...until Christmas, or at least until Advent, or the Vicar School Carol Service?

This afternoon I have been thinking about an '(Alternative) Carol Service', a 'Pop Up Nativity' and what I might include in an 'Angel-themed Advent'.

And getting sidetracked... listening to music I've used in other places and other seasons, and remembering people who have now passed through the mystery that is death... Recalling services and series I have prepared and shared (and realising they were actually really not half bad)... And feeling pleasantly melancholy, and looking forward to Advent's minor keys, and how I can weave a Sally Army rendition of a piece from Godspell into different contexts... And being surprised that I spent so many hours just pondering and exploring, and ordering and downloading... And hoping that someone else just might love some of it when it is eventually shared... 

And knowing that someone where in all of this the God who is beyond all comprehension has been present and, I dare to believe, active... and that 'Farewell to Stromness', and 'Highland Cathedral' and bits from 'Godspell' can and do express something important.

A bit of a ramble!  I have had a great afternoon, the kind that perhaps only vicary/ministery types really 'get', and I am glad.

... 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.