Making the most of who we are, where we are

Over the summer months I have had the privilege of worshipping in a few different places while on holiday, and certain things have struck me very powerfully.

Those who have been leading worship have prepared thoughtfully and conscientiously to make it a positive and inspiring experience for those who are present.

Those who are part of the worshipping community have played a vital role in the way they have welcomed visitors and participated wholeheartedly. It makes you aware that you are part of something that is not only important but much bigger than yourself.

Although the churches have all been quite different, there is something reassuringly familiar about the liturgy and, yet, it allows the scope to express it in very different ways.

A couple of weeks ago, our family went to one of the most south westerly points in Ireland, when we worshipped in St. John the Baptist church in Knightstown, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry.

A soft rain was falling as we wandered up a beautifully tended biodiverse trail full of wildflowers and plant and butterflies. A friendly German Priest, Rev. Barbara, welcomed us at the door alongside a church warden. We slipped into a back pew. The music was recorded and we sang, accompanied by a CD, and everyone there gave it their all. It was amazing to see Barbara preach coherently and thoughtfully without notes, it was delightful to hear the scriptures read so meaningfully in accents that were not like our own, and to pray for the world and its problems together. A few announcements were made by Rev. Barbara, but then others chipped in from the congregation about musical events happening on the island in the Roman Catholic Church, and there was a sense that this island was shared by all, and all were welcome in each others churches.

Later in the week, we returned to walk this beautiful trail that was developed and nurtured lovingly by the small Church of Ireland congregation. With spectacular views over Skellig Michael and the stunning Kerry coastline, the distinctive wildlife and nature were celebrated in a family friendly way that served, not just the island, but tourists, and pointed everyone to the majesty of God the creator and sustainer of it all.

Earlier in the summer, we worshipped in Christ Church, Clifden, in Connemara in Co. Galway.

Again, we were afforded a warm welcome by Dean Diane and the small, but enthusiastic, congregation there. On one of the Sundays, the music was recorded but, on another, a visitor could play the organ very well and offered to do so. The congregation was ethnically quite diverse, reflecting the local population, and it was wonderful to see how everyone had integrated so seamlessly into local life and were involved in reading lessons and playing a special part in the life of their local church. There was tea and coffee afterwards and, while we couldn’t stay because we had to go elsewhere, there was such a spirit of welcome and peace.

Last Sunday, on our final Sunday off, we visited a neighbouring congregation in St. Columba’s, Knock, to facilitate Conor’s participation in a climbing assessment. The atmosphere was one of worship and devotion and the music and liturgy, as we celebrated Holy Communion together, was balm for the soul.

3 different congregations in 3 very different places, but all doing things very well in different ways. All were very welcoming to visitors, not just ourselves, but anyone who was visiting on the day. They each gave us space as a family to set ourselves up as we needed to. Warm invitations were extended, not just to refreshments, but to local events being hosted by the churches. There was a sense that what was taking place was important, not just to the clergy who were leading, but for everyone who had gathered.

During this past year at our Connect services we looked at some of the values that were important to us as a congregation. We thought about the importance of  children and young people, welcome, ministry to families, fellowship or our connections to each other. We thought about the Bible, prayer, reaching out to our local community and mission.

How can we work these things out as individuals, in our families, and as a congregation?

We have a great opportunity as we look forward to welcoming the local community for our community fun day. It’s an opportunity to showcase the work of our organisations and let people know the sorts of things we do and offer. It’s an opportunity to share hospitality and welcome, and show people our church grounds and buildings and, in order to do so, we need lots of volunteers on Saturday 12th September from 2-4pm.

There’s a great spiritual opportunity next week to immerse ourselves in worship and Bible teaching each evening at 7.45pm in Banbridge Parish Church for the Diocesan Bible Week. The Bishop extends a warm welcome to these inspiring and encouraging evenings and, this year, the speaker, who is originally from Northern Ireland, serves as a professor of pastoral theology in Dallas University. His name is Tim Robinson. These are always special evenings and we would love to see many coming for some, or all of the evenings.

Look forward to speaking again soon.

Much love to everyone,

Jono.

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