Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Living through a pandemic has changed many things in our world - locally and globally. And we are all still learning how to be in a world that we could never have imagined, in a culture that is still unfolding.
When Path of Renewal was launched 6 years ago, as a 3 year pilot project, the focus was not so much on change, which is inevitable, but on accompanying people through transition - the emotional and psychological responses to change. 6 years on, the effect of that work has been borne out in the ability of folk grounded and sustained by communal spiritual practices to respond to a global pandemic with the resilience built up by learning to discern God’s will and purpose in all our differing contexts and to respond to the invitation of God to live generously in the world
Matthew 10:6-8
Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.
Colleagues have continued to meet together to support and encourage one another through difficult times and to continue that hard work of continuing to discern - What now, God? Who are we being called to be in a new era? How best can we be with hurt and broken people in the communities we are called to serve?
As I have worked with others in discernment, my own discernment is that the next part of this journey is not mine to lead. One of the aspects of the role that I have most enjoyed is creating community and a supportive, prayerful network of workers together in the vineyard, some who got on board early, some who arrived later, all of whom have a vital role to play. Fostering collegiality that is not competitive but that recognises the vast range of gifts and skills we bring to the table that has room for all and caring for the individual worker remains a passion of mine. And the calling to continue to offer individuals and communities space to care for themselves as they care for others is the work that I will take forward.
Liminal spaces - between trapezes- have always called to me with their sense of now AND not yet. That sense of taking a deep breath, diving deep and, with eyes wide open in wonder and awe, travelling through murkiness before emerging to take another breath… remaining alert not just to where we might be going but to the sights and sounds and edges and opportunities along the way - and finding the energy to keep on going, fuelled, not only by the companionship of God but also by the accompaniment of other persistent pilgrims who do not retreat from darkness or avoid the challenges of light when it comes.
Matthew 10:10
You don't need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.
Here’s to the next stage of being beloved of God - in all our crazy messy glory - created in dust, immersed in glitter!
Liz Crumlish now offers Pastoral and Cross Professional Supervision and Education and may be contacted at lizcrumlish13@gmail.com
She recently co- authored with Michael Paterson Pastoral Supervision: Creativity in Action
