In one of those somewhat baffling surveys that occasionally pop up on my internet screen, I discovered that this week Amersham has been voted the best place to live in Buckinghamshire. Hooray!!
As ministers tend to move around a bit I’ve had the privilege of serving in five different places: Kettering, Hitchin, Malvern, Yeovil and now Amersham. Each one, I’m glad to say, has felt like home, because in every church it has been a joy to discover good, friendly and welcoming people. God was there before I arrived and has been present since I left, we just jumped in and joined in with the flow during the time we lived and served in these various towns and churches.
I love the idea of the Tabernacle in the Jewish Scriptures. As the Israelites wandered forty years in the Wilderness it must have been difficult to have a sense of a home, yet may be that was made easier at each stop and resting place once their temporary, yet immensely important Tabernacle had been set up. A tent that represented the presence of God. A focal point reminding them that wherever they were on their journey, God was with them.
The concept of a Tabernacle God, who moves with us and is always present at every turn we take, gives life a wonderful sense of security and peace. It helps us to both stay put and move on, recognising that wherever home is, or becomes, God is always there making it a good and wholesome place to be.
ps We are looking forward to our Worship Together All Age Service on Sunday, but please not, due to the unpredictablility of the weather, the pic nic has been postponed.
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