As we headed into level 2 of lockdown, I decided that my blog would now become less frequent. Generally I will post at least weekly, unless there is something I particularly want to say. We have had a trip to Hastings to catch up with Richard’s aunt who is 90 and by herself through lockdown. We have filmed a new mainly music session and sent out kits to all the families. I have helped lead a KCML Colloquium where ministry interns share and reflect on pastoral case studies with their supervisors and staff. Stretching stuff. And now it is Thursday already and I need to prepare for Sunday so we can film the service tomorrow. As my blog is no longer daily, it may be helpful for you to subscribe via e-mail (click here and scroll down) so you know when to have a look at a new post. I have also opened the comment section of my blog as a trial.
Amidst all of this, I am reflecting on where we are heading as a church. Planning for when we might meet together again, initially as House Churches -perhaps as early as next week. I am also seeing an unpleasant array of conversations as churches compare themselves to bars and the like, in demands to gather. I am reminded of the Holy Spirit’s gift to the church of patience and lessons in Scripture about the tongue, and about being there for the vulnerable. I am saddened by what I see and hear.
We are entering a new phase, and this is yet another small step of the transitioning process. There are new colours on our horizon as we leave our bubbles and discover beauty a bit further afield. Beauty that was always there but perhaps is now seen in new colour. And so it is with Reuben’s island… the transition continues and now there is colour. Much still the same, much still to come, but colour is transforming.
In Ecclesiasted 9 (The Message) we read Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don’t skimp on colours… I love that line -Don’t skimp on colours… as we enter level 2, let’s notice the beauty of colours around us.
