That was the week that was!

Last week was a hectic week which kept me away from Walmer for 4 days. The usual two study days at Spurgeon's were followed back to back with two days at Didcot to learn the inner workings of Baptist House.
A three line whip was in place for all first year BU students at the Baptist College's in South Wales, Bristol, Manchester, Oxford and London which brought together a group of around 75 ministerial candidates.
It proved a revelation that a number of the group had very limited knowledge of the way both the Union and BMS operated and the benefits that both coudl offer to churches in supporting ministry in our Baptist Churches.
The BUGB day afforded the opportunity to publically praise Graham Sparkes and his team in the Faith & Unity department for all their work especially raising public issue debates and prompting Baptist responses. It was also good to ask whether the annual Assembly format might be looked at to increase grass root participation from local churches.
BMS World Mission offered slick and 21st century presentations including two live link-ups with Missionaries in the field.
David Kerrigan did not warm to the question as to whether our 'Baptist' identity might be asserted more overtly in the mission societies title.
Many of the group noted with regret that the hospitality offered by BUGB departmental staff was almost exclusively confectionery - none of it Fairtrade - and much of it be Nestle. Not a very ethical witness!
Returning home it was good to find the local paper had chosen to report our Armistice Day remembrance in the town's cemetery and also included a photo of our recent presentation of Bibles to 60 pupils at our local school in partnership with our Anglican neighbours.
Our Advent and Christmas cards are now available for distribution and hopefully will be well used by the congregation to communicate with our community what we have planned for the next few weeks.
We rounded of the church year with Christ the King Sunday and a sermon prefaced with the National Anthem being played - it was fun to see the 'Mexican wave' ripple across the pews as the congregation responded and stood.