Revd Daniel George, minister of Rosyth Methodist Church, writes …
I am pleased to share that the first session of Our Church’s Future Story took place on Thursday 20 August.
The session gave time to reflect on God, faith, prayer, worship, and the life of Rosyth Methodist Church. It was good to hear people sharing from their own experience and naming some of the ways God has been known in their lives and in the life of the church.
The group reflected on the different names, images and language people use for God, including Creator, Father, Mother, Lord Jesus, Saviour, friend, guide, love and forgiveness. This led to a helpful conversation about how some words and terms for God can feel difficult for some people, while other words and images can help people pray, worship and speak about faith.
One of the strongest themes was that God is often experienced through the church and its people, and through observing the faith of others.
People spoke about encountering God: in the welcome at the door, in the joy of seeing people arrive for worship, in the encouragement people receive from one another, and in the small acts of kindness and care that can mean a great deal.
In the part of the exercise on what God does, how God acts, and how we respond, the reflections centred on God’s role in worship and the life of the church. People spoke about hymns, music, Bible readings, preaching, prayer, familiar words, and the way a service can stay with someone and help them through the week. There was also a helpful observation about coming to worship with openness, even when the preacher or service may not be what they expected, because something in the service may still speak to them.
The second part of the session explored the importance of listening in prayer and allowing Scripture to speak to us. Prayer is not only speaking to God, but also making space to listen for God’s voice and guidance: a living conversation in which God’s word breathes life into us.
Some of the words and phrases from Psalm 25 that stayed with people were paths, teach, ways, lead me in your truth, and for you I wait all day long.
Other positive themes emerged around creation, music, the happiness and energy of Messy Church, memories of Bible study and prayer, and faithful people who have helped shape the life of the church over many years.
The first session helped us remember that many gifts are already present within Rosyth Methodist Church: welcome, prayer, encouragement, pastoral care, faithfulness, music, Scripture, worship, memory, kindness, and service.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the first session and to everyone who is praying for this process as it continues.
All are Welcome!
Please get in touch with Daniel or one of the stewards if you would like to take part or receive the Zoom details.
