The Weekly News

Well, we made it back home OK last Wednesday from Scotland.  It took Douglas and me two hours of hard work just to clear enough of the snow from the driveway to get the car out.  The journey home took longer than normal because of the road conditions but there were no mishaps.  It was amazing to see large well established trees bending low under the weight of snow.  I wish I had some pictures to share.

The few days we had spent with our friends in Falkirk were precious indeed and had a feel of completeness about them as we had recorded 21 songs.  I am often asked for CDs after performances so this provides an opportunity.  The plan is to produce perhaps two CDs, the first being called "Treasured Gospel Songs".  Willie Munro provided the accompaniment.  You can hear a sample by going to my facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=696458192) provided you have speakers connected or your sound switched on.  Technically it is not perfect but I enjoyed myself!

On the Saturday (day we arrived) Doreen and I joined Willie and another friend, Ina, at a Gospel Praise Meeting.  It is many years since we attended such an event and we both thoroughly enjoyed it.  There were songs to clap along to, congregational praise items, and various musical items by invited guests where we could join in.  Doreen sang heartily and I enjoyed adding either bass or tenor lines.

On Sunday we were snowed in and meetings were cancelled.  We started the recordings and also enjoyed time with Douglas and Marlyn (Willie's son and daughter in law).

The last few days we have spent preparing for the decorators who come on Monday to redecorate the kitchen and dining room after the chip pan fire a few weeks ago (did I tell you about that?  Nothing too serious.)  In the process I have had to throw away a quantity of old correspondence and other documents recording some of my ministry activity since 1988.  I am not very good at parting with such items as I am aterrible hoarder.  It was encouraging to find so many warm messages of thanks from churches across the denominations - especially those that followed away-days.

This coming week
Sunday 5th December - Yelvertoft Congregational Church

Monday 6th December - School Assembly, Lubenham, Leicestershire

Tuesday 7th December - Gartree Prison (one week to the Christmas concert).  In the evening Doreen and I will enjoy the Torch Trust Christmas Dinner for staff and volunteers.

Thursday 9th December -  Presentation of my Research Proposal at Winchester University.  Please pary for wisdom to be given me.

Saturday 11th December - the YP at Yelvertoft are holding an event to raise money to buy goats for very poor families in Malawi affected by blindness or partial sight loss.  £36 buys two goats.

Sunday 12th December - Yelvertoft Conversational Church holds an informal Christmas Warmer service heavy on hospitality.  Please pray for other folk from the village to join us.

As always thanks for your prayers and practical support.