Tuesday 15th September

In order to promote Back to Church Sunday, we decorated a double decker 'bus, and drove it around several churches in the area. Not only were we able to meet the members and supporters of the churches, but we caused quite a stir driving along the M5 and through various towns.


Our first stop was at Cheltenham Highbury Congregational Church, where the toddlers group meeting at the church that morning boarded the 'bus and sang 'the wheels on the bus go round and round' and posed for this photo with members of the Church.




Our second stop was at Cam 3C Community Church in Gloucestershire, where the 'bus was invaded once more, and one local resident drove past us a few times wondering whether we were up to no good before coming to chat to us - it turns out he knew John, the driver and owner of the 'bus.






The Back to Church Sunday bus made its final stop at Taunton North Street Congregational Church. As the church is in the centre of the town, we were able to take to the pavement outside the church to invite passers-by back to church. The local paper came to take a photograph of the 'bus and members of the church, all of which should help remind people of Back to Church Sunday, which takes place this year on Sunday 27th September.

Sunday 13th September

I led the morning service at Hay Mills when many of the folk from the residential home next door joined us.


Sunday afternoon. A chance to experience a church set in the heart of the Asian community. Ladypool Road Congregational Church in Birmingham had an informal worship time and then I told them about some of my presidential experiences so far. In turn I heard about some of the projects there including the successful shop which serves a number of needs. It was quite an experience as it was currently the Islamic month of Ramadan and many crowds thronged the streets.

Saturday 12th September

Hay Mills D.C.F (Disabled Christian Fellowship) had a meeting with the theme of the lost sheep.








Jim Simpson the Pastor at Hay Mills Congregational Church discusses with two helpers the morning meeting which included drama singing crafts Bible reading and a short talk. A new venture and a lovely ministry.

Wednesday 9th September

A trip to Corfe Castle, in Dorset, to take an afternoon meeting at the Congregational Church. A chance to meet new and old friends over tea and enjoy fellowship.

Weekend September 5th/6th

A very exciting weekend for the folk at King Street Congregational Church Newcastle Under Lyme as they celebrate 150 years of the present building. On Saturday the church was open to view records of the church's history and look at a lovely display of wedding dresses worn over the years. They were thrilled with the numbers who dropped in.














Hilary, the church secretary, talks to one of the many people who made this weekend possible.















On Sunday I led the morning's worship when a beautiful banner was dedicated. It had been made by a group of ladies from the church depicting 'Revelation' to balance one already in place on the other side of the church of 'Genesis'.







On Sunday evening there was a wonderful songs of praise when we sang favourite hymns chosen by individuals who explained why they had chosen them. Many people who had had associations with the church joined in this celebration. I am sure there will be a fuller account in The Congregationalist!

A Day in Ipswich - August 30th

Hatfield Road Congregational Church













Jenny Haggar serves coffee to the Congregation after the service. We were joined by the Congregation from St Clement's Church and other local people. Remember Jenny on her ordination day Saturday October 10th.









Gillian Lester Brown (Minister of St Clement's) and Jenny on the steps of her church.















In the afternoon I was warmly and graciously welcomed at the service of the Worship Jesus Ministries who share the Hatfield Road building. Lively worship included dance and Bishop Art blowing the shofar. I spoke for almost the allotted 45 minutes!