A lovely and encouraging day at P's & G's today. What a facility! I was curate there in the eighties, and haven't been back there for about fifteen years. It's now a contemporary space with every imaginable gadget, yet they have retained many of the original features. Mind you, a huge floral arrangement made it look like a triffid had occupied the pulpit! Nonetheless, it's a wonderful transformation, and undoubtedly one of the best ecclesiastical spaces in Scotland. Now, how can we update our slightly tired sanctuary at St Silas'?
One of the highlights of the day was being greeted by Ray, one of the current janitors. I knew him from my time at the church, and his story is a wonderful example of the transforming power of the Gospel. He was "a bit of a lad" (this is the mild description). It was great and humbling to hear him speak of his walk with the Lord.
The conference has left me with a lot to think about, especially as we are in the process of articulating strategic vision for St Silas'. I kind of wish we could have the first talk of today at General Synod on Friday morning, when mission is being discussed. In summary, the Church exists for one purpose: not to meet my needs, not to worship, but to reach the vast numbers of irreligious with the love of Jesus. Somehow, along the way, many of us (and I include those of us who think we are doing ok in this regard) have lost that particular vision. Inspiring. Now I need to get on with it
I think I'd be hesitant about saying that the church is not for worship. Apart from the fact that worship can be lifechanging for believers and wonderfully enjoyable, I've know people who are seemingly outside the church be transformed and captivated by God in worship so many times.
It seems to me that worship and reaching the vast numbers of irreligious with the love of Jesus are not opposites. Isn't worship one of the gifts that we have from God for doing just that?
Posted by: Kelvin Holdsworth | 10 June 2009 at 09:51 AM
I'm with you - worship is important.
Is one of the problems we have with "mission" in the SEC that we have no sense of the urgency of the call? The speaker yesterday said that, "We have all eternity to worship God", but only one lifetime to communicate the love of God to others. Hopefully we'll get a wee bit of urgency on Friday?
Posted by: GadgetVicar | 10 June 2009 at 10:37 AM
Hope you guys have fun! Am, perhaps madly, v.jealous.
Posted by: ryan | 10 June 2009 at 03:37 PM
"Love is the extra effort you make in your dealings with people whom you do not like
we must work away at the unlovable chiefly
we must use our love (if it is to be any good at all) it must make a world where everyone
is equally beautiful equally desirable equally lovable"
Quentin Crisp.
Posted by: Jimmy | 13 June 2009 at 12:38 AM