Yesterday we were one of the Scottish baptist churches hosting members of the National Settlement Team (NST) who were (are) up for their occasional Caledonian gathering.  We were privileged to welcome Rev Dr Paul Goodliff, head of ministries, who brought us a timely sermon on the ongoing nature of conversion, or reconversion, as well as the need for an initial commitment.  Based on Acts 9 and John 21 (with a couple of verses of Ezekiel for good measure) it continued our lectionary approach, and fitted in well to the series with the working title Extra-Ordinary.

Unusually, I read the Bible passages in the context of worship.  Other than as a visiting preacher, it is incredibly rare that I do so nowadays.  And I enjoyed it very much indeed.  I always enjoy hearing other people when I'm preaching, noticing new nuances in the texts as I do so.  The same was true yesterday, not least because it feels different reading aloud than reading silently.

Next Sunday's service continues the Acts thread, and moves on from Damascus to Joppa, and I am already quite excited about what God might be saying to us in the little story we will focus on.

If praying be your thing, and if Baptistness is something you understand, please pray for the NST as they endeavour to match churches and ministers.