Answering Dave…

Dear Dave,

I chatted to you yesterday about why I go to church – and you should too…

Gardener Rachel De Thame writes:

‘For us, the practical, hands-on, dirt-beneath-the-fingernails horticulture beats everything. Few other activities compare for keeping you physically fit as well as feeding the soul and benefitting our mental health and overall wellbeing. I’ve never warmed to the word ‘mindfulness, but I understand exactly what it means…

…More proactive than watching telly, healthier than a stiff drink and cheaper than joining a gym, time spent working away in the garden is my perfect idea of me-time.’

Is going to church, with its benefit to soul, mental health and wellbeing, any different from gardening?

Actor Adjoa Andoh, often on our TV screens, said:

‘ …church is the place where we come in all our difference and in all our difficulties… where you can be a hot mess; you don’t have to be fine. It’s you and God… you have to create a space where that person can walk through the door and not run straight back out. Make space for God to do God’s work, and allow people to encounter God…’

Adjoa Andoh sees church as a precious gift where… God is present and working… people encounter God… she has peace, acceptance and freedom.

Rosemarie Mallett, is an academic, who ‘rejected the institution of Church… as I learned more about the way in which the church had walked together with colonialism, imperialism, chattel slavery…’

Rosemarie became Bishop of Croydon. ‘…seeing if I could find a way to play a part in bringing about the Church that Jesus called into being… which reflects the beauty and wonder of the creator. Where there is a place for everyone, and every part of the body has a role to play and is loved and respected.

Rosemarie Mallett, rather than criticising the Church from the outside, chose to change it from the inside…

So Dave… These three women helped me. I hope they help you.