Generally we look at things from the perspective of the "man in the street", rather than thinking big strategic thoughts. People who join our group are often surprised at how ordinary everybody (from both countries) is, how well we get on together, how much we have in common, and we wonder how we once ended up at war against each other. If we war at anything now, it's how we can outdo each other in hospitality!

In September 2006 a team of four from St. John's and St. Nicholas' Kenilworth went to Pastor Ulrike Birkner-Kettenacker's chuch in Hosterwitz, near Dresden, to join with people from other churches round Germany and Poland with whom they are linked, as they were presented with a Coventry Cross of Nails, and formally made a Cross of Nails Centre. It was a most enriching time in every sense. Our link with Ulrike and Dresden goes back to 1994, when she first visited every parish in the Deanery, to explain what it was like to be a Christian in Nazi and Communist Germany.

This year a group of about 25 people is expected from Hosterwitz and associated churches, between September 19th and 26th, to visit Kenilworth Deanery and Coventry Cathedral. We aim to explore what it means to be a Cross of Nails centre – how reconciliation works in practice, for example between people of different faiths. We are also allowing some time for tourism and other social events – a great way of getting to know people and refreshing friendships.

This venture is open to all churches in Kenilworth Deanery. Kenilworth Methodists are also involved.

Jenny and Hamish Blair would like to hear from anyone who would like to help in practical ways, such as organising transport, church services or events. Many people have already offered beds for the guests from Dresden, but it is possible that more will be needed.

If you have a heart for God's reconciling work and want to find out more, contact your Deanery rep, or Hamish & Jenny Blair (contact the church office for e-mail and phone number) know of your interest.

Kenilworth St. John’s is a Cross of Nails Centre. The Community of the Cross of Nails is a network of all sorts of different kinds of organisations who are interested in peace and reconciliation. St. John's membership of this network is partly in recognition of the Deanery link with parishes in Dresden, but also because of the other international links we have. For more information on the Community of the Cross of Nails, see www.crossofnails.org.