1. One more link in the chain. Helping people find God.

2. Be friendly, chat to a visitor Invite to community event Chat after a funeral Invite to discussion group. New flower arranger. Help with Fair Trade. Becoming a Godparent. Special celebration. 8 links at St. James, Wyesham.

3. Psalm 147 v 4 He counts the numbers of the stars and calls them all by name. From the Hubble Space telescope People look for meaning in their world. How can we help? How do we help? Psalm 147 v 8-9 Who covers the heavens with clouds and prepares rain for the earth? Who makes grass to grow upon the mountains and green plants to serve our needs? People look for meaning in their world. How can we help? How do we help?

4. Isaiah 40 A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who has directed the spirit of the Lord, or as his counsellor has instructed him? Whom did he consult for his enlightenment, and who taught him the path of justice? Who taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?

5. Proverbs 8.1, 22–31 1.Does not Wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice? Wisdom’s Part in Creation 22 The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. 23 Ages ago I was set up at the first, before the beginning of the earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth when there were no springs abounding with water.25 Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth 26 when he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world’s first bits of soil.27 When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, 28 when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep,29 when he assigned to the sea its limit,so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,30 then I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always,31 rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race. (From Bible Gateway)

6. People seek answers to the questions posed above BUT how do we answer them? What role is there for all of us? Research has shown that it may take 8 spiritual ‘encounters’ before someone is ready to make a commitment to God. I don’t think I’ve met the Vicar once let alone 8 times!

7. No wonder we never see the Vicar. Too busy bumping into people

8. Dear Lord, please give me a break! I can’t do everything. Think about it. What sort of ‘encounters’ do people expect?

9. Providing 8 encounters (with help) Does God exist?

10. We were thinking of moving to this area when we retired and I just popped into the church to have a look. I was in the church that morning and gave you some visitor information and we chatted.

11. We moved to this area and someone invited us to a Community Lunch so we could meet new people. I was the person who invited you.

12. I was very moved by what was said at a funeral I took that funeral and we talked afterwards.

13. A friend invited me to go along with them to a Lent Lunch Discussion Group. I didn’t want to go to the Discussion group on my own.

14. I was roped into helping with church flowers I’m always on the look out for new flower arrangers.

15. I used to help with Fair Trade before we moved to this area. I asked you to help with a Fair Trade Coffee morning.

16. I was asked to be a God parent and then realised just what it all meant. You mentioned becoming a Godparent to me at the school gate and we had a chat.

17. We got married in this church and came along for a renewal of vows service. I was the one putting up the posters in the local shop about the marriage renewal service and you asked about it.

18. So there we have it. We have just mentioned 8 ways in which someone who might be enquiring about God has been welcomed. None of the above has been really challenging; all of the above have been welcoming. Quite possibly one single meeting would have no impact but the combined effect could be really positive.

19. Doing God’s work isn’t difficult if you remember that all you have to be is willing. God will put words into your mouth.