Off to IMC, the BMS training facility, in Birmingham first thing tomorrow to meet with other women Baptist ministers at the annual BUGB WIM day.

First thing means first thing... taxi at 5a.m. to the railway station in order to arrive in time and I get back about 11 p.m.

So why go?

Firstly because it's good to connect with other people who understand my context of ministry... this is not women over against men, it is women being women together.  There's a difference.  It is not some kind of holy coven and we don't all think alike on anything... well except that God has called us of course.

Secondly both BUGB and The Gatherers have very graciously allowed me to.  Maybe this should be number one really.  It is important.  For important theological reasons, even though I could have been a BUGB minister of the dual-denominationality Gathering Place, I was transferred to BUS.  Hence I have no 'right' to go to this BUGB-accredited ministers' event (I'm not on their list anymore) and the Gatherers don't have to let me go.  So I am privileged and grateful.

Lastly maybe I will gain some new insights, seeing from a different place that (BUGB) which was once normal, being a (BUS) minority wthin a (female) minority.  One of the things that so easily happens is that we get self-obsessed and it is good to see a bigger picture.

Anyway, she says modestly, I think it's good for people to see a real live historical person!!

PS If I see God in the divine dressing gown first thing tomorrow I'll be sure to let you know.

The sun is streaming through the windows of my office, and I sweltered on the walk to work... summer must be coming.

This post is a bit of an advert really.  Advertising a couple of upcoming summery events with which we have connections.

First is the Glasgow West End Festival for which we have organised a couple of events and are hosting one or two others.  Lots of things for people of all ages and interests, so should be something fun.  I am trying to shape my services around a 'festival' theme and our choir is offering a musical midsummer communion as a evening act of worship.  There are due to be two 'Philosophy Cafes' at the Gathering Place with great speakers, but no so highbrow I won't understand it!!  Check the website and come and say hello - we'd love to see you.

Then there is SOLAS a sparkly new Christian Arts Festival for Scotland (welcoming people from Ireland, Wales and England too) which sounds great (even if it clashes date-wise with the above).  This is not just Greenbelt with a Scottish Accent, although Greenbelt is one of the partners (with Christian Aid) and there will be some similarities.  One of our folk is part of the planning team; we have made a small financial donation for this year are seriously contemplating supporting/partnering/"sainting" for next year... watch this space.

Meanwhile enjoy the sunshine