A special report by John Cooper...
After Sunday’s evening service, enticed by promises (not from the hosts but that evenings steward) of Champagne and canapés, a contingent went to the Superintendents house. Initial disappointment at the lack of advertised snacks soon gave way to a relaxed session of discussion, question and anecdotes.
The questions were clear and, to be honest, showed that one or two had obviously read the presidential biography before his arrival. Starting off with an easy ‘what's good, bad and ready for change in the Methodist Church’ we were soon treated to an hour of relaxed sharing. Highlights included tales of what the President was advised not to talk about when on tour, and what he could expect to find in a shared tumble-drier.
Highlight of the evening was he discussion on two issues. The first was the future of the Methodist Church. Whilst a predictable question, what the answer showed was here was a leader willing to state his personal opinion on what lines couldn’t be crossed in the name of ecumenism. His enthusiasm for an all-inclusive, gospel driven church that didn’t just sit in the pews but actively encouraged others to take action was good to hear.
The second was of greater concern. One member asked how the President had found living in community. He explained how, inspired by John Vincent, he had his first placement leading a community. There he discovered the joy of shared living, the challenges of shared living and the true value of taking shared living – taking it further to community – and how the dividends to themselves and the church are certainly never to be seen as purely a financial return through actions and money.
As always, Sue and Daniel acted as great hosts and a great evening was had by all.
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