Times of difficulty have often proven to be the catalyst for bringing the best out of people. We use terms like 'the blitz spirit' or the 'wartime spirit', referring to the way that people under extreme pressure and hardship found ways to pull together for the common good. Acts of kindness, mercy, and generosity when there is little to give, seem to have an opportunity to flourish in the most difficult of circumstances. As Charles Dickens wrote, these can be 'the best of times, and the worst of times...'
The problems we are all facing as a result of the recession and economic instability can be seen in that light. Lack of finances is forcing the coalition government to look at its 'Big Society' agenda, and ways in which voluntary organisations and communities can bring benefits to their villages, towns and cities, standing in the gap for provision that it seems can no longer be afforded by central or local government.
The Faith Action Audit showed just how much is being done already by the church in Plymouth. Youth work, elderly care, debt and financial advice, food banks and soup runs, many forms of specialist counselling, community safety, supporting and strengthening families and much more... the list of provision made by church groups is a long one.
All these services are offered, usually free of charge, to any member of the community who needs help regardless of whether they have any kind of faith or none at all. The motivation is one of passion and a desire to 'love your neighbour', putting the teachings of Jesus Christ into action. When He was asked by the Jews he lived among 'who is my neighbour?' Jesus made no distinctions and excluded nobody. Instead, he told a story about a Samaritan (the 'enemy' for a Jew) who helped a Jew in trouble. His story rattled the cages of the narrow-minded but gave hope to everyone who is facing adversity. In effect, he said 'your neighbour is anyone you meet who needs your help'. Jesus' words are still challenging us today to get involved and help those in need, regardless of whether they are our friends or not.
Church groups work alongside many non-faith organisations, where the shared aim of delivering assistance to people in need can overcome any perceived barrier to working together. Forgiveness when offence could be taken, and love to motivate acts of kindness and mercy, are real keys to this kind of partnership. Any partnership, from a marriage to a citywide strategy involving many organisations, can benefit from the love and forgiveness at the heart of the Christian faith, as people 'rub each other up the wrong way' in efforts to get closer together to fufil a common goal.
Down through the centuries, the Christian faith in action has always engaged with the society that it seeks to serve. The fabric of our democratic society, many of our schools, universities, hospitals and charitable organisations were founded on Christian values by people of the Christian faith.
This kind of partnership working fits well with the aims of the Redeeming Our Communities event at Plymouth Pavilions. This event, on October 20th at 7.30pm, has the support and involvement of the police, probation service, fire & rescue as well as many smaller local organisations, including faith groups, working for the good of the people of Plymouth and the South West. It highlights our need to work together to tackle social issues, and also provides an opportunity for people to get involved and see inspiring examples of the work that is already being done.
All of us here at Cross Rhythms would encourage you, whether you're young or old, have a faith or not, to make sure you reserve your free place on the ROC website (www.roc.uk.com). Put the date in your diary (October 20th Plymouth Pavilions, 7.30pm) and get along for a great evening – there's live entertainment (I just heard that 'Britain's Got Talent' finalist Michael Collings will be one of the performers on stage) as well as a showcase of inspiring stories of community action and opportunities to get involved. It could be just what we need to bring more hope to Plymouth in these difficult days.
