Amazing Grace: Perspectives on Peace

 Reflecting on Relationship

Alternative Worship group Grace brought fresh perspectives to St. Luke's Church, Brighton, invited by Rev. Martin Poole as part of our Beyond Church program of events. Aside from their labyrinth laid out in the centre of the church space, they presented participants with various meditation stations. One featured 4 different mirrors with questions to reflect on whilst viewing one's image, taking note of our bodily responses and mental knee-jerk reactions. 

The event gave pause for thought on our relationship with the God, who created us: 

And God said, Let us make man according to our image and likeness...[Genesis 1v.26] …and also brought awareness to the quality of relationship we have with Self.

On A Bedrock of Trust 

The verse drawn out of the bag was a reminder to trust I am valued by my Creator and Provider; that all my needs are met. Do I believe it? Doubt inevitably leads to insecurity. So much depends on this starting point. Three of us, strangers to each other, sat in close proximity whilst silently communing with the image of ourselves confronted at each of the mirrors. Contentious? Could it become an act of worship nevertheless? A sacrifice of praise? It was an important part of the greater theme of Relationship; too easy, as Christians, to discount one's self; hide behind facades, or deflect attention when wounded. This was an invitation to Abide in Me, and I in you [John 15v.4]

Who is my Brother? 

The consequence of war and oppression was brought home to us in simple yet profound form.

Peace in evident ruins; shattered;  decimated; shown by one small piece of what once gave warmth and shelter to fellow citizens of Earth - now homeless. Not witnessed on wide-screen news reports, but here, on bare paving slabs, grim exhibits in a case that will never be tried. The damage done. The fabric of life destroyed. Families broken. 

Some knelt in prayer beside each item, with either their own words, or borrowing those provided. The emphasis and focus on Peace; the Peace-Giver; Peace-Maker; Prince of Peace [Isaiah 9v6]. Unless we start from a place of peace, we are lost. 

Peace on Earth

As well as spoken words, we were invited to make our intention of Peace around the world more evident; printed with indelible ink and placed in an area where we wished it to be directed. A kind of prayer-postal service; label and address in one small form, delivered in loving, symbolic action. With just a little pressure we could Imagine Peace on Earth. This rock spinning in space....and the Rock upon which we build our lives...

The Higher Perspective

The view of planet Earth from a space station dispenses with the distinction of countries and  territories; from this vantage point there's no need for passports, visas, or border controls. There is only land and water; movement and the elements; weather and atmosphere. 

Home Comforts 

Given the opportunity to view our home planet from this unique perspective, we settled into the comfort of a sofa parked in the corner of the church. 

Down to Earth

Moving on, we were invited to acknowledge and appreciate the life-potential that's packed in tiny seeds; the starting point of plants that nourish and sustain us, and other animals. 

A wonderfully thought-provoking event; beautifully created, and curated by Grace.