Lion Rock ⓒ Fiona Sherwin 2022
Many churches at face value are facing a time of uncertainty, and each denomination and congregation with particular challenges specific to their context and demographics. The Covid time has not been particularly helpful. I recall in 2019 the flow of attendees at Speakezy transitioning from being attenders and inquirers of programmes to being volunteers at Mainly Music and even baptised church members. The Covid time broke the continuity, and what was building seems back to square one.
We find our regular numbers reduced, and note the geographical relocation of a number of long-standing members leaving a hole. This has been happening for a while, for perfectly valid reasons, and is a normal part of life in families. The Covid time has fractured many opportunities for connection and outreach, and many are still reluctant to engage with group activities, so the replenishing of the church community is a bit static.
Yet Spring is coming, and as believers in resurrection and renewal through Jesus Christ, we are a people of hope. I can speak of strengths, for we do have some. It's encouraging to see Speakezy and Mainly Music restarting, with new attendees and signs of life. Pray meeting started this week, as an in-person and zoom meeting (we call that a hybrid meeting these days!)
Session had a retreat at Piha this last weekend, which was enjoyable and informative. There were runs, walks, games, conversations and great food, the weekend planned wonderfully well by Fiona. Tim led us in devotions on Saturday morning, after which the main learning aspect of our time involved working with the data from a Strengthfinders™ survey we had all done online. Really it was excellent and there is further work to be done in understanding how we tick as a team with our unique mix of strengths. Of course, in understanding strengths we can also spot gaps, and in a given situation I'm confident we would understand better where we needed outside help.
One of my strengths is flexibility, which means I can 'go with the flow'. This of course has a dark side, because sometimes a person needs to stand up against the tide of what is happening in a situation. So we learned a lot, and I feel at peace with the unity of session at the present time. It certainly gives me optimism and gratitude to God.
Let us together experience hope as we exit the Covid season, looking with the eyes of faith at what God will do with us in the coming days and months.
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