Jesus said … “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt loses its taste … it is no longer good for anything …” (Matthew 5:13) But why did he say this and what does it mean for us today …

… and why here?

A message from Bishop Keith Sinclair

In Summary …  Celebrate  Challenge  Connect  Community  Celebrate  Challenge  Connect  Community The 4 C’s

Back to basics … Over the years many preachers have told us that a small amount of salt flavours the whole of a meal but is that all that there is to it? Are we here to do nothing more than “season” or “add taste to” our fellow beings with our actions and beliefs?

… properties of Salt Salt does much more than simply flavour food … It “De-cloys” Salt cuts through grease and sticky stuff... … we need to avoid getting bogged down and be prepared to help others through difficult times.

… properties of Salt Salt does much more than simply flavour food … It is “Abrasive” A paste of salt and water can be used to clean and remove tarnish... … we may need to tackle unhelpful attitudes and help others to clean up their acts.

… properties of Salt Salt does much more than simply flavour food … It “Moderates Reactions” When added to bread dough it controls the fermentation reaction and produces an even texture in the finished loaf... … we need to moderate our reactions in difficult situations.

… properties of Salt Salt does much more than simply flavour food … It “Modifies Physical Properties” Salt is well known as a method of reducing the freezing point of water... … we may need to help people to change in order for them to accept new ways of working or being.

… properties of Salt Salt does much more than simply flavour food … It is a “Preservative” For many centuries salt has been used to preserve food... … we can help to preserve life through our actions.

… properties of Salt Salt does much more than simply flavour food … Is an “Antiseptic” Gargling with salt solution is a well known way of easing a sore throat... … we need to tackle infectious or unhelpful attitudes or actions.

… properties of Salt Salt does much more than simply flavour food … It is a “Healer” Salt has been used to treat skin diseases... … when people feel hurt we need to help facilitate the process of healing.

… properties of Salt Salt offers all of this and more … … if we lose our saltiness we are good for nothing other than to be thrown out! Seasons De-cloys Cleanses Controls Modifies Preserves Purifies Heals … …

Our vision for the future … “SoE is an extended disparate and self sustaining community, with salt as its common motif, that cooperates on a number of levels to discuss, deepen understanding and tackle real issues across a wide spectrum (pastoral, social, economic, spiritual, educational…) for the good of all.”

Our Mission “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel basket, but on the lamp stand and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) Whilst this mission appears to be overtly Christian and evangelistic in nature, SoE intends to reach beyond any Sacred/Secular Divide to truly assist “all in the house”.

“I give you a new commandment … love one another as I have loved you …” (John 13:34) Jesus said …

For more information contact one of the following people…  Bishop Keith Sinclair  Henry Ratter  George Oliver  Alan Dowen