Our seven week long experiment with a 'zones' model of all age worship reaches its penultimate expression tomorrow.  Whilst it hasn't been everyone's worship style of choice, people have very graciously stuck at it and done their best to engage with it.

It has been a lot of work for me, partly because I've opted to work alone rather than delegating or sharing responsibilities with others.  Though as any one who has done so knows, it is often a lot easier to do it all yourself even if ultimately not the 'better way'.

This morning I have been preparing the interactive prayer element for tomorrow, for which a hint is given in the photo.  This involved experimenting with different recipes and methods which are allegedly better than my 'go to' approach... we will see tomorrow if it makes any different whatesoever!

As the summer series nears its close, and having also prepared the last of my three evening services, it has, for me, been good.  I feel more energised and engaged than I have for a long time.  This is not a criticism of anyone or anything else, just how it feels for me.

It will be strange to revert to 'normal services' in the autumn, although we have several exciting things to share which preclude too much routine, at least for a while.  I like routine too, I need order and structure to thrive.  It has been good, though to have the freedom to release my creative side a little more, and I hope that, overall, it has been a positive experience for those who have shared the experiment.

I have learned a lot this summer, gained deeper understanding of what it means to be a church for all ages, and along the way had a lot of fun.  For all of this, I am truly grateful.

I finally managed to work out how to add the JustGiving widget for my "fifth anniversary of diagnosis gratefulness fundraiser" (snappy title huh!).

If you would like to choose a piece of music or a song for me to add to my 'thankfulness playlist" you can simply add it in the comment below.

If you would like to donate to CRUK's general fund, then the widget thingy on the left hand side under the 'about me' button will take you to my sponsor page.

If you don't fancy either, that's fine too :-)

This short news article on the BMS World Mission website has promped this post.

David Kerrigan is one of the people I admire most in the whole world.  He would probably be embarrassed to be told that, but it's true.

David's role in BMS is challenging and demanding, he meets hundreds of people and travels widely.  He is a gifted speaker, educator, preacher and pastor.  He holds strong views with incredible grace and humility.  He is one of the most Baptist Baptists I know.

And five years ago, when I was diagnosed with cancer and was scared witless, David took the time to pray for me during a trip to Israel/Palestine.  Since then we have met on occasions and he has been a great encourager of my own ministry.

Now David faces his own journey with cancer, has had some surgery and needs time to rest and recouperate.  I can't equal praying in the homeland of Jesus, but I can pray...

Pray that David knows the love of God surrounding him, and is granted peace within the storm

Pray that David will have places and spaces to express his emotions and concerns

Pray that David and his family will given privacy when they need it, and company when they need that

Pray that in the tracing of rainbows hope will be renewed

Pray that in the darkest night inextinquishable flames lead the way onward

Pray for wholeness and the assurance that all will be well

I hope that five years from now, David will be fit and well, living life to the full and able to look back, as I do, wondering where the time has gone.

Thirty "squares" knitted and ready for blocking, pressing and sewing up.  I have a strong suspicion some of the sizes will be sufficiently different that some knitted "shims" will be necessary.

Once that's all done, there's just the small matter of knitting a border to finish the whole thing off.

Still on target for my personal deadline!