Sowing, Growing, Nesting
Almost 60 people gathered at Wydale Hall this week for our second Mustard Seed Community Day, people who have completed Stepping Up from the five deaneries of Middlesbrough, Guisborough, Scarborough, Bridlington and Hull, with some invited guests. We had an excellent day exploring the model of mission we use:
‘Sowing, Growing, Nesting.’
We were delighted to welcome Laurence Singlehurst, author of the book Sowing, Reaping, Keeping. We had a full morning with Laurence as he explained and unpacked the parable of the Sower and then the journey from first sowing seeds of the gospel to people nesting and finding a home in the family of God. We were entertained by his many stories and people took home lots of different nuggets of wisdom that he shared with us.
In the afternoon we shared in groups thinking about Jesus and how he shared God’s love with different people, and what we can learn from him. We thought about mission through foodbanks, cafes and drop-ins, with children and young people, people with different learning abilities, and with older people and through pastoral care.
We noticed the importance of listening and being with people on their journey from first contact with the church, that we need to listen to their stories and build relationships of trust, as we journey with them. We need invitations to spaces and events where people can encounter Jesus, good resources to help people discover and understand the gospel, and methods of nurture through alpha or similar groups where people can start their journey of faith. We hope the rich conversations were a gift and that everyone was able to take away something to help them to keep learning and growing.
The beauty of Wydale was such a treat. The gardens and views, with a delicious lunch were gifts to restore us in body and spirit, as we continue to share God’s love in communities on the edge of the Diocese of York.