It was fascinating to hear the Bishop of London, following the riots, referring to churches as (I think I heard) 'Community Hubs'. This may be a very helpful phrase as we seek to express what 'church' is about. 'Church' has become a religious phrase, which the equivalent wasn't in the early days of the church.
'Religious' language reinforces the public / private divide, which we need to take every opportunity to overcome.
There are vast needs in the communities of which we are part. God always provides though there are deep challenges as we step out in faith to serve him. This is for example true for Foodbank in Harlow which is seeking to expand.
Foodbank and Street Pastors draw us together in Christ. 'We do together those things best done together and apart those things best done apart.' Healing on the Streets offers another opportunity. Dave Welch and Ron Kingsmill are giving a lead.
We face many challenges, but we face them together as we step forward in Christ.
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