Our first wet day from start to finish. I didn’t even leave the boat! Jules Fuels went by and filled us up with diesel and coal so at least we don’t have to worry about the cold if and, when it comes!
It suited me having such a wet day. A few weeks ago I had signed up to a digital conference all about online church and the future of the ‘hybrid’ church. A slogan being branded was ‘the doors may be closed but the church is fully open’. It made me realise that there is no turning back – if the church wants to be relevant at this time it needs a digital presence and the challenge for our leaders is how to go about doing this effectively and creatively whilst inspiring others to be involved. One minister told us that his weekly congregation pre Covid was about 300 people. He now has up to 8000 people accessing his services online! Wow! What an opportunity for people to dip their toe in the water as to what God is all about without having to go anywhere! There were heartwarming stories of couples where one used to go alone to church but now are accessing services together from the comfort of their sofa. And the families who instead of having to choose between sport and church on a Sunday can participate in services at a time to suit. An inspiring day with lots to think about, the main thought being that I should not remain on the fence when it comes to digital platforms. Used correctly they can be an amazing tool for sharing ideas and connecting us all together.
Talking about closed doors, I find the lockgates of the large double locks fairly dark and imposing so I rather liked the picture of the colourful graffiti on the bridge just prior to a nearby lock.
NarrowboatTLC 