About 150-200 people gathered around the Angel Prayer Tent that we ran as Churches Together in Wythenshawe! This was an experiment in how we would reach out as Christians to people around us and try and connect through the language of spirituality. Families of all shapes and sizes came to make and decorate angels. Some were given names, some had prayers for Lebanon and Middle East on them. Some had the names of loved ones who have died. Stalls around gave out free Divine chocolate from Manchester City Council and invited people to sign postcards from Christian Aid to change trade rules.
The atmosphere was friendly, open, interested and chatty. We met with a muslim and a sikh man who came by themselves to make angels. They both said they thought it was a positive space. Others were glad to do fun things that didn't cost too much or to have a seat provided by the churches in the shade.
There was talk of making a well next year, decorating it through the day and offering free water. Living water? We'll see.
What a great experience to work as different flavours of Christians together purposefully. The star and moon and angel sheet we also wrote on during the day was shown at the Tree of Life & St. Mark's CHurch for the last couple of weeks with the angels people made decorating around the edges of it.
