Yesterday I had the joy of teaching on Form, the discipleship course that is being run for the first time at Bristol Vineyard this year. We dialogued on the subject of God's grace and what our response to this great mystery should be. It was lots of fun. I also discovered what a huddle is.

Prayer request: my nose seems to be running today. Since I arrived at Bristol, three months ago, I've had three head colds. I'd really appreciate it if you would pray that this one doesn't stick as we're going on a ministry trip to Vancouver and Seattle on Monday.

Am I the only person in the world who doesn't love U2s music? I mean I can listen to it and think "this is good music," but it never really hits me in the heart. I never really connect with it.

Samuel Turrigiano has arrived! He was born yesterday afternoon. Congratulations Matt and Rebecca!

The weekend was yet another whirlwind. We had a fun Alpha day on Saturday at the House of the Open Door (yes it was as cold as it sounds).

Baby Turrigiano is apparently very close to arriving. Very exciting!

Last night a group of us went to see The Verra Cruz at The Fleece. As usual they rocked. They were supporting X is Loaded who are pretty interesting and remind me a little of bands like Sparta. One of the funniest parts of the gig was when the singer came out into the crowd, jumped up on the bar, then got down and started singing into the mic, surrounded by people, accompanied by the guy selling t-shirts.

Those of you in Cardiff, check them out at the Barfly tomorrow night (Sat 20th).

Ask anyone who blogs and they'll tell you that, when you sit down to update your blog, all the interesting ideas and news that you've had for the last week vanish and your mind goes blank.

This week the news in question is the fact that Megan has started walking! She's currently only doing this between people, and only for about 5 steps, but she's walking!

I've been trying to work out exercises that she can do to strengthen her legs and improve balance...

Now I'm greatly in favour of the fair trade movement, but it seems that for the time being, if you are male, you have to make a choice between fair trade and fashion. Surely the two weren't meant to be mutually exclusive?

Girls, on the other hand get a wide variety of choice some of which is really nice.

The last few days I have been struck by the number of people God has put around me who speak words of encouragement into my life. It's such a blessing.

The word party is over-used. I mean do you really know what someone means when they say "we're having a party, would you like to come?" A perfect example of this happened when we were in Nottingham for Doing the Stuff.

Chris, Rob and I had been out to Dogma and were eating some toast in Chris' kitchen when his next door neighbours invited us to "a party." I think we all assumed it was the kind of party with loads of people, a vibrant atmosphere and good music. Unfortunately it was one of those other kinds of parties, the kind when there are just a couple of people getting stoned.

Needless to say we made as speedy an exit as we could, but not before Chris had downloaded his music onto their computer.

I'm sure there are hundreds of types of parties - perhaps there needs to be a rule where if you invite someone to a party you define it.

My Weekend
Life has certainly upped its pace since I moved to Bristol. I'm sat in the office after another crazy weekend - Heart and Skill, the (musical) worship training day, came to Bristol on Saturday so the day was spent running the day, hanging out with delegates and those teaching the day. It was great fun.

Each day of the weekend I saw some Cardiff Vineyardites. Friday night was my Dad's 50th Birthday party. They hired a venue in Cardiff and got a band in. There were so many people there, 1/3 of which I didn't recognise, but who recognised me. I hate it when you don't recognise someone and they're saying "do you remember me?" and I'm thinking "will you be offended if I don't?" So sorry if I offended anyone by my lack of recognition!

Last night Mark (Evans), Mark (Churchill) and I led some worship songs at Vineyard Late. I really enjoyed playing with those guys.

New skill of the weekend: operating a video projector.

Saturday night we returned from Nottingham weak, weary and very excited about everything we had seen God do while we were there.

On Friday afternoon I went out with a group of people offering prayer for healing in Nottingham City Centre. It was amazing because as soon as we put up the sign offering "prayer for healing" there was a steady flow of people coming to receive prayer and free chocolate (a small token of God's love).

Saturday I was hanging out with some of the people from the Arches - a centre which provides anything from sofas and toys to coffee and prayer to refugees and the poor in Nottingham.

I've really felt God speaking to me recently about confidence and where I find it. Often we talk about wanting self-confidence, but I don't really think that's what God intends. He wants us to be reliant on him for confidence and purpose. Part of finding confidence in God involves getting over the 'self.' it means seeing that the Kingdom of God is far bigger and more important than your own hang-ups and insecurities.

