A church is to create an educational area about a slave trader who became an abolitionist.John Newton was curate of St Peter and Paul's Church in Olney, Buckinghamshire, between 1764 and 1780. During that time he wrote the hymn Amazing Grace.Churchwarden David Phillipson said the church was "not trying to glorify the slave trade" but rather educate people about Mr Newton's work to help abolish slavery.Thousands of people visit the church every year, prompting the plans for an educational space.Proposals for the project were approved by the Church of England's Consistory Court.Mr Phillipson said: "We are not trying to glorify the slave trade by having this area but educate people and explain what happened and what John Newton eventually did in terms of his work to abolish the slave trade and write Amazing Grace, which is known worldwide."In 1780 Mr Newton forged a friendship with politician William Wilberforce and went on to advise and support him through the campaign to abolish slavery.Later, they worked together to establish a home for freed slaves in Sierra Leone.Amazing Grace was published in 1779 and is considered one of the most recognisable songs in the English-speaking world.Mr Phillipson said the plan was to use a currently unused area for educational purposes.He said it would feature artefacts directly related to Newton, including a coffin plaque and descriptive brass plate, and a picture.The work, which includes removing unused pews, would cost about £1,000 and could be completed by the end of July.
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”. I was recently listening to a podcast by Simon Sineck who wrote the book ‘Start With Why.’ His premise is that our first motivation for life and work should be our ‘why’ and not just what we do – our ‘what’. It got me thinking about the ‘Why’ of my work and life and this is what I wrote in my journal. “To enable people (especially leaders) to flourish and to minister out of a deep relationship with Jesus. To invite people to have abundant life in Jesus by being the person and doing the things that God has called them to be.” I feel very privileged that this aligns my role as a Mission Enabler – Evangelism; to enable leaders and parishes to discern what God is saying to them and journeying with them as they seek to prioritise the things God has called them to do in sharing and living out the good news of Jesus Christ by Transforming Church and Transforming Lives. I would encourage you to spend a moment reflecting on the ‘why’ of your life and work. Maybe there is a verse of scripture that encapsulates your why? Finally, we welcomed a new puppy into our family a few weeks ago – so I’d like to introduce you to Gibson! I think his ‘why’ is food and fun!
We hope you're enjoying the wonderful weather this weekend. We also hope you'll find time to join us at Dunsfold Church tomorrow at 10 am for our joint Holy Communion service.If you can't be with us in person you can join us remotely by clicking on the Zoom link below. The link should take you straight to the service but you will also see below the log on details if required.We really do appreciate the number of people who are joining our services from home, hospital and sometimes further afield. You are very welcome.https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2746581498?pwd=WjlIcHBydjdOOEEzZ2tBVDNyMFBaZz09Meeting ID: 274 658 1498 Passcode: 7C7La6And to help those joining us via WiFi you'll find attached an order of service for tomorrow, Trinity Sunday.
