"What if people were invited to come tell what they already know of God instead of to learn what they are supposed to believe? What if they were blessed for what they are doing in the world instead of chastened for not doing more at church?"
Something to think about, from Barbara Brown Taylor's book Leaving Church
I'm happy that I go to a church where I feel encouraged to share rather than told what to believe, and am given support for my work in the world rather than badgered into doing more. But I know of others in different places who experience church differently.
I'm at a bit of a loss on several fronts at the moment. I've made my way through so many books I have now plucked another from my shelf that may or may not suit, a long novel on cathedrals in the middle ages. But I have two long train journeys on saturday for a work day so wanted to find something.
Yesterday's leaning didn't quite go to plan but I'm grateful for those of you who got in touch offering to be leaned on. You're not just being church, you're being cathedrals!!!
... Seeing as no-one has opened up a cuddle shop yet in my town, I had a think as to what to do as I really need some hugs. Thankfully I have booked a hug appointment with one of my local friends for after choir tonight. I don't think she'd describe herself as churchy but does very well what I think being church is (love, community, bringing about justice). Paul, my friend killed last week, did that well too. He also wasn't churchy and we chose him as a godparent for the values he lived out so well. Some of the folk I find most Christ like are not people who model themselves on Christ B-)
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