Brown Edge
As individuals and also as a group Connect2 are involved in a number of different activities in and around our village.
God, we ask for a flourishing community, where neighbours learn to care for each other and the beauty of the creation that surrounds us. We pray that we can be good stewards of Your love to each one of our neighbours. We ask that You help us to learn from each member of our community, the young and the old and it may be a place where all are welcomed.
Connect2 Parish News articles:
Through my role I have the privilege of working alongside a number of schools in the city of Stoke-on-Trent. Recently in one of the sessions we run, we were discussing with a group of children what they saw as their real ‘superhero’ powers. Some talked about their sporting skills, others about their best subjects at school, and some even talked about how they helped their mums and dads at home. Although these are all great attributes and need to be celebrated there was one answer that has challenged me ever since.
One year 5 girl gave, with the confidence reserved only for children, gave this amazing answer,
‘My super power is the truth. I tell the truth and I know when someone is lying to me.’
This opened up a discussion about how truth is really important especially in the world today when so many people find it so easy to lie.’
What deep wisdom found on such young shoulders.
It has been said that “truth is the first casualty of war.” And I witnessed this for myself when my family and I lived in Sril Lanka during the final horrendous years of the civil war there. Both sides held truth hostage.
How ever much this saying gives the picture of smoke-filled battlefields, government propaganda, and one-sided news reporting perhaps the deepest truth of this statement lies in the “wars” we fight within our own lives—in our heated arguments, our workplace politics, and our social media silos.
How often in our own lives have we sacrificed the truth in order to win our own personal battles?
To truly honour the truth today, we must resist the urge to be “right” at the cost of being honest. True strength is the ability to remain truthful even when we feel attacked, and to acknowledge a valid point even when it comes from the “other side.”
When we feel the internal temperature rise today, and are tempted to alter the truth, let’s take a breath and remember: The second we stop seeking the truth, we have already lost the most important territory—our own integrity.
And let us remember the famous quote from the gospel of John “The truth will set you free.”
Knit2Together – the community knitting group
If you want to join in this great group of crafters you can find out more by emailing alex.wolvers@lichfield.anglican.org or phoning 07948077004. No previous skill needed -all are welcome to join.
Past projects
A group of local knitters are working hard to knit scarves for homeless and vulnerable people.
‘I asked the people of Brown Edge if anyone would be willing to knit scarves for the homeless. I was quite overwhelmed by the response! Not only did lots of people say they would be pleased to do something worthwhile, but I was given a bin bag full of wool and several pairs of brand new knitting needles! Up to now we have 38 beautiful scarves, a beanie hat and 3 neck-warmers!! Many people have said that they appreciate being able to be useful in such difficult days. We have pledged 10 scarves each to 3 charities, and possibly a further 10 to a residential care home where some of the residents have no family at all…’
We are hoping that, in the summer, when government guidelines allow, all the lovely knitters
can meet as a group, in the garden, for tea and cakes, to celebrate being together!
Easter Surprise
Last Easter the group, alongside other members of Connect2 knitted over 100 chicks that were then put around the school for the children and families to collect.
The children were thrilled to come out of school to be greeted by these fluffy treats.
Thanks to everyone who took the time and effort to bring happiness at Easter time.