Spring 2012 | CL77

www.church-leadership.org

church leadership

Holy Week | Easter | Father‘s Day

RESOURCING LEADERS – ON PAPER AND ONLINE!

Mentoring matters

Pentecost fire

Olympics outreach

Special focus: That others may know...

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Magazine

making disciples, developing leaders, growing churches

3 That others may know... James Lawrence Leadership | Mission | Evangelism

6 Bishops’ boosters Leadership | Evangelism | Stories

8 Game on! Matt Oliver Outreach | Sport | Olympics

10 Asking ‘what if?’ Rosie Ward Book review | Leadership | David Runcorn

11 The mentoring effect James Lawrence Leadership | Training | Mentoring

12 Come back, God... Pamela Evans Oasis | Bible | Reflection

14 Reaching out James Lawrence Resources | Leadership | Evangelism

15 Seven words Bob Capper Holy Week | Good Friday | All-age

17 Wow! Jesus is risen Ellie Clack Easter | Worship | All-age

20 We are not alone Ian Adams Pentecost | All-age | Holy Spirit

22 Father figures Simon Marshall Fathers’ Day | All-age | Celebration

Design: Catherine Jackson Copyright: All material ©CPAS unless otherwise stated. All Bible quotations are from Today’s New International Version

And finally...

Well, here we are: the final issue of Church Leadership.

As you know from various communications in 2011, the time has come to discontinue this popular resource. Consequently we have stopped renewing the subscriptions of those of you who subscribe through Direct Debit – and we noted that ‘DD’ subscribers should contact their banks or building societies to cancel their annual payment.

As we mention at several places in this issue, the CL website will remain open throughout 2012 as a ‘subscribers only’ resource. I’m afraid we can’t guarantee its availability after that point. So now’s the time to browse and save the resources that you wish to keep.

I’d need several extra pages to thank all the people who have contributed to the success of CL. I’ll mention just a few: Kirstin MacDonald, who looks after your subscriptions and the website so brilliantly; Catherine Jackson, our wonderful graphic designer; James Lawrence, CL’s guiding spirit; inspiring illustrators Si Smith, Brent Clark and Andy Robb; Stephen Hunter in Leeds, Ian and Louise in Doncaster – looking after printing and mail-out.

But the biggest ‘thank you’ goes to you, our subscribers, for your support, encouragement and inspiration.

Preparing CL77 could have been a melancholy task. But how could that be the case when it includes a full-on festive celebration of Easter? Old things end. New things begin. Jesus is risen. Hallelujah!

Rory Keegan

faithful teaching of the Bible

Subscribers to Church Leadership have password access to the CL website for all the magazine’s content, plus extra articles, resources, as well an archive of material from past issues. We anticipate that the website will remain open until the end of 2012.

To log in, go to www.church-leadership.org and click on the ‘my CPAS’ button on the top right of your screen so that you can then log in with your email address and password. If you are a subscriber, and do not have a password, please email kmacdonald@cpas.org.uk.

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Reaching the end of his explorations of the CPAS ‘leadership doughnut’, James Lawrence focuses on the ‘why?’ of leadership, stressing the central truth that Christian leadership is never an end in itself.

that others may know...

Leadership | Mission | Evangelsim

Paul then reflects on the shared life of the body: ‘Be devoted to one another in love... Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality’ (12:9-13). He ends by addressing how the early Christians were to relate to those who persecuted them (12:14).

So, why is leadership important within the body under the headship of Christ? Quite simply, it is to serve the body, enabling it to become all that God intends it to be. And what is Christ’s purpose for his body? To continue his serving ministry and saving mission as his body on earth.

Thus leadership is not an end in itself, but a means to a greater end – fulfilling Christ’s commission to love one another and make disciples. Everything Christian leaders do should be focused on furthering this aim – to build the body so that it may be a blessing to

The ‘doughnut model’ suggests that Christian leaders are called to a cluster of ‘essential’ responsibilities:

growing in Christ-likeness, discerning direction, enabling action, building teams, developing leaders, facilitating communication and nurturing people. And, of course, the context for these activities is faithful engagement with the Bible and prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit.

But why? What is the purpose of all this activity? What are we trying to achieve?

Considering leadership, Paul writes to his friends in Rome: ‘Do it diligently’ (Romans 12:8) and his words remain a helpful reminder to all leaders to be conscientious in their responsibilities.

But let’s look at the context of this verse, which is tucked away in a passage about the varied gifts given according to grace (12:6). They exist so that the body may function.James Lawrence

faithful teaching of the Bible

prayerful dependence on the Spirit

discern direction

enableaction

facilitatecommunication

nurturepeople

develop leaders

build teamsGROW IN CHRIST-

LIKENESS

(Colossians 4:2-6). Paul’s Greek carries the meaning of ‘buying back’ or ‘redeeming the time’. On this basis I try to pray, ‘Lord, please give me opportunities to show and share the faith today, give me eyes to see them, courage to take them and wisdom to know what to say.’ It’s remarkable how the opportunities arrive when one prays in this way...

Inviting If our church is running Start!, Christianity Explored or Alpha, if we’re having a special event with those who aren’t yet Christians in mind, I need to lead by example and ensure that I am inviting people along. The small-group leader who does this will influence those within the group as he or she asks the group to pray for the recipient of the invitation. The leader of the youth group will model this by not simply organising the youth outreach event, but also ensuring she invites along young people who aren’t yet Christians.

Example is powerful: I recall a retired minister telling me about the four vicars he’d seen come and go at his local church over a 20-year period. All of them had spoken warmly about the priority and importance of evangelism – and all encouraged their people to make connections with those who didn’t know Christ. But only two actually practised what they preached. My friend commented wryly: ‘It was interesting to see the church grow under the two who set an example, and decline under the two who didn’t.’

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the world, enabling people of all ages to come to know Christ as their Lord and Saviour, transforming communities through ‘integrative’ mission. (See the ‘five marks of mission’ at www.anglicancommunion.org.)

As leaders we don’t set the church’s agenda. We simply reflect the direction Jesus has already given as head of the Church – to make disciples-who-make-disciples, people who love God, one another and those who don’t yet know Christ.

So, the big question, how can leaders do this?

...leadership is not an end in itself, but a means to a greater end – fulfilling Christ’s commission to love one another and make disciples.

1. By exampleExample, for good or ill, is the most powerful tool available to a leader. Not every leader is an evangelist, but all leaders are called to reflect the priorities of Jesus. A concern for those who don’t yet know him is one of these. Indeed, Jesus not only tells a story of the shepherd who leaves the 99 safe sheep to find the one that is lost, but also warns those of us involved in church life not to become like the older brother in the parable of the loving father (Luke 15). In my experience, becoming like the older brother happens far more easily than we’d care to admit.

So with evangelism in mind, what does leading by example look like?

Connection Leaders are called to maintain a healthy connection with people who don’t yet know Jesus, and care about them. Thankfully, for the vast majority of leaders, this shouldn’t be very difficult: they live and work among such people. That said, given the busy-ness of a leader’s life, there’s an ever-present danger of ‘disconnection’. Speaking for myself, I have had to be definite and deliberate in ensuring that I connect regularly with those outside the faith.

Prayer Leaders are to pray regularly for opportunities to show and share the faith. Paul’s encouragement to the Colossian Christians to ‘make the most of every opportunity’ has been formative for me

James Lawrence is CPAS leadership principal. He also directs the CPAS Arrow Leadership Programme. James is the author of the Growing Leaders paperback and is the co-author of the Growing Leaders course. He’s also the author of Mentoring Matters (see page 11).

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2. By changing cultureAuthor William Steere says: ‘Leaders are cultural architects’. In other words, they define and develop culture, the attitudes and assumptions that underlie everything we do. For example, if a church group’s leader allows its focus to be inward-looking, the culture of that group will be self-serving. But if the leader encourages members to think about those who don’t yet know Christ, to support a mission partner working overseas, or to engage in a mission project in their community, the culture of that group will be other-serving. The culture of any group is shaped and influenced by its leaders. How do they best do that?

They identify and communicate core values. Knowing what the core values are is the first part of the process. Values are key principles which act as templates and inspiration for all our actions, against which all we do can be measured. Enabling others to know what they are and what they mean is the second. As with so many aspects of leadership, values should be communicated again and again, and as creatively as possible.

