This morning, I undertook a bit of gardening. Those who know me will know I am not much of a gardener. I struggle to tell weed from plant, sunflower from green bean. But, when it comes to the sort of job that requires a bit of brute force and ignorance, I’m your man! Our neighbour […]
I read something in a blog today that caused me to panic. This particular blog was about writing, communication and social media. The writer was talking about how the summertime was good for planning and making improvements to your media profile. The writer went on to advise; If you are feeling brave, you may even […]
On Sunday, I shared a well-known story with our congregation. “There was a man who had two sons.” Two boys, younger one says “I want my inheritance now” and off he goes and wastes the lot. Wine, women and song. When the money runs out, so do the friends. The younger son is left in […]
There was one phrase my kids used to use all the time when they were little and I could guarantee it would drive me nuts every time I heard it “are we nearly there yet!” Every parent has heard it. You are going out for a nice day. You have packed the picnic, the first […]
The best piece of advice I have ever been given, was shared with me when I moved to my current pastorate a little over 10 years ago. It has proved to be so useful that, I have often shared it with new ministers that have moved into the town. I was reflecting on it this […]
Yesterday was a very special day at Pier Avenue. We celebrated two people being baptised. I love a good baptism and, I have to say, it is one of the greatest privileges of being a Baptist Minister. I get to hear the stories and share in something the joy of the baptizees (not convinced […]
I wonder of you have ever had the experience of turning to a well-known passage in the Bible, recognizing it and then skim reading it quickly because you know what happens next? That was my experience this morning as I looked at a really familiar passage from John’s Gospel. It was the story of […]
I was thinking this morning about what I most want out of life. If you had asked me that question when I was a teenager, the answer would have been simple; “money, loadsa” money! With money, I could buy all sorts of stuff. To my way of thinking, he who has the most […]
I did something incredibly stupid this morning! I woke at about 6am. As I opened my eyes it dawned on me that I was not in my bed at home but, I was at The Hayes, Swanwick, Derbyshire. I was on the Retreat Association Conference. Then my first real conscious thought of the day […]
This afternoon, I got the opportunity to do something that not many people get the chance to do. I smelt wild otter poo! Yes, you read that correctly!!!! When you think about it, what else would a Baptist Minister do when he is at the Retreat Association Conference? Looking back, the moment was quite […]