Dear One and All,
‘We have no mission but to serve in full obedience to our Lord:
to care for all without reserve, and spread his liberating word’
Fred Pratt Green StF 415.
Pentecost Sunday comes on June 9th this year. The Church is born and Fred Pratt Green reminds us of our call to service and the good news of Jesus Christ. At our church meeting I have asked some questions about how we serve and how we see our priorities over the next 3-5 years, but also, to hold in our minds, what we hand-over to future generations. This is a time once again to discern what Christ is calling the church to be and to do. How we engage in these conversations will impact the way in which The Mint conducts its mission.
Over the years I have come to realise that the church is a place of belonging which may lead to believing. The theological and practical task Jesus challenges us to follow is articulated in Matthew 28:19-20. We follow in a tradition of ‘disciple-making’ which may lead to church membership, but may not. We are about serving a disciple-making movement which stands in the tradition of Pentecost.
When I came back to Christianity I wasn’t much impressed by denominational affiliation or loyalty, what I found attractive was the group of Christians I happen to meet in a small rural Methodist chapel. The fire of Pentecost had been kindled in them, fun and laughter, food and fellowship, the Word preached and the sacraments entered; these were vital, lived-out, relational, challenging and affirming. This was a community of encouragement, a place of nurture, discipling in an earthy heaven-struck way.
As the Spirit of Pentecost kindles in each of us Charles Wesley’s hymn burns in my heart: ‘Jesus confirm my heart’s desire to work, and speak, and think for thee; still let me guard the holy fire, and still stir up thy gift in me’. This is the Christian’s task, this is our mission and this is Pentecost renewed in us day by day both individually and as a church called the Mint.
Pentecost blessings,
Simon
Revd Dr. Simon H Leigh: Superintendent minister.