What Membership Means

This is a collection of personal views about Church Membership drawn from the members of the ACTS Church Life Network. It may used as a discussion starter amongst groups, or for indivduals to reflect upon their own understanding of mission in light of the thoughts of others from across the ACTS member churches.

What Membership Means is available to download as a pdf file

For a hard copy or further information about the ACTS Church Life Network contact Shona Paterson on [email protected]

Convener: John Butterfield, Methodist Church

Vice-Convener: vacant
Network Officer: Shona Paterson

ACTS Church Life Network comprises representatives from the member churches of ACTS. This network devotes a large part of their meeting on information sharing but part of their early work was in the collection of material to produce an ecumenical calendar of commemorations of people well known and less well known who have contributed to Scottish church life, which is available to download free from this website. Also available from the website is an interesting booklet entitled 'What Membership Means' describing the differences between the denominations in achieving membership to each others churches.

The next meeting of the network will be held on Tuesday 27 March 2012 at Inglewood House, Alloa FK10 2HU from 11.30am to 3.00pm

To contact the Network Officer please email [email protected]

A Quiet Day for Scotland

Resources

Let God be God
If we believe that there is in every human heart a thirst for God, – what some people have called ‘a God-shaped hole’ in their lives – we need to recognise this thirst for what it is. By daring to pause and make space and take time in the midst of a busy life, we allow God to be God in the deepest part of ourselves. By acknowledging the presence of God within, we are nourished, refreshed, and strengthened, in readiness to continue our journey. Such a time is not isolated ‘time off’ but a real choice to make space, whether it be an hour, half a day, or longer so as to become more aware of the presence of God within, lived out in the ordinariness of life.

Let God be different
A Quiet Day can give us the freedom to explore ways that might at first glance not be part of our familiar tradition, but treading new paths can provide us with the opportunity to discover and receive God’s presence in unexpected places.

Approaching Wholeness
This chosen time of quiet and space when taken reflectively, whether in ways that are familiar, or by exploring new paths, can create within us a deeper awareness of the mystery of God and the mystery of ourselves. Such a time gives us the opportunity to let go of all that gets in between us and God – the clutter, the useless anxieties, the ‘shoulds’ and ‘musts’ of life – and makes way for the ‘God-shaped hole’ to be respected. By slowing down and becoming aware of our body, mind and spirit, we allow the integration towards wholeness and a closer relationship with God to take place.

Themes
It can be helpful to centre the quiet space around a theme. This can be in keeping with the seasons; certain local, national, major World-wide events, significant days of the year celebrated throughout the country or if appropriate according to the liturgical time of the year. Or simply reflecting the place, the people and the time they are gathered together.

Some suggestions:
• Awareness of all that surrounds us – the elements of the earth – air, fire, water.
• Bible stories from the Old and New Testament – the psalms, parables, encounters with Jesus.
• Local surroundings – city streets, cliff tops, country-side, rivers, seas.
• Awareness of the Senses – touch, taste, smell, hearing
• Creativity – especially the use of music, art, creative writing, dance, mime.
• Ways of praying – that would include – the Jesus Prayer, praying with imagination, Lectio Divina, meditation, prayers of praise.

This list is far from exhaustive and when choosing a theme it is essential to consider what is appropriate to those attending and whether this is their first experience of quiet. Try to find the balance of what you feel the group will be comfortable with and at the same time leaving space for God’s Spirit!

It is useful to have your own ‘Resource Box’ that contains favourite prayers, hymns, texts both Biblical and contemporary, poetry, classical as well as appropriate popular music, children’s books (really meant for adults!) newspaper cuttings, as well as things that are special to you.

Focus
Creating a focal point can be the most challenging part of any quiet time, as many people feel they are not gifted in this area and are afraid to attempt this. Yet it is surprising that with just a few simple elements a visual focus can help to create an atmosphere to the place and theme. (Especially if the gathering place is a dull, unattractive space). Once the theme of the day is chosen you may wish to invite the participants to bring an object, symbol to add to the focus at some point.

