Last night's Church Meeting has left me somewhat puzzled. In a good way mostly, but puzzled none the less.
We are fortunate that proportionally, our attendance is always good - usually at least 50% of members (we rarely have 'open' meetings unless there's something really major to think through...!). Knowing the number of people with colds etc, I'd arranged the chairs in a single horseshoe rather than rows, and opted to use a Powerpoint thing with some music, based around Jesus washing his disicples feet, for our opening devotions.
In some ways there wasn't that much to discuss - more lots of things to report back on.
As ever, the pastoral news section was the longest section of the meeting. A lot of people have big stuff to deal with at the moment, and it took a while to get round such of these as people who are willing to share. It dismays me that we still have to list all the broken fingernails when others face life-hanging/threatening situations but there you go.
The aspects of church life that excite me - the wonderful Christmas outreach events, the steady but effective mission work and the upcoming Vision Day seemed to evoke minimal response from people, though we did agree to have a 'faith lunch' at the Vision Day which is big time progress for us! Even the update from the architect over our planning application - due to go in again in a few days, so please pray.... - prompted minimal interest. The most conversation seemed to arise over the disposal (or not) of our ancient, obsolete and barely functional photocopier which has sat in someone's garage for three years. Said item will now be auctioned on Ebay and if it does not sell chucked.
It was a really unspectacular church meeting. Yet it was filled with funny moments and lots of laughter. When we closed at 9:15 (a Church meeting under 2 hours - we are well good!) people sat and chatted to each other and I had to chivy them up in the end so I could lock up and return the key.
I am intrigued by all this. Suddenly we are being forced to support each other because people have 'pants' things to face. Suddenly, amidst some real struggles - so much more meaningful than hymn book colours or buildings - we are discovering one of God's most precious gifts - that of laughter.
It was a somewhat weird Church Meeting. I struggled with the blank expressions that arose whan people were asked to reflect on Christmas events. But I am glad that we were able to laugh together - which maybe is a good precursor for the day, which will surely come, when we must also cry together.