This is so moving and important, Jayne. You've even made me appreciate 'Our God is a big God', which I hated when my mum's church sang it in normal mainly adult services, but makes total sense as part of Toddler Church. It's amazing that you can write so affectionately and beautifully about your experience all those years ago despite your feelings of being let down by other representatives of the churchcommunity and hierarchy.
Thank you Clare. I wise person said to me that the church doesn’t belong only to those in power who hurt people and dishonour the gospel. It belongs to all of us, and that means me too.
Gosh I love this. I drifted from the church for a decade before being drawn back in by a v similar sounding toddler group (I remember the dance moves too)! I am incredibly careful to make sure my children know that the church is not the same as God, for that same awareness that the church is flawed, error-prone humans. As such I’m just letting them find their own way in faith, answering questions & inviting them to join me on my way too. Solidarity x (no thanks for getting that song in my head though 😂)
Thank you for this. I needed reminding that those of us with spare arms can make a difference to those struggling to drink a cup of tea while it is still hot.... and it is important and meaningful x
This is so moving and important, Jayne. You've even made me appreciate 'Our God is a big God', which I hated when my mum's church sang it in normal mainly adult services, but makes total sense as part of Toddler Church. It's amazing that you can write so affectionately and beautifully about your experience all those years ago despite your feelings of being let down by other representatives of the churchcommunity and hierarchy.
Thank you Clare. I wise person said to me that the church doesn’t belong only to those in power who hurt people and dishonour the gospel. It belongs to all of us, and that means me too.
Wise indeed, and applicable to several other situations that are on my mind at the moment.
It was a comment by Fergus Butler Gallie! Beautifully defiant, I thought.
Gosh I love this. I drifted from the church for a decade before being drawn back in by a v similar sounding toddler group (I remember the dance moves too)! I am incredibly careful to make sure my children know that the church is not the same as God, for that same awareness that the church is flawed, error-prone humans. As such I’m just letting them find their own way in faith, answering questions & inviting them to join me on my way too. Solidarity x (no thanks for getting that song in my head though 😂)
Wise! Yes, making the distinction is crucial. Sad that it should be so. And sorry-not-sorry about the ear worm! 😂
So, so very wise and moving, and so beautifully written as ever.
Thank you James.
Thank you for this. I needed reminding that those of us with spare arms can make a difference to those struggling to drink a cup of tea while it is still hot.... and it is important and meaningful x
So important and deeply meaningful. ❤️
So happy to read that last paragraph!
He said he wanted to be confirmed, but sadly that’s not possible in this diocese. Not the way things are 😢
That's indeed sad, but hope it won't deter him.
I'll pray for him specifically when I pray for you and the family
Thank you Dave.
Thanks for making me do a little cry in the cafe during a busy lunch time! Seriously, though, this is beautiful and challenging.
You softy ❤️