They lead by example (see above). Leaders constantly communicate their values. And when it comes to values, it’s the small things that count.

They highlight behaviours that reflect the core values – for example, through being kind and appreciative (‘Thank you so much for doing that, it made such a difference’) and through the stories they tell both informally and publicly, through the awards and recognition given to people whose contribution might otherwise go uncelebrated.

They champion the desired culture in every way possible. American leadership specialist Peter Drucker argues that ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast’. In other words, a great vision will struggle to become a reality without an environment that makes it possible. Culture-change takes a long time, but leaders invest in such a change to ensure that evangelism is at the centre of a church’s culture, not a marginal activity for a few.

Here are a few culture shifts that may need to happen if evangelism is to be central to a church’s life:

From no evangelism to evangelism Many churches give a low value to evangelism. If

it happens at all, it is almost by accident. But in our current climate (fast-moving, spiritual-seeking, but not Christian-orientated) it’s essential that we make a firm, deliberate choice to engage with God’s mission in the world. Most churches will naturally default to being inward-looking. It takes commitment, energy and vision to keep on looking out.

From evangelism as the minister’s job, to evangelism as a ‘body ministry’. ‘We’re happy for the vicar to engage in a bit of faith-sharing, but we think it is a bit beneath us to do the same.’ But the New Testament’s picture is of evangelism as a natural part of the everyday life of the community of believers. People showed and shared their faith wherever they found themselves, motivated by God’s love. Not everyone will play the same role, but as a body we need everyone to play their part.

From locked into one way of doing evangelism, to embracing a variety of ways. Typically a church may see great fruit from a particular method of evangelism, but over the years this approach becomes increasingly moribund, disconnected from where people are. As theologian Helmut Theilicke notes: ‘The gospel has to be constantly forwarded to a new address as the recipients are repeatedly changing their place of residence.’ Consequently, variety, innovation, risk and experimentation are to be encouraged.

Each of these culture shifts will require wise, persistent and focused leadership.

3. By biblical teachingIf we give attention to the Bible we will naturally engage the people of God with the ‘missional imperative’. From Genesis to Revelation the Bible is clear about the missionary heart and mind of God. As is often quoted: ‘It is not that the Church has a mission, but that our missionary God has a Church.’ The implications are as follows:

If mission flows from the character and nature of God, the Church cannot neglect it.

Since it is his mission, God will equip his people for the task.

Christians do not get involved for their own glory, but for God’s glory, since it is his enterprise.

The mission of God inevitably involves sacrifice.

Because it is God’s mission, it will succeed, regardless of human failure amongst the messengers or resistance to the message.

By faithful engagement with the Scriptures we will constantly be shaped by our missionary God, to love what he loves, to have compassion for those who don’t yet know him, and to be prepared to order the life of those we lead around God’s purpose for his people.

And finallyI’m writing shortly after the death of John Stott: extraordinary leader, wonderful Bible teacher, prolific author and a man passionately committed to the mission of the Church. The final words are his:

‘Being rational human beings, we need to know not only what we should be doing, but why we should be doing it. And motivation for mission is especially important, not least in our day when the comparative study of religions has led many to deny finality and uniqueness to Jesus Christ and to reject the very concept of evangelising and converting people. How then, in the face of growing opposition to it, can Christians justify the continuance

of world evangelisation? The commonest answer is to point to the great commission, and indeed obedience to it provides a strong stimulus. Compassion is higher than obedience, however, namely love for people who do not know Jesus Christ, and who on account of that are alienated, disorientated, and indeed lost. But the highest incentive of all is zeal or jealousy for the glory of Jesus Christ. God has promoted him to the supreme place of honour, in order that every knee and tongue should acknowledge his lordship. Whenever he is denied his rightful place in people’s lives, therefore, we should feel inwardly wounded, and jealous for his name.’ The Message of Acts (The Bible Speaks Today), IVP

Culture-change takes a long time, but leaders invest in such a change to ensure that evangelism is at the centre of a church’s culture, not a

marginal activity for a few.

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Leadership | Evangelism | Stories

bishops’ boosters

realising that it was church-based. And via a friendship with another group member she decided to try an inquirers’ group. Here Tina found a non-judgmental arena to air a variety of long-held intellectual objections to the Christian faith. With a degree of surprise she discovered that it’s possible to believe without any sacrifice of rational integrity. Yes, faith is central – but you don’t have to check in your brain at the church door. Tina’s husband, not yet a believer, supported her at her confirmation and is keen to find out more about her newfound faith. And all of this through local-church basics of friendship and community service. I was so encouraged!

Paul Williams, Kensington

Jack and TinaComing from a completely non-church background, 14-year-old Jack found

his way to faith through a church-based 11-14s group – the church in question had a link with his school. In the group he found supportive friends at a difficult time (one of his parents was seriously ill) and a ‘safe space’ to start exploring issues of faith. Both parents and loads of relatives were in church to witness his recent confirmation: I was touched by the easy, natural way in which he spoke about his faith – and (amazing for a teenager) by the pride with which he showed off his church to family and friends.

Tina, a fairly high-powered, 30-something businesswoman, took a career break around the birth of her first child. She subsequently found her way in to a local parent and toddler group – without

We all need good news – and what could be more encouraging than straightforward stories of people coming to faith through the everyday ministry of the local church? Reflecting on their recent experiences of baptisms and confirmations, six bishops (and an archbishop) report from the front – and font – line.

Spirit and synergyI’m always delighted to come across stories where the Spirit of God and the local church have worked hand in hand to draw

someone into a living faith in Christ. I think of a whole family I baptised earlier in the year – mum, dad and two small children – who had recently arrived from Iran. From an early age the father had had a sense that Jesus was important – at least as a prophet – and had defended him in the school playground at the age of 8. Over the following years he’d had a series of dreams in which Jesus had appeared to him – but it was only on leaving Iran that he’d felt safe enough to explore things further. He and his wife had contacted their local church to find out more about this Jesus, and had received the warmest of welcomes and the gift of salvation. What a joy to step down into the pool with this lovely couple as those ‘born again by water and the Spirit’.

Andrew Watson, Aston

SplashingLast year I confirmed a lady – let’s call her Jenny – who came to Christ through an Alpha course. She had been to see her local vicar about baptising

her child and was quite cross when the vicar told her that she needed to come for some preparation. Jenny declined, deciding to go off to a neighbouring parish. The second vicar made a similar request and Jenny decided that she might as well try the course on offer. She was converted and brought a number of other friends to the Alpha course and some were confirmed alongside her. When I visited the church earlier this year, Jenny and her friends were there as part of a new home group. I thank God for the excellent leadership of these two clergy who, without knowing it, backed each other up, honoured the sacrament of baptism and thereby enabled a complete outsider to find Christ for herself.

Keith Sinclair, Birkenhead

Warmth and healingI recently presided at a confirmation of two young mums who had come to faith through the church toddlers’ group. The welcome of the church was so warm and the faith of those helping so plain to see that these two mums couldn’t help but want to know more of Jesus. The confirmation service was a real celebration of their journey of faith and a chance to praise God for His goodness, and the atmosphere was fantastic.

At a rather larger ecumenical gathering a young man came forward who had been a convinced atheist. As he came forward for prayer, not only did he commit himself to following Jesus, but God brought healing to his injured hand. It is wonderful to know that, through Jesus, lives are being transformed across our country, and the Kingdom of God is being made real. Hallelujah!

John Sentamu, York

Completing the pictureHaving grown up attending church services, Sunday school, singing in the local choir and a variety of other church-led events, Tom had many fond memories of church involvement. But the pull of growing and a desire to play sport meant making a choice of which one was going to get the most of his time at weekends.

Although his attendance within the church dwindled, Tom’s faith remained prominent and strong in his everyday life. At various times through the years, when faced with difficult decisions, he felt the need to attend church: ‘It has been these times when I realise that my faith keeps me strong and gives me courage and I realise just how important it is in my life.’ Though grateful for the happy life he shared with his wife and children, Tom had the feeling that something was missing. He started to attend Communion services and the family services. The following year he was confirmed and the children were baptised, followed soon after by his wife’s confirmation. He said: ‘This reaffirmation of my faith has helped me to link all parts of my life together.’

