March 20, 2024

We make the road by walking…how is your community of faith making its road? What great things are you celebrating through your skills and special talents? What ideas are you trying for outreach to connect with others? A pastoral charge shared with me about “spiritual health” pastoral visitation teams their small rural charge started, equipping each visiting team with a box of Kleenex to take to their visit. Doesn’t that sound like an invitation to share, to risk vulnerability and show interest in hearing someone’s story. I think of tears as wet prayers. As bold disciples how are you connecting with the hearts of others, or dreaming about strengthening capacity to do so? I heard from another group that has a traveling picnic basket, intentionally inviting sharing food and conversation. Maybe you have a picnic basket ministry waiting to be born? Another community of faith started a pantry table as a midweek offering to the wider community, putting out items they wanted to give to others. While this one was food based it could be a wider “give and take” ministry. A side benefit is people are coming for conversation and fellowship, like an unplanned drop-in” ministry  to visit and build relationships together. Are you talking with other communities of faith, within our denomination, ecumenically or interfaith? Plan a time when people can come and share. You may discover ways to support each other and reach neighbours around your neighbourhoods. Reach out and share your ideas with me.