Adapting to change
"Tradition is the living faith of the dead, traditionalism is
the dead faith of the living." So wrote the Yale scholar and
Christian historian and theologian Jaroslav Jan Pelikan. He went on,
"And, I suppose I should add, it is traditionalism that gives
tradition such a bad name."
Her Majesty the Queen has understood this, as they say, in bucket
loads. Over the past decades this British institution has recognised
that the world has changed, and has slowly modernised and adapted,
letting go of things which have become irrelevant, while embracing
the new. By making small changes here and there, the monarchy has
succeeded in being relevant for a new, adoring generation.
Doubtless, when this process began, there were a few panic stricken
souls who feared they were 'throwing the baby out with the
bathwater'. But that didn't happen. Paradoxically, by adapting, the
monarchy is still intact, recognisable, retaining its history and
significant traditions, still possessing its unique place in British
life. But had the monarchy been traditionalist, clinging to
the irrelevant, and been unwilling to adapt, it may not have
survived the challenges and attacks it has endured. Today it looks
in good health, with unrivalled popularity and set to flourish.
As your Vicar, I congratulate and thank all of you who, over the
past five years have avoided the trap of traditionalism but
who have instead, adapted and embraced the necessary changes that
have ensured that our valuable tradition will continue to
flourish in the future.
Our Ministry
We enjoy a wonderful liturgical and musical tradition: and I
thank my ministerial colleagues, Robin Harris and the servers, and
Ian Runnells and the choir. We welcome 10,000 visitors annually to
this magnificent building; my sincere thanks to those who work
tirelessly behind the scenes to keep it so. I laud especially our
team of welcomers - but they are thinly spread: could you
help out say just once a month?; I also laud those who glorify God
here using their creative talents, particularly Sue Stewart and the
Flower Guild, and Matthew Bareham and the tower team whose offerings
are worship, as much as the words and music in the liturgy.
Underpinning this are our committed PCC, and its subcommittees,
served by a hard working and effective secretary. I thank most
especially Alison and James our magnificent churchwardens, about
whom more later; and all who generously support St Paul's through
their prayers, their giving of money, time, skills, gifts, energy,
love and affection for God's work here. I thank Judith Howard and
the Friends of St Paul's for their most generous support of a number
of projects. Without everyone's contribution, St Paul's could not
continue to exercise the ministry it does, and I thank you all most
sincerely. I certainly do not take any of this for granted.
People
I am frequently astonished that we are able to produce amazing
results here on such slender resources. The Justice Service in
September and the Solemn Evensong for the Farewell to the Archdeacon
of Bedford in January are just two examples of our wider ministry to
the county and diocese. The standard of music and liturgy was
comparable to that of a cathedral, receiving many compliments. My
special thanks to Robin Bartlett our Pastoral Assistant, Centre
Manager and Verger for helping to manage these events. His vital
work too as our Pastoral Assistant with a good number of needy folk
who turn to us for help is much valued. My thanks also to Maddy
Gamble our Administrator for her willing help, and to Miriam Bennet
our cleaner. Safeguarding has to be my primary pastoral concern, and
I thank Sue Gray for deftly piloting us through the minefield.
Most of all, I wish to reiterate my thanks to our Churchwardens,
Alison Phillipson and James Stephenson, who work incredibly hard to
support us all. I thank them both for their kindness and loyalty
also to me. James has a real affection for St Paul's: he has brought
incredible organisation to the work of fabric in particular, with
enthusiasm, gusto and a relentless determination and humour, much
needed in the twilight world of insurance companies and faculties!
After three years of outstanding service, Alison feels that it is
time to stand down. She has brought her professional expertise and
experience in the corporate, financial and management world to her
role as churchwarden. I am especially grateful to her for
shouldering, and then restructuring, our financial management as
Acting Treasurer, bringing others on board to help. She has been an
unfailing, and indefatigable support to me with much kindness and
friendship for which I am profoundly grateful. Thank you both so
much.
The search for a Treasurer has now reached a critical point. We
cannot function without one. I implore anyone who has, or knows
someone else who has some financial experience, to offer themselves
in this role.
After many years, in September, the PCC decided that there was
sufficient support at St Paul's to press ahead with the full
inclusion of women as priests. I was delighted that Sister Hazel
Smith was able to be the first woman to preside here at the
Eucharist. Last Summer, sadly for us, our curate Fr Phil Bryson
moved to his new post. I was particularly saddened that Fr Clifford
Bradley felt the time had come to move on. I reiterate my personal
appreciation, both of them and their ministries.
