“…But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

If you were at the Circuit Service on Sunday 19^th May I’m sure you’ll understand why the events of Acts 1 and 2 remain at the forefront of my mind – what a fantastic day!

Several times in the weeks sine then, my mind has been drawn to the hymn ‘Jerusalem’ which comes from William Blake’s poem ‘Milton’. It isn’t a piece I am particularly familiar with and for a variety of reasons has not featured in Methodist hymn books for many years. However, having hummed snatches of the tune rather a lot recently I’m beginning to realise that it is not just Jesus’ references to the city of Jerusalem just prior to his ascension that caused it to come into (and stick in) my head.

The hymn begins ‘And did those feet in ancient times walk among England’s mountains green?’ If we take this question literally the answer, as many have protested throughout the years, is ‘Don’t be daft! Of course they didn’t!’ The narrative of the New Testament takes place within the context of a specific area of the middle-east more than two-thousand years ago. We can say with conviction that the historical Jesus did not ever visit any part of what we now know as the United Kingdom…

… and yet the risen Jesus, ascended and available to all, breaks into the world offering a grace and love that transcends time, space, and every other restraint imaginable. Suddenly the Kingdom of God, the New Jerusalem, ceases to be a dream for the future and becomes a reality to be experienced now.

In his book ‘A Rumour of Angels’ Peter Berger writes of the importance of ‘Keeping the rumour of God alive’ through acts of love and witness. The historical Jesus may never have set foot on UK soil but the Body of Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, are tasked with being his hands and feet on earth. Hands that work without agenda; feet that walk alongside others without seeking reward.

Thus we join in the work that God is already doing in this community and throughout the world.

Love and Blessings,

Laura