Today is the fifth anniversary of my induction as minister at the Gathering Place... time flies when you are having fun.  Of course it hasn't all been plain sailing, we've encountered a few squalls and negotiated a few reefs, rocks and sharks along the way, but we are here, and it's good to celebrate.

Today we will welcome four folk into covenanted membership, reflect on where we are in relation to the Pauline injunction to 'rejoice!', then after lunch share in an information meeting relating to some of our next steps together before I head off with another perosn to take communion to one of our 'shut-ins'.

This, then is ministry: joy and sorrow, flawed followers determined to keep going, community discernment, pastoral care.

This, then, is ministry: I am content to be part of it.

Happy Birthday to us!!

As the saying goes: for what is past, thank you, for what's to come, yes.