Harvest Festival

 Sunday was our Harvest. Although limited by our inability to meet together, it was still an opportunity to give thanks to God for the wonderful world that he has given us – and for all that comes from it. People had been encouraged to give dried food and cans to the Oadby food bank – so that we could help provide forthe needs of those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

The service was led by Steve Bailey, and during the service the donated food grew up in size around him. The sermon was given by Lou McGoldrick, our youth worker, who reminded us of the passage regarding the ma
n whose response to agricultural wealth was to built ever bigger and better barns. She encouraged us to think about what we could give to others, or become, if our priority was not to gather wealth for ourselves.

As always, after the service, some 40 people met together by Zoom, to catch up and share experiences.

Remember the Harvest

 Sunday was Harvest. Although we met for worship on Sunday by Zoom, Anona had done a great job in reminding us of the harvest and our dependency on God by preparing a display that she put up in the church entrance hall. She reminded us "God gives so that we have something to share."

Antiracism training Mark 2

On Saturday, Suzanne Hanson returned (on zoom) to continue her antiracism training for St Paul's. She noted the heartfelt apology of the Archbishop of Canterbury for the racism within the church in the past. But she also pointed out the "Institutional Racism" that still exists – often without people being aware of it. She pointed out that there was currently no diocesan bishop (the senior bishop in the diocese) who was of the BAME community (there are some of the less senior suffragan bishops.) This absence is particularly noticeable of those who are second-generation immigrants. Many of the more senior leaders within the church who are of the Bame community are first-generation immigrants, rather than 2nd. Is this because they were educated in their home countries where there were more black role models?

Suzanne gave us lots to think about regarding this difficult situation and how the situation might be reversed. Many thanks to Suzanne for all her hard work.

Anti-Racism Training

St Pauls is one of the diocese’s “Intercultural Worshipping Communities.” As such, it is vitally important that we should be welcoming to those of all backgrounds. To help recognise our innate prejudices Suzanne Hanson, an enabler from the Diocese of Leicester held a zoom training session today. This was particularly for those on the Parochial Church Council although others were welcome. About 20 attended. Suzanne introduced us to many of the terms found in such consideration, from “white supremacy” to “intersectional.” She gave much historical background with individual scenarios and challenged our responses. There will be another session next week. 

    May we be helped to show God’s love and welcome.