-
Moseley Chimes
January 2008
Recently I attended a ‘Churchwatch’ training session at St Mary’s. I found it an interesting experience. An ex-policeman led the workshop enabling us to consider the various reasons why we would want to keep our churches open and the practical steps that we can take to make it possible for both buildings and members of our congregations to feel secure and safe.
On Tuesday evening I attended the first of a series of discussions (The Inn Crowd) taking place in the Fighting Cocks pub. I suppose my thoughts were still reflecting on the idea of an ‘Open Church’ as I entered the building. After all, pubs, like churches, are now expected to be open more hours of the day. Also they tend to employ Security Guards to ensure the safety of both customers and staff. Thankfully whilst at the training one point we had considered were guards and it was quickly rejected — as was the idea of the ladies who serve coffee receiving karate training. For a fleeting moment I did wonder at the possibility of taking up kick-boxing, if I could summon the energy.
The discussion focused on MONEY — do we really need it? Does it control us more than we care to admit? I’m certainly looking forward to next week’s debate on the subject of SEX! I believe congratulations should be given to the Ministry Team for coming up with the idea of both the training and the series of discussion at the pub. In my childhood I remember the public buildings that were found in every village — the pub and the church. Sadly sometimes members of the pub fraternity find themselves needing help from members of the church congregation. In order for this to continue, so I learned at the workshop, we need to take a few practical steps and such benefits will be shared with our community. We can truly become open churches for the well being of everyone who lives, works and visits Moseley.