Everything and anything, the whole wide world, at the touch of a button! brillyunt!?
I recently saw a post about a small church (remember them?) in north London. The local library(remember them?) and community centre was threatened by budget cuts and the church was discussing plans to offer space for a new library in their new church development.
Like many small towns, the population there is growing and more facilities, are needed – not fewer. As might be expected, the church is looking to increase its “community involvement”. Community Centres, Libraries, Churches, Health Centres and the like, are vital places where people have traditionally found information, help, succour and strength. These places have in the past been vital assets for community integration and interaction.
All that happy-clapping, rainbow guitar straps, hearty singing, and WWYD stickers etc came later. I’m told that originally “churches” (or synagogues in bible daze) were central places in communities where families (remember them?) might help each other, where widows, orphans, strangers etc might be ‘looked out for’. The church would administer and manage support and help for those in need. Over the last 100 years the government took over looking after the community’s heath, education, and wellbeing. What was the church to do? Sing another hymn? Also note that back in the day, “families” were not the 2 adults & 2.4 children of today (or even the growing 1 & 1.2 of contemporary life) – The fully functioning “family” was the grandparents, parents, bob’s ur uncle, aunties, brothers, sisters etc.
But now, you can get everything and anything at the touch of a button?
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” King James Bible. or “What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?” The Message Mark 8:36
Yes we can and do get ‘loads of stuff’ all online… or you can get everything at the uber-store… indeed you must get everything… ‘cos “every little helps” and “mum’s gone there”…
However it might be my age, and yes the Aldile’s do have some great deals but…
If I want a quality, value for money, bit of beef (and a chat) I go to the butchers…
If I want quality, value for money, fruit & veg (and a chat) I go to the green grocers…
If I want to browse for quality (and value for money!?) brain fodder (and a chat) I might go to the library…
If I want quality beer and nuts (and more importantly a chat) one might go to the pub…
If I want quality insight and support of well-being (and more importantly a chat) one might go to a church…
Real people, real places, and real life!?
Jules P Richards 