Wallace Benn, Lewes

Messy – and moistConfirmations always bring to light some powerful evidence of God at work in people’s lives through the life of the local church. Recently, I had a spate of mums and dads who had been reached through Messy Church. Only last week I confirmed a young man whose parents were not believers but his grandmother had faithfully kept him associated with the church. Soul Survivor provided the point of real encounter with the living God and commitment to Christ. It was great fun baptising him by full immersion in a sheep dip. I felt like a real shepherd!

Christopher Cocksworth, Coventry

Taking stockPhilip was confirmed into the Church of England at the age of 60. As a child he had attended Sunday School and morning services. Although he felt that his upbringing had furnished him with a sound foundation in faith he did not actively worship throughout his life and felt that he did not live in accordance with Christian precepts. Ironically one of his pastimes was visiting ancient churches and cathedrals. He took great pleasure in the history and tradition of the buildings. However Philip generally felt indifferent to the messages they conveyed, even though his mother and sister, both deeply religious, had never stopped urging him to believe that his life without Christ was incomplete. It was when his parents died that he took stock of his life. He made the decision to visit his local parish church where he found a very warm welcome and has since become an enthusiastic member of the congregation.

James Newcome, Carlisle.

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It is wonderful to know that, through Jesus, lives are being transformed

across our country, and the Kingdom of God is being made real. Hallelujah!

John Sentamu, York

Do you remember exactly where you were the moment you heard London would host the 2012

Games? I bet your first thought was not ‘What a fantastic opportunity this would give local churches.’

Yet now, with the Games charging towards us, it has become all the more real. Churches are seeing them as a wonderful way to engage with their communities and thousands of

overseas visitors.

This is not just true for churches close to the Games venues. That’s because the Games will impact the whole of the UK. Wherever churches are, their communities will experience ‘Olympic fever’ as a result of the media, schools,

With churches having a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grab hold of the 2012 Games and make them matter, Matt Oliver, Operations Director for More Than Gold, shares how.

Outreach | Sport | Olympics

Matt Oliver

game on!

8 CL77 ©MATT OLIvER

There will be many lost, confused and lonely people coming through London during the Games.

advertising and the live screen events taking place in over twenty centres. The Torch Relay will also pass within ten miles of most of the UK’s churches.

That means every church has the opportunity to use the Games to get closer to their community. This includes running large-screen events showing the opening event, sport-themed kids’ clubs, a pub-style sport quiz or a sport youth café.

ChampionTo give churches the support they need, the main denominations have established More Than Gold, a temporary agency to help them make the most of the Games. Already available is a website and materials offering all that churches need to respond.

HospitalityThere is the prospect to host family members of athletes. With the cost of accommodation skyrocketing during the Games, this meets the needs of those who would not otherwise be able to afford to see their loved ones take part. Rather than make a profit by renting their homes, Christians are offering hospitality as a gift.

Churches near to the Games venues and in places where visitors will throng, such as Torch Relay destinations, will set up hospitality centres. Here, there will be an oasis to rest weary feet, access the internet, have some refreshments and engage in conversation.

Service There are also significant ways for individuals to serve those visiting the Games. For example, More Than Gold is appealing for 800 volunteers to serve as Games Pastors – much like Street Pastors – to respond to the practical and spiritual needs of the thousands of visitors.

David Wilson, points out, ‘There will be many lost, confused and lonely people coming through London during the Games. These Games Pastors are going to be a lifeline for them, making this a great opportunity for Christian service’.

HeartUndergirding all this is prayer. Jane Holloway of the World Prayer Centre is leading the team helping churches pray before, during and after the Games. This is through an initiative called ‘A Time to Shine’ which draws on the words from Isaiah 60:1-5, which tells of God’s light shining through us for the good of others.

The first phase is for churches to have a prayer focus during the week of 31 December to 8 January – as part of existing services or as a special evening, day or night to pray.

Then, during the Olympic Torch Relay, churches on the route are invited to take part in a prayer relay alongside it.

David Wilson is convinced, ‘The response from UK churches is already the largest there has ever been. More churches are making more plans than we have ever seen’.

Whatever churches may have in mind, More Than Gold is helping them to keep

So that churches know what is coming on stream, More Than Gold is asking them to appoint their own ‘Gold Champion’ – someone to receive a steady but not overwhelming supply of information to help them pick what will work the best for them during 2012 as well as the weeks of the Games.

David Wilson, CEO of More Than Gold has spent almost twenty years coordinating the Christian response to more than forty major sporting events around the world – including the Olympics.

David says: ‘There is something appropriate every church can do in the context of the Games to engage with their communities. And we are coordinating the skills and experience of over 60 Christian agencies to provide the resources and training that will help them.’

Churches can use material provided to offer outreach, hospitality and service to their local community, before, during and after the Games. They can use this opportunity to build lasting relationships with their community.

Reaching outChurches around the country are coming together to plan events to reach out to their community. One group in Loughborough is hosting an inter-school sports quiz, an Olympic-themed sports quiz from Christians in Sport, street parties, a big family fun day and providing stewards for Olympic-themed events planned by the local council.

Churches will also be able to tap into the help of the many international mission teams coming to serve them during the summer. More than 3,000, mostly young adults, are expected. Many will have specialist skills like music, drama and sport and be able to help with children’s clubs, street outreach, big-screen community festivals, sports clinics or almost anything else.

Another way for churches to interact with the wider community is using the power of theatre. Four Christian theatre groups have each produced original productions and would be happy to come along to your church or area and perform them. The productions include a revision of a classic John Bunyan play, a collaboration with a Muslim theatre company, an exploration of the roots of the modern Olympics, and an interactive game show. All are equally suitable for children and adults.

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Matt Oliver is the Operations Director of More than Gold.

Online Churches can find all the information they need to get ready for the Games on the More Than Gold website at www.morethangold.org.uk.

the issues of social justice firmly in mind. This includes taking responsibility for their environment and the importance of using fair trade resources in all they do for the Games. Also, for the need to be aware of the likely increase in homelessness and human trafficking as thousands descend on London.

Churches are now getting ready to seize the many opportunities the Games offer to engage with their community and touch the lives of thousands of visitors – are you ready?

The response from UK churches is already the largest there has

ever been. More churches are making more plans than we

have ever seen’.

Rosie Ward reviews a provocative, profoundly biblical commentary on contemporary leadership.

10 CL77 ©ROSIE WARD

Book review | Leadership | David Runcorn

Rosie Ward

asking ‘what if?’

Fear and Trust: God-centred leadership David Runcorn, SPCK, 2011

Is it deeply ironic, or incredibly appropriate, that my last book review written while a CPAS Leadership

Development Adviser is one which questions the current popularity of ‘leadership’ as the answer for our anxious and challenging times? Whichever it is, this book, while having ‘leadership’ in its subtitle, provides a very different take on the subject, and is an extremely perceptive and thought-provoking read.

I’m used to being told that the Old Testament is of limited usefulness when it comes to considering Christian leadership; a distinctly Christian leadership must surely take Jesus Christ as its starting point. But then I’d obviously overlooked the Samuel narrative, and after reading the first few pages of Fear and Trust was soon reminded of how much the context of 1 and 2 Samuel has in common with our own. The people of Israel, and contemporary Western society, share being ‘in transition from long familiar securities, and going through considerable

social upheaval’. The people of Israel decided that what they needed was a king; we are preoccupied with leadership ‘as a way of securing the future’.

The chapter headings and subtitles reveal the themes explored in the book: Surviving leaders: on journeying beyond certainty. ‘In the beginning you weep’: Hannah and the unexpected starting place. ‘Here I am’: Samuel, listening and the tinnitus of God. On the desire to be led: Leaders as the people’s dream... I was intrigued just by the headings, and drawn further into each chapter by the apposite quotation which starts each one.

Readers who are familiar with David Runcorn’s other books will not be surprised to find this one a blend of reflection on Scripture, insight from his ministry and personal experience, thoughtful observation, and many moments where the reader is taken in an unexpected direction. I was particularly struck by the chapter on Jonathan. The chapter title ‘What if?’ provides a clue.

We are used to lamenting the story of Saul, contemplating David’s failures amid much potential; and focusing on Jonathan as Saul’s son and David’s friend. But what if Jonathan had become king? Runcorn shows how the story presents Jonathan in a very strong light. He has all the qualities of kingship that Saul and David did not. ‘Is the storyteller inviting us to conclude that an opportunity has been lost?’ asks Runcorn. He then goes on to reflect on our own ‘What if?’ questions, and some of the situations which might prompt them, such as the Church of England’s Preferment List, which contains the names of over 400 clergy deemed to have potential for senior leadership; most of these clergy will get no further than the list.

