I am currently reading this little, entry level, book on reading the Bible intelligently written by the Australian Biblical scholar Robyn J Whitaker.  It's a nice accessible read, aimed espeically at those who come from a conservative theological background - which is the author's own story.  She holds together keen critical insights with a profound love of scripture.  Definitely one to consider sharing with teenagers or with adults who have never come across the concepts she shares which range from authority and (in)errancy to genre, the canon, and interpretation.  It's mostly stuff I've known since my teens (the back of the original Good News Bible was remarkable helpful in this regard!) and is great as a primer for those considering serious Bible study, preaching or ordination training.

... and a time to every purpose under heaven.

This post is decidedly late in the day, as the news it contains has been public domain for some time now... I have been, and continue to be, super busy.

Anyway, as per the picture above, I have been appointed as the Tutor for Ministerial Formation at Northern Baptist College, in Manchester, a half-time role that I will begin in September.  I am currently in conversations about another half-time role to sit alongside it, and hope to have some news in the not too distant future.  At the moment I have no idea where my cats and I will be living in September, but I do have a sense of peace that God will sort it out - probably at the last minute.

In the meantime, I am kept busy at the Gathering Place as we prepare to go our separate ways after as near as makes no odds 14 years together (my call was June 2009, I arrived in October 2009).

I am cautiously hopeful that this blog might find new energy as a personal space for reflection once I am not looking after church social media (though I may yet have that to do in other contexts).

Life in Scotland has been good to me, and I will carry many precious memories back to England when the time comes.

The weather forecast is pretty grim - rain all day - but I have waterproofs and I'm not made of sugar!

And the 24 mile walk to raise money for Breast Cancer Now is worth getting a bit soggy!

This week a friend I made during treatment days died of secondary breast cancer.  At the time of her scecondary diagnosis, two years ago, she noted how far things had progressed since her primary diagnosis in 2011.  That's thanks to the research made possible by cancer charities.  So my walk tomorrow is dedicated to the memory of Jane, an Anglican priest, hospital chaplain and all round good egg.

If you feel so inclined, you can sponsor me here, but there is no pressure, honestly

Yesterday I was asked to represent the charity I volunteer with, Breast Cancer Now, to receive a massive £1k donation from the Clyde Valley 'Ladies of Harley' - an amazing group of women who ride big bikes!  As you can see, I am little under-dressed in my picnk tee-sirt and flowery skirt.

This rather wonderful version of 'One More Step' was used for the film 'My Old School' (which you should wacth in BBC iplayer if you can).  I love it!