What does working for Community have to do with Church?

"Go into the world and preach the Gospel, and use words when you have to" is a famous quote from St Francis (I think - someone might correct me!) I find sitting in meetings with community leaders and community members a great place to be. They find it hard at times to work out why I am so involved, and for that matter so do many church people wonder that too! I never compromise my faith; I will walk away from activities I feel are outside of where God would sit and if I get this wrong I seek His Grace.  At the Field Days put on by UME and RMU, Mark Berry talked about us looking "outwards". I think many church folk do this but do not see it as church. CWA, school canteen, some service type groups that help those in need here or overseas. These are some examples. Our work as Rural Chaplains takes us to some great groups of people both in and outside the church and this "coming together" leads to awesome things happening!

This is the body of Christ's church in a living shed

This is now just a church building - no life in this

The group above went on to meet about things to do with health and wellbeing in their community. I often look at these two photos of "church" and I think the lack of walls in the shed at Weill make looking out so easy to do as compared to the old formal closed one on the side of the road. "Looking out" is more than day dreaming out the window - it's about us getting connected to out community or to  someone else's.  I know many of you do, through the RMU in the last couple of years with the drought, and this has been a great help.  And will continue to be. 


As I said last week, there are still many folk not getting ahead. I see many church folk working in the area of Mental Health and in schools, but as I interact with people in churches, very few bring up what they are doing in their community. Praying up your community I think brings it into the life of the congregation.

Pamper packs or giving money allows church groups to touch people in places hard for them to go to personally.  In our line of work we always ask for money over goods - this is the most helpful.  Money saves space - the packs here fill the hall of the office then need to be stored at the Chaplain's place, before being handed out in needy areas (often they have to be re-packed due to travel damage). It's great to be a part of the giving of theses as they are loved by most of those who receive such gifts, from caring folk in a church. But if we had passed on money we could call on local shops to supply discounts on the items needed for the Packs, as the shops would be getting cash from us upfront. This keeps shops going and meets the need of those on the land and other Agri industries as it is not just the farmers but the towns' businesses that suffer. eg school activities plus school fees for those in boarding school; having funds to assist for those one off things we have to pay for at times.


Your congregation becomes part of this work by looking outwardly.  This also works with community needs in your area and wider world issues.  But don't just send a donation - pray in your prayers for the people; for us and for those other groups.  Bring us into your congregation by prayer.  Hold us but also connect us to you and your community. Direct connection would be good, if you know of people who feel called to work in areas of community development or welfare in your town/area.  They may not be part of your church but support them in pray as their work brings local needs into your congregation.  Life with all those guidelines to keep people safe.  But it also lets them know you care enough to think of them.

Street festivals are great for connecting with community



I get to do and be "church" in some different settings but God is here  

There is a great song Robin Mann wrote titled "Wherever I go, Whatever I do".  It celebrates the fact that God has gone before you so you're never alone. There is a mission not overseas or even in some other place to where you live - it could be just outside your front door, for you to connect with others eg Clean up Australia, Community Gardens, teaching/helping someone learn English as a second language, teaching/helping someone with computers, cooking knitting and so on.  Open up your church not for the income but for the connection.   Go out to the Dirt Bikes. Get involved with groups but look outside your congregation.  Yes, care for the older and sick in the church but focus on the Kingdom of God and see what you can join or give to. God drops in when you least expect it.