Wisdom from England

On the first day of the Wesley Pilgrimage, we have learned everything from the seemingly mundane to the profound. We learned that it is pigeon mating season, therefore, do not leave the windows open because a pigeon may see it's reflection in the window and see an attractive partner...We'll move on... We have also been informed that when it gets warmer here, the men take off their shirts and it often is not a pretty picture!!! Again...Moving on...

Let's get to the valuable moments in our day. We have learned that John Wesley visited Salisbury (our current location) because his mother Suzanna was living with one of her daughters after her husband Samuel died. The connections to Wesley here in Salisbury are strong and one of the first preaching houses founded by Wesley is here. We visited the church today and will worship with them on Sunday.

The most profound moment for both of us was a reminder of how the Wesleys and the "Methodists" shared a common identity that inspired those who had no identity. Many individuals had "no" identity in the 18th century due to social norms, but Wesley recognized all as blessed and beloved of God. These social norms were centered on class and economic status, so the poor and illiterate were considered throw aways. This was dramatically influenced by the country's transition from an agricultural to industrial society. The distance between the rich and the poor was ever widening and the existing church was not responding. The Wesleys did respond by meeting these people where they were and giving them a voice. The Methodists allowed all people to use their gifts and talents to serve God.

Our parting thought... Are people searching for identity today and is the Church meeting them where they are? Good night, more tomorrow...