Many of you will not know the following news. In November, we
were let down when our potential new curate for this coming July
withdrew. Therefore we may not have a deacon for 18 months, and
another full time priest for two and a half years. While past issues
of the Spire disclose that in recent decades St Paul's has enjoyed
the regular services of three priests, until 2021 it is likely that
we will have only one. Because one priest, whoever they are,
obviously cannot do the work of three, the PCC have approved a
revised pattern of weekday services and the renewal of our Pastoral
Care Group to help with visiting. I thank four local clergy who are
occasional presiding at weekday eucharists. However, such occasional
help, while deeply appreciated, is no substitute for a full time
curate. I am grateful to those of you who have appreciated the extra
load this means for me, for your understanding, and your support for
me, both personally and as your Vicar.
A welcome upshot of this is that our Healing ministry, initially
piloted monthly on Tuesday evenings will move to the communion at
one of our Sunday Eucharists from May onwards, making this ministry
more widely available.
The broader view
In 2015 the PCC set out a new Mission Action Plan, based on
responses from members of the congregation and wider community.
While noting undoubted strengths and opportunities, the then
congregation identified several worrying weaknesses and threats. I
quote:
"...we are a largely ageing congregation ... families are few and
not feeling fully included.... lack of vision... complacency and
introspection, ...we can sometimes appear too cold and exclusive,
rather than warm and friendly to outsiders...some admit our
misplaced smugness.... ...unused to change and not always open to
experimentation.... the last refuge of traditionalists ...(which)
will exacerbate dangerous decline... a general apathy and failure to
prioritise.... too little outreach into the local community..."
That's what you said.
I hope you feel, as I do, that so much of that has changed! And I
applaud you for it!
Our Mission Action Plan (or MAP) sought to address these. I know
that some here feared we would 'throw the baby out with the
bathwater'. But that didn't happen. By simply making a few
adjustments and adapting to our new situation, I am delighted to
report:
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that there is a new cohort of younger people in
their 20s and 30s, some with families, who worship
regularly with us.
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there is a new enthusiasm for learning, through the
Pilgrim Course study group, occasional courses, talks
and seminars.
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refreshing and streamlining our worship has made it
more accessible; our mixed economy approach to worship
with the 'give and take' this has called for, has
provided at least something for everyone.
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our finances have markedly improved.
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our new website and communications are reaching more
people.
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fabric projects are enhancing our worship and
mission. I'm particularly pleased that the project to
improve the dismal lighting in the choir, I first
championed in 2015 is moving forwards significantly.
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the LYCIG (Leading Your Church into Growth)
initiative and forming of our 'Cockpit Crew' is helping
us to explore new ways of reaching out into our
community with the love and Good News of Jesus.
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to raise our profile nationally, we joined
Cathedrals Plus, to help put St Paul's on the map as
a visitor and pilgrim destination. We shall be hosting
the regional meeting in July.
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Most of all I am thrilled that largely as a result of this
activity, St Paul's is now a friendlier, more open and inclusive
church, not only tolerant but respectful and welcoming of all ages.
So much of this has been achieved by you and by others in our
church. Again, I thank and applaud you for it!
Looking ahead
So what of the future?
St Paul's is the largest church in our diocese after St Albans
Abbey; the Church Buildings Council (CBC) recognise us as a Major
Parish Church. At least this, and our extra parochial, civic and
county role, qualifies us for recognition as a Greater Church.
Following some pushing from me, we have been invited to join the
Greater Churches Network [Major
Churches Network] from May. This will provide access to
dedicated CBC support for us, the benefit of other churches'
experience and advice; and, most importantly, lift St Paul's profile
regionally and nationally, which we hope may raise visitor numbers,
good will and increase our revenue. We are grateful to the Friends
for funding our membership of both the Greater Churches [Major
Churches Network] as well as
Cathedrals Plus.
Later this year we are planning a review of our Mission Action Plan.
Everyone will have the opportunity to express their views, before
the PCC sets out tasks and objectives for the next five years. But a
word of caution. We are not a club. We are a church. And it is not
our church, but God's. Therefore, each of us need to look beyond our
own worlds, and our personal interests and preferences, to the long
term good of St Paul's and the needs of the gospel which is why this
place exists. If that doesn't galvanise us to adapt, then self
interest should alert us to the fact that many of our activities are
still reliant on those in their seventies and eighties; and unless
we continue to make younger people feel welcome for their own sake,
and who in time may take over others' roles, then in ten or fifteen
years time, St Paul's could simply cease to exist.
Jaroslav Jan Pelikan said that, "Tradition is the living faith of
the dead, traditionalism is the dead faith of the living." Let
us not let traditionalism gives tradition such a bad name. Instead,
let us, imitate her Majesty the Queen, by having the courage to
recognise the world has changed and adapt, so that others may share
the rich tradition we enjoy. It is only by giving things away that
we are able to keep them. It is apposite to appropriate Jesus' own
words for churches as for individuals. "Any church who wants to save
its life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake
will find it."
God bless you for all you have achieved with His grace. And may He
give us all grace to be faithful to Him. Thank you for your love and
support. And thank you for listening,
The Revd Canon Kevin Goss.
Annual
Parochial Church Meeting
