I have only just read the fab piece from Giles Fraser (I like Giles Fraser and should probably read him more often, but I just don't seem to read as much as I could):
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2015/apr/03/christianity-when-properly-understood-religion-losers
It seems fitting as I have noticed various comments these last couple of days about those on the left being sore losers. I think discussing politics can be tricky - like anything it takes time and open mindedness and people can get forced into entrenched positions rather than keep listening to what is on the heart of the other person. I can find I'm dismissed as an idealist, and I admit it can be a real challenge to me to understand right wing views of others when I get to see the damage those views can cause.
I wonder if church this week will leave me outraged or inspired. Just over two weeks ago the horrific earthquake caused devasation in Nepal and surrounding areas. I understood how it could perhaps not be mentioned that Sunday - perhaps the preacher hadn't heard the news. I wrote something for the church notices the following week about donating and went in full expectation that it would be referred to in last week's service. So imagine my dismay when, having prayed for the new baby princess, the prayers were then concluded with a "we now bring in silence our own concerns" and still not a single mention in the entire service or prayers. Now, whilst generally a good girl who obeys requests for silence, I am a follower of a God of the poor, not of the privileged, so I did not keep silent.
I don't envy anyone preaching immediately after an election. I know we go to church to worship and not to debate our diverse political persuasions. As a place of welcome to all, they will be made up of people who vote in varying ways for various reasons. I also go to church to build community and to be inspired to bring about God's kingdom. For me personally - and I know I'm not alone, tho also not agreed with fully - that now looks set to become harder over the next five years. It will mean those of us with more will need to do more and give more to counter hunger, for example. As a church we do well at supporting our local food bank. Maybe today I will take some tins of food as well as my Christian Aid week posters, envelopes and sign up cards. Mostly tho I need to take an open heart. Church is a place I and others can take our hurts but it's not a place to take them out on others. It will be good to show solidarity with anyone else who is also shocked by the election, but we all will be impacted one way or another.
...The preacher was ace, hurrah! I'm now getting mightily anxious tho that no-one will come to the evening service I've organized. It's a churches together one, but some of those churches have special services of their own and I've been told by various folk that they can't come, and in fact only 2 people have told me they are coming. It's being hosted by a new church, their first time, it will be a shame if it's not well attended.
... Service was much lovelier than I'd anticipated, the guy hosting it kept publicly affirming all I do. I shall blog on it tomorrow :)
No comments:
Post a Comment