Small groups make up an important part of the experience in the community. The groups are designated first by your preferred language, and secondly - and arbitrarily - by date of birth. By this random creation I ended up in a group that had 5 Germans, 3 Dutch, I Scot, and 1 from Great Britain. The Germans and Dutch speakers were very adept as English speakers and welcome the chance to get practice in conversation. You can tell from the delineation of my group which country send the greatest number of participants to Taize'. German churches organize what they call 'Rainbow buses' which run several times a year to Taize'.
Trust is theme of Taize' for the next 3 years and trust is what builds among members of any small group. Our sharing became deeper and more personal as the week progressed. But perhaps what I appreciated most about my group was the representation of so many who are not from North America. Most of our European brothers and sisters in Christ speak 2 - 3 languages other than their own. They are not only tolerant of difference but see it as a part of God's plan for Creation. Whether we discussed the Bible, politics, family life or church life, I was awed by their sense that God calls us to a common good. The idea that God wants us to pull ourselves up by our own boot straps seemed laughable to them. They are puzzled by some of the trends in US politics - especially quizzing me as to why the healthcare reform is controversial. They are amused that some in our country see this kind of universal healthcare reform as 'socialism'. Of course, I did not feel able to defend something this complex but it was certainly enlightening to hear their prospective. On the other hand, I learned from these new friends how different church life is in most of Western Europe. If we think church attendance is waning in the US, let me assure you that is happening faster in Germany, England,France, the Netherlands, and elsewhere. They distinguish between membership and attendance just as we do - but the gap between membership and attendance is huge - Sunday morning attendance at worship might be 5% of registered members! They were interested in the kinds of ministry that is alive at St. Michael's, especially our Companions in Discernment ministry and our vast numbers of members who are not only involved in outreach and pastoral care but that members are able to suggest and create new ministries without 'permission'. They presume a hierarchical system of consent and mission. I appreciate this perspective and the opportunity to share what we can about ministry and mission.
Trust is theme of Taize' for the next 3 years and trust is what builds among members of any small group. Our sharing became deeper and more personal as the week progressed. But perhaps what I appreciated most about my group was the representation of so many who are not from North America. Most of our European brothers and sisters in Christ speak 2 - 3 languages other than their own. They are not only tolerant of difference but see it as a part of God's plan for Creation. Whether we discussed the Bible, politics, family life or church life, I was awed by their sense that God calls us to a common good. The idea that God wants us to pull ourselves up by our own boot straps seemed laughable to them. They are puzzled by some of the trends in US politics - especially quizzing me as to why the healthcare reform is controversial. They are amused that some in our country see this kind of universal healthcare reform as 'socialism'. Of course, I did not feel able to defend something this complex but it was certainly enlightening to hear their prospective. On the other hand, I learned from these new friends how different church life is in most of Western Europe. If we think church attendance is waning in the US, let me assure you that is happening faster in Germany, England,France, the Netherlands, and elsewhere. They distinguish between membership and attendance just as we do - but the gap between membership and attendance is huge - Sunday morning attendance at worship might be 5% of registered members! They were interested in the kinds of ministry that is alive at St. Michael's, especially our Companions in Discernment ministry and our vast numbers of members who are not only involved in outreach and pastoral care but that members are able to suggest and create new ministries without 'permission'. They presume a hierarchical system of consent and mission. I appreciate this perspective and the opportunity to share what we can about ministry and mission.
Gail Greenwell
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