I hesitate to write about Bright City again. But there are some ideas associated with the song ‘Change’ which, for me, seem to have been continually highlighted during this very unusual season of cultural, political, social and economic upheaval.
Bright City, Change: https://youtu.be/bvixJ0cKDro I have often been struck by the contrasting church situations at St Peter’s in Brighton and here at The Cairn, and wonder at the grace of God in enabling such difference and diversity. Last time I was in Brighton, just before travel became difficult, my eyes were drawn, in a ‘vintage’ book store, to a large hardback book with the word ‘INEQUALITY’ across the spine. At the bargain price of just £2, I felt this was the book for me!! And this led to some really interesting conversations about the song ‘Change’ which seeks to express hopes around revival but also to capture some broader questions and themes around equality issues. This is then helpfully picked up, for me, in the discussion about the song, which was released this week. I hope you find it of interest too: https://youtu.be/SAzf6ThlvWc Here in Bristol, it was a privilege to be connected widely with church leaders again, and to hear encouragement from Bristol Mayor, Marvin Rees, to persevere in these challenging times, with the helpful reminder from Romans 1:3-5 that: ‘… suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us’. Issues around inequality are key in Bristol too, and it was good to see a report from Andy Street (one of our Trustees) about the incredibly positive work of Feeding Bristol in addressing food poverty, with a commendable commitment of: ‘driving systemic change to increase food security across all social and cultural communities of Bristol – ultimately striving for ‘Zero Hunger’’. Do have a read about it yourself (below): https://thebristolmayor.com/ https://www.feedingbristol.org/ ‘Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen’ (Ephesians 3:20-21).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorPhil Lawrence Archives
December 2020
Categories |