally preach.  It really was superb hospitality - their annual "church leaders' banquet" is a three course feast with proper, home prepared, gourmet food.

The evening included a quiz and I'm proud to say that, partnered by the YFC worker, I won it, upholding honour for Baptists everywhere in all four categories.  As the hound that advertises insurance would say, Oh yes!  We were soar away winners by five points, the runners up being the husband of the other Baptist minister partnered with the wife of a vicar!

I have to confess I still don't know how many times 'euthus' appears in Mark or 'pneuma' in the NT but at least we got the number of appearances of Gabriel correct and knew there are five women in Matthew's genealogy.  A few good guesses in this and other categories (general knowledge and recognisisng sweet wrappers from a picture of one letter) secured our victory.

Had to smile at one trick question in one of the Bible rounds, which we all got wrong, and which pushed the FIEC man close to telling the quiz organiser he was wrong.

In which of these chapters of Genesis is the first mention of rain? 1, 2 or 7?

We all dutifully answered 7 - but the correct anser is 2.... "rain had not yet fallen on the earth"!  Even the FIEC man had a good laugh once it was explained.

It was a good fun evening, excellent food and pleasant company.  It was true hospitality and so a truly spiritual experience.