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Welcome to Christ Church, Blacklands & St. Andrew, Laton Road, Hastings

From Revd. Canon John Fletcher

‘CHURCH’………………………….. Many react negatively at the very mention of the word ‘Church’ It conjures up images of a big old building. It is freezing inside, with dry rot and uncomfortable pews. A whole list of negative reactions. All too often we become imprisoned by negative thinking which simply leads to casual commitment and ineffectiveness. I believe God wants the best for you and me and for His Church. Recently some of us have been thinking about the ‘Harvest of the Church’. It’s time to be more positive!

I like the story I heard from one of the speakers at the New Wine event in the summer. It’s a story I shared with some of you at our recent Harvest Festival. It is the story of a Christian minister who was on a journey to Australia. On the plane he sat next to a smartly dressed middle- aged lady. After a bright and breezy hello to each other, the minister asked “Where are you going ?” “I am going to Singapore” said the lady, “it’s a business trip for the Company I work for. And where are you going ?” she asked. “To Australia” he replied, “to see my family. What do you do for a living?” The lady told him and then asked the minister what kind of work he did.

(Short pause)

“Well, er, I work for a global enterprise!”. “Oh do you!” replied the lady sitting up and beginning look interested . “Yes” said the minister, “we have shelters for the homeless, we work in hospitals and in the field of education”. “Do you really” said the lady that does sound interesting!”. ”In fact we look after people from birth to death” said the minister. “We are involved in the work of reconciliation, issues relating to peace and justice, marriage, bereavement counselling, and we do a lot of work in schools among young people and folk of all ages. We also work in areas of behavioural alteration”. “WOW” said the lady “that really is fantastic! Amazing! Absolutely amazing!”

By this time lots of folk in the cabin were turning around and listening in to this remarkable conversation. By now the lady was wide-eyed and enthusiastic - “Tell me” she said, “what is the name of this Company you work for ? Following a short pause, back came the reply, “It’s the Church! Have you heard of it?”