You might like to use some of the following:
• Candles, preferably those in glass containers as they will not spill or burn carpets or wooden floors (please check fire regulations of venue before opting for this as some smoke detectors are ultra sensitive and candles can set off alarms).
• All sorts of boxes and tins to give shape and height
• Small tables – nests of coffee tables are ideal
• Materials, plain and with texture. Sari material is excellent.
• Beads, glass pebbles as well as real ones
• Sawdust for creating paths, or sand
• Dried fruits, leaves, branches, bark
• Earthenware or clay pots and bowls
• Feathers, incense, aromatherapy oils (best to check that people are not allergic to any of these)
• Display panels – ideal if you happen to know someone in business who has them.

Ask participants to bring something with them to ‘add’ to the focus. Be sensitive to the group and create an appropriate focus, it is important that people are comfortable with what they see and able to own it’.

Suggested Books

Daily Bible Reading Notes Produced by various groups
One day for God Anthea Dove
The heart of prayer Brother Raon
A journey into God Delia Smith
How I can pray John Wilkins
Open to God Joyce Juggett
Invitations Francis Dewar
Approaches to prayer Ed. Henry Morgan
Sadhana Anthony de Mello
The Word is very near you Martin smith
All desires known Janet Morley

A Quiet Day for Scotland

Feed back: What happened last year?

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN
ALYTH, BLAIRGOWRIE AND COUPAR ANGUS

A Pilgrimage of Scottish Saints where almost all of the churches in the areas of Alyth and Blairgowrie participated was held on 28 November in Alyth and again on 29 November in Blairgowrie. There were many displays, books, pictures and opportunities to participate in calligraphy and the days were a great success.

The day also provided an opportunity for people from various denominations to get to know one another better although there were only a few people ‘off the street’ who came by.

Another event will be planned for next year but it will be something different next time.

Mary Hall
[email protected]

People were invited to have a quiet time at Coupar Angus on Saturday 29 November.

The church and church hall were both open all day – the church had Taize music playing quietly and the hall had three prayer stations and a display of Celtic history and art.

Refreshments were served all day including a ploughman’s lunch. Celtic pictures to colour in, as well as a leaflet describing how to practice contemplation and meditation were provided using resources from ACTS website.

The event was greeted positively by those who came but sadly no non-church folk appeared! Next year may well take place in a local supermarket!

Although attempts were made to achieve some publicity in the local press they insisted that it had to go under ‘church’ – something which turns some people off!

Charmian Paterson, [email protected]

AUGUSTINE UNITED CHURCH

A quiet day was held at Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh on Saturday 29 November from 10.00am to 4.00pm. It was organised jointly by Augustine and St Columba’s by the Castle. It began and ended with simple worship. The rest of the time was either silence or quiet music. A visual focus was provided. Six people came, four for half the day and two for the whole day.

The publicity probably wasn’t very good. Although information was sent to local newspapers and church organisations, it’s unclear how much actually got through. However those who attended appreciated the event. Large notices were displayed in the hope that some passers by might drop in, but none did, except one who didn’t really want the event itself.

The event itself was successful help is needed in providing better publicity. Many churches and church members didn’t seem to have heard of it until I told them.

Can ACTS give it a higher profile next year?

Julia Fowler, [email protected]

ABERDEEN AND BALLATER

About 18 people came to reflect and pray at St Mary’s Cathedral on the Friday. On Saturday Sr Moira Donnelly led a Quiet Day at Ballater which people enjoyed, especially the power-point presentation on St Andrew. Carole Phelan went along to St Andrew’s Cathedral where six or seven met to pray. There was a limited amount of ecumenical sharing and both Moira and Carole would like to encourage more denominational ‘mixing’ next time round. They would also like to introduce some ‘drop-in’ locations.

Sr Moira Donnelly, Quiet Day for Scotland Task Group (now retired)

ALLOA

St John’s Church Hosted a Quiet Day on 29 November with a focus on prayer for Scotland. They had four stations:

1. Prayer for Scotland
2. Light
3. Anointing
4. Cloth for the cradle

At the beginning of each hour there was a reading and prayer at one of the stations but people were free to wander round and take time at whatever one they wanted and could come and go as they pleased.

