Family Service this morning - we are still working our way through the "5 Core Values" and today was "Inclusiveness". As part of this, we thought of how we are connected both throughout the world and throughout the UK with many other Christians.
Bob had a map roughly drawn on a sheet of fabric, and we came and threaded lengths of wool through to represent parts of the country where we had a link with another Christian church.
The photo is not very good - but you can see that there are quite a few links with Norfolk [not all mine, I hasten to add!] and seemingly loads round the north west and Manchester.
Also one thread in the sea, representing the Isle of Man!
After the service we had a lunch for newcomers, and Janet and team had prepared a wonderful buffet. No wonder I cannot lose weight.
Here are some of the people listening to Bob. The new tablecloths made by the Sewing Club were in use for the first time, and looked very good.
This evening's service was much more reflective, but not so many people there. We had a good sermon though, from 1 Kings about King Asa [who had bad feet] and King Basher [actually it is spelled Baasha, but I like the idea of a warrior king called Basher!]
I love the fact that these Old Testament stories have so much to teach us about our life today and about God's unchanging grace.
As expected, people were very sad to hear about George and concerned for Ellen. I know there will be much care and support for her in coming days.
As usual, some good hymns and songs - especially good to have the young people singing the African words to Marching in the Light of God.
Siyahamb' ekukhanyen' kwenkhos',
We are marching in the light of God,
We are living in the love of God
We are moving in the power of God
We are marching in the light of God.
And then this evening we sang this one, which I love
Beauty for brokenness , hope for despair
Lord, in your suffering this is our prayer
Bread for the children - Justice, joy, peace
Sunrise to sunset, your kingdom increase!
Shelter for fragile lives , cures for their ills
Work for the craftsman , trade for their skills
Land for the dispossessed, rights for the weak
Voices to plead the cause of those who can't speak
Refuge from cruel wars, havens from fear
Cities for sanctuary, freedoms to share
Peace to the killing-fields, scorched earth to green
Christ for the bitterness, His cross for the pain
Rest for the ravaged earth, oceans and streams
Plundered and poisoned, our future, our dreams
Lord, end our madness, carelessness, greed
Make us content with the things that we need
Lighten our darkness breathe on this flame
Until your justice burns brightly again
Until the nations learn of your ways
Seek your salvation and bring you their praise
God of the poor, Friend of the weak
Give us compassion we pray
Melt our cold hearts, let tears fall like rain
Come, change our love from a spark to a flame
What a sweet post! I like the map! So organic!
ReplyDeleteAng - I always think - and today thought I should say - how vibrant your church is. Your congregation are very lucky to have found such a warm home for their faith.
ReplyDeleteI have not been to a church service now for months - I feel guilty about this but I just don't seem to fit.
Well done to you, Bob,your team & your congregation for making it work.
I didnt know the second hymn, but the first is a favourite at our church!
ReplyDelete