one last Saturday together...

a Saturday in Chester was the recipe for inspiration and time together...Chester is located about 30 miles to the southeast of Birkenhead. originally founded as Dewa, a Roman outpost, more than a thousand years ago. the city wall nearly remains in tact after these thousand years, still surrounding about 3/4 of the original city. perhaps most famously known for the Rows, these Tudor style, 2 story shopping area is perhaps the birth of the modern mall as the variety of shops provide a galleria up and down several streets

what's great about this outdoor shoppers paradise is the artistry of the old colliding with the new--within the ancient walls that tourists can still walk upon, there's Gap, Starbucks, Apple, along with hundreds of quaint and posh British retailers. after the Town Crier gives the days announcements, commentary and comedy, the air is filled with the sounds of musicians performing throughout the city, as well as a variety of Christian groups proclaiming the Gospel, songs, or prayers

at the cities heart is the Chester Cathedral, dating back nearly a thousand years as well--Zach took some pictures of original walls that have been added to through the centuries. The Cathedral is a very active parish ministry with an emphasis on the arts, mission, and sanctuary worship.

we stopped into the bookstore to pick up a gift for our hosts, and then sat down in the Refectory that has been refurbished as a grand cafe to ''nourish the body and soul''. i had not previously been in this room, but was deeply inspired from the moment i walked in. here in this amazingly beautiful, ancient hall previously used for education and chapel services was now a modern food service area that still ministered to the spirit ever so uniquely. above you as you enter the room is a large tapestry, easily 10feet by 20feet, originally created for the Sistine Chapel in the 1500's, moved to Chester in the 1700's -- above that is a recently commissioned stained glass called ''Creation'' to commemorate the dawn of the 3rd millenium. as in the grand sanctuary, ever so discreetly along the walls, wiring had been added to provide lighting, sound system needs, etc.

so many other wonderful and inspiring sites within this one room--but i was reminded again, as i was upon the first visit, how we would rather create a monument to the past in such a place, rather than allow it to be changed as a vehicle for present and future ministry. Chester Cathedral continues to minister effectively today because it remains a movement of ongoing ministry, willing to change and be recreated for continuing needs and creating opportunity.