ALMOST DERELICT SUNDAY!

I had packed up some sandwiches and fruit for our lunch, so after a good service at church this morning we decided we would go out on our usual Sunday hunt for dereliction.  The first obstacle was to get past the junction to the M4 motorway because they had obviously been an incident on the slip road and we were waiting and waiting and waiting.  Interestingly the sermon this morning was talking about waiting!

We eventually got to Marlborough and took the road through to Mildenhall, pronounced by locals as Minall, when in the middle of the village we saw a red telephone box and both remarked that you don't see those very often today.  As we drew closer we realise that there wasn’t a telephone in there but it was jam-packed with books. Well, that was all Mr HCB needed to stop the car and get out. I, as you know, I'm a chocoholic, whereas Mr HCB is a bookaholic and yes, I know there is a proper name for it but a bookaholic sounds much better and doesn't make me feel so bad!  

I couldn't resist taking a photograph, of course so here is my blip for today - not derelict Sunday as was originally planned - but Mr HCB sifting through the books in an old red telephone box, which might have been derelict had not someone enterprising thought of this - I wonder how many more there are around?  However, I did "tart" the photograph up a bit in my Painteresque app to make it look a bit grungy!

We then found a little country road and stopped in a gateway to have our picnic, which was very enjoyable and so peaceful - the sun was shining, the birds were singing - a lovely English summer day - can't wait for Mr HCB to get his hearing aids so that he'll be able to hear the birds singing - he has already suggested we go back out there next week, as he gets them on Thursday.

Dave, who led our service this morning used this prayer, taken from the Joint Public Issues Team website, which I wanted to share with you - and particularly those affected by the result of the recent referendum here in the UK:

God of every nation and people,

At this historic moment we pray for all who are affected by the decision that has been made.  Whatever differences this has revealed within our own society, may they not eclipse what we have in common.

Where the narratives of political debate have caused harm and division help us to reclaim the true values of our shared humanity.

Where exaggeration and distortion have generated suspicion and fear 
may truth and honesty restore hope and goodness.

We pray for all the nations of Europe that you will help us to find ways of living and working together to pursue the mercy and justice that you require.

We recommit ourselves – together – to the values of your eternal Kingdom and pray that along with all people we might help your world become more as you intended.

AMEN