Infamy, infamy...

My hubbie and I have been away for the last week in South Ayrshire. Really good break, though probably a bit too hot - I know, typical Scottish comment!!! There's just no pleasing us.

We did a lot of walking, seeing wildlife (especially red stuff - a red kite and red squirrel were spotted), and just generally unwinding. We didn't even take many photos and were shooting film - yes film. My excuse was it was black and white and its just not the same digital.

Anyway, rather than come straight home after our break we headed to Dumfries to visit friends we have there. They were married in April and it's the first time we've had the chance to see them in their new house. Its a lovely house and they seem really settled. It was great to see them both. I think Dumfries is going to become a regular haunt for my hubbie and I.

While with our friends, we went to their church. It's a very busy church in the centre of Dumfries. The minister is really down-to-earth and quiet funny. Everyone was sooo nice and friendly. Genuinely friendly.

As we were leaving a member of the congregation stopped me. "Excuse me, but were have I met you before, I know your face from somewhere". Err, mmh. I'm standing there thinking - argh, I don't recognise this woman at all. Oh dear, where do I know her from. I'm usually really bad with names, but remember faces, so this was making me feel bad.

"Were you at the National Gathering" I enquired. "Yes" she relied. Now I was getting somewhere. "Did you go to the tent with the big red motorbike outside it" I knew where I needed to take the line of questioning (am I writing a bad detective novel here?) "Yes" came the answer. "I was the pillion rider on that bike; my husband was the rider". Good, I'd got that one sorted and given the hundreds of people I talked to at the National Gathering, I'm not surprised I didn't remember the woman.

We chatted a little about bikes and our crash. Her husband had had a bike when they first met and rode ever weekend from Stranraer via his Mum's (in Alloa) to see her in Edinburgh. I loved that story.

So, looks like I can't go anywhere without getting spotted. Infamy, infamy, they've all got it in for me!

Slow recovery

I realised I hadn't really commented on how my hubbie and I are recovering latterly. See here for my latest post on my other blog.

For Everyone

While doing my first placement, I was asked to read Mark for Everyone by Tom Wright. I found this a useful book - the translation was true to the original Greek (or as true as can be), with good commentaries, written in a style I could relate to and draw on.

While writing my first sermon, I found the commentary a very helpful starting point, so for my second sermon I bought Acts and John for everyone, to get me started and as another resource. Again, I found Tom Wright's style helpful, though not without its challenges.

I have now read both parts of Acts and John. Although over the years I have read most of the bible, with some of it many times, I hadn't really "got" parts, especially John, until I read these. I think I may build up my collection of the "for Everyone" series. I've found it makes the bible more accessible as I'm not just reading it, but having it explained and put in context too. I am also being challenged by some of what Tom Wright says. I think that is useful for my growth both in faith and in examining my calling.

Church parenting

There's a baptism at my home church tomorrow and I am the church parent. The church parent welcomes the baptism party, sits with them during the service, makes sures they're alright and known what's going on, as they may not be too familiar with church services. They also act as the contact point for the family between the church and the family; keeping them informed of organisations/events they and their child can be involved in and sending a card to the child for the first 5 years to celebrate its baptism.

I haven't been a church parent before as young church leaders usually aren't asked. Not sure why, probably they're doing enough to help the young people of the church?! I feel a little apprehensive as I've never meet the family before (I don't think I have anyway!) and I am to meet them prior to the service starting. I just hope I find the right words to say - to encourage and guide them rather than (and this is my fear) turn them away. I know if I trust in God He will give me the words I need.