STRONGER TOGETHER

Thurrock Faith Matters asked me to be their new chair this month – what a privilege! As I take up the daunting task for the year ahead, I reflect on the example and ministry of our previous chair, Russell Godward. Russell and his family have faced huge challenges in the recent loss of his son and they have all been such an example to us of hope and life rising from the ashes of despair.

 

As a faith community leader, Russell has embodied so many of the values that make our faith communities great and to which Thurrock Faith Matters aspires in this amazing and vibrant borough. His leadership over the past year has enabled us to take some significant steps forward and fostered some exciting new partnerships. Thank you Russ!

 

I am really beginning to believe that the old prejudices against faith and creedal values in our society are being left behind as politicians and community advocates realise what vision and clarity my colleagues bring to the table. The days of suspicion are fading and it can be seen in Safeguarding and family support, FoodBank and projects for the elderly, programmes for the lonely and homeless, drug-dependent and alcohol-abused that faith really does matter and that faith groups really can make a difference!

 

My vision for Thurrock Faith Matters is to be a team that is – in a tagline – building bridges throughout Thurrock. Our special contribution is to show that Hindus, Jews, Sikhs, Muslims and Christians can work together, despite differences in belief. And that means that we can not only work for (and with) people of all faiths and none but also provide the possibility of an example to bring together young and old, black and white, male and female across our borough.

 

Difference and diversity are great – to be celebrated – but they don’t need to divide. We need more partnerships like the ones Russell is promoting. And not just between people with identical outlooks. We need the courage to take hands with those who are different from us and explore what we can do together for the benefit of all.

 

It was love that prompted God to create us. It is love that puts us in families. It must be love that drives us forward into a better future.

 

God bless you!

 

 

TAKE A DEEP BREATH

It’s my birthday this week – I hope you remembered! You forgot? Well, there’s still time to send me a belated e.card. I’m not the only one celebrating a birthday this week either. Christians have been celebrating Pentecost – the birthday of the Church – the day when 120 new believers began a movement that today has grown to 2.3 billion: the largest family group on earth.

 

How did it all happen? Well, if you’re interested in church history, you can look it up in the fifth book of the New Testament, appropriately named The Acts of the Apostles or, to put it another way, “The Acts of the Church”. If you can’t lay your hand on your bible right this minute … keep reading here. I like to think it happened a bit like this …

 

Jesus gets back to heaven after a successful life on earth, during which time he has told people about the Kingdom of God, been crucified, come back to life and left his followers with an important mission. He is met at the pearly gates by the angel Gabriel who greets him warmly and asks how he got on. Jesus explains that his ministry was a great success and that he has left his ongoing work in the hands of a few of his “disciples”.

 

Gabriel is horrified as he realises how inept and useless humans are and protests that Jesus can surely not be serious. God’s work is far too important to be left to a handful of fishermen! Jesus is insistent that those he has called will carry his mission across the face of the earth into succeeding generations. “Yeah, right!” scoffs the angel; “well, don’t hold your breath!” “I don’t intend to,” replies Jesus and with that he takes a deep breath and breathes out …

 

And on our planet, the breath of God’s Spirit touches human lives in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria and on to the ends of the earth. As I say in my Gazette Thought this week, it doesn’t matter how you look outside; it’s what’s inside that really counts!

 

You may be full of high ideals and have plans to make a difference in the world. That’s great! But on your own you are going to meet all kinds of difficulties and face many overwhelming challenges. “Inspiration” – literally, breathing in will help you, especially if you know the indwelling breath of God and the presence of his Holy Spirit.

 

You’re facing a big challenge? You know what to do … ready? Take a deep breath …