Today was another lovely morning at church - full to capacity and a goodly number of visitors and potential newbies.  The power went on the blink again but we carried on regardless - we're good at that!

It was a special service today as we were receiving into membership my namesake - a historic moment as one Catriona received another Catriona into a local congregation.  We can be reasonably confident that hasn't happened before!  Anywhere.  Rather than a testimony in the traditional sense, Catriona chose to sing the song 'For Good' from the musical 'Wicked'.  At first sight you might think that's an odd choice, but it reflected her faith journey and what she wanted to say to the congregation in which she has grown up and been allowed to develop at her own pace.  It was the right song for the right girl.  A little unconventional for a church, maybe, but right for this moment.

Part of the way I do reception into memberhsip is to invite 'those for whom this is your regular place of worship' to make the 'members' covenant promises.  This is deliberate, as like most Baptist churches we have many long term non-members who are faithful , hardworking, real-terms members.  I was thrilled to see our students all choosing to stand at the point - a sense that they feel this is their community.

It was a happy morning, a morning of hope and joy, and I am glad.  As we pondered four prophetic imaginings from Isaiah 2, 9, 42 and 56 I hope that we found a blend of encouragement and challenge to take us on through Advent.

I love my church!  Even if the fabric is a litlte worn... ;-)