Gazebos.

The other week I took the whole service, for the third and final time at Lowry (North).  In my second sermon of the day (I thought I would try two sermon-ettes rather than one long one) I gave a bit of a rallying call.  A statement that a rich congregation should be throwing its clout behind less well of groups, and by supporting the oppressed, wherever they are.  In the politest possible terms, a demand that they get their thumb out of their collective backsides and consider how much work the congregation, either individually or as a whole are doing for the less fortunate of the world.

But in the opening intimations, I asked for gazebos.  In the next couple of weeks I will be working to turn their hall into a small version of Jerusalem, and to make the houses we need gazebos.  Five of them.  This will make our version of "The Easter Code" so much easier to put on.

For about three weeks now we have asked if anyone can loan us a gazebo, or a large tent for the day. We will look after them, and they will be kept clean, as they are simply the backdrop to the events that are taking place inside the hall.  For the past three weeks we have asked in the intimations, or put something in the weekly newsletter.

Nothing.

And as for the request for volunteers to help for a couple of hours...  I accept that many people have jobs to go to through the day, but even an hour helping us set up the night before would be a great help.

Not a sausage.

I'm concerned that the congregation seems to see that the role of the Minister is to do absolutely everything for them.  Outreach, besides a couple of projects,  is something they won't get involved in, and there are few volunteers to carry out any task.  So there appears to be a reluctance to get involved in any sort of action.  And as for being involved in a couple of hours religious education for the local primary school, that's not going to happen.  Not even as much as one loaned gazebo.

The only area that seems to be growing is the Messy Church.  There is an enthusiastic group of people that seems to be drawing people into the church.  One year on and the numbers keep getting larger.  They are accessing people that would never normally come into the church.

I just wish the enthusiasm and energy in the Messy Church could be shared throughout the entire congregation.  I am concerned that the congregation could be at a balance point, where they could either take off thanks to the new generation coming in from things like the Messy Church, or just go into a terminal decline due to apathy.

P.S. Thanks Mum for the loan of your gazebo!