Rector returns to his roots at supermarket

Canon Sam Wright grew up living above his father’s grocery shop in Bangor and as a teenager he would often have helped out working on the tills in the business. Mr Rowan Black, Managing Director of Green’s Foodfare and store manager David Thompson, arranged for Sam’s return to retail during a week of community engagement by members and staff of Lisburn Cathedral. training Green’s staff member, Mrs Maureen Wilson, trained Sam for his day in the business and ensured his practices were updated. The last time Sam worked in retail the only methods of payment were cash and cheques so credit cards, cash back and charge accounts were a whole new realm for him. He said, “I am very grateful to all in Green’s who facilitated my involvement and made the experience very enjoyable. I am very keen that businesses in Lisburn know that we appreciate them and that as a church we are supporting and praying for them.” Alongside the Rectors’ work in Greens, Cathedral members made hundreds of buns for those working in local businesses and these were then delivered by the clergy and a team of helpers. Read more about this story on our website: lisburntoday.co.uk. Canon Wright noted ‘the message that went with the buns was that we simply want businesses to be blessed by the God as they strive to flourish in the current difficult economic environment.” The gift of buns was frequently received with surprise and delight by those working in the centre of the City. ‘Whilst this was a small gesture, we hope it communicated that we are interested in the wellbeing of the individuals who provide the services from which we benefit” said Sam. A further aspect of the community engagement week was video interviews carried out by Rev Simon Genoe and some of the Cathedral congregation. Simon asked those in the centre of Lisburn to give their views on Lisburn, on where they find community, on Jesus and on the church. Those interviewed were very open in giving their thoughts and opinions on these subjects and it is hoped that this will better enable Cathedral members to understand the views of those in the city and how they can contribute to building community. The bible verse that is at the heart of the vision of the Cathedral is to ‘pray for the peace and prosperity of the city were I (God) sent you’ – Jeremiah 29:7. This was also the verse that inspired the Cathedral’s staff and members to engage with the community and businesses in Lisburn as part of its ongoing vision for contributing to the well being of the City were God has placed them.

Rector returns to his roots at supermarket

The rector of Lisburn Cathedral returned to his childhood roots in Greens Foodfare by spending a day on the tills in the store.

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