Hello wonderful youth of St Aldates!
Hope everyone is well during these unpredictable times. In a time in which we are being forced to isolate ourselves, it can be really easy to just slip away into our rooms and go into our own worlds. Get caught binging Netflix or playing endless video games. But my prayer for all of you is that this will be a time in which you can become closer to God. I’m sure you all have lots more free time now. I’ve definitely benefited from picking up my Bible and reading it as part of having a bit more time on my hands.
A passage that I have been pondering over recently, which has challenged me a lot is Matthew 5:13-16 where Jesus is calling us to be 'Salt and Light of the world'.
'You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 'You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.'
I've therefore been wondering, how can we be the salt and the light of the Earth from a place of isolation?, especially with the restrictions that the government has now put in place. The amazing thing is, we don’t need to use our voices to communicate. We don’t need to be talking to people to make a difference in their day. Brightening up someone's day can come in more than just words coming out of your mouth.
With this in mind, and as it is 'Fellowship Friday', I want to challenge you to become inventive and create something that sends an encouraging message to your neighbourhood. Place this in your window or somewhere where people around will be able to see it. Whether this be an encouraging Bible verse, a message of encouragement or something that will spread joy around the community, get involved. In these times where there is so much anxiety and fear, spreading joy and hope is something I believe is so important for the Church to be doing.
Here is something I created (please ignore how unartistic I am). Get creative! Share with us what you get up to!
Praying for you all, Tom 1.
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Email us your creations: youth@staldates.org.uk
very nice poster tom