A sprinking of perspective? Reflections on the General Assembly 2016

The General Assembly of 2016 has almost drawn to a close - tomorrow is Friday and as I am going away for the weekend to recover I thought I'd share some thoughts tonight.  It has been a great week with a good atmosphere although not without its pain and challenge.  The worship has been excellent and the singing heavenly.  The Right Rev Russell Barr has navigated us well through the week and we have enjoyed the humour as well as the "head in hands" moments. 

I have tried to value the whole experience though I must admit it always takes a couple of days to orient myself - the number of people including stewards and others means somewhere around 850 people are around although more than will pass through the halls and when you spend most of your working life on your own or in small groups it can be somewhat overwhelming.  However, catching up with friends and making new ones, sharing ideas and moans are all part of the experience.  And reminiscent of Jesus in Jerusalem there is the crush for coffee in the Rainy Hall, the quiet of the courtyard and many languages as ecumenical partners and overseas guests share with us. 

I guess what strikes me most about the General Assembly is how much is about managing the institution and keeping the show on the road.  Starting with worship certainly centres us in the why we are here but generally we celebrating the work done and looking forward to what might be done, focussing often on the how and the resources needed rather than the why (with the exception of facing the fact we are becoming the church on the margins).  There have been some u-turns on the floor of the General Assembly as Councils and Committees feel the people power of the Commissioners.  And difficult decisions have been handled gracefully but unlike previous years there hasn't been the same repeated call to prayer.  Speakers have been varied with some regular contributors and some very random contributions.

I have enjoyed the General Assembly without a doubt and grateful for the experience.  How much will impact on the local is yet to be seen but for me the timely reminder that I am part of something greater than the local has been important.  Next year we celebrate 450 years of a church on the site of Blantyre Old.  We are in the early stages of planning our celebrations and that is right to do.  But as I listened, pondered and reflected I realised that there is more to celebrating what has been, there is what we are now and what we will be. 

And so it is my intention to work towards becoming an eco-congregation because the World Mission reported reminded us all about creation and the importance of looking after the world not just for our sake but for our global brothers and sisters.  I want to work towards Fair Trade status because Church and Society reminded us that where we put our money, our investments, our business can change the world for the better no matter how small.  In line with the Ministries Council developments in ministry I want to strengthen the parish grouping, look at youth ministry and figure out what a hub ministry might look like in my locale.

If my first time at the General Assembly since 2013 helps me to consider again what it means to be church locally and globally then surely that must be a good thing. And to practise what I preach I must once again challenge myself to reconsider the discipleship of our children and whether we really are doing enough. 

Sometimes we get so caught up in managing the institution even at the parish level we lose perspective.  I appreciate that we can't do everything but as one speaker said "we can't do everything but everyone can do something".  Always at the heart of what we do is the one true God - three in one - and as the Archbishop of Canterbury put it (paraphrased) - we worship and witness the same God.

Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”  Luke 9:62

So let's look forward together and get a little perspective.  After all this is God's church and we are his children. 

May God bless you with a sprinkling of perspective and a lot of love.

 

Pentecost Warmth

This past week has been a beautiful week where we have been able to enjoy a brief summer.  Of course we hope it is only a taster of what it is to come. 

Perhaps it is part of living in the UK and in Scotland in particular that when the temperatures rise we wish we could have a national holiday.  With the sunshine comes much joy for many – the sky is bluer, the colours are brighter, the atmosphere warmer, the songs of the birds are sweeter and the laughter of children rings out as they play out doors. 

Many I’m sure remember the days when the sun came out like this and washing lines up and down the street groaned under the weight of fresh washing.  If the wind was blowing gently it was a perfect drying day.  Beds were stripped, curtains taken down and every nook and cranny checked for anything that could be washed.  In Scotland at least a sunny day was measured by how much washing could be done!

Pentecost is rather like that first warm super summer day.  Pentecost, for the Church, is when the warmth and cleansing power of the Spirit arrived.  The disciples had been very sad, missing Jesus and wondering what would happen next. It was such a hard time for them living in limbo.  The days would have seen dull by comparison with what had gone before. 

