Looking closely, can you find the steeple of St. Dunstan hiding behind all those leaves?
Located in Central London, St. Dunstan was one of our destinations today. The picture that I included was actually taken INSIDE the church. You see, after the Blitz (WWII) the church was left without windows or roof.
Instead of knocking the remnants over or rebuilding, the church became a ‘walled park’. Benches replaced pews and today trees, bushes, grass and squirrels inhabit the consecrated ground. As we wondered about, others were gathered there—chatting, resting, even talking to the fat grey squirrels.
What St. Dunstan is today, how it is, is utterly different than it was back in 950 or the 17th century or the early 20th…but isn’t that the role of an enduring church? Carrying on during and after the struggles. Welcoming. Growing. Speaking an ageless message of love, grace and forgiveness—being a beacon of Good News.
It’s true, I am thankful for Immanuel’s windows and roof. But I am even more grateful for the call to be the Church for the sake of a broken world. Right here and right now.
Pastor Leah
