Sometimes you just have to see things differently!

June 5, 2025| St Peter's Shared Church, Current Issue

Kirsten Rosslyn-Smith, Vicar at St Peter’s Shared Church

‘Wow!’ Someone at an exercise group suddenly noticed that the space at the back of the hall on the ‘stage’ was different and what had looked like a dumping ground for furniture with a few bean bags had been transformed, it was very different – suddenly the space had potential and ideas for the use of the space came spilling out.

Isn’t it funny how one change, can have such an effect! The thing I love about this transformation was that it came by a chance encounter, it came from the generosity of someone looking for their own changes, it happened because of the willing help of someone with a van and some tidying up and sorting out too – which all happened just before delivery!

A chance meeting in the Aggie – has transformed a space for young people and opened up creative possibilities.

It all started when a colleague and I went to the Aggie Café for a lunch meeting – I have to say I had a great omelette and it was excellent value too! – shout out to the Aggie!! I bumped into someone I knew who was with a friend and we started talking about things. Then we were offered this furniture, a funky sofa and chairs. Now, we often have to be careful, we can end up with things that we can’t use. But when I saw it, I could see what a gift it would be.

And the transformed space is going to be a huge blessing for young people to chill out at Wednesday Youth and there are other ideas too.

It seems to me that transformation can be the result of different factors coming together – sometimes its new information, or new perspectives on situations, spaces, offers and one thing happening can create a domino effect of transformation and creativity – because we become part of something and then can see how it can benefit others too.

Sometimes you just have to see something differently – hear a different point of view see a situation from a different angle. That’s one of the things I love about community here in Bellfields and Slyfields, there is a real spirit of generosity and kindness. And, as we share experiences, and resource with each other we find transformation.

Sometimes you just have to see something differently – hear a different point of view see a situation from a different angle.

Maybe its because we have just had Easter that I have transformation on my mind, thinking about the Easter story that seemed hopeless. After all Jesus was dead! Then a chance encounter with a traveller going on the same road as a few of his friends changed everything. The traveller shared a different perspective on everything that they had just experienced over the death of their leader and friend. They invited him to stay with them and when they sat to eat, they realised that this traveller was Jesus and he was alive! Their experience suddenly opened up new possibilities that they never thought could be. This released a domino effect of transformation that is still going on.

I wonder who you will bump into what will come in your conversations that will bring transformation. Maybe you have things to share; thoughts, time, talents that could make a difference to someone. I look forward to encounters that I have with people, you never know what blessings and connections may come out of a conversation.

Kirsten
Vicar at St Peter’s Shared Church