I have the privilege to spend a lot of time traveling. I live – as most of you know – in the South East of England between Oxford and London, work in Oxford, and of course I do visit Newcastle regularly. When I was younger, we had family in Cheshire and Yorkshire and we spent summers with them. I’m writing this from a sunny balcony, overlooking the River Torridge, in Devon. Google Maps tells me I’m 394 miles from Northumberland Street, but that I could cover that distance in about 3 hours (by plane from Bristol) or about 7 hours in the car if the motorways are clear. A long way away by some measure, but such a short way by others.
Our worship theme this month looks for Ancient Truths for Modern Days in stories from the Old Testament. We’ve read about Joseph, who was taken from Canaan to Egypt against his will, and Joshua, who led an army out of Egypt and back to Canaan. Their journeys were more than just travels, though, their personal journeys and struggles are reflected in the literal distance they travel from their origin to their destination. Later in the series, we will hear about Rahab, and Esther, whose personal journeys take place in the confines of their own homes, but are as transformative and profound as any traveller’s tales.
June is also the month in which people around the UK mark Refugee Week. On the 19th June as part of Sunday worship, we will be taking up a collection for the West End Refugee Service. They have asked for, shampoo, shower gel, and deodorant as a priority, and will also accept toothpaste, handcream, and good quality clothing for any age or gender. Many of us will never take the kinds of journeys that bring people to the UK as refugees and asylum seekers, but Northern Lights MCC has a strong history of reaching out and offering a hand of welcome. Through the work of Rainbow Home, we offer our time, food, and a space to share stories and friendship. Through collections and offerings, we give what we can of our gifts. Through prayer, we commit ourselves to being hope and light to everyone who crosses our threshold and invite the Holy Spirit to renew us in our work.
What journeys are on your horizon? Are you expecting big changes in your life and circumstance, or thinking about your next journey home from work? How can you invite God to participate in these journeys with you? As you reflect and pray on our worship series this month, remember the truth that God is with you in all times and all places.
Blessings,
Kate
Our worship theme this month looks for Ancient Truths for Modern Days in stories from the Old Testament. We’ve read about Joseph, who was taken from Canaan to Egypt against his will, and Joshua, who led an army out of Egypt and back to Canaan. Their journeys were more than just travels, though, their personal journeys and struggles are reflected in the literal distance they travel from their origin to their destination. Later in the series, we will hear about Rahab, and Esther, whose personal journeys take place in the confines of their own homes, but are as transformative and profound as any traveller’s tales.
June is also the month in which people around the UK mark Refugee Week. On the 19th June as part of Sunday worship, we will be taking up a collection for the West End Refugee Service. They have asked for, shampoo, shower gel, and deodorant as a priority, and will also accept toothpaste, handcream, and good quality clothing for any age or gender. Many of us will never take the kinds of journeys that bring people to the UK as refugees and asylum seekers, but Northern Lights MCC has a strong history of reaching out and offering a hand of welcome. Through the work of Rainbow Home, we offer our time, food, and a space to share stories and friendship. Through collections and offerings, we give what we can of our gifts. Through prayer, we commit ourselves to being hope and light to everyone who crosses our threshold and invite the Holy Spirit to renew us in our work.
What journeys are on your horizon? Are you expecting big changes in your life and circumstance, or thinking about your next journey home from work? How can you invite God to participate in these journeys with you? As you reflect and pray on our worship series this month, remember the truth that God is with you in all times and all places.
Blessings,
Kate
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