Three things I love about my pub
Alison Jackson
1. No appointments neccessary
Just turn up and see what God can do as you spend time with neighbours who have become friends and those you are getting to know better. Friday evening is the regular slot for Nick and I, when we have a good idea who will be there. We started going when invited to join some villagers, after we organised a community event in which many got involved. On the basis that we never refuse an invitation to get to know others better, we started going and have been amazed to see what God has done.
2. No masks allowed
Our friends see us as we are. Familiarity over the years has allowed us to share lives in a relaxed atmosphere where we have been able to laugh, argue and, at times, cry together. Dreams have been disclosed, plans hatched and secrets revealed, as we make ourselves vulnerable and available. Friendships have blossomed, the lonely have been welcomed in and the grieving have been comforted. All of life happens here and we have the privilege of participating in the lives of others, as they do in ours.
3. No conversations are off limits
Politics and religion mix with holiday stories and health news – not to mention weather forecasts (important for farmers and keen gardeners!). One rule we have is to try and turn negative conversations away and inject some positive, God-centred comments. As a result, we have talked about the reasons why we live the way we live and God’s role in motivating us to do so. We have invited friends to church and to explore the Bible with us. There have been conversations explaining the uniqueness of Christianity and discussing liturgy, hymn singing and church flowers – anything goes! Where else could we so freely share God’s love?
That's why I love our local pub.
Alison is married to Nick and they live in Derbyshire, where they seek to share their lives with their local community and serve on the Second Half Living team for Navigators UK.
@willknightdrawings
@willknightdrawings
1. No appointments neccessary
Just turn up and see what God can do as you spend time with neighbours who have become friends and those you are getting to know better. Friday evening is the regular slot for Nick and I, when we have a good idea who will be there. We started going when invited to join some villagers, after we organised a community event in which many got involved. On the basis that we never refuse an invitation to get to know others better, we started going and have been amazed to see what God has done.
2. No masks allowed
Our friends see us as we are. Familiarity over the years has allowed us to share lives in a relaxed atmosphere where we have been able to laugh, argue and, at times, cry together. Dreams have been disclosed, plans hatched and secrets revealed, as we make ourselves vulnerable and available. Friendships have blossomed, the lonely have been welcomed in and the grieving have been comforted. All of life happens here and we have the privilege of participating in the lives of others, as they do in ours.
3. No conversations are off limits
Politics and religion mix with holiday stories and health news – not to mention weather forecasts (important for farmers and keen gardeners!). One rule we have is to try and turn negative conversations away and inject some positive, God-centred comments. As a result, we have talked about the reasons why we live the way we live and God’s role in motivating us to do so. We have invited friends to church and to explore the Bible with us. There have been conversations explaining the uniqueness of Christianity and discussing liturgy, hymn singing and church flowers – anything goes! Where else could we so freely share God’s love?
That's why I love our local pub.
Alison is married to Nick and they live in Derbyshire, where they seek to share their lives with their local community and serve on the Second Half Living team for Navigators UK.
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