on discovering solidarity in a pandemic

The events of this year have surely proven the benefits of solidarity, when differences are set aside to offer mutual support and care-giving as we journey through a period of collective testing. It took a pandemic to make our society willing to stand together, shoulder-to-shoulder with others of different opinions, outlooks and cultural values. We began to learn to appreciate those in the most overlooked jobs in our communities — the ones that kept us safe, fed, and healthy. For once, we could see that humanity was united, all in the same boat. When we face a common cause, it diverts us from making enemies of one another.

Solidarity is like living in a village of togetherness, where one seeks to pick up the other rather than knock them down; to collaborate rather than compete; to put ourselves aside and see others as more important (Philippians 2:3). In solidarity a hand of friendship reaches out into the unknown, willing to help and support those in trouble; to advocate for justice and truth.

In solidarity, we do not see the others as a threat, but an opportunity to learn and grow and discover — for our horizons to be stretched wider and stunning new vistas revealed amidst our tendency to insulate ourselves from difference and change. In solidarity we can discover our best selves, our gifts revealed as we offer them to others. 

It sounds a lot like Jesus’ idea of the kingdom of God.

on turning the church inside out

The noticeboard outside the church has a new poster on it. Instead of advertising some upcoming event at St Anne’s, or promoting our community activities, this poster has no words. It is simply a 3-foot high photograph of the inside of church.

This is a way of turning our building ‘inside out.’ Those in the parish who are unfamiliar with St Anne’s can now see what is behind our doors. I hope it will also be a sign that, in spite of the pandemic, we continue to worship God and to pray for our community. A banner, made by our Vauxhall Tide art group, is centre stage above the altar, bearing its message to ‘Show the love.’ 

Turning ourselves inside out is part of the Christian calling. The joy that we experience through our personal encounter with Jesus is not something to keep to ourselves; it should spill over into the rest of our lives as we live in him and seek to share that joy with others.

At our APCM today we will be reporting on St Anne’s year in 2019. That now seems a long time ago, given the events of 2020. Our challenge, as we look to the future, will be to find new ways of turning St Anne’s inside out and sharing the joy of the gospel to our neighbourhood.