Last Sunday (22 September), some were attending the Scottish Methodist Gathering in Stirling, so our morning service – “The Rosyth Gathering” –took a rather different and less formal character. Held in the Church Lounge, our songs were interspersed by prayers from Mary Kidd, and Ann White shared some thoughts about Jeremiah.
We were asked: “What do you know about Jeremiah? Who was he? What did he do?” and Ann went on to describe his life: “… in a cistern … in prison … prophesied about Babylonian invasion … didn’t have a very good life. But things were about to take a turn for the better”, as we learnt when Ken read from Jeremiah 32:6–15: “Houses, fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land”. Ann went on …
“However, when the Babylonians did come, he was allowed to stay behind, and he met God in many unexpected places. He went to the potter’s house when he needed to leave the hustle and bustle behind, and his spirit was renewed.
“When I was in ministry, there were many times when I needed to have my spirit renewed. A member of my first congregation was a healing touch practitioner. I didn’t really know what healing touch is, but I went along to find out. Healing touch has a bit of a false name, because the practitioner doesn’t actually touch you, but rather he/she acts as a conduit for the Holy Spirit to minister to you.
“I don’t see a healing touch person these days, but I still take quiet time to relax in God’s presence. For me it is no longer the potter’s house I go to, but I sit on the end of my bed and gaze on God’s handiwork in the garden. Now don’t get over-excited! If you have ever seen Mary’s garden, it is nothing like mine – I just plant up some pots at the beginning of summer and by this time of year God’s handiwork fills them with weeds!
“I’ve always felt a connection with Jeremiah having a place to go where God’s spirit can wash over me. A friend has a prayer chair where she sits in God’s presence. Do you have a place to sit in God’s presence? It doesn’t matter where it is. As long as you can feel close to God. And God will come close to you. Amen.”
In the time of sharing that followed, others told of ways, places and times where God had made Himself known to them, and we felt His presence amongst us.
The second Sunday running on which we had benefitted from a rather different and memorable time of worship. Our time together was completed by the fellowship lunch that followed – heartfelt thanks to Lorraine Wilkinson for a splendid spread!
You can read Ann’s thoughts in a printable form at this link.
Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash
