this dj spins worlds not stuck records
and records time, re-called, history.
.
this dj downloads, presses track1, repeat, plays
prepares 40 days
and prays.
.
this dj searches out scratched tracks
and bit by bit re-grooves
the backing track back...
to front.
.
this dj enters as a real player
in an i-tune town.
dancing to the senders song he goes for touch...
.
down in our space
books time for your face
and presses pause.
.
[skip back : delete : re-install
re-mix : re-kiss : re-breathe]
.
sender re-turns to repeat…
a dj child complete:
to global body surf / serve
advantage - local love observed.
.
in the light of a cross shadowed manger
this dj calls for a clear and presence engager
to open source faith,
safe risking sanctuary
.
this dj
this distinctly jesus
welcoming
a realised humanity.
.
Martin Thomas
April 2008
I wrote 'dj' after reflecting on the ministry of various CMS mission partners; particularly Richard Sudworth and Pall Singh in Birmingham. Richard is the author of 'Distinctly Welcoming', a superb book helping us understand God's mandate of welcoming love to those of other faiths. Pall Singh who runs The Sanctuary (a Christian community in Birmingham) has worked over the years to offer appropriate, safe and creative spaces for people to engage with Jesus; especially from eastern and western cultures (including the Hindu, Sikh and Muslim communities). As I wrote, thinking about the current 'presence and engagement' conversations within the Church of England, the idea of 'dj', distinctly jesus, emerged as an interesting motif. The thought that we have a God who takes our 'scratched' selves and 're-grooves' us back into the creation that we were meant to be is amazing. But more than that, our 'dj' God calls us to live out distinctive lives where we live. Lives that are connected to the people, issues and events in our wider world.
Each poem can also be downloaded in a simple format (.pdf) as well as on designed postcards (.jpg). Please use the above 'downloads' link...
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