I’m no longer hoping for the church of the future. The future is here!
When we said goodbye to regular meetings and closed the doors at the Hughesdale congregation, it was sad. It wasn’t surprising, though. The next generation was no less spiritual. Life had been changing. We could see it, experience it, as different time frames and activities altered the circumstances in people’s lives. Opportunities for ministry in the wider community became obvious. Also, phone and email connections within the church became the norm. In a way, I was set free to widen my circle to share God’s love – and in some cases, open people’s awareness to it.
Let me note here, a quote that I find is wonderful for opening opportunities. From the time he was a little tacker my son has said, “Purely by chance mum? Purely by chance?”
I make greeting cards as a hobby for my family’s birthdays. At the time of Hughesdale’s closure, I had already been involved with a walking group. It had become a ‘given thing’ that I would make various Message Cards for everyone to sign. Caring and sharing deepened. There are a number of committed Christians in our group sharing in their own various groups and callings. They resonate with a smile of understanding to ‘purely by chance?’ as they share their stories and talk over daily experiences. And many times for others, gently asking that question sets them thinking. The vibes spread. Each person is a member of another whole community, so, as the Christmas song says “And the Gift Goes On.”
ZOOM meetings give access to worship and other networking activities. Podcasts, videos, news, Daily Bread, Prayer for Peace and much other information is online for us to access easily. All these have broadened our scope of understanding, involvement, and a basis for sharing. Wednesday night’s Prayer Circle is special for me, and knowing that their concerns will be listed has been a blessing for some of my non-participating friends – a wonderful opportunity for further ministry.
The loss of person-to-person getting together is very hard for those who can no longer meet as a church group. I attend the Melbourne House Church on Thursdays, which meets that need. I look at the camps that our church is noted for, the leaders and the follow-up ministry.
Yes, Hope is Alive. Hope is here, now. I rejoice in today’s opportunities.
Merna Short,
Melbourne, Australia