Greetings from Plymouth

I don't think I have been this far west in England before! That said, Plymouth is not the end of the world and appears to be a thriving diverse community. Arriving at a popular easting house in the midst of a stag party with the 'guests' in fancy dress which left little to the imagination it was highly amusing to see sober Baptists lining the bar to place their orders for food alongside men scantily clad in stilettos and suspenders! What an introduction to Assembly!
That said it served as an introduction to an assembly weekend which proved to be refreshingly different to previous experiences.
From the outset the musical worship element was presented as thoughtful, reflective and, for those of us who appreciate these things, not too loud!
An evening of Taize chants and the opportunity to share in Liturgy from the Northumbria Community was refreshing as was the opportunity to sing well-chosen more traditional hymns often appropriately accompanied on the piano rather than the more awkward worship band accompaniment of recent years.
And with Assembly Listeners, frequent 'pauses' for silent reflection and the reflection boards there seems to be a definite attempt to listen to both one and another and to God - less being talked at more being listened too!!
It has been good to gain insights into the mission opportunities and development ideas being promoted by BUGB and BMS World Mission.
The seminars and plenary sessions have been helpful and at times stimulating for future theological and practical thinking.
From Tuesday I will be back home, engaging back with my community. I shall return to assignment writing and college studies.
Plymouth and Assembly has proved a refreshing and positive experience this year which for me at least is a welcome surprise.