Friday Night Mission Dinner
Did I dream about this first class restaurant at St Botolph's Church? Certainly
at the Sunday morning service it's hard to imagine, but yes - tables beautifully
set out with lighted candles, and neat, efficient, suitably attired waiters
and waitresses set the scene for a superb meal.
Prawn Chowder followed by Pork Normande, with all the trimmings, then an irresistible sweet - chocolate roulard (probably quite wicked) cheese and biscuits with celery - coffee and mints, not forgetting red and white wine plus soft drinks. What a feast!
In fact our physical needs were satisfied in a delightful way, by Phil and Lindsey Burch and their team giving their talents unstintingly. The testimony from Mary-Ann illustrated, in a very moving way, the power of God's love through situations which most of us pray we will not encounter in our own lives, but realise that, at all times, God is there to be with us when we are lost.
As always the music from the Finch and Keech ensemble was lovely and I found myself humming and singing the hymn most of the next day.
I wondered how David Jackman would deal with such a difficult issue as "Where is God in all the suffering in the World" - I should have remembered the ability he has to clearly interpret God's word and communicate it in such a wonderful way. He reminded us that decisions taken by all of us can cause much suffering but that power has been bestowed upon us and we have not always used our knowledge in accordance with God's wishes.
Amongst this physical and spiritual food there was time for fellowship and it's so good to put names to faces and to get to know our neighbours that little bit better.
So all in all, a very complete evening where so many people gave so generously of their time and talents. If there is an Ecclesiastical Michelin Guide I would give St Botolphs Five Stars!
Chris Thornton