A few years ago I watched a clip on you tube of what happens after a forest fire. It was created by using photos taken from a static camera over several months. The early images showed the devastation caused by the horrific fire – the trees were charred and much of the undergrowth was seemingly destroyed.
However, as the film progressed slowly you began to see new growth sprouting – where at the beginning there was scorched earth, ever so slowly you could begin to see plants growing and beginning to flourish. When I read the commentary on the film it pointed out that many of the plants that emerged would not have done so if it had not been for the fire. The impact of the fire created space and light for new growth, whilst many of the trees remain and regrow slowly.
You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4PWYrVIuYc
I have been thinking about this film as I have been praying and pondering about the church here in Old Felixstowe and what God may be calling us to. We are in a time of change and transition, new opportunities and ways are being church are presented, whilst we continue to hold onto the truth of the Gospel and the calling all followers of Jesus have, to be salt and light in our community.
As I look back, I see that the interruption to church caused by the dreadful Covid pandemic perhaps created a space for us assess how and what we do. In no way do I want to downplay the negative impact of the pandemic, it was traumatic for so many people, but I know that God is a God of redemption who can make all things new. In the space left by us stopping how we had always done church new things are happening – new growth is emerging – we are changing and responding to what the Holy Spirit is doing.
When we gather for our parish away day at home on 18thOctober (see info later in the newsletter) we will spend some time further thinking about this and how we are to discern what we could do next. I would encourage you to come along and be a part of working out what God is calling us to.
With prayers
Chris