So my 'stint' at the Nordic Church in Liverpool has come to an end and I've returned to my native Flander's Fields.
It has been a productive, affirming and confirming experience, something I had to do to be sure -as sure as we can ever humanly be- that my exploration of ordained parish ministry is indeed one I have to make. I've learned a lot about parish minstry, even though I wasn't exactly inundated with pastoral care (parisheners live to far off and to spread out for house visits unfortunately), and even though some volunteering originally planned fell through because the UK couldn't provide me with CRBs in time. But I met people and got to talk to them and that -I would say- was a very good start. It was fruitful, it was necessary and it was encouraging; every theology student should do a church placement, whether or not they're considering the ministry... it puts all the theory and theology of Seminary/University into a direct and recognisable context... it puts God back with God's people!
So I've come home, and by some people's reactions (though very nice) you would think I had been away for years. And now I will spend the Summer writing papers for the Vocations Committee and preparing for the Church Exam in Autumn.
I'm glad to be back! I'm sad I had to leave!
I'm sure we've all felt like that at one point, that uneasy mixed feeling of going home and leaving another place, another home behind. Parting is such sweet sorrow; it's a mixed blessing of emotions, isn't it?! I don't want to dwell too much on this, because it is going to be a very interesting Summer, and by the grace of God, a successful one!
Just to finish, this was my last Andakt, the day before I left:
Often we hear it
said that life is in fact a pilgrimage towards eternity, towards God.
Now the
Reformers, werent very keen on pilgrimages. In fact when Luther visited Rome,
he was so disgusted that he decided pilgrimages were to be abolished
altogether! He had been shocked by the state of the so-called Holy City and its
locals (not to mention the special brothels just for clergy --please don't choke on your morning coffee or tea)! He also wrote that
it was wrong to think that pilgrimages would earn people extra credit to get
into heaven.
Over the years,
most Protestants have learned that a pilgrimage can be an honest and truthful spiritual
experience, even though we hold fast to the belief that you cant earn your way
into heaven. That is Gods gift alone!
Traditionally a
community would bless and pray over one of their own who was setting off on a
journey. Today however I would like to do the opposite and leave my best wishes
and prayers for you all.
The Lord be with you
and also with you.
(light the candle)
Christ who is
the Light of the World, guide your thoughts and actions, and lighten you with
love and warmth, that you may be a community of peace and acceptance, of grace
and faith.
May you be as a
city on a hill, a light shining for those around you, for your neighbours, for
the foreigner and tourist in this city.
Remember to keep
the faith, to come together in worship and fellowship, and to send out your
prayers to all those whom you know and those you are yet to meet.//
Christ said: Peace I leave with you,
My peace I give you. (Jn. 14:27)
The
peace of the Lord be always with you
and
also with you.
(sign of peace
to those next to you)
Christ who is
the Prince of Peace, fill you with concord and friendship, that you may be an
example, an alternative to a world riven with competition, aggression and
violence.
May you bring
harmony to those around you, may you be a haven of tranquillity and calm for
those haunted by life and anxious about their own purpose.
Remember our
Lords words: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of
God. (Mt. 5:9). This is a Christians solemn call and duty, to be an
instrument of Gods love and peace.//
(pour out water)
Through
baptism we are all part of the one Body of Christ; this means that even though
your family, friends or loved-ones may be travelling or living far off, you are
all still connected, because we are all part of the one family that is the
Church, we are never alone, never away.
May you stay
faithful in your community, your parish, may you keep it open and prepared for
all those who will come and stay here or those who will return one day.
Remember that as
Christians we are all intrinsically linked in Christ Jesus our Lord. Remember
that you are connected to millions around the globe; one Lord, one Baptism, one
hope, one Father of all.
Let us then pray
together the prayer of all Christians which Christ Himself taught us: Our Father
//
And finally:
The Lord
bless you and keep you;
the Lord
make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the Lord
turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Num. 6:24-26)
Amen.
