Life continues to be busy with lots of things that it isn’t appropriate to blog about; not least the church’s search for an associate minister. But in the midst of the routine I’ve spotted something I’d not noticed before. Preaching thematically this term about putting God first, I thought it would be appropriate to start... Continue Reading →
Small groups
As I forwarded this link to our small groups co-ordinator I thought I might blog it as well. Those of you who are on the BUGB E-news sweep will know how it came to my attention - thank you to the communications team. On my long list of things to do is to try and... Continue Reading →
The light ahead is….
It is now a month since the summer holiday and, so far, there has been little time for blogging. Truth is I’ve been so busy and too exhausted to blog; which raises the question why? Is it that I’m disorganised or do I have unreal expectations of myself? Perhaps I’ve simply got a death wish... Continue Reading →
Papal Visit
I recognise that the visit is over and most people have moved on but if only to prove I'm still alive I thought I would share some rambling thoughts. 1. I’m not sure why it was made a ‘state’ rather than ‘pastoral’ visit but I’m not convinced this was wise. Notwithstanding the opportunities it gave... Continue Reading →
Holiday France 2010
Having returned from our holiday in France I decided to blog about what we got up to before normal service is resumed. Outward journey: Uneventful drive to Eurotunnel crossing; we arrived early and were able to get on an earlier train. Personally I prefer the ferry but Eurotunnel can be paid for with Tesco... Continue Reading →
Time to bin covenant?
In Baptist life in England there are a number of overused phrases (the Baptist family and deep listening are two that come to mind) whose benefit to corporate discussion is lost by repetition. I wonder if it is now time to add the word covenant. I’m not suggesting the word has no benefit, clearly covenant... Continue Reading →
Reflections on Study Leave 2
As I’ve been surrounding myself with writers from 4th century church life I’ve been struck by a couple of differences between their time and ours: - Emotions: They poured their emotions into right doctrine (eg: Basil claiming that those who don’t get the Deity of the Holy Spirit are ‘excessively stupid’) we look for... Continue Reading →
Reflections on Study Leave 1
I’ve been on study leave for a few weeks now and am making progress, albeit more slowly than I hoped, but enough to make me envious of anyone who gets to do this full time. One of the things I find hard to adjust to is the lack of adrenalin. Most of normal working... Continue Reading →
Visiting church
As I'm on study leave I decided that I would use the opportunity to visit other Baptist Churches in the area. It is rare for me to go to church as an a complete visitor these days but I'm facinated by the questions that go through my mind. I share them, not because they are... Continue Reading →
Walking on sunshine
May half term saw us take the caravan to Haltwhistle, giving plenty of opportunity to visit parts of Hadrian’s wall. The weather was great which made it easier getting out and about. Haltwhistle is a good place to stay because it is part way along the wall, enabling us to visit Housesteads & Birdoswald Roman... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 