Back from Baptists Bopping in Blackpool
We’ve just spent the weekend in sunny Blackpool at the Baptist Assembly, along with a couple of thousand other Baptists from across the UK. On Saturday night I was officially recognised as an accredited Baptist Minister marking the end of a seven year journey. It was generally a good weekend meeting with friends and family from across the UK and so here the things that made me laugh, smile and cry at the Assembly this year…
Lush - Let’s hear it for Geordie worship leaders! I know those of you from south of Watford may have struggled, but why do all those worship CD’s have to be led by people from Essex? Thank you to the worship band – and not just for the accents. (N.B. lush is Geordie for lovely!)
Funny – Jonathan Edwards trying to suggest nobody should get excited when someone they knew came up on stage for recognition for ministry. Get over it – you can’t stop a natural human reaction. If it had been possible for my rugby supporting congregation to attend in the evening, I suspect I may have been remembered for being more than just number 34 (the result of the rather impersonal way the recognition part was organised).
Niggling – Now correct me if I’m wrong, but until, Vinoth Ramachandra got up to speak on Sunday evening, nobody obviously opened a bible to read it in public! OK, so John Weaver stuck fairly closely to his text when he did a dramatized version, but the only other time I remember seeing a bible was when they brought the big dusty bible out for John Weaver to sign as the new president. Elaine Storkey did seem to use her text, but nobody actually read it to us! In fact many of the main sessions were devoid of all those things you’d expect to do when God’s people gather for worship such as public reading of scripture, and meaningful prayers of intercession, lament and confession.
Amazing – The kids had a fantastic time at their sessions and are desperate to go to Bournemouth next year. The team doing the children’s stuff should be given a medal. How do they keep them so engaged for nearly 4 hours at a time?
Canny – I really liked seeing all the artwork on display from around the NorthWest. Perhaps this might be a feature of the Assembly that might develop in future years. This was one of the more tranquil places at the Assembly, even if it was in a corridor.
It was great to be in Blackpool toon.
What’s wrong with worship leaders from Essex? Everyone knows it’s God’s county. Congratulations Tim on your accreditation. Keith.
Of course Essex drummers are another thing altogether!