大象传媒

Matt Woodcock, Church of England Pioneer Minister and Mission Supporter in the Diocese of York:聽
I鈥檓 just back off holiday, Zoe. I know my pale skin would suggest I鈥檝e been to Scarborough. But, no. Greece. A resort where - we were assured - the sun wouldn鈥檛 stop shining. I鈥檇 never be out of my trunks. A peeling nose was guaranteed. So obviously it chucked it down. In fact one afternoon was so bad that thunder roared, lightning blazed and hailstones pounded those of us braving the cold pool. Never has a vicar scrambled so quickly and ungracefully off a donut-shaped inflatable.聽
So, as you can imagine, the mood in our hotel complex wasn鈥檛 brilliant. Grumbling was rife. Lunchtimes echoed to forlorn parents assuring their kids that the sun was about to burn through the clouds. It seldom did. Thank heavens, then, our exuberant friend was with us. Lee. A man of unwavering positivity and heroic optimism. More fun than you could shake a 鈥榯ickle-stick鈥� at. Whether by the cloudy poolside, on the choppy boat trip or during the dodgy magic show, he lit up our holiday. Reminded me of the power and infectiousness of creating a positive atmosphere. The difference it makes. Its reviving effect. It can be elusive, though. Weary at the school gate, bored in the staff meeting, disillusioned on the footy terraces - some of us can quickly turn moods sour. Become eeyores with glasses half empty. Churchgoers are no exception.聽
I often hear whispers of discontent between the hymns of praise. The building鈥檚 too cold. The pews are too hard. The Reverend鈥檚 talking rubbish again. I鈥檓 on a mission to warm up our church atmosphere. Get glasses filled. Playing Beatles hits before Sunday worship has gone down well. Whose spirits aren鈥檛 lifted by a blast of All You Need Is Love? I鈥檓 convinced that an environment full of cheerfulness, thankfulness and encouragement brings refreshment and awakening to the soul. It does wonders for my spiritual life. When I feel God鈥檚 presence most acutely. Draw his inspiration most intensely. So I鈥檓 trying to live by this piece of Christian wisdom I saw on a church door recently. The creed of an elderly Yorkshire woman. 鈥業 goes to bed thankful and I wakes up hopeful.鈥� I鈥檒l certainly need to bring the sunshine on our next holiday, Zoe. North Wales. I wonder if Lee鈥檚 free in August?