Times of transition?

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it (Psalm 24 v1)

Kennetside

Following opening prayers in the church, the fourth walk headed along the River Kennet towards the town centre.  As we walked, we remarked that the Kennet has been an ongoing part of these walks, as it flows through the neighbourhood, providing a sense of continuity and also a reminder that Reading partly owes its origins to the confluence of the Kennet with the Thames.

Towards the town centre

Kennetside itself was busy in the early evening, firstly with those passing through, with a sense of purpose in their journeys - many on the way home at the end of the day.  Secondly, with groups sitting by the side of the river: possibly from the homeless community in this area of which seems to be one of relative safety for them.    

Look...

...a time of transition in the town centre, some places closing for the night, being cleaned & tidied; others starting to get busier.

One job complete, but someone else's to be done now?

The contrast between lights and the early evening darkness, God in the light and the dark?.  

The community building in Kennet Walk
(see previous blog) hosts the Dingley centre -
this advert was in Jacksons,
former department store.

Another contrast was the outward opulence of many new buildings in the area, yet within 100m the group of homeless men gathering for conversation, a drink and a smoke.

Another community group at work in the area

One recurring theme...the number of new residential properties in the neighbourhood.  The town centre is gaining a substantial number of places to live.

Listen...

...subdued conversation by the side of the river

Distant voices - people talking outside the pub

Noisy

Quiet streets, particularly around the
more commercial area of the Forbury

Pray...

...thanks for the fellowship which has been shared during these times of looking, listening and praying

...thanks for the suggestions which have emerged since the walk in 'new Newtown' / Kennet Walk area (see the previous blog entry).  May these ideas develop with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

...for other churches in the town centre

...for the homeless in Reading.  Looking ahead , Wesley will be participating in a wider scheme across Reading ['bed for the night'] to provide shelter overnight during January 2015.  Please pray for guidance on how this will best work at Wesley, and for volunteers to help.  Is there an ongoing opportunity for Wesley to serve this group, alongside the other agencies in the town centre?  

...is Wesley as a church looking for a new purpose too?  If this is therefore a time of transition for the church, are there things which need to be 'tidied and cleaned away?'

...that also prompts our prayer for those who find themselves individually in times of transition and needing support to move on.

...for continuing reflection on the outcome of this activity as a whole, and the continuing prayers and discussion within the whole of the church community at Wesley.