An annual meeting of the Atlantic Mission Society is kind of how I imagine a kitchen party in a brightly – coloured cottage on the shores of St. John’s, with its singing and dancing and instrument – playing around the fireplace or kitchen stove. For these AMS gatherings aren’t merely to conduct business, but are reunions of extended family—women and men from across the east coast coming together to share, to sing, to laugh, to learn, to pray, to eat and to enjoy each other’s company.
And isn’t that what any church gathering should be?
This year’s 137th meeting in September was actually on the island of Prince Edward, not in Newfoundland. And yes, there was business to be done—like thanking outgoing president, Jennifer Whitfield after three years of service and installing Bonnie Langille of River John, N.S., for the next three; and adopting a streamlined vision that highlights a dedication to the work of the denomination as a whole (“The purpose of the Society is to glorify God and support … mission endeavours through the Presbyterian Church in Canada.”)—noting that non – PCC projects should be chosen in light of whether or not they would be supported by the Presbyterian Church.
But it was the coming together—the community, the communion—of 125 faithful that was the true thrust of the meeting. It helped me understand the oft – repeated argument against moving to biennial General Assemblies—that the coming together of church folk every year, particularly for those in remote congregations or presbyteries, is good for the soul.
It also lends support to Rev. David Webber’s argument—which he spoke about during his address on the first evening of the meeting—for a return to house churches (like those he pastors in the remote Cariboo – Chilcotin region of B.C.). Churches that aren’t dependent upon ordained clergy, but where people meet in homes and nurture both body and soul through food, through music, through studying the gospel. Churches where everyone knows everyone else’s name, and the names of their children, and where they work and what they struggle with. Churches that strive, intimately, to be Christ in the world. To respond to their unique situation. To invite others to join.
“Small groups are where people can relate to one another in bonds of community. Communities, where the level of consciousness is at a peak, fueling the intentions that lead to the praying, sharing, reflecting, evangelizing and liberating works of the ministry of Christ,” said Webber.
At the heart of this argument, for me, is the creation and nurturing of community—Christ’s community. And the stories that were shared by others at the meeting supported this idea.
Rev. Webber’s wife, Linda told personal tales of visiting the house churches that make up their ministry. Honest stories of real – life relationships, no matter how messy. Rev. Dr. Paul McLean talked about his time in Taiwan, where he first went as a missionary in 1983, and along with a dedicated and deeply connected team of 20 (“translation is teamwork,” said McLean), joyfully unveiled a new Bible translation in the indigenous Hakka language in 2012—a project that was 26 years in the making. Dr. McLean’s wife, Mary Beth shared remembrances of giving birth in Taiwan and the local customs practiced after childbirth.
All of these stories related the need, the desire, the richness and reward of community.
There was also an all – out banquet in a hall decorated with white twinkling lights, featuring a dinner that ended with massive pieces of lemon pie topped with mile – high meringue, and entertainment that varied from highland dancing to inter – generational singing to comedy skits. The offering was taken amidst dancing and music – playing, complete with feather boas and tiny toy instruments. And there was a packed – house Sunday worship at the beautiful new Summerside Presbyterian Church.
Several offerings were taken over the weekend, with more than $1,700 raised and divided equally among the Webbers’ and the McLeans’ ministries, as well as P.E.I.’s Camp Keir.
The meeting’s theme was, “Blessed to be a blessing,” and the AMS is certainly that. They are a small yet vibrant group, fiercely committed to supporting the church’s missionaries and mission projects overseas; learning about issues in Canada and around the world through the mission studies produced by the national church; nurturing youth, children, and students through bursaries to camps and seminary students; and looking for local projects they can support with both their time and money.
This is Christ’s community.
A blessing indeed.