Each session ended with a Taize chant.

Tea and coffee were served in the inner room and a light lunch provided. People stayed for most of the day which ended with communion.

The day was open to all who wanted to come, a note was put in the paper and churches joined from the Local Church Forum. Everyone who came appreciated it and stayed for a long time. There was never less than a dozen people and often more.

The Local Church Forum have indicated interest for next year.

(the late) Revd Canon Shirley Lobley

BLAIR ATHOLL

The St Andrew’s-tide ‘Quiet Day for Scotland’ Kilmaveonaig Episcopal Church shared with the Church of Scotland was much appreciated. People dropped in at both venues, where refreshments were available all day – and there was also a delicious lunch served in Blair Church Hall. The window bays there had tables with reading material, some interesting religious items, including a Hebrew Prayer Book and an exquisite wood carving of a monk; a lap top computer showed a rolling programme of local and Scottish scenery.

At Kilmaveonaig they had a short organ recital, a selection of Art books and other reading material and a CD of Tom Fleming reading from the New Testament in Scots (quietly, in the vestry!)

One lady who, on being asked if she would like a lift home after lunch, said No thank you, she was so much enjoying having things to red and look at, some company around, but not having to say anything!

Shared quiet is quite a rare thing and it was hoped that a repeat the experience may be achieved later this year.

Libby Macrae 017996 481443

BRECHIN CATHEDRAL

A Quiet Day of music, verse and prayer at Brechin Cathedral was held on Saturday 29 November from 10.30am to 3.00pm. In spite of a publicity, the response was poor. However, the few who made the effort to attend found it a special time to pray for Scotland and for Brechin.

A better response is hoped for 2009.

Jane Nelson, [email protected]

LARGS CHURCHES TOGETHER

Largs Churches’ Together held their event at the Church of the Nazarene. It was a lovely quiet and meaningful morning. Around 22 people came in quietly and prayed. Some stayed longer than other.

The hosts look forward to another similar event in 2009.

Revd Trish Laird, [email protected]

OBAN

The Quiet Day was observed in Oban around St Andrew’s Day. Several churches gathered at the Free Church and the event attracted many visitors all wishing to pray for Scotland.

It is hoped to build on this day and provide something again for 2009.

Carol Leech
For ACTS Scottish Churches’ Rural Group

QUAKER MEETING HOUSE

An ‘Oasis of Calm’ was provided for those participating in this event at the Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh on Saturday 29 November.

Quaker Meeting House is a busy place and a Quiet Room was set aside for people to pop in and out. Many did, although no-one ‘off the street’ came in.

The resources provided by ACTS were good and were used. They were also displayed and made available for people to take away. A board was placed outside with information about the day but it is intended to provide fuller promotion of the event for 2009.

Contact: Sue Buxton: Quaker Meeting House on 0131 225 4825

WISHAW CHURCHES TOGETHER

The event, hosted by Wishaw Churches’ Together was held at Wishaw Old Parish Church, situated on a busy street and next to a bus stop. ‘Quiet Day for Scotland’ posters were sent to the local churches and displayed in shops and the library inviting people to:

‘Stop for 15 minutes from the busyness of Christmas shopping.
Find space to be still, to think, to pray,
to be more aware of God’s presence.
What’s Christmas about? What’s life’s purpose?
Drop into Wishaw Old Parish Church
Saturday 29th November 11am – 1pm
Programme repeats every 15 minutes.
Organised nationally by Action of Churches Together in Scotland. Organised locally by Wishaw Churches’ Together’

One church brought figures of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in the manger from their nativity scene while another church brought banners for either side of the entrance. A large screen was set up at the pulpit end of the sanctuary and programmes were given out at the door, and to passers by.

About 100 people in all came in during the morning. The 15 minute programme was prepared by a small group based on a meditative worship service prepared by the session clerk. It was visual with some music. The programme then repeated.

For a first time it was felt the day had gone quite well with a fair number of people expressing their appreciation of the quiet thoughtful words and vivid images.

It is something Wishaw Churches’ Together will try again.

Mary Louise Archibald, Convener, Wishaw Churches’ Together