And then the Holy Spirit arrived – the sound of the rushing wind – clearing away the cobwebs and stirring up the souls.  And then the warming flame of the Spirit resting upon each person brightening the world around them, opening their minds and hearts to the presence of God within.  From that experience, that encounter with the Spirit they left their locked space and went out into the world full of hope.  Like stepping outside on a bright warm day after the bleakness of spring showers the disciples stepped excited and hopeful. 

Sunny days always encourage us to enjoy life, even to take chances.  There is something about being warm outdoors that brings the adventurer to the surface – a barbeque perhaps, a game of football, or even just sitting to read a good book.  The disciples stepped out and shared the good news of Jesus with confidence, with knowledge and in Peter’s case with authority.

For me Pentecost is like that heat wave that hits and inspires hope and joy in each person.

The Church needs Pentecost and she needs reminded of Pentecost just like we need reminding that summer does exist.  The Church struggles at times to find a way forward and often locks herself away.  The Church worries so much about getting it right or raising enough money to pay the bills.  The Church worries about whether there will be enough Christians left to fulfil God’s mission.  Rather like the disciples in the upper room before the Spirit arrives we worry.  What does Jesus mean by this?  What will happen next?  Will we still have a church in 20 years?

Pentecost reminds us that God is in charge, and that it is his Spirit that is our advocate, our truth-teller, our guide.  Sometimes people pray that the Spirit will come but the Spirit is already here.  The Holy Spirit has arrived and perhaps what the Church needs to do, what we need to do is welcome her, nurture her and trust her.  Hard to do when she is something we cannot see – in John’s Gospel we read:

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

The Church needs to hold onto the Spirit of Pentecost especially in the bleak days. And in our own bleak days when the world seems devoid of colour and we are not sure why we are here or why we bother – know that the Spirit of Pentecost resides within each of us.  And that just as a summer’s day dawns bright and early, so too will the Spirit shine on and give us light and warmth if we let her.

(Reflection used for an afternoon service on Pentecost Sunday)

The problem with unwritten rules...

The greatest difficulty with moving the church forward is the unwritten rules.  There seem to be so many of them and I don't know what they all are. I constantly bang into them and realise that my ability to see God in all things and all situations I struggle to deal with the sacrosanct. Can't use the communion table for anything but communion, can't use the sanctuary for non worship events, only ministers and those suitably trained can preach, lead worship - honestly put the children in control of worship and we might actually get the point of worship!

The institution is full of written laws that by their very nature mean we have unwritten rules - the interpretation of them.  And the biggest unwritten rule because it stems from identity is that of the minister.  I remember during training going to a wonderful bible study but because I was the minister I had to read it out loud. It is the privilege of the minister to read God's word out loud. So much has become the ministers job - just read a parish profile and it will tell you what is expected of a minister. And I know as my diary starts filling up with all good things that meet the list in the parish profile that other things I am expected to do will fall.  And as much as I am loved in one camp I am failing in another.

We don't need any more rules - written or unwritten.

What if we follow the teaching of St Paul - one body but many members? Keep Jesus as the head - most definitely - but if Jesus is the head then surely the minister is just another part of the body not the whole of it?

What if we started to pull together as one body, sharing our resources and building together? Then I believe people would want to become part of the church again because everyone would have a purpose and a sense of belonging. Jesus engendered that feeling in his disciples and certainly not everyone got on board but to still have 11 out of 12 at the end of those three years was pretty impressive. Maybe change, maybe embracing the body of Christ, maybe moving away from the rules (written or otherwise) and living with hope, faith and love we can change the church and the world.

Is it time to stop worrying about who is the pulpit and start concentrating on who is in the pews (so to speak!)? Have we been looking at this back to front? As a minister on ministries council I know that there is much good happening but I wonder, dangerously perhaps, is focusing on 800 people rather than the 44000 (or whatever our current membership is not forgetting the regular non members) keeping our vision small and missing the bigger part of the body?

Do congregations want to be empowered? The unwritten rule is they don't - most want to be consumers! Is that another unwritten rule that needs challenged?

Thoughts for another day perhaps.