I was also struck by the way the narrative is enveloped by stories of women. Runcorn comments in the opening chapter on how subversive the story is, and how, in a world where men and women were unequal partners, as they still are, stories of women frequently subvert the script and ‘open the story to new possibilities’.

The whole story starts with Hannah: her tears, her initiative, her prayers, her song. The story closes with a comparison of mourning mothers in Tehran to Rizpah, a concubine of King Saul. It’s a reminder that in God’s story, those who presume to have power are brought down, and the voiceless, poor and marginalised are ‘raised up to a special place’. Runcorn also notes the irony that at the moment when women were admitted to the priesthood of the Church of England, ‘the task was renamed and the focus redefined’ by a noun drawn from worlds normally dominated by men.

To be read, re-read and pondered – but first you might need to re-read 1 and 2 Samuel!

Rosie Ward was a CPAS Leadership Development Adviser from 2005 until 2011. She is now vicar of Sawtry and Glatton in Ely diocese.

James Lawrence is CPAS leadership principal. He is the author of Mentoring Matters.

Mentoring is a dynamic, intentional, voluntary relationship of trust in

which one person (the mentor) enables another person (the mentee) to maximise the grace of God within their lives and develop their potential in the service of God’s kingdom purposes.’

Dynamic Mentoring focuses on growth. If a person asks for mentoring but has no appetite for growth, the process is likely to be a waste of time.

Intentional A formal mentoring relationship has a clear purpose and direction, normally a range of agreed expectations. This is more than a ‘chat’ between friends.

voluntary Some formal relationships (line management, for example) involve little or no choice. By contrast, both mentor and mentee have made a deliberate choice to enter this relationship. They are both voluntarily giving their time and energy to focus on the development of the mentee for this particular part of his or her journey.

Relationship of trust Mutual trust is a vital component of the mentoring relationship. It develops over time, especially if there has been no previous connection between mentor and mentee. From the outset it helps if there is a mutual respect, an element of connection.

One person (the mentor) One partner in the relationship has something that interests the other. Often the mentor will

Few will deny the positive, life-changing effect of a one-to-one mentoring relationship. And for James Lawrence its benefits for the local church are incalculable. Here he

explores the definition of mentoring on which a new CPAS training resource is based.

Leadership | Training | Mentoring

the mentoring effect

be older, but not necessarily so. I have mentored people older than me. They approached me because they believed I had something from which they would benefit. But as a general rule the mentor is older and more experienced than the mentee, farther along the same path, able to offer perspective and wisdom for the journey. The mentor is warm and willing to share personal stories, to be vulnerable and admit mistakes, struggles and failure. The relationship maintains a clear focus on the mentee. It is for their benefit, not the mentor’s. Do mentors get anything out of the process? Undoubtedly, yes. But that is not why the relationship exists.

Enables This is the empowering aspect, the enabling of another individual to grow and develop.

Another person (the mentee) This is the person who desires to grow, and who senses that a relationship with the mentor will enable such growth to occur.

To maximise the grace of God Both the Bible and personal experience make clear that God’s grace is foundational for all growth. Sadly many leaders struggle to live by the grace that they preach to others. Deep, lasting and ongoing change occurs as people receive God’s amazing grace and out of gratitude respond to its transformative work in their lives.

Develop their potential Mentoring doesn’t try to steer people in a direction that is unsuited to who God has made

them to be. Indeed, it is poor practice for a mentor to try to shape the mentee in his or her likeness. Good mentoring helps the mentee discern more clearly how God has ‘wired them up’ (talents, spiritual gifts, temperament and passions). It will increase their awareness of the gaps in skills and knowledge that might need filling, and the character issues that might need addressing (truthfulness, faithfulness, honesty, patience, and so on).

In the service of God’s kingdom purposes This phrase reminds us of an inherent danger in mentoring: the mentee becomes self-absorbed, rather than self-aware. Self-awareness enables an individual to see things that need addressing for them to become more fully the human being God wants them to be, more able to relate to people in a mature and selfless way, more competent in fulfilling the role God has given them in life. Self-absorbed people are self-oriented rather than kingdom-oriented, self-centred rather than other-centred.

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This new CPAS resource offers a comprehensive biblically informed approach to setting up a church-based mentoring network. Available from www.cpas.org.uk at £24 (plus postage).

Check the website for news of Mentoring Matters training events in your area.

‘

come back, God...

Oasis | Bible | Reflection

Pamela Evans

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. They say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Psalm 91:1-2 (TNIV)

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Not long ago, there was a period of several months during which it felt as if every day brought

bad news. Family and close friends were struggling with ill health, extreme pressures at work, and unpleasant choices; my favourite aunt had died in difficult circumstances shortly before my father had come within a whisker of doing the same; those whose job was to help us seemed to be creating as many problems as they were solving. I was exhausted physically, wilting emotionally, and developing an aversion to phone calls. Then, after a restless night, I discovered that Psalm 91 was the reading set for the day:

I’ve used this psalm many times to express trust in God during a bumpy patch, welcoming the reassurance it brings, the picture of my secure place

under his covering. Maybe you also have favourite psalms, which give voice to your praises in times of celebration and your groans when nothing seems to be going right?

On that particular day, however, instead of finding Psalm 91 comforting, I found it hard to stomach. Yes, at one level I could agree that the familiar words were true. But on this occasion I felt unable to read that psalm prayerfully with any sense of integrity. God knew perfectly well how I was feeling that morning: there were things I needed to express to him if we were to have something approaching a meaningful dialogue, and they weren’t in that psalm. Providentially, my husband noticed the end of Psalm 90:

Come back, God – how long do we have to wait? – and treat your servants with

Relent, Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendour to their children. May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:13-17 (TNIV)

How may we pray when life has run us ragged? At one such time, Pamela Evans set aside politeness and propriety and, through the earthy honesty of the psalms, discovered a renewed intimacy with God.

The Message Eugene Peterson’s translation is available online at www.biblegateway.com

Listen to Keith Mobberley on spiritual direction on a recent CPAS leadership podcast.

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Pamela Evans is a retired doctor with experience in counselling and spiritual direction. Her third book, Shaping the Heart: reflections on spiritual formation and fruitfulness, was published by the Bible Reading Fellowship in October 2011. Details of all Pamela’s books may be found at www.pamelaevans.org.uk.

kindness for a change. Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we’ll skip and dance all the day long.

Make up for the bad times with some good times; we’ve seen enough evil to last a lifetime.

Let your servants see what you’re best at – the ways you rule and bless your children. And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do. Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do! (Psalm 90:13-17, The Message)

This psalm, subtitled the ‘prayer of Moses, man of God’, allowed me to pray honestly, in a way that conveyed my level of distress. It put words around my feeling that the Almighty God in whom I trusted could (should!) have been doing more to help. Yes, I was ready to be surprised by a good day – so how about it, God?

Eugene Peterson, author of The Message, often used to recommend the Psalms when those whom he pastored admitted to finding it hard to pray. Many of them subsequently expressed surprise at what they found there. However, the genteel English of the translations then in common use failed to capture the rough earthiness of the original; the cultured language down-played the raw emotion, and removed the sense of honest, heartfelt

For reflection and action You could work on a plan to become

more familiar with the psalms as a resource for life and ministry, reading one, two or more per day, according to their length and the time available. Try reading them out loud, to yourself and to God, your vocal expression matching the content. (Resist the temptation mentally to award yourself marks; this is not a performance.) If possible, use a version such as The Message that will facilitate the involvement of your heart as well as your head. See what happens. Note down anything that seems important.

communication with God. So Peterson began paraphrasing the Psalms for his congregation and the rest, as they say, is history.

The writer John Eldredge recalls a young woman who came to see him for counselling in a state of suicidal desperation. They had been meeting for many weeks when, in a session he found deeply moving, she spoke honestly about her feelings and longings. At the end of this session, he suggested turning to prayer. He could hardly believe what he was hearing as her voice ‘assumed a bland, religious tone’, which reflected nothing of her desperation or her pain. ‘I found myself speechless. You’ve got to be kidding, I thought’ (Desire: the journey we must take to find the life God offers, Thomas Nelson, 2007).

