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'Maureen's
Musings'
 May 2016
I am writing
this just after returning from the Clergy Conference at the Hayes
Centre, Swanwick. We took as the theme for these four days -
RECONCILIATION - a topic which is sorely needed in the world,
in our land ( especially as the European referendum hots up!),
and not least in the church - where disputes about who may or
may not be a priest have threatened to destroy the Anglican Communion.
We could also reflect that it is something much needed closer
to home too… How many families do you know where one or
more individuals or branches have divided themselves or are no
longer in communication with the rest? In our local church too,
relationships are not always as harmonious as we might like?
But then, the church family is no different to any family in
this respect.
So we clergy studied
the bible together; we reflected on difference and shared values;
we thought about conflict with the natural world and our need
to be reconciled to the environment; and we also considered how
humour might help us to find a safe, shared space in which to
meet and begin the task of 'humanising' the other. And it worked
- we were able to get along with each other, even though some
have very different ideas about worship and church and order
to each other ( yes, even though we are all in the Church of
England!) And it was all quite relaxed and good humoured.
It all made me question
whether we create enough opportunities in our own community,
just to spend time together? Time to study and learn, of course,
but also time just to enjoy each others' company? To relate and
develop those friendships that hold the wider community together.
With that partly in mind,
I am hoping that May will see at least a couple of opportunities
for us to extend our contacts into the village. The Archbishops
have asked every church in the land to give special attention
to prayer in the week before Pentecost. So from the 8-15 May
I hope we can invite lots of people to visit the church and experience
maybe a new way of thinking about that most basic and well known
prayer - the Lord's Prayer. Pop in at any time and pick up a
guide…. And in your own time just visit each of the stations
you will discover around the church… And if there is something
special you would like us to pray for, you will be able to leave
a request….
Then the following week
- Christian Aid Week- we would like to invite you to a BIG BREAKFAST!
Not in church this time, but in the Pigot Inn. Yes, we can come
out of our building! Join us on Saturday, 21 May for a delicious
breakfast - bacon or sausage sarnies - how can you resist? Conversation,
competitions, activities for the kids and through it all, help
for people around the world. (Many thanks to Stacey and all at
the Pigot for helping us out with this!)
And of course, we continue
to think about Everybody Welcome - our short course running on
Monday evenings during May in church… It is for everybody,
so, why not come and see what you might be missing?
Every blessing
Maureen
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