Another challenging service led by Revd David Pearson at Christ Church this morning. Even though the weather outside was damp, misty and slightly humid inside the hymns, Bible Readings, lectionary, prayers and the members of the congregation contributed to the service being enjoyable, challenging, inspiring and thought provoking.
We are only a small worshipping community (25-35 adults) on an estate cut off by the A13 one side and a very large industrial area the other. The church is only 50 years old; five years younger than the estate itself which is home to a very transient community. Christ Church, although small in numbers, does reflect the community that it endeavours to serve from the indigenous elderly white population - who 1st arrived on the estate as it was being built - to the multi-ethnic environment that it now stands in. The church has a vibrant play ground held every morning plus an Advice Centre both of which have been serving the community for over 25 years.
The Christ Church does not possess the up-to-date multimedia facilities that a lot of Salvation Army Corps and some of our neighbouring churches now use – in fact the PA system itself leaves a lot to be desired (certainly not worth nicking probably the reason why it’s still there but the lead on the roof has gone!!) Although David & I do use multi-media in some of the other services only if we feel it would add to the service and not just for the sake of it. There are some wonderful pictures around the building to allow your mind to wander and mediate.
I digress back to the service this morning. David based it around the ‘lost sheep’ because on the 28th September it is ‘Back to Church’ Sunday (for further info click on this link http://www.backtochurch.co.uk/) Last year about 4-5 people came and joined us on that Sunday and, although they have not been regular worshippers, it was encouraging for a congregation our size to know that we can make a difference and that people will come if personally invited.
The service was not gimmicky but reflective and sometimes I feel that when we are left with our own thoughts and the opportunity to read the Bible, hymns and, in our scenario, the lectionary - we allow God to minister to us directly and personally.
This morning we sung one of my favourite songs from the Songs of Fellowship book, which I leave as my final thought:
Christ’s is the world in which we move,
Christ’s are the folk we’re summoned to love,
Christ’s is the voice which calls us to care,
And Christ is the One who calls us here.
To the lost Christ shows His face;
To the unloved He gives His embrace:
To those who cry in pain or disgrace,
Christ makes with His friends
A touching place.
Feel for the people we most avoid,
Strange or bereaved or never employed;
Feel for the women, and feel for the men
Who fear that their living is all in vain.
Feel for the parents who’ve lost their child,
Feel for the women whom men have defiled,
Feel for the baby for whom there’s no breast,
And feel for the weary who find no rest.
Feel for the lives by life confused,
Riddled with doubt, in loving abused;
Feel for the lonely heart, conscious of sin,
Which longs to be pure but fears to begin.