Terry Paul Choyce
April 20, 2008, Brunswick Street United Church
Last week Sandy made the comparison of our small congregation to the small group of Jesus's disciples. It would be great if we had a few more people who regularly attended our church, and hopefully that will happen. But in the meantime, I think it is essential that we accentuate the positive in having such a small, friendly group. And look what Jesus's disciples were able to create? A few people can make a big difference to the world.
I said last week that even if we do not grow, if YOU live the values that you learn in church, you will make a positive impact on everyone you encounter. I bet each one of us talks to, or emails at least 20 people regularly. So if 13 of us influence 20 people, that is 260 people a week. If you treat each one of them with kindness, compassion, respect, and optimism, then we together have a significant influence in the world. Small can be mighty.
We had a really great discussion during the service last week about what kind of church we want to be. On the slips I passed out you "voted" almost unanimously that you wanted a family style church with a buffet type of opportunities. The only exception was Jim Sykes, who says he wants a picnic, which is usually an outside event. This is pretty funny considering he is the one who designed and helped to build this church building. I think his vote just expressed his innate creativity and sense of humour. And I do think we should plan a picnic in his honour this summer.
So what does a family church look like? In the book Entering the World of the Small Church, Tony Pappas wrote:
" small congregations have several important advantages. Primary among them is that personal relationship is the foundation of the small congregation, with family-like connections among parishioners who know each other intimately. Every member is important and can be involved in the meaningful work of the Church. This intimacy enables spiritual nurture and growth in a deeply personal way between and among pastor and members. These all help the small church to live truly as the body of Christ."
This is the strength of Brunswick St. United. We are a diverse congregation who come together as a family once a week to express our spiritual beliefs and to feel the friendship of everyone who is here. Everyone who ever walks through our doors is welcomed. We care about each other. In a world which can often be impersonal and even hostile, we know we can come here and be respected and cherished unconditionally. This is a precious gift. This is how God wants us to treat everyone, everywhere.
There are drawbacks to being a small church however. There are less church-related activities, because it is difficult to get enough people out to attend them. There are fewer committees, which means individuals do most of the work. I personally like this, since my experience with committees is that several people take time out of their lives to meet and talk, but generally one person does all the work anyway. We have an excellent Church Council where major decisions are made, and tasks are taken on by volunteers. If someone feels they are doing too much, all they have to do is say so. As a caring congregation I think we try hard not to burn anyone out - including the worship leader.
A small church often bemoans that they do not have things like a Sunday School or a huge choir. While those would be nice, they are not possible for us in the near future. So the logical thing to do is capitalise on what we do have. We have an enthusiastic choir, and wonderful musicians like Hugh and Marie. We have excellent guest soloists who come fairly regularly. When children do come everyone makes a fuss over them, and I am sure they feel good about being here. We have a lovely, comfortable sanctuary and I am very glad we don't have pews. This place is bright, warm, and welcoming.
Most small churches have a terrible time making ends meet. At this time, that is not an issue for us. The building is managed by the Mission. The money from the parking lot helps to pay our expenses. Sandy volunteers her time to do our order of service, and other secretarial and treasurer jobs are shared by Hazel, Hugh and myself. Paul opens the church for us and Jim and Ron make sure we are running well. Rev. Ihazs conducts all our sacraments and keeps us in line with the Manual. We work together as an efficient team, with remarkably few hitches. Many churches can't brag about that. I have had many years of experience with committees and churches, and I think we are the best.
Last week we talked a bit about what a "buffet" service is like. Because we are small we can be more flexible in the structure of our service, in the music we sing, in the readings we hear, and in the range of theology presented to us. I personally think our service is a good blend of traditional and innovative. I think we are the only United Church in HRM to have a discussion time after the sermon, and I think that is one of the best parts of the service. Each of you has the opportunity to express your opinions and beliefs. You are intently heard and respected for what you say. You contribute to our spiritual growth and understanding. And this is a way we all get to know each other better. We could not do this in a big church.
And many of you participate in the service. From lighting the Christ candle, to reading the Bible, to singing, to poetry reading - your contributions are very important. Jesus encouraged all of his disciples to go out and minister to the people. In my opinion, everyone here is a minister. You can do it here in our sanctuary, and you can do it at home, at work, everywhere you go. Sharing our beliefs, our values, and our talents with others is doing the work of God.
In the future I'd like to see even more of you contributing to our services and to the life of this church. Walter has recently agreed to join me on Presbytery, and he is going as our representative to Conference this year. A big thanks to him. I am starting a spiritual discussion group which will begin to meet May 8 at 7 pm, and is open to the public. It is an attempt to help our congregation grow, and to give people an opportunity to explore spiritual concepts and writers which are not usually a part of our Sunday service. This will be a true spiritual "buffet" experience.
Jesus said that where two or three are gathered, there he will be. When we come together, even just a few of us, an energy is generated that is greater than one person alone. I cannot explain it, but I can feel it. When people join their loving energy in prayer, in discussion, and in acts of kindness , a power is created that changes things. People are healed, sometimes physically, but more often spiritually and emotionally. So it is important for you and you and you to come together to express your love of God. And I am very thankful that you have chosen to be a part of this church family at Brunswick St. United.
Praise be the Lord
