So, on Friday I was in London (those cupcakes travelled a VERY long way) and on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning I snapped photos that I thought *might* speak something into this theme... mixing work with leisure as ever!

Anyhow, here is a photo from Friday afternoon.  At one level it is a failure - the shutter closed just to late and I missed the straight down the street shot I'd been after (I was on a Duck at the time!).  At another it is fantastic - it has lots of people as well as lots of buildings and flags.  If you look at it, what do you notice?  Where may God be found?

To whom is the girl on the left speaking on the phone?  About what?

What is the man in the apron doing?  Why is he there?

What is in the folder being carried by the business man walking towards the left?  Where is he going?

And the person with the umbrella - where is he/she headed?

What other people, places and situations are expressed?

God of the city, hear their prayers and let their cries come to you.

Well, yesterday the comment count on this blog reached 3000, so time for a present giveaway to the commenter.

Pam (who commented on urban spirituality) please let me know via commenting if an Amazon voucher is OK as your reward, as you don't seem to have a wish list.

Many, many thanks to all commenters (who brave the dreadful unpredictability of this platform) and lurkers for your support, encouragement and interest for what is now heading towards seven years!

One of the tea time television quizzes 'de jour' is Pointless.  I have to admit I quite like this (and twice would have one the jackpot had I made it that far, once on long distance footpaths in the UK and the other on Scottish universities) and if I'm home will happily sit and watch it.

So, this morning part of our service will be 'Pointless' as I give people one hundred seconds tyo write down as many _____ __ _____ in the Bible as they can.  Ah but that'd be telling, some read this before coming to church and would have time to swat up first.

Think good categories for Pointless at some poiont to have would be ...

Books of the Bible

Parables told by Jesus

Plagues of the Exodus

Oh, and of course variants on the one I'm using, which will produce loads and loads of 'pointless' answers for sure!!

Tomorrow I am travelling south to meet some friends for a very quick catchup and promised them some cupcakes:

The question is, will they survive being carried on and off three trains in the process?

Sometimes I think I make some rather ridiculous promises!

One of the delights and privileges of being an experienced minister is mentoring less experienced ministers, and this year I have been working with a very capable and intelligent young minister, reflecting on aspects of a complex ministry pattern and watching as nascent gifts and skills begin to find expression.

Today to mark the end of year one, we went out for lunch.  I am the 'food 'n' drink' mentor, the one who buys wine (or soft drinks) for NAMs, who sups coffee (or tea) at the drop of a hat, and who thinks food is very important (and that it ticks the WWJD box!). 

I am privileged indeed - there are not many jobs/careers that allow such enjoyable means of working, or that permit such important working relationships to be formed.  When I wrote my essay on mentoring for SBC/BUS (so that I could be a thrice-qualified mentor) I read some stuff about women's mentoring styles.  Whilst I dislike gender stereotypes, it does seem that women are more likely than men to see leisurely meetings over meals as a valid approach.

Anyway, I have a full belly and a warm glow from our conversations.  Have a brilliant summer M, and in September Year 2 begins - more coffee methinks!