Anyone else a fan of the brilliant old newspaper strip Calvin and Hobbes?  Calvin’s dad was always forcing the family to enjoy themselves outside, whatever the weather…

So if Calvin’s dad had joined us for the Dock Walk on its first birthday, he definitely would’ve been bug-free… It flipping poured!  Which was kinda neat – as the last time the rain fell for the whole length of the Dock Walk was right back on Day One, exactly a year ago!

Starting from this birthday walk I’d love to share a bit more with you on this blog about the conversations we had out in the wilds of the TQ, and what we’ve been learning together each week as we engage with the Wordlive bible readings – and to keep encouraging you to click on to Wordlive yourself and let these fantastic, complex readings change and challenge you.

Last week the readings took us through the story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, facing death from a barrage of stones thrown by a mob – a mob whom Stephen forgave with his dying breath.   It’s a story that shows the very worst we can be – the violence that takes hold when people succumb to hate, fanaticism and fear – and also the very best we can be – Stephen shows an almost Christlike assurance as he faces his killers.