Hatfield Church - Vicar's Notes

Worshipping together in Christian community.

March 2010

Many Christians like to keep a low profile. Those of us who are low profile Christians tell ourselves that we don't want to get too involved; we want to keep out of parish conflicts, say our prayers privately and in peace without being bothered by others. We often don't go along to the church events and we're not really too sure what plans the church has because we don't really want to get too involved.

The problem with this approach to our life of faith is that if we all adopt this attitude we'll have no community; we'll just be isolated individuals doing our own thing, insulated from others, vacuum packed and waiting for the end of our shelf life in this world. Yet without contact with others we can't even learn who needs our prayers, we can't even begin to understand their needs and therefore be in a position to help. We won't be in a position to know of someone else's difficulties, pain or joy.

My understanding of the Bible is that Jesus didn't call us to be one-man bands. He called us to be his family, his people, his community of faith in this life. And living in community can mean many things, from sharing our whole lives together as Nuns or Monks do in a religious community or by simply sharing together at least on a weekly basis in church through worship, friendship, fellowship and service.

Our church has so many great and positive things happening to foster and encourage living together in community; from bible studies to fellowship groups, concerts to coach trips, three course meals to picnics, short Christian courses to Spring Harvest and supporting each other through good times and bad. But, unfortunately, some still feel as if they are on the edge, on the fringe and can't or don't want to take that next step of moving towards Christian community.

Worshipping Jesus Christ together in community and sharing His message of love with others is the church's primary function and the yardstick by which all of us are judged by those who are not yet members of the Church. How we are as Christians in community tells others a great deal about the God of love we worship and serve. If we ‘keep ourselves to ourselves' I wonder what that says to others about God? If we worship an all-inclusive God of love, then this must be seen in the way we live and worship in Christian community.

Instead of giving up more things this Lent, can I please encourage you to consider taking on more? Taking on more opportunities for worship, fellowship and friendship on a more regular basis, soaking up more of God's love by being in his presence surrounded by our Christian community.

Believe it or not, you are missed when you are not there! The whole body doesn't function properly if some parts are missing. It's always disappointing when some miss worshipping with us. Please don't let that become you. Come and join us.

Paul