Thought for the Week with Phil Coysh, Stroud Christian Fellowship & Ignition

ONE of the joys of living in Stroud is seeing the amazing diversity of life in this colourful town.

We’re privileged to live together with respect for each other; in a degree of harmony not always seen in other communities, and with a deep desire for peace in our relationships.

So many people from very different sections of society contribute to the buzz and vibrancy of this community; there’s artists and musicians, social action and community groups, churches and faith groups – just to name a few.

Of course we’re not immune to society’s issues – like homelessness, poverty and crime.

But what we do have is a real desire to work together despite our diversity to seek solutions.

Next week is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

The church is often seen as being divided, arguing amongst itself and trying to uphold an out-dated way of life.

But that’s not the church in Stroud.

What I see in Stroud are different Christian communities working together for the good of society, running foodbanks, street pastors, counselling services, youth projects, parenting groups, homelessness projects, drug recovery schemes, eco projects – and the list could go on.

And we put on events for the whole community, working with people of different faiths and none; the Stroud Family Fun Day and the Stroud Sacred Music Festival being just two examples of this.

The church is a vibrant part of the community which makes Stroud such a great place to live.

And like the talented artists, amazing musicians, diverse community groups and creative festivals, the church stands for unity and collaboration with all those who want to continue to make Stroud a wonderful place where people live in harmony and solidarity with each other.

The Bible says, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4 v 12

So during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we pray for peace and prosperity, for creativity and community, and for unity and understanding right across this dynamic and spirited town that it’s our privilege to call home.