Born Among Us
In Advent Fr Stuart persuaded
three members of our congregation, Jean Porter, Patricia Hall and Catherine
Richards, to host an informal celebration of the Eucharist. On each occasion a
member of the group was asked to address four main questions:
*Where do you see Jesus ‘born
among us today’?
*What does ‘following Jesus’ mean
for you?
*Why do you belong to a church?
*What question would you most like to ask a group of people trying to follow Jesus?
Jean Porter, Tulo
Raistrick and Helen Campbell were the brave souls
who, with Fr Stuart’s guidance, provided the central focus for our reflections
during these celebrations. Sharing the prayers, readings and Eucharist in a
cosy lounge helped us to feel secure in the supportive atmosphere generated -
the only tense moment was when Rosie (the splendid cat) decided to select Fr
Stuart as her staging post to view the assembled visitors. Her claws were particularly incisive.
Jean spoke in her elegant and
well measured way illustrating her thoughts with experiences from her extended
family and her church life, together with quotes from the great and the good.
The quotes from Fr Geoffrey Rider and Bishop Desmond Tutu provided rich food
for thought and comfort, particularly ‘The light shines on in the dark, and the
darkness has never overcome it.’ In conclusion Jean asked the group: Where is
the Church going? Is there any way we can make a difference?
Tulo
showed his Christian conviction through his enthusiasm for his work with the
Tear Fund, speaking with obvious commitment and engaging persuasiveness,
describing what the Christian life meant to him at home and at work in the
Helen used her experiences of
motherhood and the innocence of children as the basis of her thoughts. She also
described the difficulties she had confronted at times of bereavement, and how
being part of the church community supported her Christian journey. Helen’s
question to the group provoked some interesting discussion: Are we interpreting
the Bible to suit ourselves?
Each occasion had a different atmosphere of generous
hospitality and shared exploration of our Christian life. Fr Stuart encouraged
us to listen and participate as we felt comfortable so to do, I imagine rather
like the early disciples gathered round the meal table to ask questions and
share a common focus in a small and uninhibited group. The elements of the
Eucharist were offered from hand to hand, sharing the giving and receiving of
bread and wine in a complete circle. These informal Eucharist services were
very special times where the loving, supportive group gave us the chance to
take another small step forward on our progress as Christians. Thank you to Fr
Stuart and to everyone who volunteered to host or to speak at one of these very
special occasions. Janet McDonough