participation and stuff

so what do you understand by participation in church? Answers would be useful. but not expected!!

I was at a conference yesterday looking at participation in church, and am still reflecting on what it meant for me but also the wider church. The World Cafe methodology is certainly one I will use in the present and the future, and I had been in a couple of places before where it was used. I suppose I was hoping for some stuff I could use for my doctoral studies, but this did not happen, although it was good to be there and join in the discussions.

I was surprised at the 'feedback' this morning from church as I found it really hard to write something for around 5 minutes, but people were saying I was getting better and better!! I can't say I understand how, but as long as I try keeping on learning to actively listen to God, that is all I can do, as well as studying! I love reading the scripture and then letting it 'be' in my head all week until I come to write...

the other thing I am reflecting on at the moment is my doctoral studies. It is so hard to find the time and energy to do everything - and when I say energy I mean to not be so tired and therefore sleepy!! However it is a good thing to do and now I think I have the structure of my research days sorted out, it should be better - although it is a discipline I haven't tried yet as I haven't had a research day since talking about it!!

So tonight going over to St Marks Haydock to help with Dream! I will miss Dream when I finish, I recognised that almost immediately, and I also know why and it is the fact of meeting weekly (well nearly weekly) with a small group, talking about things that really matter in a safe place. Safe spaces are so important when talking about God and life...