I may be a slow learner, but at last I think I understand what is meant by “doom-scrolling”: to become so involved with any social media platform, that you spend inappropriate amounts of time and emotional energy, reading multiple messages, all with a similar theme of how awful things are.  I hope I have caught myself before becoming a complete addict.  The messages that I read each day come from the USA, telling me how dreadful President Trump is.  Each time I read such a message, I get a little kick from hearing how awful he is …. and want to move on to another similar message.  In my opinion, these messages may be accurate – but they sure can be addictive.  Beware!

So, I can find myself saying “He is awful; I don’t want to be like him”.  But look carefully – that is just the same language that President Trump is using.  He tells us how dreadful his enemies are, and how goodness and wisdom only lie on his side.  How can we find another route, without demonising the President?

That is some of what the Bible readings help us focus on this Sunday.  We are called to be distinctive (“salt of the earth”) and also to be connected (feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty).  We are called to be holy (which means being ‘set apart’) and also to be holy (life-enhancing for others, not just for ourselves).  Perhaps one habit to strengthen is to identify a new thing/person each day who is life-enhancing.  Focus on that thing/person for a moment, give thanks, take heart!

Revd Bob

Services this weekend at All Saints and St Mary’s – June 28th

8am – Holy ​​​​Communion  – All Saints

10am – Holy Communion – St Mary’s

10:30am – Cafe Church – All Saints – Looking at St Johns Gospel

The Week Ahead

Mon 29th June

10:30am – Tiny Tots, All Saints

Tue 30th June

10:30am – M4T, St Mary’s Parish Rooms

Wed 1st July

9:00am – Celtic Morning Prayer, All Saints

Thu 2nd July

10:00am – Holy Communion, St Mary’s

Fri 3rd July

11:00am – Living After Loss, St Mary’s

Sat 4th July

10:00am – Coffee Morning and Book Sale with Bristol Repair Cafe, All Saints

11:00am-2:00pm – Summer Fair, St Mary’s

Sun 5th July

8:00am – Holy Communion, All Saints

10:30am – Ordination of Deacons, Bristol Cathedral

6:30pm – Evensong, St Mary’s