Foster a Christian presence in PSJ community institutions

Over the last year a remarkable process has been getting underway right across Peasedown St John: many people are mobilising themselves to try and make a significant difference to the wellbeing of members of the community.

As a result of unusual timing, a number of people have become involved with the organisation ‘Peasedown 1st’; but that is not all that is being done. Peasedown 1st has two parts to its agenda: getting a number of people onto the Parish Council in order to help support the organisation that sets the encouraging and cooperative tone for the village; and thinking up and putting into action every possible plan for making people’s lives better. This latter one is where many St. John’s members will want to be involved.

Now, all this raises a big question. Are St. John’s members joining in to get more members and to encourage people to become Christians; or is to firstly to help the village. It is important to decide, or everything becomes muddled. Here are two views that might help. The first is what Jeremiah the prophet said to the Jews who had been exiled in Babylon: ‘Seek the wellbeing of the city, for in its wellbeing, you shall have wellbeing.’ This is the first message to Israel under foreign rule, and it’s quite clear. ‘Join in; help out; make things work; it’s not about conversion.’ The second view is what someone said last year when I asked them about their motives. When I said: ‘help or spread the message?’ They said, ‘Help is always first, but ‘telling’ is part of helping.’ So there we are. Two approaches; ‘care’ or ‘care and tell’. Neither is right or wrong, and each person needs to be clear in their own mind.

As soon as the May 2011 elections have settled down there will be lots of opportunity for action: getting involved with clubs and associations, gathering information, administration, taking turns on rotas and work-parties. The village will be helped enormously by this kind of infrastructure. It is a very significant time for us in Peasedown St John.

If you would like to be more involved in this 'Spiritual Working Party' please contact Andy Fraser:

Address: 65 Underknoll, Peasedown St John, Bath, BA2 8TY

Email: andyjoyfraser@btinternet.com

Tel: 01761 433644

10.30am St John's Peasedown

1st & 3rd Sunday Holy Communion

2nd & 5th Sunday Soul Food Lite

4th Sunday Morning Praise

4.30pm - Soul Food - PSJ Youth Centre

11.15am - Wellow

1st, 3rd, 4th & 5th Sunday Morning Praise

2nd Sunday Holy Communion

10am - Foxcote (May - Oct)

1st & 5th Sunday Morning Praise

2nd & 4th Sunday Holy Communion

10am - Shoscombe (Nov - Apr)