On Friday last week I attended the Civic Prayer Breakfast hosted by Aberdeen City Council. Rob Parsons was the guest speaker and it was a really encouraging event. He spoke powerfully about his own story involving an individual, called Ronnie, who was homeless and ended up living with Rob and his family for 45 years. Rob is a great storyteller and he definitely had our attention. I was particularly struck by his emphasis on the importance of belonging. At one point he said, "belonging is almost as important as breathing." He talked about how Ronnie can to feel that he did belong, both within the family, but also within the church. His early life had clearly left its mark on him - negative words hung over him - but over time, he came to be a part of the community. There was a place for him, where he was loved and cared for, and given a sense of purpose and meaning.
I think Rob is right when he points to the importance of belonging. I think of times when Jesus not only healed someone physically, but also reintroduced them into community. The woman who touched Jesus' cloak was made whole again, but not just in terms of her body. She was called 'daughter' and her faith was commended. And her healing would have reopened the door to meeting with others and being part of the community. And then there are the stories that Jesus told. When lost things are found, the whole community is invited to celebrate.
Jesus helps us understand who we belong to, when he speaks of the vine. We belong to God and when we abide in Him, He abides in us. We are connected to Him and to one another.
Is belonging something that you have ever struggled with?
Where is the place where you feel that your truly belong?
How easy is it for new people to gain a sense of belonging in your home congregation?
On Friday, we heard from a number of people about the challenges that exist around homelessness and what can be done to address the underlying issues. We were reminded that it is rarely one thing that goes wrong which results in someone becoming homeless. But also, we heard of how small acts of kindness can made a significant difference in the lives of other people. It was moving to hear personal experiences and to be encouraged to remember that we are beloved of God.
On Sunday, I had the privilege of worshipping at Kincardine Coastal which included the baptism of a young person, who was so excited to become part of the family of faith. There was a wonderful atmosphere in the congregation, as they shared life together (and cake). It was lovely to see old friends and meet new people, who spoke of how they had found a home in that church family.
On Wednesday night we had our first ever Induction Training. It was an opportunity to help make Presbytery more accessible and more welcoming to new Presbyters. The proof will be in the pudding, but I hope that those who attended did see that there is a place for them in NENI and we look forward to them playing their part in the year to come.
As we enter the final quarter of the year, with all its busyness, is there something that you could be doing to help someone feel like they belong - in your church, in your community, in the Presbytery?
Rev Stella