Nov
3
High Street Monasteries is the name of the course I am attending this week lead by Ray Simpson of the Community of Aidan and Hilda. Ray has also written book of the same title. According to the write up the course will be: “Demonstrating how the Celtic model of monasticism has dynamic value for daily living as well as being a practical model for parish life and ministry.”
The course is tied in with both the Emerging Church movement and ‘Fresh Expressions’, both of which have held my attention for some time. However, I have a gut feeling that what will be said will challenge my own Franciscan vocation. The next three days will tell.
So, how was the High Street Monasteries seminar? I have been reading Exploring Celtic Spirituality, and am part of a simple church in Charlottesville VA (US). Wondering how Simpson’s words and work might help us on the missional way….
David
Most of the people at the seminar were Anglicans with established churches but wanting to start new work. I think most of us were taken with the idea of having a small core of people, perhaps under rule, whose major roll was one of prayer. Around this ‘heart’ would be established other things that were appropriate to the area in which ministry was to take place.
I think the idea is to set up Christian communities which act as a presence rather than establishing a new Church