written by Jeremy and Ann Moore
It was Ann who saw it. 2021. An invitation in Rapport caused by Covid travel restrictions. Fewer potential Community members from overseas were able to apply to serve at Lee Abbey Devon. Could some UK Rapport readers help plug the gap in the meantime by offering some short term weeks of service, as and when they were able?
So I applied and joined the kitchen team. Later, Ann was able to join too, both in the kitchen team and on the house team for changeover days.
What have we been given through this experience? We’ve had a taste of community life. Sue (in her second language) just led an amazing meditation on Love during the daily afternoon prayer time. Earlier, we had been washing up together. There’s something about praying with the same people that you are working with. In our fellowships at home it is sometimes difficult to share in each other’s lives outside our comparatively brief Sunday meetings. God loves it when we are able to support and encourage one another through all aspects of our day to day living. Community gives a taste of a possible closer sharing of our lives.
We’ve been given welcome and acceptance. Interestingly, with surprise in their voices, a number of Associate Community have remarked on the same thing. I remember tentatively going into the community kitchen early on, asking if I was allowed. “Of course you are. You’re one of us now,” said Harvey with a cheerful generous grin.
This openness to newcomers is vibrant and refreshing. Adjusting to the frequency of community members moving on is not easy. The change happens much more often than in our churches at home. Yet, maybe this speaks of God’s welcome and acceptance? Newcomers arrive and immediately ‘belong’.
We’ve been given colour too, by the rich diverse heritages of community members. Nepal, Brazil, South Africa, Sweden, Ethiopia, Australia, China, Spain, India, Canada, Thailand, Italy, Uganda, the Netherlands, etc., etc. Many kitchen team members, over an afternoon break, have spoken longingly of the added spices and flavours that come from their home menus! It’s been really helpful to be reminded of something of the colour and spiciness of God’s worldwide community.
So, please have a think about whether there’s someone you know for whom this could be a positive opportunity. Then encourage them to apply!
Read more about Associate Community at https://leeabbeydevon.org.uk/community/associate-community/ and email martinswindlehurst@leeabbey.org.uk for inquiries.
