Church's role in bringing us together
THE bunting may still be flapping in the wind, but what else are we left with in the wake of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations?
Churches rekindling a sense of community, getting to know people, building friendships and welcoming everyone to party.
Celebrating what we hold in common in true British style regardless of the weather. Memories of local street parties and cream teas as well as extensive TV coverage of events in London and elsewhere.
Whatever you got up to, I hope the Jubilee had a positive impact on your local community.
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This weekend is also an opportunity to celebrate another aspect of community as we show our support for past and present servicemen and women and their families and the contribution to this country of our Armed Forces.
Once again the church is called to support individuals and families in prayerful and practical ways and so bring the love of God, which has been shown to us in the Lord Jesus, into the heart of our society.
A lot has recently been said about the government's idea of the 'Big Society'.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has been critical of the Government's failure to define what it means, speaking of the suspicion that voluntary groups were being expected to pick up responsibilities shed by the government.
But I think we rediscovered something about the nature of the Big Society during the Jubilee celebrations – that it is rooted in local communities coming together and supporting each other.
Central and local government do have responsibilities to provide us with services, but at the same time we find that there is so much untapped potential within our communities to support one another.
The Christian church has a pivotal role to play in bringing people together.
The Greek New Testament word for church is 'ekklesia' – which means gathering or assembly.
Coming together is at the heart of what it means to be church.
The mission of the church is to communicate God's love for every individual and to draw them into a deeper relationship with him and their fellow neighbour.
I hope the church can maintain momentum as we head into the rest of this exciting Olympic year and be the catalyst for community cohesion and transformation.
So, don't wait for the government to define the Big Society – just do it (to coin a phrase).
Ian Turner, administrator, Churches Together in Plymouth
Comments
by Vinnie_Gar
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 10:06PM
“More quotes from the Da Vinci Code.
Ahh well - that says more than I ever can.”
by Bob_Wickerman
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 9:39PM
“Vinegar quote- 'All I'm asking for is a tiny bit of proof'..
Let Jesus answer you mate- 'The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it." (Mark 8:11/12}
See, that'd be too easy, he said we must WORK at locking on to him-
"The work God requires is to believe in the one he has sent" (John 6:28 )”
by Bob_Wickerman
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 9:31PM
“Niug quote- 'bob the fact that you havnt figured out the fact that I only post my views to waste your time because I KNOW that you cannot help `trolling` bible quotes'..
Try to see the Big Pic mate, God WANTS the Bible to be discussed and debated and kept alive, so he sends atheists onto message boards to generate discussion so that I can thrill the watching audience with my superhuman put-downs. So carry on, PLEASE..:)
Learn-”
by Vinnie_Gar
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 8:33PM
“Bob/Jonny/Mick
I have got glasses and, though I say so myself, I look rather distinguished in them.
You still haven't answered the evidence question though. I know you think "there must be a god to make all this loveliness" is an answer, but it aint old chum.
All I'm asking for is a tiny bit of proof - nothing fancy.”
by niugnepyzarc
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 8:14PM
“bob the fact that you havnt figured out the fact that I only post my views to waste your time because I KNOW that you cannot help `trolling` bible quotes back as you have many many times before shows your own stupidity. And you deck someone? your having a laugh ive seen that video mate if that really is you on the youtube clip I think youd struggle to fight your way out a paper bag haha”
by Bob_Wickerman
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 7:58PM
“Vinegar quote- 'you haven't yet given an answer to the request to provide some evidence for your delusion?'..
No offence but do you need glasses mate? Just look around at the universe and life, surely you don't think it just decided to (giggle) create itself?
"As we survey all the evidence, the thought insistently arises that some supernatural agency - must be involved. Is it possible that suddenly, without intending to, we have stumbled upon scientific proof of the existence of a Supreme Being?"- George Greenstein (astronomer),1988. The Symbiotic Universe.”
by Bob_Wickerman
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 7:50PM
“CornishP quote- 'Please do not feed the Troll'..
But mate, it was your chum Niug who started this thread by attacking the church, not moi. He obviously wanted a fight, so i simply entered the arena and gave him one by decking him and anybody else who tried causing trouble.
If they just stay down they won't get hurt..:)”
by Vinnie_Gar
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 1:17PM
“Bob/Jonny/Mick
"No offence mate but are you sloshed or punchdrunk under the hammering I'm giving you?"
Really?
How do you work that out as you haven't yet given an answer to the request to provide some evidence for your delusion?
I look forward to your answer but sadly it won't be to this question.
We all know you're a troll but your intelligence reserves seem to be running low. You need more practice.”
by CornishPirate
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 12:20PM
“Please do not feed the Troll.
Trolls try to disrupt, destroy or change discussion groups to fit their own agendas.
Trolls are pin heads.
These trolls like to visit and try to disrupt our forums. Their lowly reason for existence is to post provocative, hostile or annoying messages. They claim they're here to discuss but in face are just here to cause trouble. Trolls have an exaggerated sense of their own importance. Trolls often believe that they have won an argument or discussion when people start to ignore them.
Trolls will frequently use a persecution defense when they are asked to cease their antisocial behavior. When someone asks them to stop posting negative comments or if they are threatened with a ban from the forum, they'll claim innocent intent and will scream censorship. They will claim that they are being singled out because of their unpopular viewpoints.
These are all typical troll activities.
Trolls will only stay when they are fed or given attention.
So please do not pet, respond to or feed trolls.
Doing so only results in their prolonged stay.”
by Bob_Wickerman
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 4:15AM
“Niug quote- 'jeaus never existed to you quoting him is laughable'..
But some atheists say he did exist, so who shall we believe, you or them?
No offence mate but are you sloshed or punchdrunk under the hammering I'm giving you? Tell him Rocky-
"I just wanna prove somethin', it don't matter if I lose... Don't matter if Wickerman opens my head... The only thing I wanna do is go the distance -- That's all. Nobody's ever gone fifteen rounds with Wickerman. If I go them fifteen rounds, an' that bell rings an' I'm still standin', I'm gonna know then I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood"...”