Its Saturday lunchtime, and I am home alone! 

Nicky arrived safely in Glasgow yesterday – she called me while I was out visiting to say that she had not been met off her flight, but by the time I had got home all was well. She is doing preparation for her long visit to Tanzania in July, when she will be doing (amongst other things) “airstrip ministry” – ie clearing stones. Not sure if she is clearing stones in Glasgow. People have been very generous and supportive, and she has received all that she needed in donations towards the cost of the trip – many thanks to all!

Sunday’s Parade Service is now prepared, and the sermon for the evening is safely written. Hopefully we will have a good day tomorrow, and the weather will improve.

I had several texts from members of our Brigade Band last evening, to say that they were on the way to Stoke. Hopefully they slept well on the Methodist Church hall floor! I’m sure we will hear and see how they get on today – lets pray that they all have fun, and enjoy the experience.

There will be some news soon about our Church Weekend away in Eastbourne next year. It will be on the second weekend in May 2009 (8th – 10th May) – full details and booking forms will be out soon. Book the dates in your diary, and plan to be there, all you MBC people. Be there or be square!

All for now. Check back here often. Stephen

“People who dont go to Church any more are Seventh day Absentists”.

Dear Friends,

This year’s Baptist Assembly was at Blackpool, at the enormous Norbreck Castle Hotel. Something like 2500 delegates were there from right across the UK, as well as visitors from around the world.

I was able to meet up with some old friends, as well as making some new acquaintances – always a major plus at these events. My old college friends all look a lot older since we left Regents in 1982 – while I, of course, look younger than ever!

The BU President for 2008-9 is Dr John Weaver, one of my college contemporaries. A scientist by training, John is now Principal of South Wales Baptist College; and he still reminds me that he once gave me a washing machine! His Presidential address was a call to live and witness as radical disciples in a pluralist society.

Another key speaker was Dr John Houghton, one of the government’s chief advisers on climate change. John was a member at Kidlington Baptist Church, near Oxford, when I was Student Pastor there in 1980, and it was good to see him again, and hear his articulate message warning us to address the issue of life-change which underlies the climate change argument.

The daily Bible Studies were led by Elaine Storkey this year – a wonderful and moving communicator. As ever, the most emotional part of Assembly was the greeting of young families, as they prepare to go overseas with BMS World Mission – some of them to very difficult places such as Afghanistan. We also welcomed, and prayed with newly-qualified Ministers; and greeted representatives of Churches which have recently joined the Baptist Union.

Alistair Brown has been the General Director of BMS World Mission for the past decade or so. He is now leaving to become Principal of a theological college in America, and the Assembly thanked him for his outstanding service.

As ever, the worship was stirring and inspiring – led by a full band of musicians – drums, guitars, keyboards, brass and woodwind. You have to hear “Praise to the Lord” sung by 1500 people, with full musical backing, to believe what it sounds like!

This was my 25^th Assembly; and one of the best. Thank you for enabling me to attend, and to share in such an inspiring and rewarding weekend.

Best wishes,   Stephen