That was an amazing weekend with four days of fabulous activities helping us to tell our communities about Jesus through serving them and giving people some `fantastic stories. I went to a varied number of great events where people often came away transfixed by the love that was shown to them and the message that was given by everyone who spoke to them.
More importantly, I know of many things that have come out of this weekend that will see growth. I spoke to at least one person who is heading back to church after thirteen years in the wilderness. I know of groups and worshipping communities being set up on the back of the energy that was created. So a massive thank you. From me and Bishop Paul, Thank you.
We appreciate the efforts that everyone involved did. We loved going around our diocese. We were both fortunate to experience a variety of activities being carried out and it was lovely to see, chat and engage with so many people. I was also encouraged by the fact that I know I went to many places where there were not just one off activities but part of the ongoing work, mission and ministry of that community in that area.
We must see this as that. Tell Serve Give was a catalyst for action, an encouragement of what is being done and a challenge for us all. Archbishop Sentamu’s video in this week’s bulletin reminds us that we are called to continue in this mission until Christ returns. And we must see this last weekend as a foundation block that we can build from.
So think back to the people you met. The conversations you had. Who are the people that you can talk to again? Who you can keep telling and retelling your story and the story of Jesus’s love to. Who are you praying for? And how can you encourage them on their journey?
And think forward to what is coming up. We have Mothering Sunday on the horizon. We will be entering the season of Holy Week and Easter. We then have the growing prayer initiative – Thy Kingdom Come - from Ascension to Pentecost. These offer great opportunities, so why not use them to invite the people you have connected with.
You probably need to rest. That is right and taking time out to rest after a busy time is right and proper. But then we must all carry on. We have developed a great opportunity. We need to continue so we continue to see more people knowing Jesus with more justice in the world.
I spoke to at least one person who is heading back to church after thirteen years in the wilderness. I know of groups and worshipping communities being set up on the back of the energy that was created. So a massive thank you. From me and Bishop Paul, Thank you.
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Read our round up of events
Find out some of what happened over the weekend
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