July 2023
Re: What would it mean to 'embrace our smallness'
I find the move among many churches towards missional communities evidence of the value of being part of a smaller group.
Eastern Baptist Association (via Facebook)
Small is beautiful
Kay (via Facebook)
Most excellent article, being a small church leader is no small feat, it is indeed a challenge, but it is so rewarding. I am loving it thanks be to God who has placed me in the right church for such a time as this
Bren (via Facebook)
29 members, and everyone is known and loved.
Rachel (via Facebook)
We love our small church. It's a tiny village Chapel, even when packed full on Christmas Eve it can only seat 42.
We know the whole congregation and love each other as an extended family. Having a small building is also a big blessing having come from churches where a crumbling, damp building with drafty windows was a financial and organisational burden.
Becky (via Facebook)
Being a small church is wonderful. It allows people to know each other well and to have those one to one relationships which are less easy in large churches. Yes, it’s not so easy to hide personality clashes, but each person is very visible and their gifting is definitely needed!
Liz (via Facebook)
Love this article and feel it is prophetic in the medium to long term. However for the present:
1. Pray for people to be raised up with a heart for calling to the small Church. We do exist.
2. Be clear about what is healthy small Church and what isn't. Tell good news stories of the former.
3. For Churches trapped in the past, didn't God break the fowlers' snare. This is a Spiritual problem as much as anything else.
Glen (via Facebook)
Being small can be powerful, becoming small usually has a troubling momentum of its own. Since most of our churches have become smaller, the question becomes, 'Will our smallness be a step towards nothingness or newness?'
Mike (via Facebook)
We have 25 members but a regular congregation of about 40 across all ages. Everyone is known loved and welcomed, we look after each other as family (complete with odd characters and disagreements at times!)
Brenda (via Facebook)
Re: The Revd Dr Richard Lawrence Kidd: 1950-2023
Wow, what an amazing collection of reflections
Sandra (via Facebook)
Richard was hugely important in my own journey into ministry … Our Union(s) is/are richer for his service
Catriona (via Facebook)
So sorry to hear of his death. Such a lovely man.
Jillian (via Facebook)
He was such a wonderful man, a privilege to have known him.
Ruth (via Facebook)
Sad news indeed.
Paul (via Facebook)
Re: Championing the cause of older people
It’s with a mixture of sadness and rejoicing we prepare to say auf weidersehen to Alex. Thank you for the past, God’s richest blessings for the future.
Nigel Coles, via Twitter