'Owls story' was humorously presented by the drama group during all age worship. Owl believes himself to be wise and learned. After refusing his friends one by one in their different needs, he learns from Jesus about true discipleship.
Ann Morisy in her session told of Sister Richard and her series of encounters with 'Fred', who was homeless. She was unable to help him, but found herself praying daily for Fred and for her inability to do anything for him. Some years later, she was moved to give up her teaching post - and the security of the associated pension - in order to begin, with her fellow Sisters, a ministry amongst homeless people. Discipleship action often begins, as in this case, with a 'burden' of prayer. We are driven into action by anger, frustration or dissatisfaction with the way things are. It may take us to uncomfortable places, as we step outside what is familiar and safe and find ourselves alongside those who know about the struggles of the world. Discipleship is 'venturesome love.'
It can be very simple - as simple as sharing hospitality. St Bernard's church is close to accommodation flats for people who have been discharged from a psyhiatric hospital and who still require some support to live independently. Caretakers who work in the accommodation blocks are often the first to know of personal and pastoral problems amongst residents and it is they who have to deal with the practical consequences of accidents or death. But it is not a caretaker's job to care for people; their remit is restricted to care of the premises. The church struck upon the idea of holding regular cooked breakfast meetings for the caretakers, where they could talk with the minister about pastoral problems that they were aware of. The minister was able to follow up and make referrals to appropriate sources of help where required.
The church was able to tap into something which enabled a cascade of positive consequences. Discipleship is about so much more than 'doing jobs in church'. It not something to do alone, but needs a structure and colleagues for support, backup and mutual encouragement.
Prayer can be thought of as pre-figuring or rehearsing in our minds how we might perform in the likeness of Jesus. When we act like Jesus, even just a little, we enter the 'economy of abundance' (described Tuesday) and grace cascades.
Some of us made an afternoon visit by minibus to the Iron Age Fort Henllys Castell. The Malawian members of the party recognised much that reminded them of rural villages back home. Others took a ride on the Teifi Valley railway.
In the evening it was my turn to contribute to the Christians@work perspective session and say something of my experience of being a Christian in the world of my work. I appreciated the opportunity to think about my paid work (in the voluntary sector) in this way.A quiz followed and our team lost miserably.
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