Completion?

Nine months after we first gathered at a church in the Black Country, we came together again in the same place for the conclusion of the Mission Shaped Ministry Course - run by the Anglican & Methodist churches.

The course has included monthly weekday evenings, several Saturdays and a residential weekend. 

We have looked at many areas of mission, seen clips of amazing work, listened to inspirational speakers, and thought quite a bit about what we have done and what we think God is asking us to do.

In the first week, we watched a short film about A man who planted trees. Whilst it is important to remember that this story is allegorical, it was a timely reminder that we may not see results for some time, if ever. However, that doesn't mean that our work is not important. What matters is that God has called and we have responded.

Nine months ago we were a collection of small groups and individuals, who gathered together for a common purpose, but we remained as small groups within the collective assembly. It was not until we adopted the Biblical principles of gathering and eating together at the residential weekend, that the barriers began to be dismantled and we started to see each other as individuals, as we began to get to know each.

Now we have completed the course and a move on to the next phase. 

Just before the end of the session, we were all given beautiful cards from Lindisfarne Scriptorium, which bore the familiar words "Send us out in the power of your spirit to live and work to your praise and glory". These cards were not ours to keep. Instead, we were invited to write a blessing which would hopefully be given to another member of the course. The cards were gathered in and then, as we left, we had the opportunity to take one. The risk was that you could get your own card back! I didn't and I did feel blessed by the words inscribed inside the card that I received.

Later, as I looked more closely at the artwork on the front of the card, I began to appreciate the complexity of the illustration and the skill of the artist -  the feet on the road with flowers along the edge, buildings, stars, the fire of Pentecost, water, trees, sheep - in a kaleidoscope of colour. Different aspects of God's universe, in extravagant, intricate detail, despite being barely discernable to the naked eye.

The journey is over. Let the journey begin!