One of the BUS 'values' which means that ministers are expected to meet together for support and encouragement, something that has been sadly lacking in Glasgow over the last few years, since the person who had worked tirelessly to promote it finally gave up.

I was asked by the BUS to try to start something up again, and yesterday five of us met in a pub to drink coffee, chat over what we wanted from such a group, share stories and pray together.  I was a really good gathering, and I felt encouraged.

Funny how it goes... years ago had someone told me I'd be part of a prayer meeting in a pub I'd have said, "I don't think so"... the Dibley Lunch Club empowered me to pray in restaurants, and now I have led in prayer in a pub.  Made me smile anyway.

A good beginning, now we have to make it happen long term.

Yesterday's service using the #showup theme seemed to be well received and, despite some hiccups (hiccoughs?) with the technology we got there in the end.  The Church meeting that followed seemed to go well, and we got through a lot of material in an hour or thereabouts.  By the time I got home, almost six hours after I arrived at church I was pretty tired, but it was good tired.

This week I will be showing up in all sorts of places doing bits of ministry with BUS, BUGB, the University of Glasgow and of course with the Gathering Place.  There's a fair amount of travel and a good deal of no web access (either as their isn't any or because I won't have a web accessing device).  So it'll be quieter around here.

In the meantime, I am now pretty clear what my own response to the #showup agenda will be, which won't be to join a political party but instead will focus on electoral reform (good job my dear old Dad isn't around to read that!!)

Social media is, it seems, awash with comment on the General Election results, some posts much more edifying than others.  Euphoria in some places, devastation in others, and a fair degree of bewilderment.

I am reluctant to comment for fear of misunderstanding or inadvertently causing hurt or offence (so why am I typing this, I ask myself!) and at the same time feel it would be remiss to say nothing.

A number of scriptural injunctions strike me, and especially these two:

1 Timothy 2: 1 - 4

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Whatever we may feel about the MPs who now represent us locally, or who must work together in some way or other nationally, we are to pray for them, not about them or against them.  Whilst we hear stories of scandal , and whilst there is a lot of mud slinging from pretty much every direction, most politicians are genuine hardworking people who are prepared to give of themselves in the service of others. To pray for them - for wisdom, for integrity, for honesty, for generosity of spirit - can only be a good thing.

Some of my readers will be feeling relieved or happy today.  Others will be feeling devastated or unhappy.  The call to rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep is a hard one, especially when the two coexist.  There is a risk that the 'being all things to all people' as the Apostle Paul advocates, can end up with us begin left in bits ourselves.  But for me it's the right call.

Of course I have feelings about the outcomes locally, nationally and UK-wide.  The challenge is to channel those feelings in a positive direction.

This election has crystalised some of my political thinking, not along any party line, but in regard to process.  Over the coming days I will be giving some thought and prayer to what I do with that.