No, it’s not a where’s Wally post.
Amidst this sunny weather, resembling some of the southern European holiday destinations – and with views of Yorkshire hills – this strange “unprecedented” year continues to weave its course. Lockdown was surreal, with continuous warm weather for the time of year, and distinctly worrying headlines. The people of Todmorden just seemed to get on with it all. Those shielding will have seen a very different perspective than those of us fortunate to be able to leave the safety of our homes. But still we all may have struggled with the lack of physical contact. And in all this, where’s the Church: more importantly: Where’s God?
Where’s God?
Even now, with “natural hibernation” nearly over, according to the Prime Minister, we face tensions with what does it mean to be meet other people, how can we welcome others?As Professor Witty said this week, the virus will be with us for some considerable time, at least until the Spring of next year. However, we may wish to consider what we, God’s Church, have learnt in this time. For where’s God in all this?
No Building?
Firstly, we have continued to be God’s Church despite not being in our usual place of worship. Yes we may have missed the hymns, the singing, the fellowship in the Chapel, but the Church here in Todmorden remains the Church in Todmorden. The Baptist Minister at Roomfield has commented upon how their online services have been able to bring together various denominations, not to form a newly defined congregation but one who know their origins, their traditions, but can still be as one.
How do we pray?
Secondly, our prayer life may have confirmed to us that God has not left us even though our prayers have not been said at the front of chapel. God never leaves us but seeks to always grow closer to us. Where’s God? – with us.
Is there more than one model of Church?
Thirdly, people with no denominational affiliation have seen an alternative form of church, and found blessing. We recall attending a wonderful church in Birmingham where many of the congregation would attend in their ‘Sunday best’. Today, what we may wear for ‘Church’ may well have changed. Whether it’s pyjamas – no, please don’t send any evidence…😉 – or smart clothing, what has remained constant is God:present, alive, and with us.
How could we support those we don’t seek to attend church, as we know it, but who still have a vibrant faith?
For Mandy and myself, we have one eye on Todmorden and the other on what is about to be. Three churches; four congregations at present but seeking more; traditional, inclusive, Ghanaian, and outwardly responsive to the very urgent need of that community; a very different perspective than experienced here in Todmorden. Except they also are facing that question of how to return to church, and in what format. God’s Church has walked together amidst this pandemic: crying with those suffering, walking alongside those needing support, willing to help those wanting to venture further – and praying with everyone. It hasn’t been a time, such as with Moses, being directly led: but through your listening to others, your kind word, your radical gesture. This is God’s church.
God hasn’t moved
We may focus upon the practical issues but possibly spare a moment to consider where God has been throughout this time. When others speak of the lack of building, God has never moved. We shall return to a building, and God will be with us still. Clearly, evidently, where’s God? With us.