Positive stories of community spirit

Clare nix

When Eldon set the themes for the year’s parish magazines, I readily signed up to write about community spirit theme for June. I know something about this through involvement with the Coffee Shop, Holiday at Home, and the Sunday Lunches. When Janet Jarrett circulated Elizabeth Fidler’s letter from the Telegraph I felt particularly happy that I could write about being part of that strong community spirit in Wisley with Pyrford (even if I do live in Ripley!).

All well and good. Then came the steady march of Covid-19 and national lockdown. What does community look like in those new circumstances? What does it mean for a church family to move online? How does the absence of physical contact threaten community bonds or affect what Nick, at the service on 17th May, called the unbreakable circle of love? On the bright side is it possible that lockdown might give more space to reflect, to strengthen community bonds and sharpen our focus on the needs and circumstances of people within and beyond our immediate community?

My honest answer is that it’s been a bit of a mixed picture with some amazing and inspiring moments. The ten or so weeks have sometimes been quite overwhelming. I’m conscious all the time of the damage the epidemic is causing here and internationally and am troubled about some of the political decisions. Through my work I am in regular contact with career leaders in schools and colleges who are all deeply worried about their students’ progression as well as the practical challenges of delivering learning virtually. I know it is important to come together in love to support each other. So here is my story of community spirt through the lockdown.

Our online services are remarkable – so intimate and so technically skilful. I look forward to seeing the faces of people from our church community and hearing those powerful fingerprints of God. And it is so exciting that the service is relayed internationally now. Mark’s point that churches are not closed but open in individual homes is really inspiring.

I love seeing neighbours of all ages appear each Thursday evening to clap for carers and to commit a time to consider their contribution and say thank you to the key workers. On our regular walks we pass houses with thank you signs to each of the key workers.
My sister-in-law and two other friends have been part of amazing community networks making scrubs for the NHS. The most recent count from Linda is that the group has sewed 4,746 pairs of scrubs in some amazing designs!
The LICC (London Institute for Contemporary Christianity) circulated a powerful prayer journey through April based on a three-part approach of recognising and acknowledging God’s Presence, sharing and praying about Pressure points and renewing our Purpose in caring for each other and being active in the community. The daily prayer journey, which others may have seen, has used this three-part reflection to explore the needs and circumstances of different groups working through the pandemic – transport workers, charities, the health service, care workers and others. I have felt real community through those daily reflections with people facing very different experiences but sharing a sense of hope and belief in God’s love.
I have had much more meaningful phone conversations with friends and work colleagues – sharing concern over a daughter who contracted Covid-19 while working in a hospital in Bury, crying with a volunteer at a foodbank as contributions dried up, sharing alarm at the disproportionate effect of the virus on families from black and minority ethnic communities with friends in London and the Midlands, discussing how to manage the pressures of home schooling alongside maintaining work commitments.
Zoom Home group sessions including sharing Hilary’s video reflections and one Home Group member, Kathryn Mercer, running to each house with an encouraging card.

The Pastoral Assistant network and Helping Others quietly supporting people and circulating those Mothers Sunday posies and the details of the Daily Hope phone line.

So I have heard some really positive stories of community through the lockdown and hope we can build on the inventive and caring spirit and hold fast to what is good!

-Clare Nix

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