Summer is now in its full bloom. The children are thinking of the long Summer Holiday from school and most families will be planning a time away somewhere over those glorious 6 weeks of freedom. Of course it can be a tough time for working parents, so grand parents often come to the fore. Cathi and I will be having our various grand children coming to stay over the holidays; something I really look forward to.
Being in close proximity to children that are not directly your own is a huge privilege and joy. By definition this will not be your normal routine and so it provides you with a fresh outlook on life. And that outlook will be very much through the eyes of those children; crises come and go in the blink of an eye, promised treats are expected without delay and the world is a wonder. The world is particularly wonderful for them because they will find themselves looking at it through your eyes. Certainly, at your pace and inspired by your interests.
Such coming together across generational or cultural gaps is a hotbed for learning and growth, for all involved. We find this in our Every Age Services at Redhill Church. The attention span and focus of an 8 year old demand a different type of Service. At a recent Service a young girl asked ‘Why do adults always look down when they pray, why do they not look up to God?’. What a good question. At another Service, when discussing what might show that this church has a fresh approach to worship, we moved to the subject of Refreshments Afterwards. Saying that Coffee and Biscuits was a bit predictable, the children suggested ‘The biggest cake in the world, with a cream and mango filling and topped with strawberries waffle and meringue’. We will try to get close to this, but what a wonderful imagination. No way will we get away with offering just Ice Cream.
The long slow summer months are refreshing and exciting, for all of us if we seek to look at them through fresh eyes. If you would like to experience a fresh approach to church, then please come along to one of our Every Age Services, on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month at 11am. You will always be welcome.
Wishing you every blessing
Andrew
Rev’d Andrew Hemming, Priest for Redhill
07584 124 198