The following words were written by a member of our community who went out to serve Holy Communion and also give Spongebags to those people who have no dwelling. 

 

"We went out onto the streets on Christmas morning.  Met with warmth, cold, gratitude, apathy, from those awake, asleep, drunk, drugged, dirty and clean.

 

Our simple sponge bags were graciously accepted, as some already had received gifts of more socks than Primark and more mince pies than Greggs from well wishers seeking to feed and clothe the outer person not the inner person!

 

Our bags contained elements of Christ - humanity, love, respect, thoughtfulness, warmth, dignity and inclusion. But is there somewhere a short transcript of the Gospel Christmas stories that we could include next year that looks at the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John through the eyes of the homeless, the abused, the marginalised.  A simple re-telling that we could include in our sponge bags to offer the hope, love and strength of Christ to those who feel lost.

 

Just a thought?

 

If there isn't one - perhaps we should write one???

 

With blessings for a peaceful, joyous and above all God-filled new year."

 

Andrew

Both events on Christmas Eve and the 29th of December were welcomed as a time for reflection over this very busy period.  Those who attended would like to thank Col and the Rev. Ian for leading these Quiet Space events.  

 

 

 

We enjoyed the Carol Service which was led by Robert and members of the community.  It was attended by friends of the the Somewhere Else Community both locally and from as far away as West Lancashire. 

We enjoyed the fellowship and mince pies afterwards too.

THANK YOU TO ALL YOU AMAZING FRIENDS OF THE BREAD CHURCH. YOU HAVE BEEN SO GENEROUS WITH YOUR DONATIONS OF BOTH MONEY AND ITEMS FOR THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY.  THE SPONGEBAGS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND ALSO AS AND WHEN NEEDED IN 2020.

This evening was well attended.  Lots of creative bakers out there, shaping different loaves of bread.

 

Look out in the new year for another event.  Thanks to all those who supported this evening.

 

Twenty people enjoyed exploring their creative loafing bread making talents on Friday.  These are the results.  Look at the news page to find out which bread was baked by which person!

Both members of the Somewhere Else and the CASAI communities welcomed the opportunities to grow, share and express creativity around various areas of faith. 

 

These are some of the results of that time.

This collage was based on ideas contained in At Sea with God by Margaret Silf.

On Sunday, the 14th of April, members of Somewhere Else and CASAI (Church Action on Sexual Abuse Issues) met for a time of reflection on the words from Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. The group of fifteen took time to produce decoupage hearts, whilst reflecting on the passage.  Our friend, Carole Benn then led us in a poetry workshop. People produced poems around the themes of "Space" and "Ten Things about Me".

 

Everything has its time

Absolutely not based on Ecclesiastes Chapter 3  1 -8!

 

The trouble with Ecclesiastes,

Is that all that rhymes are nasties

Unless you’re in to Cornish Pasties!

 

So time to create

And agitate,

No more hate

God’s love is great.

His amazing grace

For every race,

Colour and creed

And those in need.

 

For his grace is the answer to all,

Picks us up with his love when we fall,

And he hears us when we call,

When we throw it- he catches our ball.

 

The Byrds had a time and season,

A purpose under heaven and reason.

 

The Bryds, how absurd.

Had they heard

God’s word?

 

Has God’s calm,

His holy balm,

His loving arm

Kept you from harm.

 

If not, don’t cry,

Try,

Fly – for in CASAI no one asks why,

No questions that pry,

No need to lie,

For in time

Life will rhyme

And you can climb.

It’s not a crime

You just need time

To see a sign,

And meet the vine

Strong and true

Firm as glue.

For God’s in charge

Of life’s decoupage.

 

 

Andrew Lovelady

 

10 Things I love about Myself

 

 

Here is my voice – crying out passion with vibrating chords of endless sound.

 

Here is my sight – eyes caressing the forms, being one with light.

 

Here is rhythm – percussion, pounding, repeating, my hands dancing, foot tapping, heart racing.

 

Here is my kiss – no words, just love’s impact, whistling a tune of you and me.

 

Here is where I stand – treading the boards on the clouds of the earth, ‘Oh my feet ache.’

 

Here is my flavour – spectrums of taste and colour, eaten well, ‘Tea’s up.’

 

Here is my idea – Sheer and clear, God gives me skin to fly, watch the gulls and flying thoughts.

 

Here is your space – my friend no time to waste, together kindred under heaven.

 

Here is faith – not placed, infinite body, everywhere from me to the master.

 

Here is God – soul’s seat, complete, a gift for life. My heart is yours.

                                                            Paul Duncan

 

Heather’s Haiku and other poems

 

 

Sunday afternoon

 

Sharing round a large table

 

All are fabulous.

 

Paddle in hand, I’m ready!

Keep an eye on that ball!

Small and white,

Bouncing towards me,

Smack! A point on the board,

Over to you.

 

Sometimes in the dark

 

Sometimes in the dark I think

Sleep will never come.

Count backwards, relax, - impossible!

 

Sometimes in the dark I dream

My handbag gone,

Run, frenzied, wake – a real nightmare!

 

Sometimes in the dark I feel

Fulfilled, cherished loved,

Safe in God’s care – an answered prayer.

 

 

Heather Lovelady

 

 

 

 

 

Lunch at Shelly’s

 

Plan a quiet day

A purpose under heaven

For every season.

 

 

Interchangeable Haiku

 

 

Having a together time

Need to take some time for me

Space and quiet please.

 

                                     last 2 lines can read –

 

Move away from me

Get lost you bobo!

 

Ode to the Trafford Centre

 

Take the right road out

Shopping dreams and food

Home away from home.

 

Palm Sunday Quiet Day

 

Writing our haiku -

Maybe you can kindly muse

Creativity.

 

Pride

Pride summer season

Celebration of ourselves

Solidarity.

 

Ian Hue

 

Haiku by Alex

 

Will I trust again

Open up my heart anew?

And say ‘I love you.’

 

***

Is it any wonder

I want to hide deep under

Tough times like thunder!

 

 

***

Bright new days are here

Wiping away every tear

Rising up, no fear.

 

 

***

There’s hurt and pain -

I put on my smile again

No rainbow without rain.

 

 

***

You know my heart’s cry

To my old self I must die

I will heal and fly.

 

Alex Gayward

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bread Church (also known as Somewhere Else) is an inclusive community that meets around the making and sharing of bread. We offer a warm welcome, hospitality and friendship to those of all faiths and none. 

 

We are open twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10.30 - 2.00 to make bread by hand, with individuals and community groups of all ages and abilities.  The sessions include time for:

• all the elements of making bread,
• conversation and refreshments,
• shared reflection and prayers, and
• a simple meal together, prepared by volunteers and those who come to make bread.  

Anyone wishing to make bread is asked to arrive by 11a.m.  To share in other parts of the fellowship - coffee, conversation, Reflections and lunch - people arrive at any time from mid-morning onwards.

 

The activity is usually led by our resident Minister, the Revd Ian Hu, and facilitated by a team of volunteers who help with hospitality, and guide visitors through the steps in bread-making.

The Bread Church - Liverpool City Centre Methodist Church

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