What's the (community's) story, morning glory?

A great album whatever the title meant?!

As we find our feet and settle into life in the borough of Newham we recognise that if we are to succeed in our mission to further God’s kingdom here in Stratford, we must gather information that allows us to see our community as it really is and not merely as it appears to be.

Before engaging in any missionary initiatives we're keen to establish a lucid and far-reaching understanding of the surrounding community. After all, if we don’t know our people or their present reality how can we possibly seek to minister in a meaningful and relevant way? If discerning the local reality was good enough for the likes of Moses, Joshua and Nehemiah I am convinced we should follow their example.

‘Every community has a story. A unique story. And that particular context must be thoroughly understood and considered by any church wanting to make an impact on its community in a meaningful way.’ (Lewis, 2001:190) The Church of Irresistible Influence

So today we spent a morning in the library discovering the ‘Stratford story’. Getting to know the character and ‘feel’ of the place. Getting to know Jane, the very knowledgable archivist. Getting to know that the library coffee shop doesn’t open during the summer holidays?! As HSBC say ‘never underestimate the importance of local knowlegde!’

After all, ‘he who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame.’ PROVERBS 18:13