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Moseley Chimes
November 2008
Autumn followed by the expected gradual approach of winter is now upon us. The leaves on the trees are gradually changing to their gloriously rich variety of autumnal shades of yellow, gold and brown and are falling. The reality of the intricate detail of their shape, structure and strength previously hidden beneath the canopy of leaves will be exposed and the strength of their roots tested as they are buffeted by the winter winds.
We know the clocks go back, the days will shorten and the weather will become colder and more stormy. Seasonal change is expected and we can prepare for it and appreciate the beauty and power of God’s creation so long as it doesn’t have any undesirable affect on our comfort zones.
The liturgical year leads us into commemorations of All Saints Day, All Souls Day and Remembrance, closely followed by Advent and Christmas. It’s all very predictable, secure, cosy, and stable.
Like the Banking system the Church of England as a whole is currently in turmoil. Congregations are dwindling and there is much ongoing division and debate concerning the theologies of sexuality, women priests and bishops, and of course finance.
For the church the decline has been gradual, as opposed to a crisis of confidence, with no chance of central government or diocesan intervention to prop it up. In fact just the reverse is happening. As congregations decline there are cut backs in the numbers of stipendiary clergy allocated to parishes, and I believe the decline will continue unless individual parishes are willing to address these winds of change in a positive practical manner.
Here at St Mary’s and St Anne’s we too are coping with reduced numbers of clergy. I remember the days when St Mary’s had a full time vicar, two full time curates, and two self supporting priests. St Anne’s had a full time priest as well as a self supporting priest. Now as part of a United Benefice our allocation is one and a half priests and one curate for the Joint Benefice. It’s a huge reduction in clergy.
Like the trees shedding their leaves, as two church communities we are now being confronted with the stark reality of discovering our strengths and weaknesses as we seek to respond to and proclaim the gospel afresh in Moseley for the future. This is what the vision process is all about as we aim to feed and nurture Moseley through our faith in a creator God and a gospel of love. As church communities do we have the deep rooted faith and commitment to stand firm as the winds of change challenge us in the coming months?
I believe we have.