Following on from 2020 – Our World Reimagined post-COVID, we have chosen in 2021-22 the theme of ‘community’. Throughout the year we will explore a theology of community and what this might reveal about the relationship between the individual and community; reflect on faith communities past and present through their stories and have a glimpse at new and emerging stories; we will look at global and local communities through crisis to a better future. We will then focus on some of the issues and challenges in community and how we can work towards true inclusivity and sharing.
We will be guided and challenged at the start of this journey by way of a series of talks as outlined below.
On Sunday 26 June, we gathered at Howe Close for a liturgy and afternoon tea, to celebrate with those who had taken part in our series Community: Old Paths and New Directions. It was a happy occasion and for some people the first time they had met each other in person! For those who were…
“It is said that for an estimated 9 million U.K. citizens, loneliness is the sad reality of modern life.” “Loneliness is one of the biggest health challenges we face. It has little to do with being physically isolated, but more about a sense of disconnection from the people around us.” “How am I so alone…
“The community we strive to build is one which values each person equally and which is based on the Gospel values of love, inclusivity and outreach to people in need.” Our March meeting centred on the theme of inclusivity in community. We were privileged to hear testimonies from people who have experienced exclusion; being…
On 8th February at 6.45 – 8pm (on Zoom), we were delighted to welcome representatives from four organisations whom we had asked to describe their work in the local community – building hope through action. It was inspiring to hear from these organisations and how they are helping the most vulnerable in our local communities.…
On Sunday, 9th January we were delighted to welcome Dr Gemma Simmonds. As a continuation of our “Community: old paths and new directions” theme, Gemma reflected on the idea of global community, responding to questions such as: a) a time of global crisis: could we see it coming? b) drawing on faith: a guide to…
On 14 November, with the wonderful help of Prof John McCafferty, we explored stories of faith-based communities. Starting with the story of the women at the tomb and Luke 24 (the Supper at Emmaus) – the stories of that first Christian “community” – we looked at the paradox of how Jesus is both present and…
On 3 October we welcomed Dr Lea Verstricht, friend and theologian, to explore with us a theology of community and to open our theme for the year: Community: Old Paths and New Directions. Lea’s talk focussed on an understanding of community, as discerned in scripture. Using the New Testament story of the Road to Emmaus,…
