Roger - One of Lee Abbey's Rules of Life is
We are called by God to learn to share generously and to learn appropriate hospitality.
One of the frustrations of the COVID lock-downs for us is that we have hardly been able to be hospitable yet! We have enjoyed serving drinks with Phil and Ruth, during the local market that takes place on the green outside Lee Abbey house.
Normally, we love sharing food and drink with others and see that Luke (7:34) observed that Jesus, as the 'son of Man, came eating and drinking'. Sitting around a table is a great equaliser. Before lockdown, we had many fun occasions with our local church here, which is informal and meets in a house. We had weekly Guitar Club, for about a dozen of us, and monthly Sunday lunches, with over 40 in the house and garden on a sunny day. This gave us ample opportunity to get to know local people and share stories of struggle and hope. At Guitar Club, we would sing a few songs which speak of God's love, and those who (like me) cannot play the guitar, would play percussion instruments. There was much laughter, with puns being swapped, and even some attempts to dance! Always food and drink.
We have not been able to do this for about a year now, except for some Sunday services in the garden over the summer. Those times eating and drinking together, seem almost like a dream now, and we are so looking forward to having friends from the estate around to Lee Abbey as soon as we are allowed...for food and drink, for fun and deeper talk, both inside and out in the garden.
Angie - The main outward activity that has continued consistently through the past year for me has been the food club, which is different to a food bank, in that it has members, who pay a small contribution, and supplies come from various sources. I have enjoyed getting to know our members, having many lively conversations as we serve them. I have also been encouraged as I have prayed for specific situations, like Peter (not real name), who lives in a council run housing complex for over 60s. I had been praying for more support for him. Then I heard that another member, who lives nearby, had started to care for him. I love mixing with local people, who carry a resilience in the face of daily struggles and a fierce loyalty to friends and family.
I often feel I don't offer much, just my five loaves and two fish to God, trusting in our Father to do miracles; however, food and drink are definitely key in helping us to build relationship and trust.
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