THE IMAGINATIVE pastoral approach of the Church in East London has been demonstrated again in a new set of discussion papers drawn up for use over the period of Pentecost.
Contemporary pictures of life in the area are set side by side with Gospel readings. prayers and questions: the aim is "to make people aware of how the Holy Spirit (which was given to veryone at Pentecost) is very much present in our lives,
The pictures include one of a barmaid pulling a pint of beer. a policeman talking to a skinhead and a couple embracing each other.
The booklet talks of "the InBetweenness Spirit" shown in the relationships people have with those they love and asks whether this is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. It adds: "Sometimes we block In-Betweenness. When we are proud and prejudiced or insensitive to others we don't allow in-betweenness to exist.
"When we treat other people as sex objects. as factory hands, as idols. we don't allow real contact. We keep the Spirit out. At times whole communities can block out the Spirit by their pride or prejudice.
The programme is being used by more than 100 groups in parishes over a three week period. It has also been made available to schools. Altogether 110 group leaders have been trained to carry it out. A similar sort of programme was held throughout Advent.
The East London area was instrumental in drawing up an outline process for pastoral planning which was adopted by the bishops and included in the Easter People document which followed last year's National Pastoral Congress.