Well here it is, the month that fills up faster than any other. The Bennetts are actually considering a proper, real Christmas tree this year, and making more of an effort with the twinkly lights – although at the same time we respect the out-of-the-box thinking of this guy:

Two dates for your diary over the coming months.  First up, Thursday 15th December is The Dock’s annual Christmas bash – from 5pm onwards we’ll be filling the Arc shop unit (venue for many a happy barbecue, birthday party and pop-up coffeehouse) with the smell of mulled wine, fruit punch, mince pies, a blazing brazier at the door, chestnuts roasting on an open fire (TBC) and all sorts of Christmassy goodness.  Last year we were able to provide the first proper snowfall of the winter just to add to the atmos; no promises this time but, y’know, we’ll do our best…

Put it in your diaries NOW!

The other diary date is the Dock Book Group Christmas gathering – Saturday 17th Dec, 9:30am at the Premier Inn.  Ironically we’re moving on from C.S.Lewis just as the wintry Narnia becomes the perfect backdrop – but as a complete contrast and change of pace, we’re looking at leadership guru Seth Godin’s new book Tribes for our next gathering.  You might remember that i was hugely impressed and challenged by Seths’ sesh at the Willow Creek leadership summit a few weeks back and I’ve been itching to give his books a try ever since.  Tribes looks fun, short, snappy and (much like our friend with the Christmas lights) a bit out-of-the-box.  As always, anyone who has read it, heard of it, or just fancies being part of a good discussion about it, is very welcome to join us over coffee on the 17th.

If you want a taster you can catch Seth giving this great Ted Talk: