THIS week is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in which many of us have taken part for many years.
Jesus prayed for his disciples shortly before he was crucified “...that they would be one”. Historically, we Christians have failed miserably in this area.
Shamefully, over the centuries there has been schisms between the denominations, which still continue to this day. but happily we no longer wage war against each other.
But, nevertheless, we still remain distanced by our different traditions.
We love our buildings and the traditions and styles of services that we were brought up with while others have different ideas and prefer, for example, a band to a traditional organ.
St Austell churches mirror this with a wide band of traditions... seven, I think, so we certainly offer a wide variety of worship to suit all tastes, and all, I believe, are very happy to welcome visitors from other denominations.
We do have a lot to learn from each other.
The message of Christ is that Christians are to serve all people just as he did.
“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verse 45).
Working together on this issue, serving the many needs of our community with our varied talents and gifts could help fulfil this command.
Happily, the Churches Together in St Austell group was resurrected last year with leaders meeting and working together. So, there will be a procession of witness on Good Friday again, starting from Holy Trinity – our parish church - and moving on to Aylmer Square.
But, before that, there is an informal gathering of the churches across St Austell to share a new vision for the future as well as spending time in prayer and worship together.
All are welcome to the joint service which will be held at St Austell Baptist Church on Thursday, February 20, at 6.30pm.
But now? Why not try visiting a different denomination on this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and personally starting to build the bridges towards what Jesus prayed for?
Wendy Earl
Lay Reader, St Mewan Parish