On the feast day of St. Peter and St. Paul, parishioners, choirs and priests from across the Over Wyre Benefice gathered together at St. James’ church for a joint Holy Communion service.
Led by Rev. Naomi and supported by Rev. L J (on a three-week placement from St. Thomas’ Blackpool, on a mission to experience the delights of a rural context), it was never going to be an ordinary occasion!
A short film clip from Disney’s Moana opened up the theme of identity and what we are called to do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgXpsZa8_i4
Moana found out who she really is because she felt something special inside her heart that said, ‘There’s more for me to do.’ Her grandma helped her remember her people who used to sail across the sea – and told her that she could be a brave leader too. Even if she got scared or made mistakes, she kept going and listened to the voice of love inside her.
The gospel reading according to Matthew (16: 13-20), focused on a conversation between Jesus and Peter where Jesus asked: ‘Who do you say I am?’ and Peter replied, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ Zooming in on Peter’s identity, Jesus went on to say, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah…I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.’ The connection between the fictional Disney heroine and the factual disciple of Jesus was clear – both had a unique identity, both were called to serve, both had a mission.
The theme of identity was further strengthened when tags were distributed to the faithful, awaiting the addition of a name and providing space to write a personal reminder of our own unique calling to help build God’s church. This hands-on approach was later followed by the construction of paper chains, across the pews followed by the breaking of those chains, symbolising how God’s calling enables us to break free from whatever holds us back. It was a visual learning point.
Meanwhile, the children’s Sunday Club were experiencing their own version of the same story, using film, song and crafting to make it relatable at their level. Towards the end of the service, the little ones were invited to share their learning and showcase their crafting. They took great delight in displaying the little rocks they had decorated with brightly coloured crosses on top – connecting the identities of Peter (the ‘Rock’) and Jesus.
It was a service of togetherness: a gathering of churches, a congregation of people, a cluster of choristers, a meeting of hearts and minds through music, worship and shared activities.
Naturally, it was followed by fellowship…and of course, refreshments!
