Be joyful, keep the faith and do the little things.
Stephen Challenger is Property Secretary for the diocese and Secretary to the Diocesan Advisory Committee; here he discusses Spring maintenance of our church buildings, and how little things can lead to greater things.
I began to gather my thoughts about this blog on 1st March, St David’s Day. David’s ministry in the 6th Century, primarily in Wales, but also featuring visits further afield to Brittany and South West England appeared, by modern standards, relatively uncomplicated and focussed on God.
Growing up in Wales, 1st March was one of those eagerly anticipated schooldays as it meant a walk to the church for a service and then an early finish to the school day. The vicar’s wife was always keen to teach us a new hymn in Welsh each year – nothing too complex and something she clearly thought we could accomplish without too much difficulty. I suppose we could have been following St David’s famous words – be joyful, keep the faith and do the little things. Bishop Richard’s video message of 27th February also picks up on this theme.
The season of Lent has long been associated with abstinence, but I also find it a good time to think about renewal and the emergence of spring following winter. For us keen gardeners it’s the time when we sow seeds, check for plants returning from dormancy and carry out the simple but essential tasks of getting out gardening tools ready for another season. The same is true with buildings. In my work as the secretary to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches I have the privilege of working with those who care for the church buildings in their communities. Their task can often appear daunting, sometimes not knowing which way to turn, what to do next. But this is a great time of year to undertake the “little things” – checking over your building to see how it has coped with the winter weather; sorting out the usual suspects of blocked drains and gullies, refixing slipped or missing roof tiles and slates. This should not be a task restricted to the churchwardens! This is a great opportunity to share the “pain and pleasure” of looking after church buildings with the local community.
I recently spent a few days holiday in the Yorkshire Dales. If anything, the countryside is even more sparsely populated and challenging than the Shropshire Hills but, at every church I visited, the door was unlocked, hospitality trays for walker and visitors were much in evidence, and noticeboards spoke of exciting community events and acts of worship – I was particularly impressed by an altar reredos in one church comprised of knitted sheep and collie dogs! It struck me then as now that it is the little things which encourage us to greater things – great pilgrimages always start with small footsteps. So, I encourage you to explore our rich Christian Heritage through the church buildings in our own Diocese, immersing yourselves in the 1300-year legacy we have been left by our forebears and in doing so, be joyful, keep the faith and do the little things.
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