Committing
Deciding to reorient one's life towards greater transformation and participate meaningfully in church life.
It’s been a long journey to this point – together, and before we even met! I have clarity and have made decisions recently that I couldn’t have made alone. You have given me time and space, with zero pressure. You have showered me with grace – and then some more grace! We have served others together and I know what participation looks like. I used to observe, now I belong. I have a deep conviction within that I am on the right path. I have appreciated finding a ‘me-shaped hole’ where I fit, not just here in community, but in the world. You have shown me real-life examples and now I am ready to commit. I realise that this takes various forms for many people. Some may well ‘jump in’ all the way, others will participate where there is opportunity, some may simply turn up when asked, others may be loyal and show up regularly. I have never really got on with the word ‘commit’ before because it feels so final. However, now I realise it’s a place to bring my whole self to, and to say ‘this is me’! I am ready to show the people around me who I am and how I have got to this place. My story has been validated, and this feels like it’s just the start of a new adventure!
P.A.C.E. things...
Playfulness
Let’s jump in together.
Acceptance
Remind me that I belong.
Curiosity
Keep showing me why I belong.
Empathy
Experience this with me.
Toria and Joel's story
“We’re now fully-fledged members of the church coming week in week out…we first came to Make Lunch initially to see what it’s all about…but we have come the full circle. It’s made such a difference and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”