It was a privilege to hear from Anna Firth, MP at the Love Southend Network Gathering on Sunday 12th March. Anna shared her aspirations for our city, some of the encouragements and challenges of her work as an MP, and her desire to build on the ‘incredible road-map’ to being a constituency MP left by her predecessor Sir David Amess. We had the privilege of praying for Anna and all those carrying governmental responsibility for the welfare of our city. During the evening the final piece of artwork, ‘City of Light’ by Helen Yousaf (commissioned by Love Southend following a time of prayer for Sir David’s family and the, then, borough after his death) was presented to Anna. And representing different parts of the church in Southend we voiced our commitment to carry the multi-faceted light of Jesus to our communities.
Future Network Gatherings are posted on the Love Southend website (this website). All are welcome.
Photo above: Love Southend ‘City of Light’ artwork presentation to Anna Firth MP with John Simmons and Mark Churchward of Love Southend

Sir David Amess MP was murdered during a regular constituency surgery
at Belfairs Methodist Church on the 15th October 2021.
Two days later these inspiring words were released by his family:
‘Strong and courageous is an appropriate way to describe David.
He was a patriot and a man of peace. So, we ask people to set aside their
differences and show kindness and love to all. This is the only way forward.
Set aside hatred and work towards togetherness.’
Love Southend commissioned artist Helen Yousaf to paint what had been
expressed in a time of prayer for Sir David’s family and Southend.
The picture is of brightly coloured images of people bringing light and colour to their world.
Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.