This evening in the midst of demands and requests, in the midst of hugs and tears and unsaid prayers, in the midst of being unable to meet need for simple things like tin openers and sleeping bags. In the frustration of not being able to help, knowing that our little drop in the ocean is never enough, of trying to close our ears to grumbles and keep on keeping on, we paused and prayed, broke bread and shared wine...
It was not a nice thing to do, not an add on to the evening but a central point that drew us to the point of being there. As I "laid" the table I was aware that in some sense it was being laid in the presence of the enemy, I don't say this lightly but want to call out a dehumanising system that says to somebody asking for help; "I am sorry you don't meet our criteria" or "I am sorry you are in the wrong place, go home they will help you there", but the fact is that this so called civilised nation has disenfranchised many people from applying for help anywhere, that the message and the stark reality is that too many are simply passed from pillar to post they don't and can't belong anywhere. In stark contrast the message at the table is simple; "all are welcome".
As I laid the table of welcome in the presence of overwhelming need and frustration at the system and myself, as I poured the wine into the Chalice I was aware more deeply than ever before of the power of the blood of Christ, and the wine was not only blood but also tears and sweat.
This evening the response to communion was overwhelming, real raw prayers were said, heartfelt prayers were said, and God was with us, in the bread, in the wine and in and through one another. When a homeless man who you haven't been able to give a sleeping bag to hugs you and says "you've done more than you can know" you know this truth, God is with us, when prayers are offered for the "staff" and thanks is given, and we ask for simple things like towels and underpants, God is with us...
Our only response together, to sing Amazing Grace and to hug one another, for God is with us... and so we carry on, for God is with us...
Blackpool a place of beauty and of pain...
