We are called to acknowledge God’s greatness and God’s goodness.
The mission, and its agent, the church, is Christ’s!
We may not know what is going on, but give thanks! For unless the Lord builds the house, we
labour in vain. We attend to the builder
with prayer and trust.
We did not invent the church, so in all humility, we must let go of
what we have created that no longer serves the kingdom.
We are utterly dependent on the Holy Spirit; Jesus says, ‘Without me
you can do nothing”.
Seek God; though the earth should shake, be still and know God… (Ps
46).
Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight paths for him.
We are called to trust God for what is to be, and listen, discern,
and do what is asked of us.
Be open to prophetic voices, not controlling voices.
Be bold and give space to our visionaries and prophets to think
beyond the obvious.
What is God doing? What do we
have to let go of as it is being torn down, and what do we need to nurture and
care for as it is being built up?
We are people, not buildings; called to build up, not prop up;
called to dwell in and act in unity.
Our attention to buildings must be matched by concern for our
spiritual wellbeing.
Praying and attending to people is more important than worrying
about formal traditions and structures.
We are called to actively be pioneers, not survivors; people who
respond to these exciting times with excitement.
Look beyond the bones to the army.
Struggle and labour like Paul with Christ’s energy (Col 1:29). Remember “I can do all things through him who
strengthens me.”
Be people who look forward, not back; outward, not inward; think new
thoughts and dream new dreams.
See how much the world has changed in 50 years. What about us? God is doing a new thing, do we not perceive
it!
Remember God has been here before.
Consider the ‘letters to the churches’ in Revelation, “Let anyone who
has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches” is said seven
times.
And Jeremiah 6:27, 9:7 … God strips, reduces, tests and refines.
That’s us!
But we are gospel proclaimers, needing to be ‘out there’ encountering
the ‘searching souls’ who are after all the ‘idols’ that our culture provides.
Our gatherings are authentic as centres of welcome and introductions
to Jesus. May they be dynamic,
compelling, and fun!
We can change our packaging, and faithful to our heritage, worship
in new ways and in new places (homes, outdoors); short of reconsidering church
union, we can share buildings and mission with other Christians signaling one
voice, one purpose.
What can we be doing collaboratively with, say, the Presbyterians?
We have a rich heritage from the faithful who preceded us, and we
are to honour them.
We are called to leave a rich heritage of faithfulness, costly
service, and faith.
God’s church will not die if we simplify, and seek him beyond words
and statutes.
The church changes, but God is our constant.
God will give listening ears, awareness, wisdom, and courage for how
to respond to the present.
Bishop Kelvin is much prayed for.
He is requested to be with us in his gifts as spiritual leader and
teacher, not as a meeting man.
Communicate! Build up the
diocesan website. Use photos. Tell
encouraging stories to keep us connected.
It is springtime, revealing that the beautiful old tree will bear no
more fruit, but there is abundant life breaking out around it. We will tend what is growing!
Lord, help us! And may we
accept change with love, tolerance, and daring, and be in you, not about you.
Let’s make any decision rooted in the end for which we exist rather
than putting all our energy and expertise into the means.
New life will come first from prayer, worship, spiritual renewal
before restructuring of parishes.
What happened to 20/20?
The big Question is HOW.
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