The New Forest Forest-Church has been going for many years now, and the Facebook page is a good way of communicating future events (provided you are on Facebook!). However, it seemed a good idea to also have a way of
- recording events after they take place,
- capture some of the insights shared in the discussions afterwards and
- provide opportunities for people to comment and develop themes and reflections even further.
So here goes.
December - light and darkness
In December we meet at Alistair and Terry's house. It's not the same as the New Forest but the woodland behind the garden makes it seem 'foresty'. More importantly, the short distance from the garden to the woodburning stove makes it seem less wintry. Alistair had chosen an appropriate theme for December - darkness and light.
The key verses to start us thinking were Genesis 1: 3-19; John 1: 1 - 5; John 8: 12 - 14 and Luke 11: 33 - 35. But the key activity to turn head-thought to heart-thought was the candle walk.
It was a typical December twilight; grey, dark and windy. There were 7 candles stationed about the garden in very different locations; some tucked away, some out in the open. The task was to carry a candle of your own in your bare hands and to visit every candle-station with your own candle. It was a role play in which your sputtering, vulnerable candle flame represented you; your faith. But you, the candle shield and protector, leading the candle from one light to another, represented God.
It was a surprisingly moving experience and we grew very protective and nurturing towards the frustrating, fickle, failing candles in our hands. When we returned indoors and shared our experiences the discussion went on for a long time. But when Terry's mince pies and chocolate brownies came out the discussion subsided as people... chewed things over.
Alistair McNaught
Alistair McNaught
