Putting God at the Heart of the Community
The Revd Alison PhillipsonMonday 16th January 2012
Throughout January and February, the Archbishop of York’s website will highlight individuals across the North East who are living out the Gospel and really making a difference in their communities.
The first story to be highlighted on the website features the Revd Alison Phillipson. She is the vicar of Coatham and Dormanstown and along with lay members of her church has set up ‘The Church Shop’.
The charity shop not only provides a place for locals to shop economically but a place for them to find a listening ear. Alison says: “In a world where people don’t stop and listen, we here will listen.
“I think a lot of Christian people don’t quite know how to serve and how to live out their faith, the opportunities aren’t always there for them to do high profile projects and this (the Church Shop) has given everyone an opportunity to live out their faith, to show people that they are normal people who are living out their discipleship and it is valued by the community.”
Over subsequent weeks, you will hear from Bruce, a reformed drug addict and former troublesome pupil, who now contributes to the spiritual and moral development of children and young people in schools. Hannah, who is putting her acting skills to great use and is helping others to reflect on God’s message and Sam, who wrestled with her call to become a vicar and struggled with depression along the way.
The Archbishop said: “How wonderful it is to hear these encouraging stories. Across the country, so many people are proclaiming the Good News and putting God at the heart of their communities. This is where He should be!
“I hope that these stories will inspire you to listen to God, encourage you to live out your faith and help you discover new ways to worship.”
There are ten stories that will be added here over the coming weeks. The titles include:
- Living out your Faith
- Lives Shared – Lives Transformed
- Wrestling with God
- Saved by the Grace of God
- God-given Talents
- Listening to God
- The Gift of God in Creation
- God in Action
- Hope, Life and Transformation
- Regaining Faith