The annual Ministers' Conference has come round again.  It is nice to see familiar faces, especially those I know from BMS and BUGB and only ever see at conferences.  Enjoying some thoughtful presentations on the book of Romans, eating way too much food, and grateful for the quiet of my room after the hubbub of conversations all afternoon/evening.

Having caught up on some admin, I think that an early night is justified!

Rather a wonderful mug (perhaps something to add to my Offensive (TM) collection) from the US Baptist Women in Ministry network.  I love it!  It was a treat to self, and a symbol of solidarity with sisters across the pond.

A day of annual leave, and a lovely day out to Liverpool Cathedral to see the 'Threads Through The Bible' exhibition.  It was a lovely way to spend a couple of hours, and lots to ponder.

I think my favourite section was probably the Creation, and the photo is of 'In the beginning, God' - an attempt to express something of the mystery of God as a three-stranded spiral... an image that recurred throughout the panels.  Vibrant colours, tiny details, and a dancing creation from a swirling creator, it really was a delight.

The section on the life of Jesus was beautiful, and I loved the playful detail of a different bird on each panel, chosen for their symbolism, ancient or modern, fanciful or thoughtful.

For me, Threads through Revelation, wasn't anywhere near as attractive, in fat, apart form the final panel, it left e quite cold.  It was courageous and creative, attempting to express complex symbols without trying to make them something literal when they aren't, so all credit to the creator, just not really for me.

The exhibition will be touring over the next couple of years, and well worth visiting if you have the opportunity.  See more here

Today we looked at the story of Ruth, and at the numerous commandments given t the ancient Israelites about care of widows, orphans and 'aliens'.  Using a number of other Bible verses about prayer, we used ears of wheat to gather our intercessory prayers.  People joined in well, they are really good at going along with slightly bonkers ideas!

Last week, the church email was migrated to a new platform.  It works just fin in outlook on my laptop but try as I might - and I have tried many times - it will not work either in outlook or mail on my iPhone.

This morning, BT email and webmail are both down, so no personal emails are arriving or leaving.  Just as well I have other means to check orders expected today.

And, as it's the weekend, my college email is largely silent.

This is a bit like how life used to be, before smartphones, before I had a computer at home, before email was a thing... and it is surprisingly joyous!