One of the most concerning aspects of modern life is the increasing coarseness of political discourse. Recent examples are the suggestion that battery acid should be thrown at a particular politician or that another would be better chopped up and stored in a freezer. Rough and tumble of politics or just words spoken in jest? We seem to have gone beyond that.
Some blame must lie at the door of social media, where any amount of vitriol can be deployed without nuance or consequence. Trial by Twitter. Even in emails, people will say things that they would never say face to face. But the main cause is the increasing belief in secular circles that people who disagree with you are morally inferior, even evil, and can thus be disregarded. The concept of honestly and honourably held opposing views of the same facts seems to be disintegrating.
The Bible, as always, has much to say. In Titus 3:2 we are reminded that we are:
to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people (ESV).
Pray that we may be models; we need to be ‘in the world, not of the world’ (John 17:14-19 paraphrased (NIV)). We must speak the truth of the Gospel but in the right way – tone is everything.
Dave Frost
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Sunday 7th July
9.00 am Morning Prayer
11am Holy Communion
Sunday 14th July
10am Watermen's Service
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Fire Training - Wednesday 17th July
Parish Centre 9.30 - 12.00
If you are involved in leading a church group please book yourself onto this basic fire training or speak to Rachel for more information
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The coffee shop is calling you...!
We really do not want to close the coffee shop on a Saturday but the current shortage of weekend volunteers is causing us concern. We have lots of visitors to our lovely village over the summer months who stop to enjoy our delightful garden and homemade cakes - so if you think you could spare approximately 3 hours, on a monthly basis, June, July and August then please do get in touch. More hands make light work and allows us to keep our coffee shop open for everyone to enjoy.
Rachel, Joanne and Wen
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