This weekend is about relaxing with family. We're having a short break to celebrate my Dad's 50th Birthday, which is coming up on Wednesday.

The 'Old Faithfuls' in our society give us a sense of context. They are the people of history, who are still alive. They tell of a time that has passed but which, through their life, is still within reach. When the old die out the young are forced to take their place.

John Peel was one of those 'Old Faithfuls.' He was one of the only constants in a scene that is dominated by the throw-away. As the longest running DJ on Radio 1 he flew in the face of this disposability of culture and the worship of youth.

Apparently he presented his shows as though he was talking to one individual. It really came across. Listening to his show was like being introduced to music by an old friend, who had been collecting music especially with you in mind.

Farewell old friend.

This week has been pretty fun. I think I'm getting into the swing of this internship a little more. I guess any change of lifestyle takes some getting used to.

I'm really enjoying spending time with my new smallgroup. On Saturday night a group of us went out in Bristol - ended up at an R'n'B club called The Level, which, I have to admit isn't the greatest club I've ever been to, but it was fun.

I'm looking for Bristol's equivalent of the Toucan Club - a live music venue specialising in funk. Any suggestions?

On Thursday I'm heading up to Nottingham for Doing the Stuff, which should be great.

Q. In our society, is it the case that the more people a Church "employs" (work in exchange for money), the harder it is to mobilise the membership (in every-member-ministry)? Is there an element of 'why should I do it when (fill in blank) is paid to do it?'

Apologies for a very slack week of blogging. Things have been real busy and have gone from fun to homesick to fun again in the course of a few days.

Wednesday night Mark, Zoe and my Mum and Dad came over ready for the Vineyard South West Regional day - for people planting churches in that area. It was great to see them and have some catch-up time though, as usual, it didn't last long enough.

In the evening I started a Fusion small group at 419 Gloucester Rd. It was fun hanging out, looking at what we are about as a group, eating Jaffa Cakes, and hanging out some more.

Friday night our new band got together to practise, jam and prepare some songs for Sunday morning. It was really good fun - they're a great bunch and I'm sure we'll have a really enjoyable year.

Saturday was downtime, a chance to do very little and really enjoy just being.

Yesterday after the morning service we went to The Wellington on Gloucester Road for their Sunday roast. I had the veggie option which included a quarter of a butternut squash with melted cheese and tomato slices. Very tasty. Don't you just love root vegetables!

This weekend was a blast. We've had Mike Turrigiano over from NYC Vineyard teaching some Vineyard basics: in the moment ministry, praying for people, Kingdom of God.

Friday night was all the BV leaders together for some training (inc. 'clinic' time). Saturday a load of us went to Winchester for a leaders day for Vineyards in the South - was great to see some old friends and meet some new ones. Finally on Sunday Mike spoke some more on the Kingdom and worldview etc. All in all a great few days.

the blackspot sneaker is here...

On Monday night Mark came over and we ate roasted vegetables and talked for hours. It was great to catch up on everything that is going on in Cardiff and to hear what God has been up to in the lives of my friends.

Last night was Alpha - we ate great food and hung out with some new friends. Anne, a lady in Bristol Vineyard, bakes great cakes and last night we got to taste her carrot cake. mmmmm.

Following the auditions on Sunday I've been put in a band with Rachel, who was the first sung worship leader at Cardiff Vineyard, which should be great fun. In fact if it wasn't for her leaving Cardiff when she graduated I may never have started using the guitar in worship.

Sarah-Lou is now blogging...

Yesterday was pretty crazy, doing various studenty things. At 4.30pm I was at Bristol CU's search for a church event, which involved around 50 students (and me!) crammed into a small room hearing from other students about the churches they are part of.

I've never heard the word "sound" used so many times. It got me thinking how sad it would be if the only words we could think of to describe our communities were that they were "sound." I might be completely off the mark here, but when I read about the New Testament church I don't get the sense that the attraction in their community was the fact that they were doctrinally correct. It seems that what was far more appealing was the fact that they embodied the Kingdom.

I'm not saying that good doctrine is wrong, but when it's the only emphasis in your community it might be time to worry.