Fifteen years ago today, I was officially inducted to the Gathering Place in the Baptist Union of Scotland, an historic appointment that still leaves me somewhat bemused, because I really am nothing special, and there are women who were chaplains or associates already in post by then. I was just the one who, somehow or other, God thought might do an okay job in this specific role... and I guess, on balance, I did.  This isn't false modesty, it's just that it's all just a bit weird to be history in your own lifetime, and knowing that there were things you could have done better, or more, or less, or different....

Anyway... photo me with Rev Andrew Rollinson who, at the time, headed up the Ministry work of the BUS, and who is one of the good guys.  

Today I am working my way through a raft of documents about risk assessment, which means checking at least two Baptist websites, and then reverting to the place I trust best for this stuff - the Health and Safety Executive (though I should declare an interest in that I used to teach their stuff in a past life; and to be fair both websites signpost there).

I like that my 'old tricks' are still useful quarter of a century later... just need to bite my metaphorical tongue hard at some of the quasi quantitative stuff that is (at least sometimes) used unquestioningly by people not qualified to make that judgement... a good qualitative risk assessment wins every day of the week imo. 

(And if this all sounds like gobbledegook, I rest my case!)

...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!