On the Move(ment)

Today we went to Bristol. The drive was the most beautiful drive on our journey so far. We saw one of the white horses of Wiltshire on the hill (similar one seen in the new Robin Hood movie). In addition, the rolling hills and small towns made for a wonderful tapestry of countryside. We can imagine John riding through this land often. It is said that he rode about 250,000 miles on horseback. We know John was short, but now we wonder if he was bow-legged also. :)

Upon arriving in Bristol, one of the first things you immediately notice are the new buildings mixed in with the old buildings. Bristol was heavily bombed during the war so they had to rebuild the city. The two main locations we were visiting was the New Room and Charles Wesley's house. The New Room was a building comprised of a sanctuary and a preacher's room. This place was central to the Methodist movement because it was a place where the preachers could come and rest, study, and prepare sermons before heading out on their circuits. In addition, it was a central location for ministry with the poor that worked in the mines around Bristol and with slaves coming in on slave ships. John preached strongly opposing slavery right in the middle of the slave trade hot spot. His boldness was inspiring and is an example for us all. To mention a fact, Bristol is where American Methodism began since preachers were ordained and sent to America from here.

Charles Wesley's house was an interesting place to visit because it gave us greater insights into the "other Wesley". Charles is not as well known as John, but still had a major influence on the Methodist movement. This is because he wrote over 7,000 hymns that proclaimed the Methodist beliefs and scripture through music. We still sing some of his hymns today. We stepped into his study and were humbled by just being present where much of his work occurred.

Our afternoon was spent walking around the downtown area of Bristol learning about the history of the city and where Wesley was active. One of the most significant locations was where John preached outside for the first time. After preaching outside to more than 3,000 people, John said, "submitted to be more vile." He realized how significant outdoor preaching could be even though he did not like doing it.

The last thought about Bristol is remembering the story of Charles Wesley and the Kingswood's miners. The miners were unclean and despised by the people of Bristol. Charles brought them to receive communion in an Anglican Church and they were denied because of who they were. As a result, the Wesleys and the Methodist movement began providing communion for everyone. This is why we invite everyone to partake in communion today so that no one is denied Christ's holy supper. God's love and grace is for ALL!