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New Wine into Old Wine Skins
One thing that Parish Development can do for a church is help it see new potential in familiar things. Rev Bryan Kerr, rector of Lisbellaw in Clogher diocese, shares one such example:
Church 21 encouraged us not only to look at what we do in church life, but also to find one thing and do it well. Whilst examining our parish life, we were conscious that we had a monthly 9.45 Holy Communion service that seemed strangely detached from the other services. Its sole purpose, it seemed, was to provide quieter worship for those who did not wish to be part of the Family Service later that morning. Additionally, while we regularly prayed in public worship for those who were sick, we had little time to develop sustained public prayer for them in our services.
And so quietly, the early once-a-month Communion service incorporated elements of a healing service. Afterwards willing volunteers serve tea to those who have just attended worship, and to those who arrive early for the 11.00 Family Service, allowing more contact within and between the congregations.
It’s not rocket science, but it has had an impact nevertheless, with more people attending the 9.45 over the past year. Interest has also come from unexpected quarters, including a young father who injured his knee after being felled by a nine-year-old in a game of football. I’ll spare his blushes by keeping him anonymous!
Posted by John Ryan on 10 Dec 08
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