Absence / Presence

We talk a lot about God this and God that, but actually - much of what we feel, much of the time, has to do with the *absence* of God. It can seem that we have very few lights, and our decision of faith (made anew each day!) is what keeps us going.

I think this would be a good, honest theme for a service. What I would envisage is a service which begins with an exploration of the idea of God's absence - or at least the absence of any *signs*. Then the service can seek to bring to birth in the congregation some ideas about how God *does* in fact show himself to be present in our lives. Then it can end, somewhat epiphanically, with a song which tentatively and brokenly celebrates God's presence.

I have some ideas as to how this could pan out and the materials we could use.

Firstly, for near the beginning of the service, I've just written a poem based around the passage in the NT: "Teacher, show us a sign" / "A wicked generation asks for a sign!". Jesus won't grant them the assurances they are seeking. The faithful are, in Kierkegaard's phrase, treading 700 fathoms of water.Anyway, so there can be some artistic explorations of absence; and Anna (K) mentioned that she is conversant with some Henri Nouwen writing on this topic.

Then gradually we can encourage people - through interactive elements, and perhaps some personal stories from the service team - to the recognition that contrary to appearances, God IS present.

I thought the service should end with a live song. In fact, I have a song in mind, which I've mentioned to some of you in person. I've avoided the song here - as I can't remember what the rules are on nicking other people's work and messing around with them for one's own purposes! However, it's PERFECT for a qualified celebration / affirmation at the end of a service like this. It's tentatively joyful. It would need some arranging from Jez, but I'm sure he'd be on board with the choice. As the version we know is a love song, we'd need to adapt the lyrics somewhat. But that's fine.I think this service idea has the merit of honesty, as most churches (esp. charismatic) are happy chocolate and talk about the "relationship with Jesus" the whole time. Am I really the only one who isn't experiencing things in that way? No, I'm sure I'm not. This service would give us the opportunity to challenge people to greater honesty with their fellow Christians, and also enable us to put plenty of ourselves in.It's relatively introspective, but then "Frozen" was outward-looking - so that's fine I'd say. What think you all about said idea?

Tim Summers