If there was one phrase that stood out when I began to study missiology a quarter of a century ago, it was this one from David Bosch... the, at once, obvious, and, all too often, overlooked truth, that mission comes in many shapes and sizes.

This month here in Railway Town we will be living that reality...

On Saturday 16th, we have 'Shoes and Brews', when we are opening our premises to receive gifts of school shoes/trainers that we will pass on to a local charity.  The kettle will be on and there will be snacks to enjoy.  I think last year we gathered around 30 pairs of shoes, enabling a whole class-equivalent to be kitted out for the return to school.

On Sunday 31st, we are teaming up with the town's volunteer 'Clean Team' for a 'Litter Pick-nic', to clear litter from the streets around the church, and share time together over food.  This is a new one, and I hope a fun one, as we serve our immediate neighbours in a practical way.

Mission as service, as loving our neighbour, as clothing those who need clothes... good news lived out.... mission in many modes.        

Yesterday I had a day out with a very long-standing friend, including a wander along a canal where we passed these ducks who, until I got out my phone to snap their photo, were very much in a row.

Apparently the origin of the phrase about getting one's ducks in a row is something of a mystery.  My sense is that, in life, approximate alignment is about as good as it ever gets... just when I might think my ducks are in a row, one of them moves or something disturbs them.

This summer has been characterised by much that's unexpected, so if my metaphorical mallards are as well aligned as the ducks in the photo, I reckon I'm doing okay!