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Seasonal Notes from Canon John Fletcher
Another year over and another year has begun, or in the words of a well- known saying “How time flies!” Inevitably questions arise as to what the New Year will bring. As you will have seen in the previous magazine, the PCC will be discussing the future of Blacklands Church later this month. Judging by the mood at last month’s meeting, the PCC firmly believe that Christ Church does indeed have a future preferably as part of a Team or Group Ministry. Whilst it may be felt that closure is not an option, members of the church need to face up to reality. This has to mean much more than mere survival. Neither must we be content simply to allow the church to ‘tick-over’ month by month, year by year. There are important issues which need to be addressed, not least in terms of mission, spirituality, finance and personal commitment.
Here are three things to think about as a New Year opens.
Firstly: Submitting to Christ. He is Head of the Church. St Paul in the New Testament describes the Church as the ‘Body of Christ’, whether it be a struggling local congregation or a vibrant national body. To be effective it must submit to the Head, it has to become a Church that lives under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Every member must aim to be responsive to His will and strive to fulfil His agenda. Paul says in his letter to the Colossian Christians, “that in everything, He (Jesus) might have the supremacy.” This is our greatest challenge!
Secondly: Using Our Gifts. There is much to done. Together we are meant to represent the life of Jesus here on earth, people through whom Christ wants to work. The Church at its best is not found in the cold rule books of institutional Christianity, it is at its best where there is love and laughter, worship and the joyful discovery of our God-given gifts and abilities. A healthy church celebrates the contribution which each and everyone of its members can make.
Thirdly: Creating Community. Churches need to be centres of deep belonging. We have to recognise that people are not looking for an organisation to join, but rather a community to belong to. We are not to refuse those who have no membership ticket, or certificate of baptism, but welcome all who are fellow travellers to join us on the road to faith. It is about ‘Growing together in Christ’ which has to be more than a slogan on the cover of this magazine. It is not about creating a mediocre, monochrome and middle class church. It is about being part of the ‘Body of Christ’, part of a community in which each person is valued, life affirming, committed to Christ and to one another and embracing a vision for the future.
Submitting to Christ, Using Our gifts, Creating Community. Could be Blacklands agenda for New Year 2013 and for you to be part of it?
John Fletcher