Convivial

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 

It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe

It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. (Psalm 133)

It's one of the shortest psalms but it packs a punch.

It speaks of how good it is when God's people live together in unity.

It makes me think of our Chapter (the ministers in our deanery - pictured above, except for Anna, who was unable to join us) here in Bermondsey which met for our annual New Year lunch today at Cafe Amisha in Grange Rd.

We are about as diverse a group as you can get theologically, but here's the best thing: we enjoy each other's company and actually like each other.

That doesn't 'solve' our differences of opinion but it does give a context of good affectionate and respectful relationships in which to explore them.

Our Chapter has been described as 'convivial.' I like that.