An assistant from the congregation could make calls at another day of
the week and solve this problem.
Secretarial assistance would also be a help, thus leaving the minister
more time for calling.
Concerning this visiting, I know of one instance where a complaint of
an older person about no visit was erroneous; Mr. Ingleby had been in
two weeks before but to a shut-in I guess it looked like months or
perhaps they had just forgotten.When we interviewed Rev.
Mark Waugh we asked what he would expect of his congregation.
His answer was very similar to what Ralph later told us.
He would hope for co-operation both in worship services with perhaps
some consultation about the content, some volunteer lay readers, also
some assistance from his parishioners in the visiting.
He would also feel the need of some secretarial assistance and this
will be provided.
Applications will likely be made for the position after he comes.
He will expect his 5 Sundays – or one month of holidays and be able to
use the proffered 3 weeks study leave as needed.
This is the usual provision recommended by Presbytery.
Perhaps if we recognize this to be the usual thing nowadays with
participation of congregation members the expected norm, we can be
prepared to give Mark the encouragement which will make him feel we
appreciate his coming to our charge.
As we can read in the Observer, and as I have learned from workshops
and other church services, we are encouraged to open our minds to try
new ideas. |
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One of the most pleasant services I attended this spring included much
congregation participation.
It began with a hymn sing such as we had this morning.
Perhaps this would be helpful to learning some of the more unfamiliar
tunes in the red book that have caused some difficulties.I attended
a service Easter week in which a retired lady minister, who is
considered somewhat over the hill, presented a beautiful program with
herself as Mother Mary reflecting over her
life with her son Jesus, with church members acting in pantomime, the
different events from Jesus’ birth to his crucifixion and glorious
resurrection. It was very touching; and during the communion service that followed,
she has us go to the front in groups where we were served communion,
blessed, and told to Go In Peace.
After the adults, she called the children up also in groups, and making
sure she knew the name of each one, she gave that child a personal
blessing with her hands on the child’s head.
After our study on the Christian Initiation Report, it seemed that
perfect bridge between baptism and confirmation.
Apparently Anglicans do this; and of course we know Catholics go to the
front of the church to take communion.
I have taken communion at service where everyone walked up one aisle,
got their piece of bread from one person, dipped it in wine held by
another, and returned to their seat. I was told this was done at one church on Christmas Eve where many of
the members were quite unwilling, but the minister insisted so that no
one would have the chore of washing 300 communion glasses on Christmas. | Back |
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