Yesterday we had a joint service with or Methodist neighbours, with them coming to us for Low Sunday.  A month ago we went them.  Both services were well-attended with similar numbers from each, small, church, and both services seem to have been well-appreciated.

There is much to reflect upon going forward, but to me it felt that this was a glimpse of a new possibility, a small green shoot that, if carefully nurtured, could become a good thing... nothing too threatening to wither congregation, just a sharing of resources and mutually supporting and encouraging one another... each congregation having a few services where all they have to do is 'show up', a time to draw breath and receive, and each congregation  being able to be part of something a little bit bigger, broader, and more wonderful.

Scratch/scraper art crosses for the intercessions worked well - both congregations are used to intercessions led from the front and are uncomfortable even  being asked for prayer requests, let alone praying aloud, but they really engaged well with small groups being invited to 'scratch' their prayers in words or symbols onto the crosses, which they then placed on the Communion Table along with the offering.

Yes, there are things to learn, to do different or better.  Yes, there bits that went wrong - there always will be.  Yes, some people don't/won't go to the other church (so they get a week off, so what?!).  Overall though, a good thing and, imo, worth doing more of.