Small

While we generally like to report to each other about the great big groups who've attended or supported this or that activity or event, I'd like to remind us that some of our "small" gatherings can be the best for knitting those important relationships we so value.

I recently discovered a new magazine on Church and Culture called The Next Wave. The lead article this month is called What on Earth is God Up To? The main idea the author of that article is holding up is what he's noticing in dynamic congregations he visits--high energy, Spirit infused, small groups.

It's not just intentionally formed, formal small groups created for a purpose, but a dynamic trend to various kinds of groups springing up, even in the midst of larger congregations.

The example that came to my mind was a Conditions of Membership circle recently gathered in one of our larger congregations. At first participants were disappointed that more people were not there. Then they realized what an amazing and deep conversation they'd had together.

Ask any of the folks who were part of a rather small junior high camp at Erie Beach this summer about the Spirit they experienced there.

I'm off to Little Current this weekend to help that congregation imagine what the church can look like in their community as they cycle into a smaller phase of their existence. I'm hoping we can discern a Spirit that will be there in the midst of their smallness that is just as fine and nurturing as when they had larger numbers.

I'm not suggesting we don't pay attention to growing our congregations. I'm trying to wrap my head around how to do that with the tried-and-true principle that small can be beautiful.

Neighbour

What shall we call the folks in our group/comngregation/community?

Most congregations have left behind the naming of each other formally as Brother This and Sister That. Some are truly family and Uncles and Aunties abound. Sunday school classes are taught by Gramma and attended by cousins. And Grampa is preaching today.

But how do we think of each other?

Friends? Closer than friends? Family? Somewhere between? Acquaintances, associates, colleagues, companions?

Mr. Rogers used to welcome everyone as neighbour. Many have grown up with the lessons taught by the neighbours on Sesame Street. People who live on my street and in my town are my neighbours. And Jesus asked "Who was neighbour unto him?"

Might the name we use when referring to, or even just thinking of, each other give some indication about the genuine closeness we have for each other? We've been exploring here the shades of meaning of the various communities, congregations or groups where we associate.

Will you be my neighbour?