This morning, I was at church first thing to check on the baptistery, switch on the heater and then cover up the whole thing in an attempt to keep the heat in, and keep the spiders out!

I found myself reflecting on the fact that this is the first time I've been part of a congregation acting purely as 'host', and that, with two exceptions when we used a hired portable baptistery, all the baptisms have taken place in borrowed buildings or, in the case of the one in the sea, a host community.

It's been interesting to notice how my experience of having been the guest so many times affects my approach to being the host.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's service, when 'all' I have to do is the welcome, notices and the housekeeping! 

Those who have known me a long time know that I am not a lover of hairdressers, and that having had the same one for the greater part of fifteen years, having to find a new one in a new place was quite a big thing.

So, today I went to the delightfully named 'HeadKase' salon in the Railway Town where I met lovely stylist who listened carefully and put me at ease.  Working with the natural waves/kinks in my hair, and basically tidying it up after several months of neglect,  she left me feeling very happy with the result... one of the few times I have honestly had a smile that went to my eyes when I was shown what it looked like.

Of course, as soon as I have to wash it, the waves will largely disappear, but I am going to enjoy them whilst they last.

At least I'll look respectable for doing interviews tomorrow!

Today, for the second successive day, both cats ventured outside.  Sophie has been doing so for a while, but Sasha has only just decided it's okay to do so.  Maybe the fact that I was working outside, and had both lunch and tea outside, contributed to her feeling it was safe enough to do so?

After the photo was taken, and the cats had gone in, I did cut the grass! 

Yesterday I took a trip to Liverpool, had a lovely amble along the waterfront and then spent time visiting each of the cathedrals.  I've attended services in each of them, and taken part on the Whit walk along Hope Street a fair few times, but this was the first time to really explore them, and it was a real blessing, as they each hold a real treasure store of architecture, art and spirituality.

The photo is from the Anglican Cathedral and is a stunning wooden sculpture of the crucifixion.  Spending time with it, and reflecting on how we as Jesus' followers continue to inflict wounds upon each other, and, hence, on him was salutary yet also, strangely beautiful.

Below is a poster from the Chapel of Unity in the Metropolitan (Roman Catholic) cathedral that reminds us of the shared central elements of Christianity (even if we may disagree in the mode of Baptism).  It reminded me of the words attributed to various wise people...

In essentials, unity

In non-essentials, liberty

In all things, charity. 

So yes, Liverpool was blessing (or maybe a 'blessun') yesterday.

After a day and a half in online interviews, which was a very positive experience, I was well ready for some fresh air, and a walk along the brook nearby.  The blossom, bluebells, dandelions and wild garlic were delightful to behold, and after so much rain, sleet and hail, the sunshine was a special blessing.

A day off outing planned for tomorrow... so be ready for updates in due course!