And so it begins

Today is the 35th anniversary of my baptism - which is why I felt it was the perfect time to begin my ministry sabbatical - this is definitely no joke! As I begin my sabbatical with a focus around the theme 'Walking with...' I found it rather lovely that in looking to share a few memories, not only did the verse my Mum wrote in the Bible she gave had reference to journeying with God (Proverbs 3:5-6), I was also given a picture of the 'Footprints' poem. I am so grateful to God His faithfulness - for directing my paths, walking with me and carrying me when I need it (Isaiah 46:4) through all these years!

I don't have any photos from the occasion, but I do still have the baptismal dungarees which I chose to wear because, as a bit of a rebellious teenager, I refused to wear the traditional long white gown with weights in the hem! So here is a photo of me in them today instead - amazed they still fit to be honest!

Here's the order of service and the poem I wrote to share:

As ever, I'm still doing my best to live up to my baptismal verse:

"We are fools for Christ" - 1 Corinthians 4:10

which was given to me by the late Rev. Geoffrey Marshall who baptised me during a pastoral vacancy at my childhood church, Blackheath and Charlton Baptist in South East London. The very place I will be returning to this coming Sunday to worship with the congregation there.

And it has to be said, the pilgrimage walk I'm about to embark on seems to embody this foolishness rather well!