Think of a family attending church today. What might they expect or wish? What might they actually experience – not what we might feel but a newcomer? The congregations might be tired following all the preparations for Christmas – we could be ‘on automatic’. What if it were totally online? 😉
They could be expecting what they received the last time they were in church – 30 years ago, or even at the Carol Service, when we pulled out all of the stops. The liturgy, the words we used, including the prayers, might have acted as a comforting blanket – security, normality? But is that what faith is all about?
Is our faith about a 45 minute to 1 hour slot on a Sunday, possibly with some prayers added each evening?
Ah, he wants us to be like monks or nuns! You know into 24/7 worship/prayer/silent contemplation!!
Could it be more of an intentional understanding of God in our lives? A colleague always refers to what we plan to do as “is that what God is calling you to do?”
It is that deliberate intentionality which isn’t to constrain our life, but allow us to flourish.
In Church we often remind people to search their soul for sin, but can we move onto how to live life practically: mentally, physically and spiritually?
In Luke 2:22-40 we have Mary & Joseph going to their church, the Temple, with the baby under on arm. They offer a sacrifice, not for the baby, but to purify the mother Mary. Simeon is also at the Temple and is delighted to see the couple. He must be on the welcoming team… Simeon’s attention is so much upon Jesus that there is no reflection upon the ongoing worship or prayer or silence. This Temple is a community. I wonder whether Church means that social support of ‘family’ rather than merely the 11am Sunday slot?
Anna, or Hannah in Greek (Note 1 Sam 1/2), becomes the first evangelist – a widow woman. Misogynists, take note.
Simeon sees something anew despite not expecting to be there much longer. He won’t be around to see its fulfilment but he is still delighted.
Perhaps we might now see Church in a new light:
- a place for community;
- a place for change;
- a place something new beyond our control?
Happy New Year! It’s going to be a very different year for some.
What do you think? Why not add a comment?
The dialogue is very good I love it
Thank you
I hope the church realises they are being left behind…… The community is showing care, kindness and compassion. Where are the churches?
Yes, we can focus upon membership and Sunday attendance and miss the vital fellowship that people crave. One lady of many years asked whether we’d rewritten to large churches in the future. I responded probably not as we might move towards meeting in people’s houses : comfy, warm, much better coffee 😉, but also a real space where they can relax and be themselves.