last week we were celebrating around 30 students at CMS who have completed awards through durham university and are graduating. it is such a joy after such a big effort from students. it was very moving to hear students share the impact of that on their lives and practice – “this has changed my life!”. it was a mix of people who have had a focus on pioneering, children and youth ministry, african christianity all done through the lens of mission. it always reminds me why we do what we do. congratulations to everyone. as ever students were given a tile made by iain cotton . this year’s tile was wonderful – I had not chatted with iain about his thoughts in making it but my sense of it was that there is an edge, a border being crossed which is a space with a trace of gold, grace a touch of the spirit at the edge. since then he has sent in his reflections on it…

This year’s pioneer Path awards explore the idea of the spirit leading us across borders. It’s made in a multi-coloured slate with a carved border line. One section is the natural riven surface whilst the other is honed to a polished blue/grey. It is reminiscent of a coastal landscape. There is a gilded brush drawn gestural line carrying the viewer across the border and beyond the edge of the tile. It explores themes of crossing borders – geographical and metaphorical. The dynamic leading of the Holy Spirit and carrying ’treasure’ to a waiting world. There is also a sense of leaving or arriving, depending on which way you view the tile.

the photo was taken on my phone so is a bit ropey!