Diocesan stories of people responding to God’s call
Missional movers and shakers
Mission-shaped churches don’t happen by accident. These outward-oriented flourishing congregations are intentionally nurtured to be that way. One of the approaches for some parishes is starting a mission group.
A team of passionate and focused missionally-active people can act as a catalyst for this ministry. Not that they take on these initiatives by themselves, nor that mission is just one small branch of a congregation’s ministry. A mission group ensures that mission is at the centre of parish life and decisions, as well as facilitates opportunities for others to join in.
At least two faith communities in our Diocese have struck up such a team.
The Parish of New Germany is known for trying innovative approaches to vibrant ministry like a ukulele music group, barn worship and community cafe. Now they’ve started what they call a Parish Mission Squad.
Associate priest, Rev. Catherine Robar helped kickstart it when she joined the diocesan missional leaders learning cohort. She said, “Shortly after The Connectors TWO began, I realized that mission in our parish could not be a one-person effort. So I prayed about and talked with a number of parishioners and asked if they’d consider being part of a team to explore mission.”
The Parish Mission Squad is made up of a mixture of eight lay people and three clergy who have an openness to mission. Together they study missiological articles and pray. “We … consider what God is doing and may be calling us to be doing in our parish and area,” said Rev. Catherine. “We try to work together in carrying out mission projects and activities as we discern how we’re being called.”
New Germany’s group started with some Anglican foundational basics. The priest explained, “We’ve looked at the Marks of Mission and realized we have much to do in ‘proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom’ and in ‘teaching and nurturing new (and old) believers’. We have much growing and learning to do ourselves (current parishioners) and we need to become knowledgeable and enthusiastic enough to share the Good News as we recognize opportunities beyond. We also are well aware that we need to work more at being and making disciples.”
The three-congregation rural parish also received a Diocesan mission grant for Christian Foundations Workbooks (produced by Wycliffe College, Toronto, ON). “After adjusting to the pandemic and considering the various options, we have begun a Zoom group…,” said Rev. Catherine. “We hope to start together and then be open to others who may want to enter into this study with us, with a partner or in small groups (in person or Zoom).”
During 2020 the Mission Squad sent out seasonal letters to all the children and young people connected in any way with the parish. Scores of packages were delivered at Easter, Pentecost, Thanksgiving and Advent/Christmas.
Building on their strengths, the group works to enhance existing ministries. Rev. Catherine says, “We also support things already established and try to look for the missional opportunities in them. For example, our seasonal gifts and visits to sick, shut-in and bereaved people.”
The South Shore rural parish also does weekly deliveries of church bulletins to those without Internet, free funeral receptions and hosts the popular Community Café, here residents socialize and patronize local entrepreneurs. “The community is noticing and people are feeling cared for,” said the priest.
She highly recommends establishing a mission-focused team. “In many parishes, it could be a great benefit to have a group to help raise mission awareness,” Rev. Catherine said. “It’s so much easier and more fun to pool ideas, resources and share the work load!”
In urban Halifax, St. James’ Armdale has MELT – Missional Engagement Leadership Team.
The group came together when Alice Galpin Nicholson from The Connectors One, invited the congregation to a meeting to talk about mission.
“Those who showed interest were like-minded and missional who wanted to be intentional in sharing our faith and helping others both inside and outside the church building,” said Alice. “We have between 5-8 people involved on a regular basis. There are others that are happy to help when projects or ideas come about.”
MELT began their work first by identifying the parish’s passions and gifts. Alice said, “We prayed on developing our group and ways to promote missional ideas in the community.”
The mission team at St. James’ began several initiatives in 2020, including God’s Tickle Trunk. This is an outdoor cupboard, located on church property, just a few feet from a busy sidewalk. The principle is simply take what you need, leave what you can. The shelves are chock full of non-perishable groceries, personal hygiene items, books, inspirational messages, and the inspirationally painted Jesus Rocks. It is used regularly.
MELT has organized virtual community to meet the needs of people who are feeling isolated and troubled. Living through the Pandemic Support Group is hosted twice weekly online and in-person when restrictions are lifted. Laughter Yoga with a trained instructor, is another popular session held online weekly.
Like the Parish of New Germany, St. James’ at the Armdale Roundabout distributes care packages to youth and children. Military people on deployment also receive cards, treats and words of encouragement.
One of the dynamic ways that MELT is encouraging all parishioners to learn and live their baptismal vows missionally is through their weekly Missional Moment. Each Sunday at worship, congregation members are invited a share a short one or two-minute story about how they have been either a recipient or giver of an intentional act of mission. They are videotaped and posted on St. James’ Facebook page.
For the last couple of years St. James’ Parish Council approved budget funds to purchase needed supplies for their missional initiatives. Meanwhile, MELT has more post-COVID plans. “Outdoor musical/talent days, evening summer chats, offering blessing bags to the homeless, and breakfast/lunch/supper clubs, just to mention a few,” said Alice.
The lay leader says their Missional Engagement Leadership Team has blessed the neighbourhood and parish in many aspects. “Not only does it build a strong group to discuss ways of doing God’s work here on earth and telling about his kingdom,” Alice explained. “It also encourages everyone to share their talents, passions and ideas.”
St. James’ rector, Rev. Katie Taylor-Flynn is enthusiastic about MELT. “It is one of the most uplifting groups I have ever been a part of,” she said. “Everyone is so filled with excitement and creativity. We are so fired-up to share our love of God and all God’s children with the world.”
