Yesterday was our first valedictory service since the merger... celebrating Baptist and URC participants who have completed various formational programmes and pathways.  Continuing a long-standing tradition, those on ministerial pathways were invited to choose a book that would "nourish their ministry", and which would be presented to them during the service.

I always love seeing the books people choose, and how those choices reflect who they are.  This year was no exception... including tracking down one that was out of print (hurrah for Ebay and small book sellers who have stashes of niche books) and one that was 'used very good' but turned out to be good as new.

We dined well, we worshiped well, our guest preacher was awesome, and our leavers left with smiles on their faces.  This was the first cohort I have seen go right through college, the first group of Baptists for whom I was entrusted with developing their programme, and URCs for which I shared that responsibility with a colleague... I reckon that we - and I - did okay.  Actually, we did more than okay, we did a  great job! 

Go well, leavers, and to quote one of our former Baptist Principals "preach well and keep the faith".