This week, in our area, marked the kids returning to school. One of my aunties always used to tell me that “your school days are the best days of your life”. I hated school. I hated school assemblies. I can remember sitting cross legged in the school hall that seemed to smell permanently of bad […]
The rich young man walked away from Jesus. Ever since he could remember, he had kept the rules. Done the right thing. He had attended all the festivals, associated with the right people, been seen by the great and the good. Yet, in just a few short words, Jesus had put his finger part […]
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 […]