Paul

Paul Davies, from St James is a member of the Scarborough Stepping Up group and tells us something of his Stepping Up journey so far.

“I reconnected with Church just over twenty years ago after the birth of my children, and partly at the prompting of my Christian GP. I appreciate the opportunities for spiritual reflection, listening to the word of God, listening to myself and listening to others. I enjoy the fellowship, and recognise the good that the Church can do in the community.

In my small way, I like to contribute to that, and hopefully the Mustard Seed programme will be a further avenue for doing so.

I was invited to join the Mustard Seed project by my vicar, Jane, just before Christmas. It is billed as “growing disciples in places where life is tough” and derives from the Parable of the Mustard Seed, paraphrased as growing the smallest of seeds into the greatest of all shrubs. I had previously read about it on the Diocesan website but wasn’t really sure if it was for me, but after a positive meeting with Jane and Liz, the group leader, together with Ernest, who was joining from St Columba’s, I said yes, in the spirit of going with the flow, without necessarily having a clear idea of the destination.

We were due to start in January but this was postponed until April because of the lockdown. We meet at Westway Open Arms in Scarborough, which works very well. Two of our members, Cerrie and Sandra worship at Holy Nativity, and our fifth member Lesley, travels from Filey. We have come together very well as a group, sharing experiences and viewpoints has been comfortable, with Liz guiding our discussions.

I have welcomed the chance to read the bible more widely. We are following the theme of listening, and have been encouraged to look for God in our everyday lives, deepening our awareness of his presence. We have also been exploring the art of listening to others.

It is still early days in terms of where our journey is taking us. I would like to pray for my fellow members, Cerrie, Lesley, Sandra, Ernest and Liz, and end with the Mustard Seed Prayer:-

Lord Jesus, you show us what life could be. Help us to plant your seeds of hope in places where life is tough, so that people can find your love and your way. We offer this small prayer, like a mustard seed, for your kingdom to come among us, Amen.