A warm welcome from Lumen URC

A warm welcome from Lumen URC

The name's Elder. Matt the Elder. 

I've just returned from a wonderful weekend in London to celebrate the Big Fella's birthday (my OH). We managed to see Stephen Ward, the new Andrew Lloyd Weber musical (loved it), From Here To Eternity, Tim Rice's new musical (loved it also), Ghost Stories (scary) and an off-beat musical called UrineTown (hilarious)! We also managed to squeeze in a visit to Bond in Motion, the cars of 007 at London Film Museum. I was in 007 heaven!


Whenever I'm away on a Sunday I like to seek out a local United Reformed Church and attend a service. A quick Google search pointed me towards Lumen URC in Bloomsbury.

Lumen URC, Bloomsbury, London

Wow! What a delightful space. I was really impressed with the fresh and modern feel to the building! I loved the use of glass at the front of the church so that you could see in - very welcoming. The guy who greeted me at the door was very helpful and explained where the church entrance was and pointed me in the direction of the two people handing out orders of service and hymn books. Both of whom were also friendly and seemed pleased to welcome a visitor. 

The service was a bit different from what I'm used to at City Church. Notices were read. One reading given (delivered by two enthusiastic members), sermon received (all about how Jesus breaks down barriers) and Communion taken. Bread was broken and served to us as we sat and Wine was taken from a shared cup and served by an elder. At City Church we always have Family Time where the Minister talks to junior church about today's readings and what that means for us today. Communion wine is served individually from small glasses

The Minister recognised me, and I him, but neither of us could remember where we met before! I wish I had time to stay for a coffee at their wonderful cafe but I had tickets to see a show and a lunch date to keep. From what I saw of their cafe looked hugely inviting. Free WiFi, breakfast, lunch and snacks served in a large open space. A perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. I will definitely stop by next time I'm in the area. There is also an art gallery and meeting rooms - quite a busy venue from what I could tell!

The cafe, the building and the people really embodied an open and welcoming ethos. I am so pleased I attended and I'll definitely be returning when I'm next in the area.

Until next time.

With best wishes,
Matt the Elder

What are you reading during Lent?

What are you reading during Lent?

My reading for Lent

I love Lent. It's my absolute favourite time of the year. I prefer Lent and Easter to Advent and Christmas. There's no stress involved; rather the opposite. Lent is a time for reflection, contemplation and giving up alcohol... well, for me anyway! It's Week Three and so far I am not craving a splash of the good stuff! 

In fact, I'm doing extremely well! Could this be the year I stop drinking altogether? I doubt it... I love a Vesper Martini and a drop of Chianti. But this could be there year that I seriously limit and reduce my alcohol intake!

But I digress. What I really wanted to know was what are you all reading during Lent? I always choose a suitable religious book to focus my mind and this year I decided to re-read Easter by Michael Arditti. It's a wonderful novel set in the fictional parish of St Mary-in-the-Vale during Holy Week. Arditti's novel explores what it means to be Christian for ordinary church goers in a society dominated by consumerism, suffering and cynicism. 

The parish of St Mary-in-the-Vale, Hampstead, is preparing for Easter. In his Palm Sunday sermon, the Vicar explains that Christ's crucifixion and redemption are taking place every day. He little suspects that, before the week is out, he and his entire congregation will be caught up in a latter-day Passion story which will tear apart their lives.

Doesn't it sound great? I'll write a fuller review once I've finished it.

So, what are you reading this Lent? Have your read Easter? if so, what did you think of it?

Until next time.

With best wishes
Matt the Elder

"You look like you've been scuba diving, Matt!"

"You look like you've been scuba diving, Matt!"

This morning was the first time in over two months that I have been to church. I can't quite believe it's been that long. In my defence I have a good reason. I've been struck down with an illness that just wouldn't shift. Three lots of antibiotics later and Matt the Elder is back and feeling seven shades of fine!

I've missed City Church. I really have! I've missed two Elders' meetings and a knee's-up at the pub next door to the church. I must have been ill to have missed a night out - goodness knows I love a social event! 

And while I was feeling miffed that I couldn't shake this illness off along come some friendly and supportive emails from a few of the Elders (and a couple of hilarious Facebook messages from The Minister). These messages really cheered me up and made me realise why I feel so at home at City Church. We care about our church members. I've never been on the receiving end of pastoral care at City Church until now and I can honestly say it was a great comfort. It was also lovely to be in contact with the Elders and The Minister even if that meant not seeing them in person. 

Thank you

So, I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Adrian, Shelagh, Alison T and Alison M for the e-thoughts! They were very much appreciated.

If Matt the Elder went scuba diving this would happen!

I would also like to give a shout-out (are the kids still using that phrase?) to Mario for his very funny comment as I walked into church. You see, I cycled in and had come straight from the gym so my rucksack was full to bursting with my gear. As I walked in (late as usual), he commented "You look like you've been scuba diving, Matt!" I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the glass I did look like I was carrying an awful lot of stuff for a morning at church! I've been chuckling at Mario's comment all day. Such a warm and funny welcome!

It's great being back and feeling fit and healthy! I have really missed blogging about the wonderful world of City Church. Expect plenty more blog posts as I keep you up to date with the latest goings-on at City Church!

With best wishes,
Matt the Elder 

City Church now aligned to the Metropolitan Community Churches

City Church now aligned to the Metropolitan Community Churches

Partnership made in heaven

Greetings Readers! Here's some more good news from City United Reformed Church...

