We live in a rather surreal time: on the brink of a return to normal, but with great uncertainty as to when that normality will return. Will it be 21st June, two weeks later or even later than that?
Alongside that, although most of us are longing for normality and the freedom from the many restrictions we have faced for more than a year or so, there is also an anxiety among many about what a return to normality will look like. Some will be happy to slot back into old ways and old roles, whilst for others the assumptions and realities of the past have changed, so that the future will look quite different. Maybe now is the time to step back from things or maybe it is time to try something new?
St. Luke's has always been blessed with a great team of enthusiastic and willing volunteers that has enabled it to be a welcoming and accessible church for all ages. We are a body of many parts (1 Corinthians 12:14) and a building of living stones (1 Peter 2:4-5).
As the lockdown restrictions ease over the summer we are going to be in a phase or rebuilding these living stones into a church fit for the 2020s. Some parts will look the same as before, others will look different.
There are exciting new developments, such as Claire our curate arriving, the new partnership with St. George's, a developing music group, new ideas for Sunday Club and a new weekly event in church called 'Cafe4All', which will start on Thursday mornings over the summer.
However, there are also gaps that need filling and teams of volunteers that need organising. This is a particular challenge when many are feeling uncertain and anxious about returning to church after such a long break from meeting in the building.
So, over the next couple of weeks I want to make myself available to talk to as many people as possible about how they might like to be involved in church life as we return to normal services in church. I have set up an online system, which you can use to book a 30 minute time slot to see me at some point from Monday 14th through to Saturday 26th June.
Please take advantage of this opportunity. It can either be you visiting me, me visiting you, a chat on the phone or even on Zoom. Click the button below to choose a day and time or if that is too confusing just give me a ring (01843 592562).
