Retreating in the countryside
Taking ‘time out’ is a part of everyday life in modern society. All of us in a busy life yearn for space to rediscover inner resources to cope with life. That can be a holiday, a day out or at home, a meal with friends, or simply being quiet, doing something for a short while that helps us unwind.
The Church has a role to play in this need. Rural communities across Britain are now finding new life and joy in providing holy space and time. They are serving people who may not ever come to worship conventionally on a Sunday, but who will come for a few minutes or for maybe a day into quietness, and in that short time, will find God and his peace in Christ.
Last year, I did some travelling during a sabbatical, looking at small rural communities that have decided their call is to simply offer space. They are following the words of Jesus: come unto me all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Jesus invites us to step aside with him, for a while. This ministry is not about getting people to come to church, it is all about reminding them of the God who is already with them and yearns for them to find him in the midst of life again, enjoying an encounter of peace and stillness and being refreshed to get on with life. There are lots of wonderful examples of this work happening. Two such spaces are Hartlip and Furzey Gardens.
Hartlip Methodist Church is a village chapel between Rainham and Sittingbourne in Kent. A few years ago the congregation decided to create an environment in their little hall that might be offered for space and rest. There is a quiet area with comfortable chairs, a fully stocked kitchen, and a lovely area for prayer. Local organisations, including the police and county council, now use the hall for important decision making meetings, valuing the space and calm of the place. The church offers hospitality by arranging for someone to greet each group, and prays for the group before and after each visit. This congregation had the vision to share resources and to surround every activity on the premises with prayer, welcome and joy. Simply transforming a space that has become redundant can begin to make it happen. Many rural communities
are faced with buildings that are not used during the week and not always every Sunday. It does need people to assist but it is a valuable ministry. Has your church a vision to open up a space to create peace for work and growth?
In the New Forest, I found Furzey Gardens. There, in the middle of the beauty of God’s world, is a crucifix, at the centre of the garden, reminding all the visitors of God’s love at the heart of things. Can you use your surroundings to remind people passing by that God is there too? It can be as simple as an attractive notice board or a bench in a church garden to encourage people to stop and ponder.
Can we make a difference to people even if they visit our community for just a short time? There is an opportunity for mission that is easy to begin in our little places. If one of the tasks of the church in the 21st century is to remind people that they are loved by God, we need to create time and space for them to encounter God’s grace perhaps for the first time, in a frantic world.
Ian Pruden
Rural Officer for the South East Methodist District and Minister to three Methodist
Churches on the South Downs in the Worthing Circuit
www.countyway.org.uk
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rural spirituality
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