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I came, I
saw, and have been -so far- conquered...-ish.
Naturally I have only resided here for 5 days now, but Liverpool definitely has
made a good first impression on me, and I must admit I am one for first
impressions -though obviously I reserve the right to nuance or change my opinions
as I see fit (usually only to revert to the original opinion, but that would
lead us too far).
Every city has its quirks, and even though the 'vibe' in LPL is on the surface
at least a lot less aggressive than that of LDN, I have admittedly already
furrowed my brow and blinked in unbelief a few times while observing the locals
going about their daily routine.
To cut a long story short, men in track suits, women with big hair, loads of
eye shadow... and rollers in their hair while shopping on Main Street. After
all, why hide the fact that you're getting ready for a great night out on the
town later on? Things to do, people to meet, see-and-be-seen, and no capillary preparations
shall deflect from that ultimate goal! (I truly mean this as a compliment, I applaud the confidence!)
The people at the congregation I have the good fortune to do my church
placement with have certainly won me over.
The
Lutherans do a great spread for lunch after a service where they sing loudly
and proudly and listen to the sermon attentively (or at least pretend to), and
the Anglicans have put me to work helping to move in the latest addition to
their ministerial team... and then promptly invited me for dinner at an excellent
cafe. Such treats!
What struck me is that both parishes are actually very similar in their
variety. The Nordic Church, as a Scandinavian seamen's church, comprises all
Scandinavian passports with their own traditions and holidays and cultural
events. The Anglican parish team includes the variety one has come to expect
within the CofE, but it is a first for me to see the various degrees on the
spectrum within one conglomerate of congregations.
There are indeed a variety of gifts.
As a Fleming, I hope I will be acceptable and accepted to all nationalities at
the Scandinavian Church. As a Lutheran I hope I will be allowed to bring a
fresh -outsider's- perspective on the chaos and excitement making waves through
the CofE. As an active member of the international Anglican-Lutheran Society, I hope I will be able to make a small
contribution to organising some joint activities (January has Christian Unity
Week after all!)... and attract some new members in the process of course.
Again I seem to be in a position of minority (cf. my previous post), but one that hopefully will allow me to move
between different groups, practically unscathed, and God willing, linking and
liaising. The zeal of the convert remains confident.
ps: CofE=Church of England; Week of Prayer for Christian Unity=ecumenical
emphasis week between the Feast of the Confession of St Peter, 18th, and the
Feast of the Conversion of St Paul, 25th
08-01-2013, 00:00 geschreven door jojanv 
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