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- Stories from Stepping Up: Paul Davies
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.
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Paul's Story
“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.
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Find out more about Mustard Seed on our website, www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/SteppingUp
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