Here at Liberton we have adopted an annual rhythm comprising three seasons – upwards, inwards and outwards. These are reflected in our Sunday themes, as well as in our daily Celtic Devotions. Our first season, with its focus on drawing closer to God, ended with Easter, and now we are beginning our second season where we ask the question – “What does it mean to be part of the church family?”
Recently I’ve discovered that one of the blessings of turning 60 is that I now am fully equipped with my own bus pass, and this has encouraged me to rediscover the joys of public transport. In the course of the last few months I’ve spent a fair amount of time on busses, and as a result I have been able to observe bus culture first hand.
I’ve been struck by the huge variety of people that travel by bus, and by the huge variety of mannerisms and habits they display. These range from the open and welcoming folk, who like being with people and are quick to smile and include, to the closed, who spend most of their time looking at their phones. Then there are the considerate folks, who are sensitive to those around them and ready to help when help is needed, in sharp contrast to the thoughtless, who take up more than their fair share of room and won’t move unless asked to.
These next few months will give us the opportunity to ask ourselves one or two challenging questions about our own church’s culture. If the Christian faith is about being on a spiritual journey, then the Christian church is like travelling together by bus, where at every stop, there is the opportunity for new passengers to get on board. When they do, what will they find? Will they find a culture that is open or closed, considerate or thoughtless? Will they want to stay on board until the journey’s end, or get off at the next stop?
Our final season – that of looking outward, will begin in the Autumn, when we will be inviting others to join us in our travels. So, before they climb on board, let’s take the time to make sure their experience will be a good one.
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13.14)
Much love
John