During that overwhelming time, praying scripture, especially from the Psalms, helped me to be real with myself without becoming self-focused and spiralling into self-pity. What’s more, passages from scripture expressing anguish for which I could find no words also served to direct the eyes of my heart up and out towards God. Even my sense that he could have been ‘doing more’ became an acknowledgment of my past experience of his power; it was held within a framework of trust in a covenant-keeping almighty God. Expressing my outpourings

If you’d like to explore this subject further, including the pastoral use of psalms as a way of helping an individual or a church community to express their grief, pain or disappointment to God, see Grove Booklet W193, Sowing in Tears: How to lament in a church of praise by Paul Bradbury. This includes a list of psalms suitable for use in intercession or as a framework for a service, and references to many other resources.

If you struggle with expressing emotion, practise with God by using words from the Psalms. More generally, remember to tell him not just what you think, or what you’d like him to do, but also how you’re feeling. Our feelings cannot be relied upon to tell us `the whole truth and nothing but the truth’, but that doesn’t mean they’re best ignored – far from it! Allowing feelings to dictate the course of our lives is daft but, while they make poor managers, they often make useful messengers. Sometimes I’ve reflected on confusing troublesome emotions before God and found him directing me to the root cause in no time at all. A speedy answer isn’t guaranteed but, in my experience, it’s a lot quicker when I ask than when I don’t! The Psalms leave us in

no doubt that telling God how we feel is meant to be a normal part of our

relationship with him.

in ‘God-breathed’ words (2 Timothy 3:16), I was able both to hold forth in vigorous, urgent, heartfelt language about how hard it was and to feel safe while doing so.

The Psalms leave us in no doubt that telling God how we feel is meant to be a normal part of our relationship with him. And I can’t imagine Moses speaking out Psalm 90, or David voicing Psalm 59 (‘I did nothing to deserve this, God’) in a ‘bland, religious tone’! In fact, I’m not sure that I can think of a psalm for which this sort of tone is appropriate, although I’ve certainly heard plenty of them read or sung in that way!

For further readingRecent years have seen the publication of many titles exploring the nature of church for today. Here’s my selection...

Deep Church, Jim Belcher (IVP)Considering the broad categories of ‘traditional’ and ‘emerging’ church, Jim Belcher draws out the best of both approaches, charting a middle course. There’s a very helpful section on ‘seven areas of tension’. The book’s title comes from a phrase in CS Lewis’s Mere Christianity.

Total Church, Tim Chester and Steve Timmis (IVP)Arguing for ‘gospel word’ and ‘gospel community’ to be at the heart of Christian practice, Chester and Timmis offer clear thinking and hard-hitting critique of ways we do church. They argue that Christian practice must be gospel-centred, mission-centred and community-centred.

The Provocative Church, Graham Tomlin (SPCK)Sometimes we assume that people ‘out there’ are eager to listen to what the Church has to offer. Surely people will only be intrigued by Christian life and

community when they see something provocative or attractive.

Tomlin offers a liberating understanding of evangelism as a corporate activity, in which all the gifts needed to enact the life of the Kingdom are spread throughout the whole Church.

Resources | Leadership | Evangelism

James Lawrence

reaching out

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James Lawrence recommends key resources for leadership that connect the gathered church with people who have yet to come to faith.

Church on the Edge Chris Stoddard and Nick Cuthbert (Authentic)Stoddard and Cuthbert suggest two ways in which the church is on the edge: first, in the sense that it has moved from a ‘central’ position of influence and importance in our society, to one which many consider marginal. At the same time, they see the church as being poised ‘on the edge’ of doing great things. Their book helps us to understand the former and get some really good insights for the latter. Part 1 provides an analysis of changing times, and principles of becoming mission-minded. Part 2 offers a series of intriguing stories of ways churches have become more mission-oriented. Simple, full of practical ideas, and a book about leading in mission that will help both ‘inherited’ and ‘emerging’ churches.

The Gospel-Driven Church, Ian Stackhouse (Paternoster)A constructive critique of present-day Evangelicalism. Offers enlightening perspectives on many of the ‘fads’ found within the church today and paints a picture of what the gospel-driven church should look like.

Reimagining Evangelism, Rick Richardson (Scripture Union)This book is for individuals and groups and includes exercises and questions to help people invite their friends on a spiritual journey. The book explores potential obstacles and opportunities for evangelism in everyday situations, using stories that capture the heart of every chapter.

Lost for Words, James Lawrence (CPAS)Designed to help ordinary people explore the Christian faith with others in a relaxed, natural and helpful way. It presents the conviction that God has parts for all Christians to play in his work of evangelism, but that the parts will be different for different people. It shows how we don’t have to be evangelists to do evangelism. Rather, we can simply relax into ‘being ourselves, with God, for others’.

The Missional Leader, Alan Roxburgh and Fred Romanuk (Leadership Network)Roxburgh and Romanuk paint ‘a realistic picture of what life could look like among churches willing to enter the chaos [of the world] and make lasting change little by little.’ Christianity Today.

CL ESSENTIA

L READ

Simple Church: www.simplechurch.co.uk. (Check out the linked book Simple Church, Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger, Broadman and Holman) Total Church: www.crowdedhouse.org/totalchurch Deep Church: www.thedeepchurch.com and Jason

Clark’s blog at www.jasonclark.ws

Holy Week | Good Friday | All-age

Bob Capper

seven words

We offer an hour-long all-age service for Good Friday, adapted from material originating at St Mark’s Church, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

The service is based on the Gospel texts known as ‘the seven words from the cross’. As the service

progresses seven members of the congregation will be given a chair, a placard in the shape of a ‘speech bubble’ displaying their ‘word’ in the slightly abbreviated form shown in the headings below. In addition there are one or more linked objects for each word, to bring out their meaning.

Chairs should be placed one by one to make a cross shape, five in a ‘vertical line’ with two on either side of the second chair from the top. Try to ensure they are visible to as many members of the congregation as possible. The speech bubble rests against the chair back. The objects are placed on the seat.

Please note that the songs and hymns given here to intersperse the main elements of the service are suggestions only.

IntroductionSong: Were you there?

Leader: Eternal God, in the cross of Jesus we see the cost of our sin and the depth of your love: in humble hope and fear may we place at his feet all that we have and all that we are, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

1: ‘Father forgive them.’Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:32-34 TNIV)

Objects: nails, dice, robe

Thought: We remember the vulnerability and powerlessness of Jesus as soldiers nail him to the cross. Stripped and suffering, he remains patient as his clothing becomes the prize of a dice game. He speaks, but not of himself, focusing as always on his Father on behalf of others: his mission in a sentence. We pause to place ourselves at the foot of the cross, reflecting on our need to be included in Christ’s prayer.

Song: ‘Come and see’

2: ‘Today you will be with me in paradise.’One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ (Luke 23:39-43 TNIV)

Object: a balaclava helmet

Thought: Three human beings are subjected to unimaginable suffering in which the act of speech serves only to intensify pain. And yet each chooses to voice what is in his heart. We ponder the contrasting words of the thieves. We reflect on the naked poverty of the second thief’s plea. In the quiet, we marvel at Christ’s promise, with all the love and intimacy implied in the words ‘with me’...

Song: ‘My song is love unknown’

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The Rev Bob Capper is vicar of St Mark’s Church, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

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3: ‘Here is your son. Here is your mother.’ Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. (John 19:25-27)

Object: model house (Lego)

Thought: Unable to offer anything but her loving presence, a woman stands silently, accompanying her son on his journey towards death. His friend stands by. Both are powerless to offer help or comfort. And Christ speaks into the silence: intimate, personal words of love and care, consoling those incapable of consoling him. Out of his suffering comes new relationship, a new family.

Song: ‘How deep the Father’s love’

4: ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’). (Matthew 27:45-46, TNIV)

Object: A cloud out of black (or dark) paper/card

Thought: Jesus is lifted up, impotent and unreachable. What could be a greater expression of separation than the physical act of crucifixion? Day turns to night. But the outer darkness is as nothing to the inner

darkness overwhelming Jesus as the bond between him and his Father is broken. We pause to hear his cry, allowing his anguish to draw us closer to the mystery of his saving love.

5: ‘I am thirsty.’ Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. (John 19:28-29)

Objects: Sponge, pottery jar

Thought: A jar, a sponge, a sturdy stalk: the graphic, precise details of an eye witness. And Jesus, the Word made flesh, speaks out the simplest, most universal expression of human need. We pause to reflect on humility and humanity of Christ, our brother and our redeemer.

