... on Sunday our service will centre on Level 1 Safeguarding (something it's good to do at least annually) and I will be preaching drawing on Proverbs 31: 8-9, Matthew 18: 1-6 and Galatians 6: 1- 10.  It is among the least 'expository' sermons I've ever written, and, in a week where issues of abuse have filled news reports, one that feels extremely important. It will mention by name a former newsreader, someone who owned a high class shop, a nurse, a GP and a couple of  significant Christian leaders and  organisations.  It will include some anonymised stories that may hint at glimmers of hope.  It will pose some tough questions and avoid simplistic answers.

It will include a (repeated) trigger warning.

It won't be enough because words are never enough.

But it's something, and hopefully that's better than nothing.

I have no idea who King Lemuel's mother was, but she spoke some wisdom:

"Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8 - 9 GNB)

Today the Railway Town Baptist Church has been open as part of the Heritage Open Days (HOD) running across the town and beyond.  The sanctuary boasts wonderful displays charting the history of the church and a glorious selection of artifacts which  celebrate people and moments in time.

From the first tentative meetings in a 'Coffee Tavern' in 1882, to the completion of the building in 1884 was just two years!  Surviving fires, explosions, floods, terrorist threats (which thankfully proved unfounded) and even a global pandemic, this congregation is nothing if not tenacious and resilient.

The folk who visited today seemed to enjoy themselves (already we have some lovely feedback from one visitor) and the tiny team who put it all together should be justifiably proud of all they've achieved.

If you happen to be in the area on Saturday morning, there will be another opportunity to see it all... and I have agreed to build the Church Anniversary Service (in November) around it too!

This week in Railway Town, it is 'Heritage Open Days' when all sorts of buildings are opening their doors to show off their history. 

Our little church is joining in, and a very enthusiastic little team has taken responsibility for it all. This morning, we lifted down three battered, big, black Bibles from the pulpit, which will form part of the display.  I enjoyed opening each of them, especially this one, which includes several 'plates' or 'engravings' of scenes from the scriptures. 

There were two things especially that caught my attention...

• It was printed in Glasgow, in Albion Street, a part of the city where, for some considerable time, the local newspaper(s) was (were) printed.
• It is apparently 'self-interpreting' - I love the recognition that scripture needs to be interpreted, and I love that this is some kind of ancient AI that can interpret itself! 

I'm looking forward to seeing the completed display on Thursday, when I'll be lurking near the open baptistry to talk to anyone who happens along.

Delighted someone suggested we do this - and then made it happen!

Today is the official last day of my first year in my 'new' roles.  I have had a lot of fun and there have many wonderful moments along the way.  Learning to work bi-vocationally is a challenge, and trying to squeeze two 'quarts' into two 'half pint glasses' is never going to work, but it's fun trying!

Very grateful to colleagues and organisations who make it possible, especially the Railway Town Baptist Church and the Best Ever Baptist Vicar School, who are gracious enough to entrust me me with these opportunities.

Lots of new challenges ahead, but I reckon it's been a good first year. 

Some years ago (five to be precise) I came across the idea of 'Blessing of Backpacks' as a back-to-school thingy for churches.  It is a bit cheesy but I also like the idea of saying to children and young people... and indeed students... that they matter and that how they feel about school/college/university/starting work matters.

When I did it in Glasgow, I was especially moved when our refugees brought their backpacks for blessing, as they continued with English language courses, as well as university students and children of all ages.

This Sunday I am hoping our children will be able to attend, and have a few extra tags for anyone else who brings their backpacks.

I paid for the inserts from a couple of Etsy sellers, and scaled the 'cards' to fit business card sized laminating pouches.

I'm looking forward to blessing some backpacks - and if any are left may even tag my own school bag!!