Yesterday I visited two thriving inner-urban churches in Croydon. I don’t often get emotional, but yesterday was different.
In the first church I confirmed ten people, including adults who have come from right outside the church and found here that God has found them. They have also found a church that offers beauty in worship, a lively engagement with the good news of Jesus Christ, and a multi-ethnic community of wonderful people who welcome all-comers. After the service everyone went through to the hall for coffee before returning to the (by now cleared) church for a huge lunch – about 100 of us. I didn’t want to leave. I love it there and would happily join the church if I lived there (and wasn’t the bishop).
In the afternoon I went to another parish in a neighbouring area for a formal visit. The Vicar went there nearly four years ago when the church had an average congregation of 15 and was an obvious candidate for closure. I promised her that if she found the job was not do-able, I would look for a good parish for her – for she had at least tried to do the impossible. She told me yesterday that she had asked her congregation what they would like to do on my visit to show the bishop what their church/parish was all about – and they had said they wanted to have a party.
Having had an hour with the vicar in the vicarage, we walked to the church with the possibility that nobody would be there. When we walked in there were in the region of 150 people from dozens of different ethnic origins, of all ages (from babies to very elderly) and all types. There was a brass band to play for the brief Harvest Celebration at the beginning of the party. And there was a huge feast of food and drink to be shared. When I was asked to say something, I got very choked up and struggled to get the words out.
Every image of heaven in the Bible seems to involve a feast. Jesus was criticised for partying too much – and with the wrong people. Yesterday I glimpsed heaven in two churches with inspired leadership, sacrificial ministry, encouraged people and a generous openness to their parishes.
And all this hides the day-by-day ministry of working quietly in some tough places in tough cirumstances and addressing some tough challenges. The clergy (and others) are fully involved in the life and institutions of their local parish communities. They command huge respect and affection from local people – including those who don’t darken the doors of the church.
I don’t want to identify the parishes as the attention won’t necessarily be helpful. But their clergy have my unmitigated admiration and I am immensely humbled and proud to be their bishop, to learn from them and to be inspired by them.
I realise this sounds a bit cheesy. And, yes, there are lots of parishes like this in South London. But I needed to say it about these two in particular today.
October 19, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Too hard to express my laughter, obviously a lot of Godbless going down.
October 19, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Nothing cheesy about it, means you have a heart!
October 19, 2009 at 10:21 pm
I’m not surprised images of heaven involve feasts. There is something about sharing food with people…I deeply enjoy cooking for those I love, and I find that eating together with people is often something that seems to foster a sense of friendliness.
It’s good to hear about the celebrations at these two churches and also about the less glamorous but very important engagement with the local community.
October 20, 2009 at 6:38 am
Fabulous! Great to hear such stories and bless you for your encouragement of multi-ethnic urban churches engaged in the community….
October 20, 2009 at 7:26 am
Hooray for them! Fabulous.
Gives those of us who are only just now – after lots and lots of slog and sleepless nights – beginning to see a few tiny green RSVP shoots, a big boost to keep on sending out the party invites.
October 20, 2009 at 8:18 am
Wow, isn’t it great to see God Spirit at work in those that are submitting their work to Him! I’m so pleased you were able to show how moved you were, God Bless x.
October 20, 2009 at 9:34 am
Wonderful news! Congratulations to everyone involved and Nick I’m so glad you have put these encouraging stories on to your blog.
Anne.
October 20, 2009 at 4:33 pm
How pleasant to agree with Anne and Gareth and Richard!
October 20, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Nick,
A Bishop moved to tears, shows that your vulnerability is alive and well.
Surely part of the Pastoral Ministry exercised by a Bishop requires this, to enable being alongside the flock you feed.
I have to say, that it is wonderful to hear how God works in so many different ways and situations. Oh, that all churches could be as vibrant and full of love and the Holy Spirit.
October 20, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Thanks God for clergy and lay people who work so hard and see this fruit. Thank God too for a Bishop who cares enough to feel emotional and who supports the people. There is hope!
October 22, 2009 at 8:41 pm
I was very moved to see how moved Bishop Nick was during the service on Sunday Evening.
I, too, shed tears.
A parishioner
October 30, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Thanks for your visit last week to our parish – you gave so many useful examples of how we can become more mature disciples. As a Germanist I was tickled by the spooned / created story – I am sure they lapped it up.