Resourcing Renewal - Shaping Churches for the Emerging Future - Rev. Martyn Atkins,
I borrowed the book from Rev. Tim which I found interesting. The book speaks of the Inherited Church and Fresh Expressions - both being part of the mixed economy of our congregations.
It was interesting to read that each of the Churches in this Circuit and beyond were Fresh Expressions in their day because they were all new at some stage. We don't tend to think of our churches in that way.
The author tells us that 'Church' is a place where people meet God and that Churches are 'rest stops' for people to be refuelled. He tells us that as well as looking forward to things we might do we also need to look after what we already have, which means the folk who come to our churches whether members or not.
One controversial note that he mentions is that there are some people who feel there are 1st and 2nd Class Christians and, I'm afraid, we have all come across them at some stage in our churches
It was an interesting read by someone who has been at the heart of leadership of the Methodist Church for decades.
Sylvia White
The Advent Adventure - David Rhodes
Like many people I like to read an Advent Book in the lead up to and days following Christmas. This year The Advent Adventure by David Rhodes has been my choice.
Rev. David Rhodes, an Anglican Priest, worked with the homeless on the streets of Leeds and drew on this as part of his reflections for each of the 31 days of December and the 1st of January. We think of not just the people in Leeds but also in many areas of the world, particularly after a disaster and who can forget the Tsunami on Boxing Day 2004.
Looking at the build up through the eyes of those we know about in the Bible - Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Shepherds, The Wise Men and the Angels, through to the birth and the visitors and then the return journey for each of them as they each tried to make sense of what they had witnessed.
Some of the last words the book finishes with are 'I am with you. Do not be Afraid'.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and thinking about the Biblical folk who were and still are part of the Christmas Story
Messy Vintage
52 sessions to share Christ-centred fun and fellowship with the older generation
By Katie Norman and Jill Phipps
Messy Vintage is a very useful little book. After a brief introduction to where, why and how it began, the book provides basic outline sessions which are simple and easy to use.
Each outline begins with a bible passage, key verse and the aim for the session. A craft activity is described, often accompanied by a link to online resources, and includes guidance on leading the conversation around the table while everyone is busy with their hands.
There is a very short section on what to include in a celebration/round-up/micro-service, a prayer and suggestions for hymns.
Each session ends with a meal together.
There are 18 sessions from the Old Testament, 21 from the New Testament and 13 around Christian festivals.
Messy Vintage is not rocket science. It’s very doable whether in our regular buildings or out in the community. It is also adaptable for mixed age groups.
I got my copy on Amazon for £8.27
Pastoral Visiting – Book Review – LPWL Meeting, 31st October, 2024
Pastoral Care in Practice – An Introduction and Guide – Michael Hopkins – suggested by Rev. Tim Moore
What I thought Pastoral Visiting was
More than just keeping in touch with folk.
My Concerns before reading the book
Visiting folk at home – not everyone wants someone to visit their home as they are then stuck with the person until that person chooses to leave – so there is a feeling of being stuck in a situation that may not be equal.
Some housebound folk enjoy someone calling in as they see very few folk but it can be tiring to have someone in your house for any length of time if you are unwell.
We need to be very careful that we don’t outstay our welcome or maybe say how long we will be with them and check that is okay
Some folk will have other commitments and if we drop in unexpectedly that makes it difficult for them.
What Pastoral Visiting really is
Pastoral Visiting is different to being a friendly face having a chat.
Each chapter has a theme, questions and a prayer
What the author says:-
Introduction – ‘if we can not care for the people we do have, how can we recruit new members? Or why would anyone want to join a church that didn’t care’
Spending time with people offering Pastoral care is not a neutral activity. He prefers the term ‘pastoral encounter’
There is the Safeguarding aspect and where does Pastoral Care fit in with this
Offering pastoral care to the disabled
We need to listen properly when we are with people
He suggests staying long enough to have a meaningful conversation with them
Each church is challenged to respond to and care for the community it exists in
Visiting folk who are ill is part of our overall ministry of encouragement which we are trying to offer through pastoral care
Pastoral visitor is someone appointed by the church – it is official and not casual
Affirming someone’s worth is important at every stage of life
Those offering Pastoral care do so as part of a team
Pastoral care includes praying with them during the visit. Prayer is an important part of pastoral care.
Pastoral care is about creating safe and sacred places where everyone can encounter God. Some churches have prayer request lists.
A challenging read!
Further Comments
Made to Care – Ann Bird, Pastoral Care Secretary, Division of Ministries.
‘Christian care grows out of our understanding of the nature of God and our experiences of receiving His love and care in our lives’.
‘Pastoral caring can never be isolated from the mission of the Church.’
‘We are to care for the despairing and the rejected, the poor and the marginalised, those who are alone and for the broken in heart and spirit’
For Further Information – Who Cares? The Methodist Church Course
