Rising Dawn

Sign from above for city club (From York Press)

A CHURCH has used the renaming of a refurbished York nightclub to put out its own message.

A poster outside St Edward’s Church on Tadcaster Road declares: “SALVATION… more than a nightclub.”

But the marketing people behind Club Salvation – formerly Nexus – in George Hudson Street reckon God moves in mysterious ways.

Following my earlier rant about Salvation - the club - placing a promotion outside The Salvation Army it’s good to see another York church getting in on the act. But it’s one of those eternal dilemmas. At what point are you just creating more promotion for the event you object to. Two sayings come to mind. Imitation is flattery and All publicity is good publicity. 

The fact still remains Salvation is not found in a Night Club.

Which is the real thing?

Originally uploaded by Dawnriser

There’s new night club opening in York. It’s called Salvation. This morning I noticed this phone box advert for the new club sited right outside the Salvation Army.

I had already sounded my own Hurumph about the use of the name Salvation for a night club, but there’s something cynical about the juxtaposition of the club and the church in this commercial way surely designed to exploit the real Salvation of the Christian gospel.
It looks set to insult the fervent faith of members of the Salvation Army. These honest, disciplined, tee total adherents of the Christian Faith stand in stark contrast to the debauchery, drunkenness and licentiousness that defines the city’s nightclubs.
I’m reminded of a new testament scripture that says of Jesus Christ “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
So I leave you to judge - if you needed Salvation which would you go to - the night club or the church?

 

Holtby starts training ride of week

Originally uploaded by Dawnriser

Another Monday and only one more to go before the big ride starts on
July 7th.
Just a short route this morning. More stories to record at lunchtime.
This is Holtby to the east of York. It’s very quiet this morning. Even my
bike seems to intrude into the peace.

There will be an update about the Palestinian students later.

Keep sponsoring me please www.help.co.uk/ridingbike

Bishop Alan’s Blog: Bully pulpit — On baiting of the Clergy

An interesting piece about bullying in the church. There’s an article in the Church Times too. I can’t help but feel that we’re in sad times when congregations and clergy need protection from each other through guidelines and the threat of legal action. While these things raise awareness and positive action can be valuable in reducing incidents, legal action is never a route to resolution - just division, bitterness and even  retribution.