I think that is how I would describe today: one of those days when ministry is fun (despite the worst efforts of technology) and you know why you said 'yes' to the call rather than doing the sensible thing and ignoring it!

This morning I was guest preacher at a church in HEBA where one of my former staff is one of the deacons and who, during their interregnum has been booking preachers.  He and his family gave me overnight hospitality and a packed lunch for my journey home on the basis I had, literally, to drive from one service to another.

The service included a baby blessing - not something I get very many of, so a real privilege to lead on their behalf.  A lovely young couple with a gorgeous baby son, along with four "god-parents" (supporters, J, it's ok ;-) ) came and celebrated with the church family that they may one day join - grandma of one of the couple goes there sometimes!  It was lovely to pray with and for them and to give gifts from the host church (card and flowers) and my own (a Salvadorean cross) expressing love and promises to pray for them.

Also in the service was Brigade enrolment - the reason I'd been asked to take the service as I would 'obviously' know how to do this.  Actually it was the first time in more than a decade I'd been at such a service and I'd never led one before.  With some very simple liturgy promises were made and it was good to see the children and young people there.

Back to Dibley for our own harvest service.  The slide show with embedded media clips and CD music had worked perfectly when I tested at home yesterday but today, no, it went doolally!  With a bit of juggling I pulled it round while a hymn was sung (thank goodness I also supply printed sheets) and everything went fairly smoothly.  We had decided to collect non-perishables for a local authority support project, and my little congregation - only around 20 of them - brought 104 items without a single tin of 'value' beans - I was well impressed.  Granted there were 17 tins of beans in that total, but it also included some thoughtful and creative items such as chocolate biscuits, breakfast cereal, dried pasta and drinking chocolate.  As the project support homeless people and the local women's refuge, to receive a bag of groceries which includes a few 'luxuries' hopefully sends a message to people that they are valuable and worthy of special things at a time when they may feel very much the opposite.  I was proud of my people!

So, I came home, transferred the 104 items into strong carrier bags (the 'bag for life' type) and tomorrow will deliver them to the resource centre.  I hope these 'bags of blessing' will bless others even a fraction of the amount I feel I've been blessed today.

The Baptist Times this week reported that people did not have (quote) 'a detailed knowledge of the Nativity', whilst I am sure I know what they mean, I'm not actually too sorry about the fact that people are not growing up thinking that three shepherds brought a lamb and three kings arrived moments later with gold, frankinstein (groan) and myrrh.  Maybe there's an opportunity for the church to actually get to grips with what the gospels actually do/don't say about it all. But, if you want a funny video of the nativity then maybe this which, inspired the Churches' Advertising Network 2007 poster, is for you.  Enjoy (ht revjev)

Many of my friends, 'real life' and 'virtual world,' are in tough places at the moment.  Lots of painful struggles, deep anxieties, bereavements and emotional or spiritual emptiness.  This is for them - or you if you are one of them , several of you are - a picture from a card given to me many years ago by Rachel Jenkins, my college tutor at the time, and some words from a Roman Catholic hymn which expresses something of God's eternal presence.  Hope they help.

One of the RC songs suggested for our songs of praise service got me thinking.  I think I like what it is saying, even though it does not qualify as even remotely decent poetry.  It speaks of the limitations of our responses to God...

The love I have for you, my Lord,

Is only a shadow of youe love for me;

Only a shadow of your love for me;

Your deep abiding love.

My own belief in you, my Lord,

Is only a shadow of your faith in me;

Only a shadow of your fiath in me;

Your deep and lasting faith.

My life is in your hands;

My life is in your hands.

My love for you will grow, my God.

Your light in me will shine.

The dream I dream today, my Lord,

Is only a shadow of your dream for me;

Only a shadow of all that will be;

If I but follow you.

The joy I feel today, my Lord,

Is only a shadow of your joys for me;

Only a shadow of your joys for me;

When we meet face to face.

Carey Landry from 'Hymns Old and New' pub. Kevin Mayhew (No 536)

That our dreams for ourselves are but a shadow of God's dreams for us - that seems to be something worth pondering.

On 12th October we have a 'songs of praise' service at a local sheltered housing complex, with hymns and songs chosen by lunch club folk.

Among the requests are three for which I have no music - though I think have now tracked down the words.  One is an old Salvationist hymn and two are Roman Catholic (I definitely have these words as I have on permanent, unofficial loan a copy of the RC Hymns Old and New words only).  Can anyone help?

The hymns are:

Jesus, keep me near the cross (evidently the tune is called Healing Stream) (Salvationist)

There is a river (tune may be called something like Going Home) (RC)

The love I have for you my Lord (RC)

Photocopies or scans of music would be great - and we are CCLI registered so legal too, I believe.  If you can help, please leave a comment and I'll email you (you don't need to post your email address, I can email you via the blog service)

If nothing else it will make a change from 'Abide with me' or 'How Great Thou Art' which are requested every time.

Thank you one and all.