Song: ‘Thank you for saving me’

6: ‘It is finished.’When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit (pause) One of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. (John 19:30,34)

Object: spear

Thought: Defeat or triumph? Jesus acknowledges that his work is complete. We bow our heads in silence as St John reminds us that this is a human death, like any other. Christ completes his identification with his brothers and sisters by experiencing, as we all shall, the reality of death.

7: ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:44-46)

Object: A large piece of ripped fabric

Thought: A death like any other..? The great cloth canopy, the veil of the temple, speaks of the separation between sinful humans and our holy Creator. But as Jesus breathes his last, it is ripped from top to bottom. Something deep, dangerous and dynamic is stirring. We wait for its meaning to be revealed...

Song: ‘When I survey the wondrous cross’

Talk Recap the seven ‘words’ under these headings:

Forgiven – ‘Father forgive’In Christ – ‘with me’Loved – ‘here is your son’Atoned for – ‘why have you forsaken ..?’Understood – ‘I am thirsty – Jesus’ humanityvictorious – ‘finished!’Secure – ‘Father, into your hands’

Song: ‘Were you there when he rose up from the dead?’

Leader: Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

All: Amen

Blessing

After the solemnity of Holy Week, Easter arrives as a dazzling burst of light and joy. Ellie Clack invites us to celebrate with a resounding ‘Wow!’

Easter | Worship | All-age

Ellie Clack

wow! Jesus is risen!

Activity: quizCheck the website for a PowerPoint version of the quiz.

1 Here’s the current holder of the record for the world’s biggest chocolate bunny. Invite estimates of its weight. (2,800 kg or nearly 3 tons. It was made in Santa Catarina, Brazil in 2009.)

2 What is the earliest possible date for Easter Sunday? (22 March)

3 What is the latest possible date for Easter Sunday? (25 April)

4 Biggest recorded egg hunt. Can you guess how many eggs were hidden? (501,000 eggs were searched for by 9,753 children accompanied by their parents at the Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, Florida, 2007.)

Bible readingsJohn 20:1-29; Acts 10:34-43

Song suggestionsLost in wonderThine be the gloryO Happy DaySee what a morningFor God so loved the world (L is for the love)

WelcomeAs people arrive give them a sticker on which to write their name. As you welcome people at the beginning of the service, remind them that although we probably don’t all know one anothers’ names (hence the stickers for this service), God knows each one of us. Easter is a celebration of God’s love for all people and all creation.

Opening responsesLeader: This is the day the Lord has made.All: Let us rejoice and be glad in it!Leader: This is the day of hope and resurrection.All: Wow! Jesus is risen!Leader: This is the day when history changed.All: Wow! Jesus is risen!Leader: This is the day of celebration and victory.All: Wow! Jesus is risen!Leader: This is the day of greatest love, and new life for all.All: Wow! Jesus is risen!

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Activity: Easter egg hunt Copy out the text of the Bible reading, dividing it up (sentence by sentence, or phrase by phrase) on to a set of slips of paper. Attach each paper to a small chocolate egg and, in advance, hide the eggs around the church or worship area. To stretch the activity for more participants, create identical sets on cream, blue, yellow and pink paper. Initiate a quick Easter egg hunt, with people cooperating to assemble the text in the correct order – doing so by colour if you have created more than one set of eggs.

Dramatised reading If the reading is to be heard and seen best from the front, you will need one person to read the whole passage (John 20:1-29) while others silently act the characters. (If your worship space is big enough and flexible enough, each of the following passage sections could be performed in different corners of the room with the congregation turning at each point. This would be more effective with four narrators each reading from a different area.)

Characters each need to have a differently coloured piece of material on their shoulders or wrapped around their heads to represent: Mary Magdalene; Simon Peter; the disciple whom Jesus loved; Thomas; the other disciples (this can be just a few or many if you have lots of budding actors!)

20:1-10Following the action of the passage, all of the characters come forward as appropriate and then disperse to the sides. Encourage your characters to walk or run as stated in the passage towards an imaginary tomb space (or you may have some folded white cloth simply laid out as a focal point).

20:11-18 Mary comes forward and kneels, head in hands, until her name is spoken when she looks up and smiles as she recognises Jesus.

20:19-23Two or three representing the disciples come forward and sit together (on chairs or the floor), holding hands, looking around in concern and in fear until they hear the words of peace and forgiveness and then loosening their grip and smiling as they look up to where Jesus would be standing amidst them.

20: 24-29Finally Thomas stands with hands on hips, defiantly, disbelieving, until he hears the invitation to put hands on Jesus, when he reaches out his hands and then drops to his knees and looks up again in recognition.

Talk What makes you go ‘Wow!’? What inspires you? What fills you with awe?

For this opening question you could offer some visible or audible examples such as dramatic landscapes, stirring music, intricate detail of an insect, amazing athletic accomplishments, a new baby. Then invite people to turn to someone they did not arrive with and ask the question. Briefly gather some feedback.

There are some amazing things in creation that can inspire us and make us go ‘Wow!’ There are also astonishing human activities that can fill us with awe. I imagine we shall see more and more ‘wow! moments’ as the world’s best sportsmen and women compete in the 2012 Olympic Games. Ask if anyone plans to attend any of the events? What ‘wow!’ moments are they anticipating?

But will those Olympic ‘wow! moments’ be truly life-changing? Definitely yes, if you are a medal winner. But for the rest of us, will our lives change? Or will the wow! fade away over time?

Today as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ we remember that this is not a fairytale with a happy ending, nor is it just the next stage in a magnificent story. We remember not just how good that must have been for Jesus, or for his best friends. We remember and celebrate that Jesus Christ rose from the dead as the ultimate expression of God’s love for you and for me.

This is the most enduring ‘wow! moment’ ever, the day on which the whole of history pivots, the day that flipped all known laws and ideas and preconceptions of God on their head, the day on which Jesus, the resurrected God-Man met his friends, called them by name and showed them his love, the day which changed lives, and changes our lives even today. Wow! In the Bible passage we heard about those people who first experienced the ‘wow!’ of meeting the risen Jesus.

John tells us that Jesus first met Mary Magdalene in the garden. In her grief, she did not recognise her beloved Lord until he called her by name. He knew her, met her in her grief and loved her. How reassuring and how affirming for Mary. A life-changing ‘wow! moment’ indeed.

He went on to meet Peter and John and the other disciples in a house with locked doors. Jesus stood among them in and spoke words of peace, and then breathing his Spirit he spoke words of forgiveness. What greater reassurance could they have received, what greater words of hope in their fear. A life-changing ‘wow! moment’ indeed.

Resources Follow the link and click on Easter 2012 resources for lectionary readings, artwork and prayer ideas: http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/

Stations Don’t forget that Si Smith’s amazing Stations of the Resurrection are still available for download on the CPAS website.

Rev Ellie Clack is a priest in the Church of England based in the Diocese of Coventry. She is married to Jeremy.

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Soon afterwards Jesus met Thomas, the doubting and fearful friend who needed evidence and reassurance and touch. Jesus again, speaking Thomas’ name, gave all that he needed for Thomas to believe and have faith. A life-changing ‘wow! moment’ indeed.

Life-changing days don’t come around often. We are invited to be resurrection people – known by Jesus, who calls us by name, meets us even in our grief, fear, doubt and speaks words of hope, forgiveness and peace. If nothing else this Easter day, remember that each of you too, are known, understood and loved by the one who overcame death. Wow!

But the resurrection is not just about a story from 2000 years ago. The resurrection is about us, today, living out lives as those resurrection people – taking up God’s invitation to see the ‘wow! moment’ of 2000 years ago change our lives and the lives of others.

Mary, Peter, Thomas and the others were trusted with the most important information in history. They held that information carefully for themselves, working out their new faith. But they weren’t afraid to share that good news with others. In the second reading from Acts we are reminded of the sort of stirring ‘wow!’ talks that Peter and others would give to explain to people what Jesus had done. So if you have heard this good news, I wonder who you might be able to tell over lunch, or at work or school, or in your friendship group. Who do you know who needs to know the enduring, life-changing ‘wow!’ of God – the God who was alive as a human in Jesus, who died and rose again, who is alive and with us by the Holy Spirit today, the God who is full of love and understanding for each of us.