What do you think ministers are for and what can you do to change the rules...?

Peace
Sarah

Is there a better way for ministry and ministers?

There has to be a better way to be church!

I was at a Ministries Council overnight conference this week and politely people ask you over breakfast – “How did you sleep?”  Please tell me I am not the only person who wants to respond – “with my eyes closed!”  I can’t help it – the quick answer, the smart alec answer is always there on the tip of my tongue and I physically had to stop myself saying that out loud. 

But sometimes we have to speak honestly.    Part of the conference was about clergy self-care, and how we get ministers to look after themselves, especially in an environment where there is more work, less people.  Well, as the day went on I was getting more and more wound up, especially when people with influence said “it’s an impossible job” and we just accepted that with a laugh.  Basically we get on with it, and know that God is there for us. 

Well – me being me decided that wasn't fair.  And reminiscent of my children I spoke up and said something along the lines of “That’s not fair.  It’s not fair to keep piling work on us, tell us we have an impossible job and then expect us to do more! What is Ministries Council doing for us, what practical support can be given?”  I said a few other things as well but I won’t bore you with that and I am part of the Ministries Council so I am speaking to myself here as well.  The words that spilled out weren't thought out, they were words that poured out from frustration, a desire to be heard and for something sensible to be done.  And a number of people came and told me they agreed with everything I said!  It isn't fair.  We all know this but seem at a loss to do anything.

I sometimes wonder what ministry has become.  “They” can’t fix things because it is impossible so to do so nothing is done.  Are we going through the motions of ministry because we have been told that’s what we should do, and that’s what we see our colleagues doing?  Have we given up on providing real solutions because Scotland is too big, because ministers are office holders, because we dare not interfere, because it means money?  Am I destined to spend the next 30 years in ministry (God willing) constantly disappointing people because I can’t be everything, do everything that my congregation, my presbytery, my church expect or desire?  I am not sure I can live with that.  Is there a better way?  

I want to believe so.  I want to believe that the Church could do so much more because we remember we are God’s people, and the building, the institution are not the Church, merely vessels and resources.  There has to be another way – where we shake the very foundations and re-create for the 21^st century.  We need to localise practical, paid support.  We need to stop piling on work and design functioning resources, accessible by all congregations.  We need to start working together in clusters that share, support and encourage.  Those that hold the power need to stop hiding in their corners and start working together deliberately, with a shared vision that supports ministry across Scotland.  And we need to stop hiding behind “aye beens”, excuses and fear.  Building resilience in our clergy and helping us take responsibility for our self-care are valuable options but if predictions are correct even that won’t enough.  What point is there in an institution if all it does is demand more and give less?  It’s not fair and it’s not dealing with the problem. 

And yes I am an idealist, I am naïve, I am an optimist and I believe there has to be more.  And ministers we need to work together, fight together and get out of our own little boxes and pull together. 

Then I believe we can actually do ministry – all of us – not just ministers.  Jesus said “Go into all the world and make disciples”.  I want to make disciples not property experts.  I want to make disciples not fundraisers.  I want to make disciples not conflict managers.  I want to help the poor not take money to fix the roof.  I want to be a minister of Word and Sacrament. 

There aren't easy solutions but if we believe we are the family of God then miracles are available. 

I hope you are not offended by this and maybe you think I am wide of the mark, or neurotic.  Or just maybe now is the time to take a stand and do something revolutionary.

With man this is impossible.  With God all things are possible.

Is there a better way?  God, I hope so.  Amen.  

It's not what you say...

But the way that you say it!

These past three weeks in the States has been encouraging and inspiring. Never before has my accent caused such joy or confusion, nor have I been responsible for corrupting or improving the language of another. The use of "wee" for little has increased, sweets instead of candy, or saying "I fancy doing that/having that" now bounce about in First Presbyterian Church Morganton. We are picking up some of the drawl and the occasional y'all! I have been told that I could recite nursery rhymes instead of preach and get away with it.

Sunday 19th we had Christmas in July and we thought about how God through Jesus made himself accessible. Jesus the Word became flesh - God was now to be found in a language we could all understand - humanity. And not the regal, unattainable, posh language but the common language understood by shepherds and angels, by wise men and teenagers Mary and Joseph, and still feared by Kings.

