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!