Let’s not keep this ‘wow!’ good news to ourselves. Let us go out from here as resurrection people, changed and ready to bring change to the world. Let us pray that as Jesus met Mary in her grief, the disciples in their fear, Thomas in his doubt, that we too might greet all those whom we meet, in all situations with the ‘wow!’ love of God.

If appropriate you may invite a time of quiet response, or a chance to use pens and paper to draw or write about a person or situation that needs to know the love and hope of God. You may choose to offer these as part of the prayer time.

PrayersUsing the words in bold for whole congregation. The following bidding prayers can be extended and adapted by including local community and current world information:

Leader: Risen Lord Jesus, thank you...

All: Thank you for life, freedom, shelter, safety, community.

Leader: Risen Lord Jesus, forgive us...

All: Please forgive us when we misuse the freedom and resources you have given.

Leader: Risen Lord Jesus, give comfort. Please help those who are facing loneliness/grief/sadness/illness…

All: Risen Lord Jesus, bring hope and peace.

Leader: Please give hope to those who are hurting, or live in fear…

All: Risen Lord Jesus, transform us.

Leader: Please show us your purpose, showing compassion, encouragement, good news and love. We offer these prayers to the One who knows all, and can make all things possible.

All: Amen.

Let’s not keep this Wow good news to ourselves. Let us go

out from here as resurrection people, changed and ready to

bring change to the world.

BlessingAs you go from here, may you know the ‘wow!’ of the resurrection in your hearts and lives; may you know the Lord calling your name even in grief, fear or doubt; may you know the Lord loving you and giving you hope and peace, and the blessing of God Almighty, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of the world, be with you and remain with you today and always. Amen.

Here are ideas, notes, materials and images for a short all-age gathering for Pentecost. Author Ian Adams suggests that the team planning this gathering adapt and shape the resource elements according to the local context.

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Pentecost | All-age | Holy Spirit

Ian Adams

we are not alone

SettingLook to create a sense of expectation on this great festival

day. You could use one of the images provided in this resource in your publicity during the weeks leading up to Pentecost. Make sure that the worship space is set up ready in plenty of time so that people can give attention to each other as they arrive. Have music playing (live or recorded) as people gather.

If you have the option, set up your worship space so that everyone is in a big circle, oval or semi-circle. You might like to offer the option for some to sit on the floor on carpets or cushions. If your worship is Eucharistic you could set the communion table somewhere in the middle of the room. If you meet in an informal setting you could worship around a meal together.

Securely cover a large board, wall, table or section of the floor with paper on which people can draw or write. Provide plenty of pens, crayons or paints in two colour shades: (1) black or brown, and (2) red and orange or yellow.

The liturgical colour for Pentecost is red. You might like to decorate the space with some reds, oranges, yellows and golds. But remember that often in decoration ‘less is more’, so aim to make the space simple as well as beautiful. If you produce a service sheet or handout, or project digital images, try to use the same colours.

Visual imagesA series of pictures by Ian Adams is provided. Download them from the Church Leadership website. These can be projected or used in your service sheet or handout.

WelcomeExplain that today is a very special day in the Church year – sometimes called the birthday of the Church.

Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus left the disciples – he had literally disappeared from sight, ascended to God the Father. From that day the disciples and followers of Jesus gathered in Jerusalem whenever they could. They must have been anxious and uncertain, feeling alone again. But as Jesus had instructed, they waited and prayed for God’s mysterious promise (Acts 1:4) to happen, for God’s Holy Spirit to come upon them (Acts 1:8). They had little idea what this would be like. Now, 10 days after the ascension, on the Jewish festival of Pentecost, they were to find out!

The big ideas that we’ll be exploring today are:

We are not alone: God’s Holy Spirit is here with us!

The Holy Spirit may bring surprising hope and mysterious life to us as we live and share the story of Jesus where we are.

It’s right that we are all together – all ages, all backgrounds – because that is how the first Christian community gathered when the Pentecost event we are remembering took place.

MusicPlay or make music that is authentic to your setting, accessible to visitors, and makes connections with the tradition of Pentecost.

You will find lots of suggestions online and in worship resources for both contemporary worship songs and older hymns that may be applicable to Pentecost. Some suggestions for traditional (sounding) music that could be made in your own style:

Ian Adams is a writer, mentor and teacher on themes of emerging church, community, prayer and spirituality. He lives in Devon. www.ianadams.info

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Veni Creator Spiritus: words attributed to Rabanus Maurus (9thC)

Come down O love divine: words by Bianco da Siena (15thC)

Veni Sancte Spiritus: Taizé

ScriptureTake your time with these short readings. It could work well for the Acts passage to be read 2 or 3 times by people of different background or stage in life. For example child / teenager / adult. Ask people to be alert to whatever ‘stands out’ to them as the text is read and re-read. This may be a particular gift for them... There is an optional extra reading.

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Acts 2:1-4 (NRSV)

‘When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning’ John 15:26-27 (NRSV)

Enter the storyAsk everyone to recall a time when they felt alone, let down or disappointed.

What was that like? How did you feel?

Ask people to draw or write something on the board with the black or brown pens/crayons that allows them to express how they felt.

Play some music while this happens.

ReflectionExplain that the Feast of Pentecost, sometimes called ‘The descent of the Holy Spirit’, is not only the remembering of an historical event, but the celebration of something that is true, here and now...

God’s Holy Spirit is present in the Church here, and around the world. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the ‘advocate’, and the ‘spirit of truth’. This means someone who is on our side in the struggle to bring Jesus’ light and life to the world. So we are not alone!

God ‘s Holy Spirit brought the disciples more than they could have hoped for – a new energy that enabled them to take the story of Jesus and change the world.

And the Holy Spirit came in an amazing way. In an indoor storm, with what seemed like fire, producing praise to God in many languages. God’s Holy Spirit cannot be limited or boxed in by us. God will be God. And like those first followers of Jesus we may be changed forever...

ResponseAsk people about their hopes at this time in their lives:

What are you hoping for?

For you? For the Church? For the world around us?

If God’s Holy Spirit is here with us now what may be possible?

Ask people to represent their hopes by drawing free-flowing curves and circles in red, orange and yellow around whatever they wrote or drew earlier.

Ask some to write the words ‘Come Holy Spirit’.

Play music while this happens.

PrayersBegin the prayer in silence. The ‘rushing wind’ came as a surprise! If your tradition is to use ‘set’ prayers from the church’s liturgy make a (short – it is all age) selection from the prayers for Pentecost. If your tradition is to make extempore or spontaneous prayers invite people to end each prayer as follows...

Leader: We are not alone.

All: Come, Holy Spirit.

BlessingLeader: On this day of PentecostWhatever you face, you are not aloneGod’s Spirit is here with us nowGod’s Spirit is in the Church todayGod’s Spirit is throughout the world

All: Come, Holy Spirit.

CL archive Don’t forget that we’re unable to guarantee the availability of the Church Leadership archive after the end of 2012. So now’s the time to search through and save those items that you may need in future.

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Fathers’ Day | All-age | Celebration

Simon Marshall

father figures

Unlike Mothering Sunday, Fathers’ Day is not an established part of the church’s year – and a service which connects with it may be new for many people. But, says author Simon Marshall, the occasion allows the church to celebrate something which is right at the heart of the Christian faith, and also of everyday life: the loving care which one person has for another.

As you prepareAlthough it is important to retain the specific focus on the role of fathers,

it is worth being aware of any in your church community for whom this service may be difficult or painful: for example, bereaved parents, or a child (or adult) whose parents are ill or who have died. In some cases, it may be helpful to acknowledge more widely ‘those who love and care for us’, or those who fulfil the role traditionally taken by a father: grandfather, older brother or uncle.

It is also possible that there are members of the congregation for whom the idea of ‘father’ is a painful one, perhaps because of past experience. This service attempts to acknowledge the fact that no human father is perfect, and that sometimes fathers fail us, whilst at the same time pointing us to our heavenly Father, who is the one we can call ‘perfect’.

