Thought for the week - w/b 23rd June

The Way - a Pioneering Reflection

25 June 2024

This week Robin and I are comping in the Peak District, a much anticipated break booked in February. We’ve never been to the ‘Dark Peaks’ before, so there are many new places and peaks, walks and cycle rides to explore. We are camping just below Kinder Scout, the highest in the Peak District, with amazing views. There is something about being in nature taking in the views, enjoying birdsong and wide open spaces with little streams gurgling and wonderful views opening up as we walk that causes my heart to sing praise to the Lord of all creation.

But the way to where we are trying to get to is not always easy or obvious - even with the help of Ordinance Survey maps on paper and phone.

Yesterday we climbed Kinder Scout, using a map with instructions from the camp site; about a 6 hour climb. It was glorious - and exhausting! And, of course there were many instances where we may have taken the wrong path, and one where we did, missing the cairn with a way marker. We could blame it on the sheep who make their own tracks which are easy to follow instead of ‘The Way’. It’s easy to blame one another for missing the way, or to disagree about exactly where we are and the right way to go, once you find yourselves ‘lost’. But there are usually people to ask and landmarks - such as rivers and the Penine Way - which enabled us to get back on track. We did get back to our tent, all-be-it a bit later than expected!

One of the most often asked questions by people trying to follow the Way of Christ, is ‘How do I know if I am following the right way and making the right decisions in life?’. The important decisions are particularly difficult: Who should I marry? What work/vocation should I choose? Will I have enough money if I retire now? Should I move closer to my parents/ children who might need me more at their stage of life? How do I support and guide my children/ family/ friend when they are struggling? Which party should I vote for on 4th July?

How can we know the mind and guidance of Christ in these things, and what happens if we take a wrong turning?

Similar to times when we are going an a long hike, we have general guidance and specific guidance. For a hike, it is a map or App or a friend who’s done it before. For spiritual guidance about the way we should take in the decisions in life, we have the written word of God (broad principles which help us to know what is right and wrong in life, and which gives us examples of people who have made different choices), and friends who have been followers of Christ for a long time, and who are more experienced in discerning the Way of Christ.

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us:

‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.’

Interestingly, in the little booklet or App ‘Pray Your Part’, giving us areas of governance to think through and pray about each day, the one for yesterday, Day 11, 24th June, was on Education, and begun by quoting Proverbs 3:5. What I found striking was the following reflection: ‘The Bible speaks of wisdom that is not about what we know - the information we access - but also about who we are - the formation of our character.’

But clearer than scripture (a map), or advice of a friend who has been there before, is someone who will come with us as a guide, accompanying us on a journey they have already travelled.

Jesus, when asked by his disciples ‘How do we know the way to the place where you are going?’ didn’t reply with a set of directions or laws to follow (do this; do that; turn her; take the left fork in the road), but instead said:

‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father, except through me.’ (John 14:6)

Jesus is our guide; he comes with us and shows us the way in our lives. He never forces us to go the way that he suggests or take a turning if we don’t want to, and there is not always only one path which we can take, to get to the same place. When we ask Jesus to lead and guide us, he does.

Over the last five years that I’ve had the privilege of living, working and ministering within the parish of Stanway we have had many unexpected twists and turns along the way, Covid being one. We began with aims and expectations given to us for where we would get to, and who might accompany us on the path. But as with most pioneering journeys, nobody quite knows the way or had full directions. Mistakes have been made and wrong turns have been taken, but we have enjoyed beautiful views and rivers of refreshment along the way. Altogether It has been a wonderful journey, walking together with different people from church and community, forming a diverse, ecumenical team. Mostly we have spent time preparing the ground, scattering seed and nurturing new growth in the Kingdom of God, but the full harvest has not yet come in. Not everyone has wanted to come on this journey, for many reasons. Some have ‘stayed behind’, but have prayed and encouraged. Some have left us; others joined us along the way. Over the difficult terrain, we have had practical guidance and help from people already there, some, unlikely people. But at every stage, Jesus, who is ‘The Way’ has been with us on the journey,

Community Coffee and Chat mornings have begun, Lockdown Babies and Tots has re-started, StanWell Hub has developed into a community and Social Prescribing Hub, ‘Thriving Together’. A Place for Grace meets monthly, always led by an ecumenical team, with children and young people present. Schools work has continued, including a new venture: ‘Open the Book’ assemblies in Stanway Primary School. Messy Church has begun again after a long break. Discipleship, Baptisms, ‘Exploring Faith’, Alpha and Confirmations have been part of the journey. People have come to know and follow the Lord for the first time, others have been nurtured and have a closer walk with Christ. The church has been present in the ‘Public Square’ in a new and visible way through things like the Christmas Story Trail, Carols on the Green, ‘Light Bulbs’ and Hot Chocolate on Hallowe’en, Christmas markets, SPC National Celebration Days and community picnics, the most recent being D-Day. Many conversations have been had, joys and sorrows shared and growth has happened as part of the pioneering journey.

This, I believe, is part of the first phase of Pioneering, and I want to thank you all for being part of it in many and various ways. It’s time for me to leave as this part of our journey is complete. Leaving makes way for something new to come and for fresh beginnings for us all, though difficult.

‘I thank God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’

(Philippians 1:3-6)