I was first to arrive at church this morning - not even a robin had walked on the snow, it was absolutely pristine, so I snapped a couple of photos before opening the gate and crunching my way to the door!

This photo is from 2021 when, in a second lock-down Advent, we made Jesse Trees as a shared activity (well, I sent everyone a kit, it was up to them if they made one or not!).  This morning, I will be introducing the Railway Town Church to the Jesse tree, we will also ponder Jesus' family tree, and write our prayers on 'baubles' to hang on the church Christmas tree.

I am making my own Jesse Tree (or 'heresy fir' as I rather naughtily refer to it because some of the symbols owe more to tradition than scripture) and looking forward to sharing this morning.

Actually, it beings on Sunday, and is the shortest it can be at just 21 days (the longest is when Christmas Day is a Sunday, so Advent starts on 27th November, and it lasts 28 days), but still, most Advent calendars start on December 1st.

This year I bought myself a 'traditional Advent calendar with a 'religious' scene and 'windows' that open to reveal scripture texts.  I am also once again doing a Jesse tree, an Advent book and a Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar, some Advent Zoom reflections and, for the first time, an Advent jigsaw (24 pieces a day for 24 days).  My Advent will be busy and varied - and I'm looking forward to it!

This photo popped up on social media today - exactly seven years since the very last services at The Gathering Place.

Seven years in a dedicated/designated building

Seven years tabernacling in a hotel (with a couple of years on Zoom along the way)

Almost Biblical in its rhythms

Thank you, Gatherers, for letting me travel with you, and may your next seven years be full of blessings.

This arrived from Glasgow in the week... isn't it fun!  I think I might take it into college to brighten up my office.