A little thought for March

Being part of the Flourish universe (as I call it) is joy filled, if a little unpredictable at times. It is a space for honest and open conversation -a place where you can bring your whole self: your thoughts, your questions, your doubts, and whatever else might be on your mind.  This kind of space can feel unusual. Choosing to step outside familiar structures often comes with uncertainty. It can raise questions like, “Am I really the right person for this?” or “Does this way of being really count?” At times, it can feel lonely. But what we are discovering together is that meaningful, transformative encounters with God don’t only happen in traditional settings. They happen wherever people gather with openness, honesty, and a willingness to explore faith together. Flourish is about creating those spaces.                                                                         

Over the last couple of years, I have seen people grow in confidence, step into difficult conversations, and begin to understand more deeply who they are and how God might be present in their lives. I’ve seen something take root and grow-often in unexpected ways.

I firmly believe that spaces like Flourish matter and that they can help people encounter a God of love in ways that feel real and relevant to their lives. I have seen first hand that when people are given permission - to question, to explore, to belong - something powerful can happen. Flourish is shaped by the people who are part of it. It has grown through shared vision, mutual support, and a willingness to try something different.

It is a blessing to be part of this, and I am keen to spread the word wider and with more people. We want more people to be involved, to be curious and to wonder about the possibilities of trusting fully that God has got this even in all the chaos, uncertainty, messiness and unpredictability.

So there are a few ways to find out more about us or be more involved – here are a few:

• We have regular gatherings (you may have been to one already) They are informal gatherings which allow people to chat, share and feel supported. Date of the next one is Saturday 6^th June at 9.45a.m. at the Haven in Speedwell.

• Why don’t you visit ones of our spaces and meet the team – email me:  jenny@flourishbsgc.org.uk 

• Would you like one of us to visit you to talk about possibilities for your community - please email niall@flourishbsgc.org.uk

• Or we also have a video that you can watch a share, here is the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iL2tATxKnfmkyc3gbU0pHXmm-8EYXegp/view?usp=sharing

We value you all for being on this journey with us and look forward to what comes next.

With warm wishes

Jenny and the Flourish team