Report From Weekend Away: Hopeful Possibilities
Could we? Should we? These two small questions have provoked big steps of faith, as churches have opened themselves up to new possibilities and imagined new ways to reach out to the communities around them. Are we prepared to ask ourselves these questions? Are we prepared to follow where the answers might lead?
These were some of the challenges set before St George’s during our church retreat held during the weekend of 7-9 May, as guest speaker Ann Morisy shared her experiences of doing community ministry in the UK.
Morisy, the author of three books on the subject of social action, told many stories about the activities she had observed during her career as ministry advisor to the Diocese of London. It starts by a church discerning the distinctive “flows” specific to the place where it is located, and then coming up with creative ways to engage with those “flows”. Which groups pass by St George’s day in, day out between Sundays, and “could we, should we” find ways to serve them?
For some, this process may give rise to anxiety, and Ann taught us some techniques to manage those anxieties. We studied the life of Jesus, and found that when we, like Him, eschew power, take risks, subvert the “wisdom” of the world, avoid tit-for-tat behaviour, invest in the least likely, include as many as possible, and use our own stories, then we will tap into “a cascading of grace”, so that rather than feeling overwhelmed, we can effectively transform our community through “holistic mission”.
What
ever we decide to do, there are some essential ingredients that must be maintained so that our social action doesn’t become merely secular “good deeds”, but remains rooted in and an expression of our faith. Yes, our deeds must be practical, affirm people, touch emotions, and help us to become better people. But, more importantly, and the feature that defines us as Christians, is that we open up the Bible to people, give people something to ponder in their hearts that points the way to God, and we find appropriate ways to link the project to involvement in Sunday worship – a theme that was central to her writing Beyond the Good Samaritan.
Oh, and one more thing, any project should contain an element of fun. “The wise church leader recognises that the rhythm of a healthy community has to involve time for play and laughter… to develop the capacity to be a non-anxious presence” if we are to counteract the fears of those whom we are trying to touch with a true sense of our Heavenly Father’s generous Spirit.
On Sunday, Ann pre
ached from Luke 24 about Jesus meeting the disciples on the road to Emmaus when they had heavy hearts after Jesus’ death on the cross. For them, it felt like the end of the story. But Jesus turns up at just such desperate moments to renew our hope and confidence. Just like Cleopas and his friend, Jesus serves as our travelling companion and gives us strength as we embark on this journey of faith. Read full sermon here.
Later, during one of the breaks when we could relax, take walks and enjoy the sunshine, Ann related her own fears as retirement draws near. But, as she said in one of her talks, never underestimate the power of “a radicalized older woman” (of which there may be a few in St George’s)! The next area she is focusing on relates to justice issues for people facing significant life changes particularly as they grow older. She sees huge ministry opportunities opening up around issues of aging, growing old and dying, and in intergenerational ministry. This is where she feels God is directing her energies next.
The question for St George’s is: Where might God be directing our energies next? Ann Morisy gave us lots of food for thought. One final thought: It starts through impassioned prayer and reflection – “God help me, God help them” kind of prayers. Are we praying? Are we seeking? Are we the Spirit-filled community of our mission statement?
For any mission to be effective, it must be “a gracious outcome of those other factors working effectively,” she said.
Could we? Should we?
Or perhaps a better question to ask is: Could you? Should you?