Knitting as prayer?

As part of our Walk in Wednesday activities a knitting group has emerged.  We had a great discussion yesterday afternoon about whether knitting could help us in our spiritual life? We wondered whether as we knitted we might pray or think about the person who would receive our finished work.

We are knitting for a charity called "Hug a baby" who provide knitted blankets and baby clothes for premature babies in a hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa.  The women who give birth there have very little and the packs they are issued with include items for the baby along with paracetamol and sanitary protections for the mums. 

Lord, thank you that you have given us so much. Surround these women with your love and your hope, help them deliver safely and give them strength and the skills to their babies.  May we all know we are loved as your children.  Amen.

Recognising God at work

On Monday morning I lead a bible study in the Strode Room in Beaminster.  Since September we have been looking at the Holy Spirit; who he is, what he does, where we see him at work in the bible and in our lives.

One verse has really jumped out at me from 1 Corinthians 2:12 (NRSV) "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God."

What gifts has God given you?

One of our congregation is a very practical person, good with his hands. His woodworking skills have blessed many people and God has enabled him to put his skills to great use, not least making me a collapsible stable for the knitted nativity set. Another congregation member loves knitting and by sharing her skills and talents with others she has created a knitting group where friendships are made and inspiration is shared.

Sometimes it is hard to acknowledge what our gifts are, perhaps we are too quick to criticise ourselves instead of recognise the gifts we have. I think I have a gift of dreaming dreams - now the challenge is to turn them into reality.

Be encouraged, ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognise, understand and use the gifts he has bestowed on you. Amen.

A return to blogging

It is six months since we walked between all the 15 churches in our team and lots has been going on. Following some diocesan training on communicating I decided to resurrect the blog whilst we wait for our new website to be set up. So here we are, back online.

Since we've been away we've set up a new community initiative, "Walk in Wednesday" which takes place every Wednesday between 9am and 4pm at St Mary's Beaminster.  We open up the church, have tea, coffee and homemade cake, soup lunch and provide space where you are welcome to pop in to meet friends or to spend some time chatting with new people. There is a popular knitting group where you can learn to knit, bring along your own projects or join in with our "Hug a Baby" charity knitting. We also have an art table, a paperback book exchange, daily papers and a children's corner filled with toys and books.

We wanted the beautiful church building to be used by anyone, not just those coming to worship.  We also wanted a space and time where all could come and expect a good welcome, have something to eat and get to know new people.  Do come down any Wednesday, we would love to see you.