Preach Magazine Issue 1 - Creativity and innovation in preaching | Page 43

SERIAL

where several people with physical
and learning disabilities were present.
During the Communion liturgy, one
lady went up to the front to receive
before the bread was broken. Quietly,
a steward came and stood with her,
and even though the liturgy was
not ‘in the right place’ – the minister
gave her bread and wine and she sat
down again. It was a moment when
humanity shone through and it was
an example of inclusivity at its best.

MANDY BRIGGS
You know how it is. You’ve crafted
a brilliant sermon and carefully
chosen the hymns.
The liturgy and prayers seem perfect
for this particular Sunday and you
are looking forward to a service
which flows well and where people
can worship and meet with God. Then
something happens. Someone’s mobile
starts ringing repeatedly. Two toddlers
run to the front and start chasing each
other around the lectern. Or – with the
issue that you are referring to – people
may voluntarily or involuntarily make
noises which you feel are distracting.
There is no such thing as a perfect
service, because people are present. The
congregations in which we are called to
preach and serve are fabulously messy,
imperfect gatherings of humanity. And
as the body of Christ we are called to
care for one another and bear with
each other. That is a good place to start
when considering your discomfort in
this situation.

Talk to both the man and his carer.
Remember that people with learning
difficulties may still have good levels
of understanding and it is important
to avoid a ‘does he take sugar?’
scenario. Find out more about him,
why coming to church is important to
him and if there is anything that may
be triggering his outbursts. Maybe
you can contact other organisations
or groups – or any family – who can
provide further pointers and advice.
Recently I attended a Communion
service at a small Methodist church

It may be that in being ‘in charge’ of a
service we feel a degree of responsibility
which causes us to overreact. The
second thing was that after the service
a member of the congregation told me
that this was only the second time this
young woman had attended after years
of absence caused by hurts