I am sure there is some being lost in translation here. We nod along and hope we catch the jist of it. And for some it is like that with God. Somewhere along the line God's language of love and presence gets lost in translation. We think we have the jist of it but what we really hear is the judgement or condemnation. And nobody wants that.  Jesus is God incarnate - God with us, one of us.  And Jesus speaks our language - whether it be Scottish or American or something right different!

If you think you might be losing something in translation, perhaps now would be a good time to take a breath, find a version of the Bible that is accessible to you (there are loads out there) and read through a Gospel. Mark is good for those who like to dive right in there, Matthew and Luke for the details and historical aspects, and John for the deep thinkers, philosophical types. The styles are different but Christ is the same.

Just take a wee bit time and make sure y'all listen good. Jesus speaks your language loud and clear!
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John1:1

Bless y'all big yuns and weans!
Love Pastor Sarah (which when my kids say it sounds like Pasta Sarah)

There is a time for everything...

And everything in its time.

I love the passage from Ecclesiastes about there being a time for all things, though I wince at the thought of a time to hate. I guess, however, there are injustices that we should hate enough to be motivated to make a difference about.
I suspect if I was allowed I would add a few lines...
There is a time to run and a time not to run.
There is a time to diet and a time to eat cake.
There is a time to go the gym and a time to go to the pub.
There is a time for coffee alone and a time for coffee with friends.
And there isn't a time when God isn't there...

Last night I was woken from sleep around 1am, my nerves jangling and wondering where the alarm was.  It sounded like a beeping alarm clock, followed by creaky floor boards and the rocker in Jess' room.  Eventually I persuaded myself to do a circuit of the house (minus Fitbit!) and of course both children were out for the count and all was well, and I don't know where the alarm came from. Suspect it was a phone telling us it was out of charge (why always at night?)  I went back to bed and prayed for a blessing upon the house and her inhabitants and went back to sleep with God on my mind and heart, convinced of his presence.

The middle of the night is a spooky time sometimes (and I'm not talking ghosts). But the darkness, strange environment, noisy insects and over active imagination can stimulate negative responses. Taking time to pray can help to lift the darkness, and the light of God to shine. And I know it works in the daytime as well - as I pray for his wisdom, courage, peace and guidance.
There is always a time to pray even when we don't know the words...

Can I encourage you to pray in the wee small hours as well as in the bright light of day?

For some the Church is living in the dark, spooky hours of the night, but I know God is still with her. And I pray for a blessing upon her, and all who call upon the name of the Lord.  I believe that the Lord is still present but we need help with our negative responses. Perhaps we need to rest and let God be God, and awake refreshed and hope-full.  What are your prayers for God's church? (And by Church I mean the people not the buildings, and to a certain extent the institution).

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Eph 6:18
In my prayers.

Flatpack Christians

It has been quite an exciting few days - crossing the ocean to the other side, thankfully with family in tow! And apparently we brought the cooler weather with us. Starting to wonder if I have a rain cloud attached!

We are living in a beautiful house full of character, and each house has its own character and design. I am sure there are housing estates where everyone lives in matching homes but I love the variety here. The floorboards creak, the furniture is beautifully worn - as in not flat packed - and there are trees out the back to rival ours back home. If I could design my own home this would certainly be a model for it.

The trip to America is an opportunity to learn, to explore, to see that the world is bigger than my wee world (though Jess (6) keeps asking if we can go for a walk to explore America.) It is also an opportunity to find out more about my God because I am well and truly relying on him. And he is reminding me that we don't need to be flat packed Christians, built up and flimsy. Just look at the disciples - full of character and personality, even quite temperamental. I keep apologising for my children for they are full of character and personality and Scottish "tell it like it is!" And yet I think perhaps they are more Christlike because even Jesus "told it like it was".

What did the psalmist say "I am wonderfully and fearfully made!" Let's embrace our variety and see what happens....


I am heading off to learn what Being Presbyterian means! ;)

Will post some photos soon.  We are all well and coping well with the tiredness.