Bible readingsHosea 11:1-4; Ephesians 6:1-4; Luke 15:11-32

MusicThere are many suitable hymns and songs for Fathers’ Day which focus on the role of God the Father. Also suitable would be hymns on the theme of God’s love for his people. The following list includes hymns which are well-known and which pick up on these themes:

Father God, I wonder (Hymns Old & New, The Source, Songs & Hymns of Fellowship) Father, I place into your hands

(Hymns Old & New, The Source) Abba, Father (Hymns Old & New, The Source,

Songs & Hymns of Fellowship) Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

(Hymns Old & New) Great is thy Faithfulness (Hymns Old & New,

Songs & Hymns of Fellowship) The gracious invitation stands

(Hymns Old & New) Lord, I come to you (Power of your love)

(Hymns Old & New, The Source)

PicturesThe accompanying photo images by Matt Small can be used anywhere in the service, for example to set the scene as people arrive at church, or during the Gospel reading. However, if you are planning to use them in the talk, you may want to save them until then.

The leader of the service can introduce the reflection with words such as, ‘Today we have heard a story of a father who loved his two sons. Both of them were lost in different ways. Let us now see and hear how that father showed his love for them.’

Image 1 Father: I never meant it to happen like this – no father does. He would have got his share of the estate, of course, in time. But to ask me for it so soon, and in cash, well... It was like he was telling me I was already dead. But perhaps, to him, I was. And once I’d handed over the money he couldn’t get away fast enough. I asked him: ‘What’s so important that you can’t even say a proper goodbye?’ And he laughed, and shook his head and grinned: ‘You wouldn’t understand, Dad.’ And he closed the door. A few minutes later, I found his jacket on the stairs. I grabbed it and ran out after him. He was gone.

Image 2 Younger son: I know it might seem sudden, leaving home like that, but there’s nothing there for me any more. If I stayed, I’d either end up like my older brother, tied to the family business and never going anywhere, or slowly turning into my Dad, constantly fussing over his children and having no life of his own. This is my chance to get out into the world, have some fun and make something of my life. I mean, I can’t stay tied to my family for ever – everyone’s got to leave eventually.

Father: It might have been easier to understand his leaving if he’d talked to me about it. I can’t imagine why he’d want to leave so soon. Was it something I’d done? Or not done? All I can think is that I never paid him enough attention, was too wrapped up in myself. And now, it seems, it’s too late.

Image 3 Younger son: It’s incredible how popular you become when you have money in your wallet. I arrived in town six weeks ago, and within 48 hours I’d made two dozen friends. I’d never been so popular! They were all so interested in me – and they were very good at helping me spend my cash. I last saw them a week ago, which was just about when the money ran out. We’d spent the evening in a nightclub – I think – and then we’d split up to go and

Voices of experienceThis part of the service gives an opportunity for the reality of the role of a father to be heard in the context of worship. It also enables the congregation to acknowledge the fact that no father is perfect, and that even fathers who are Christians do not get everything right. But it also gives an opportunity to show how faith can make a difference to the role of being a dad and help the congregation to see how faith is worked out in everyday life.

Invite a member of the church to speak about his experience of being a father. You may want to consider one of the following approaches:

Invite a new dad to describe the difference being a father has made to his life and his faith Ask a more ‘experienced’ dad to reflect

on his role as a father over several years, and how he has experienced God helping him as a father Invite a grandfather to speak about what

it is like to be a grandparent, including any advice he has for new dads, or any things he wishes he had done differently when his children were young.

It is important to give the participants plenty of notice of this, and to help them to think about the sorts of things they will say. Alternatively, you could do this as an interview, making sure that you agree the questions with the participant well in advance so that they have time to think about their answers (three questions is a good number!). And don’t let it go on too long – five minutes from start to finish is plenty of time!

All-age talkThe talk is a reflection on the Gospel reading suggested for the service (see above). It is designed to be accompanied by the photo images but can also be used without them. It will work best if the different voices are read by three different people.

If you are using the images, it is best to leave a few seconds’ pause after the image appears before then proceeding with the story. The image should remain on screen until the next one is shown.

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Beginning the serviceEither before or after the first hymn, ask a group of people to bring forward symbols of the role of a father. These can be placed in a prominent place at the front of church, e.g. before the altar or around a tall candle. It is important to choose items which are familiar to the majority of the congregation: but try to be as wide-ranging as possible in your selection. Don’t be afraid to use symbols which may challenge stereotypes and invite the congregation to think more widely!

It will work best if each object is brought forward by a different person (which may be an adult or child) who then says a simple sentence to accompany the object.

For example, a mirror may be brought forward with the sentence: ‘I bring a mirror to represent the image of God the Father which we see reflected in our fathers.’

Other objects may include: A diary or watch, to represent the time

which fathers give to their children. A toy or book, to represent how fathers

build relationship with their children. A map, to represent the role which fathers

play in guiding their children through life.

Once all of the symbols have been brought forward, use a prayer or the following responses to praise God for fathers and for his love for us as our heavenly Father.

Leader: See what love the Father has given usAll: That we should be called the children of God.

Leader: You are my sons and daughters: this day have I begotten you.All: See what love the Father has given us.

Leader: As many as received him, to them he gave power to become the children of God.All: See what love the Father has given us.

Leader: See what love the Father has given us that we should be called the children of GodAll: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

(Responses from New Patterns for Worship, Church House Publishing)

These images by Matt Small are available for download at www.chuch-leadership.org

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get something to eat. And then, just as it was beginning to get light, I realised that I was on my own. I looked in my pocket for my phone. Someone had stolen it.

Image 4 Younger son: I dreamed about home last night. I was walking towards the house – it was getting dark, and there were lights on inside. I stopped at the gate. Someone inside was crying, and I heard a voice call my name. I tried to open the gate, but it wouldn’t move, and then I woke up. I haven’t eaten anything since the day before yesterday. I keep thinking of the food on the table at home – and of Dad encouraging me to have a second helping, as always. The question is – after all this time, can I still go home?

Image 5 Father: I went to the end of the road again today – the same ritual for the last two months. I wondered if today should be the last time: I would wait until the bus had been and gone and then stop hoping. When the bus turned the corner of the road, it was beginning to rain. I suddenly went through the usual superstitious thoughts: don’t expect him, because then he won’t be on the bus. Don’t look for his face, because then it will be someone else. Don’t listen for his voice, because then there will only be silence... The doors opened. I held my breath.

Image 6 Younger son: Let me say this: I expected coming home to be different. A lot different. Why would he be there waiting for me? Why would he not shout and threaten me, blame and accuse me, turn his back on me? Why, of all things, would he throw his arms around me? Why would he keep staring and smiling at me as though it was the first time he’d seen me? Why did he keep laughing and saying my name? And why did he start to cry?

Father: I must say this: I expected his return to be quite different. Why did he not ignore me? Why would he not blame me? Why did he not tell me that I had failed him, ruined his life for him? Why would he bury his face in my shoulder? Why would he say over and over that he was so sorry? Why would he cling to me like he did when he was four years old? And why did he start to cry?

Image 7 Older son: I’m the older brother, hidden in the shadows of the story. I also had a homecoming, though I had never been away. I was angry with my brother, I admit it. He had given nothing to the family, and took all he could get; I give as much as I can, and ask nothing in return. My father’s forgiveness of my brother was so complete, and so readily given that I have seen my father in a new light. All these years I failed to comprehend what lengths a father may have to go to in order to fully live out his calling. I have heard it said that God himself loves like that, without limit, without ceasing – a father looking out for his children and ready to welcome them home.

Gifts At some point towards the end of the service, you may like to give a small gift to each of the fathers in the congregation. If you are aware of any men in the congregation who are not fathers, it is good to include them in the giving of gifts or cards.

Here are some ideas for a small gift: A small glider construction kit: these can

be sourced at approx 24p each from Baker Ross (www.bakerross.co.uk). There should be enough to give to every man in the congregation. Cards, which can either be home-made

or bought. It may be possible for children to make these as they come into church before the service. Remember to make some for those who do not have children too! A small bar of chocolate – an old

favourite which is always appreciated!

PrayerOnce the gifts have been distributed to all, the following prayer can be prayed by the whole congregation.

Heavenly Father,you entrusted your Son Jesus,the child of Mary,to the care of Joseph, an earthly father.Bless all fathersas they care for their families.Give them strength and wisdom,tenderness and patience;support them in the work they have to do,protecting those who look to them,as we look to you for love and salvation,through Jesus Christ our rock and defender.Amen.

(from New Patterns for Worship, Church House Publishing)

The Rev Simon Marshall is team vicar of St Michael’s Church,

Solihull, near Birmingham.

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