August 14th, 2013

Especially around Election time, all our news seems to be telling us how bad we've got it. Does the church have a role in helping us see what is good around us? I think so! In Christchurch, New Zealand, where the Anglican Cathedral was destroyed by earthquake, the have just opened a temporary replacement made from cardboard. They're happy. In the UK, the government has established a project to help churches whose rooves and towers are infested by bats. Everyone but the bats are happy. In Nottinghamshire, UK, the Revd Kate Bottley, Vicar of Blythe Anglican Church, initiated a flash-mob dance to round off a traditional wedding ceremony. To her delight, a video of the event went viral on the internet and became Britain's most viewed video for July. She said how glad she was to overturn the Church's grumpy reputation. Maybe we should look out for ways to create spontaneous happiness in those around us. I truly believe God would approve.

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