Our worship theme this month, ‘Salvation for Creation’ has given me a lot to think about in terms of my own ethics and behaviour. I am turning off more lights and am more hesitant about putting on the heating. I look at where and how I spend my money. The old phrase ‘Practise what you preach’ has an uncomfortable resonance to it : ). Hypocrisy is one of the biggest criticisms of churchgoers from those outside the Church. When we are seen to be saying one thing and doing another, it causes others to doubt our authenticity and our integrity. Sometimes also, we need to look at what we are doing and see whether it has become a meaningless tradition or a ritual that still brings value to our relationship with God. Someone told me lately how much it means to them that we use non-alcoholic wine at Communion and that we announce this fact each week. For them, it means that they were able to safely share this important meal from their very first time at worship. Some folk may miss the tradition of serving alcoholic wine, but in MCC, we think inclusion is a principle worth keeping.
God bless,
Cecilia