What is the Spirit Saying to the Churches?
We’ve had 48 responses to date for which we’re very grateful.
Here’s a summary of what was written in those responses:
- Zoom is appreciated especially the Team’s speedy adaptability to that, and there is an element of surprise expressed at how people have found this spiritually nourishing – sitting in front of a screen.
- Generally people want to get back into a church building – missing a ‘sacred’ space, atmosphere, presence of choir.
- People missing other people – face to face contact, sharing of the Peace, singing together.
- Many have missed the physical receiving of the Bread and Wine.
- Some have missed being able to serve in their usual roles; others have felt released from those.
- Several commented on now being able to ‘attend’ with ill health or disability - and especially being able to hear well has been an advantage on Zoom.
- Many commented on how they have liked seeing clergy all together as a group, as well as the Benefice joining together.
- Many commented on having such a great variety of sermons and having all clergy participating on Sundays, as well as young people reading.
- Many answered with a Bible verse / passage that had been important to them during this time. Others had found some poetry important to them.
- Pain and hurt was expressed by several people at our churches not opening sooner when other places have already done so – some expressed anger and frustration about this.
Going forwards, we will be reflecting on all of the above and also:
- What the bigger picture is at present and looking ahead across the Anglican church as a whole and within the Diocese
- Connections between the sacred and the secular, especially how we continue to create sacred spaces in our homes and places other than a church building
- As we move forwards into a new phase of our Christian lives, how will we continue to give attention to the rhythms and patterns of prayer and worship? What will this look like?
- Continuing to reflect carefully on the opportunity of this time and if called to do so, adapting to how the Spirit leads