Regular readers will have noticed that yesterday I posted news about our Toilet Twinning venture (which I still think is an absolutely wonderful idea) and today i bring you even more exciting news. City Church is now an aligned organisation of the Metropolitan Community Churches!

Great news... but what does it mean?

Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) is a global church community that promotes social inclusion and challenges injustice. The MCC has been championing human rights and tackling issues such as racism, homophobia, ageism and sexism since it's foundation in 1968. 

I first heard of the MCC at Manchester Pride many years ago. I spotted a leaflet on one of the community stands and searched online to check if there was an inclusive church in Cardiff. At the time there wasn't. Also, I hadn't heard of City Church either and it took a few more months of searching for an inclusive and welcoming church before I set foot inside City Church. 

Now that we are aligned to MCC, people looking for a local MCC will find details of City Church. And given that we have an open and affirming mission, our partnership with MCC is another way of reaching out and welcoming all who share our mission.

Is your church aligned to the MCC? Do you go to a Metropolitan Church? Please do share your experiences.

Until next time...

With best wishes,
Matt the Elder

Carry on giving at your convenience

"Are we all in agreement that we would like to twin our newly refurbished toilets with a latrine in a poor community?"

I nearly choked on my herbal tea when The Minister brought up the idea of toilet twinning! I've heard of town twinning but toilet twinning?! How on earth would that work? Is toilet twinning even a thing?

Apparently it is. And what an utterly splendid idea! The idea is that for a mere £60 you can twin your loo with and raise money for poor communities all over the world. According to the charity Toilet Twinning 40% of the world's population do not have anywhere safe, clean and hygienic to go to the toilet. That's 2.5 BILLION people who are at risk of disease or being attacked while searching for a private place to do their business. So a hole in the ground could really be a life saver for vulnerable people in poor communities.

I am delighted that City Church has decided to twin the three newly refurbished toilets with toilets in Gatonda, Burundi; Amboula, Barisal, Baghda, Bangladesh and Sabola, Ezha, Ethiopia! What better way to celebrate our wonderful new latrines by helping those in need of better facilities oversees. Once all the details are finalised we will receive a certificate, a picture and the GPS location of our sponsored toilet so we can look it up on Google maps! I am really thrilled about this - it's such a brilliant and fun way to raise money.

As soon as I have the GPS and picture I shall share our loo!

Toilet Twinning - just another example of how wonderful City Church is.

Have you twinned your toilets? Do let us know - we could be latrine neighbours!

Until next time.
With best wishes
Matt the Elder

Remembrance Sunday at City Sunday

It was an absolute privilege to read The Roll of Honour during Remembrance Sunday service. Myself and Beth, a fellow Elder, read out the names of people who attended City Church and other Cardiff city centre churches and who gave their lives for our freedom. We owe so much to these brave men and women.

It was a very moving service and gave us an opportunity to pay our respects to those who have fallen in previous wars and to pray for those who continue to serve in the Armed Forces. I have a family member who starts his basic Army training on Monday so this was particularly poignant.

The Act of Remembrance consisted of a few introductory words from the Minister, The Roll of Honour, two minutes' silence and concluding words. The Minister then chose a wonderful song to play during pause for reflection. It was called Remembrance Day by Mark Knopfler. Here's a snippet of the lyrics from the middle verse:

When November brings
The poppies on Remembrance Day
When the vicar comes to say
May God bless them everyone
Lest we forget our sons

We will remember them.

After service a few people remained behind to attend Table Talk. This month the discussion focused on what it means to wear, or not wear, the poppy. What followed was a very mature and respectful discussion and gave the small the group an opportunity to share what Remembrance Sunday means to them.

It's services like this that makes me very proud to be a member of City United Reform Church. It really was a very special morning.

With best wishes,
Matt the Elder

Random acts of kindness

Random acts of kindness

Happy times on holiday!

It's the little things in life that bring the most pleasure. As trite as that sounds I believe it to be the absolute truth. Take the simple act of sending postcards...

As you know, I was recently on holiday (did I mention I had a wonderful time?) and decided this year to send a few postcards to friends at City Church. I rarely send postcards, apart from the obligitory Wish you were here to my parents.

I was quite taken aback at how well received the postcards were. When they eventually landed on the doorsteps I had texts and tweets thanking me for sending a postcard. Then, when I was in church, people came up to me to thank me and to say how delightful it was to receive something in the post that wasn't a bill! People seemed genuinely pleased that I thought to send a postcard.

Perhaps it was the surprise of receiving a postcard - very few people send them anymore - or maybe it was sheer pleasure to receive a little something from Matt the Elder? Whatever it was it was lovely to see such a small thing be so well received. It certainly put a smile on my face!

It encouraged me to do more random acts of kindness. This evening, for example, I went to the gym. On the way I saw my new Spin instructor so I told him how much I enjoyed his class last week and that I would make it a regular class. He seemed really happy and thanked me for the feedback. Then I saw the manager of the gym and I told him that the new timetable works well as it means I can come to the gym more often. Again, he seemed pleased to hear that.

Honestly, I've been handing out random acts of happiness like some kind of Pez Dispenser!

Such simple things really can cheer people up. Why not give it try? A postcard, a text or a pleasant word... you could be making someone feel very happy!

Have you any examples of random acts of kindess?What have you done lately that made someone's day?

With best wishes,
Matt the Elder