Well, I'm back refreshed and rested from a week away, and really pleased by how yesterday's services went.  19 people at 8am communion - must be a revival!  (Either that or Artin).  Then Rolling Worship went really well - especially Jonny and Bethan's baptism, they were such stars (and so courageous to speak clearly and calmly about their faith into the microphones like that).  I had a good time with the children when we went out - apparently we could be heard shouting by the adults even when we were in the churchyard, but I don't care.  And wasn't it good to see how flexible the church building is now that the pews have gone?  Many thanks to Roger, Colin, Martin and their team for doing such a good job in my absence.  I haven't heard a single complaint about the side pews yet (though admittedly it's only been 48 hours)!

And then it was Messy Church in the afternoon.  So much hard work went into it: special thanks to Sue for leading, with Stephanie, Cesca, Anna, Veryan, Melanie, Roger, Catherine, Geoff, Jenny, Sally and Caroline (and I'm sure there are some I've forgotten to thank, we appreciate you too).  It was EXCELLENT.  Messy church is now well and truly established as a fixed part of church life in Galleywood.

A cat died and went to Heaven. God met him at the gate and said, “You have been a good cat all these years. Anything you desire is yours, all you have to do is ask.”

The cat said, “Well, I lived all my life with a poor family on a farm and had to sleep on hardwood floors.”

God said, “Say no more.” And instantly, a fluffy pillow appeared.

A few days later, six mice were killed in a tragic accident and they also went to Heaven. God met them at the gate with the same offer that He made to the cat.

The mice said, “All our lives we had to run. Cats, dogs and even women with brooms chased us. If we could only have a pair of roller skates, we wouldn’t have to run anymore.”

God said, “No problem.” Instantly, each mouse was fitted with a beautiful pair of tiny roller skates.

About a week later, God decided to check to see how the cat was doing. The cat was sound asleep on his new pillow. God gently woke him and asked, “How are you doing? Are you happy here?” The cat yawned and stretched and said, “Oh, I’ve never been happier in my life … and those Meals on Wheels you’ve been sending over are the best!”