'The Whole FiSH' - FiSH
Sunday 2007
As the strains of the last verse of the hymn 'God is working his purpose
out' died away we reflected upon the various words and prayers spoken
during this special annual ecumenical service celebrating the work of
FiSH.
Prior to the tea and wonderful cakes following the service at the Barnes
Mathodist church we had been reminded that our local FiSH organisation
(which stands for Friendship, independence, Support and Help) began
nearly 45 years ago. From small beginnings it now has firm links with
community associations in Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen, is ecumenically
linked with the churches and national organisations such as Age Concern.
In the FiSH office volunteers answer calls hourly from anyone in the
local community with a problem and needing help. The 'whole FiSH'
needs and is supported by an army of caring, generous volunteers who
provide transport to hospitals and medical appointments, shop for those
who can't manage it on their own, collect pensions, change light
bulbs, tidy gardens and do many other things - so helping people to
keep their independence for as long as possible. There's also
FiSH'n'Chats - offering a sympathetic listening ear
or a chat over a cuppa to anyone who may need it.
Speaking at the service, Lesley Spatt drew our attention to how the
two great commandments to "love the Lord your God with all your
heart and all your mind" and to "love your neighbour as
yourself" are found in various forms in many of the great religions
of the world. FiSH likewise crosses the religious divides,
"We don't ask anyone about their religion, or indeed if
they have any religious affiliation We help people who may not be family,
close friends or even those we know; and offer this help as part of
who we are and what FiSH does."
In FiSH everyone is 'our neighbour'. Help is offered because
of what FiSH is what FiSH does. It's a practical expression of
altruistic love of neighbour.
Contributions by June Parke and Lesley Spatt
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