Technically, the Accredited Women in Ministry day of BUGB, which took place at the BMS International Missions Centre in Birmingham. It is tricky to explain to people in professions where equal opportunities legislation is in place why such a thing might be justified, let alone necessary. Why might thirty female ministers choose to spend a day together, and what on earth do they do?
Being where I am, where there happen to be lots of other women ministers, and every time a church becomes vacant God sends another one along, it can be easy to forget how isolated some women ministers are. And, having worked as a woman in a so-called male environment before I was a minister, it really wasn't the same, not least because I was protected by law from discrimination. The reality is that there are churches and ministers who will not speak to me - or my colleagues - because we are chromosomally challenged. So, alas, it is necessary to have such a gathering.
It was a good day. There was some good input both on 'Godly Play' for use with children, adults and mixed age groups, and on women's experiences as Regional Ministers - and it was interesting to note that there are proportionally more women Regional Ministers than local church ministers.
It was good to be at IMC, even if the directions I got from a certain website named after a very large number were not adequately helpful and I drove along the A38 about four times before I found the place (and yes, I can read maps thanks all the same!!). Next time I'll revert to the motoring organisation ones which always seem to work - even if they are sometimes rather longer in miles. Still, at least I did locate such diverse colleges as Woodbrook Study centre and the Queen's Foundation along the way..!
It was nice to meet a few more people who are kind enough to read this stuff, and a special 'hello' to Jim (not part of the women's day!) who was very gracious when I teased him over geography (though I doubt he'd spent so much time on a scenic tour of Edgbaston, Selly Oak and even Northfield in an attempt to locate the place). I enjoyed catching up with a few friends I hadn't seen for a while and felt that it was a day well spent - even if I then arrived at my school governors' meeting exhausted.
Many thanks to Viv, Jo and others who worked hard to make it such a great day.