Distinctive, Connected and Holy
Dear All Saints and St Marys
I may be a slow learner, but at last I think I understand what is meant by “doom-scrolling”: to become so involved with any social media platform, that you spend inappropriate amounts of time and emotional energy, reading multiple messages, all with a similar theme of how awful things are. I hope I have caught myself before becoming a complete addict. The messages that I read each day come from the USA, telling me how dreadful President Trump is. Each time I read such a message, I get a little kick from hearing how awful he is …. and want to move on to another similar message. In my opinion, these messages may be accurate – but they sure can be addictive. Beware!
So, I can find myself saying “He is awful; I don’t want to be like him”. But look carefully – that is just the same language that President Trump is using. He tells us how dreadful his enemies are, and how goodness and wisdom only lie on his side. How can we find another route, without demonising the President?
That is some of what the Bible readings help us focus on this Sunday. We are called to be distinctive (“salt of the earth”) and also to be connected (feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty). We are called to be holy (which means being ‘set apart’) and also to be holy (life-enhancing for others, not just for ourselves). Perhaps one habit to strengthen is to identify a new thing/person each day who is life-enhancing. Focus on that thing/person for a moment, give thanks, take heart!
Revd Bob
Services this weekend at All Saints and St Marys - June 28th
8am - Holy Communion - All Saints
10am - Holy Communion - St Marys
10.30 - Cafe Church - All Saints - Looking at St Johns Gospel
The week ahead
Mon 29th Jun 10:30am - Tiny Tots, All Saints
Tue 30th Jun 10:30am - M4T, St Mary’s Parish Rooms
Wed 1st Jul 9:00am - Celtic Morning Prayer, All Saints
Thu 2nd Jul 10:00am - Holy Communion, St Mary’s
Fri 3rd Jul 11:00am-12noon - Living After Loss, St Mary’s
Sat 4th Jul 10:00am-12noon - Coffee Morning and Book Sale with Bristol Repair Cafe, All Saints
Sat 4th Jul 10:00am -2:00pm - Summer Fair, St Mary’s
Sunday 5th July
8:00am - Holy Communion, All Saints
10:30am - Ordination of Deacons, Bristol Cathedral
6:30pm - Evensong St Mary’s