Living Christ’s Story in a Mustard Seed Way
The Mustard Seed programme enjoyed a wonderful day at Bishopthorpe Palace, our fifth annual gathering for everyone during their Stepping Up year. It was a joy to be away from our ordinary lives, to spend the day in such beautiful surroundings, and we were blessed with glorious sunny weather to enjoy the gardens.
“A very special, inspirational and encouraging day, blessed to be part of it.”
We are very grateful to Archbishop Stephen for inviting us to Bishopthorpe, he was busy in Rome with the King and Pope Leo, but we were very blessed that Bishop Eleanor was able to spend the day with us.
Listening to God
We ended the day by reflecting on all the different ways we had listened to God: through the bible, sharing stories, Bishop Eleanor, sharing communion, creation and each other. It was beautiful to hear people share of the different things that God has spoken to them about throughout the day.
To find out more about how we are Living Christ’s Story in communities on the edge of the Diocese of York explore our website to watch the ‘Be Inspired’ films and read the Stepping Up stories and stories of mission. www.mseed.org
Stories of mission
We were delighted that Ann Wilkinson, Kevin Pratt and Michelle Reid who completed Stepping Up in 2023/4, joined us to share their stories.
Ann spoke to us about the sunflower lanyard she was wearing, to signify a hidden disability. Ann is neurodiverse and shared how God has called her to use her experiences in mission. Ann works as a chaplain and advocate for people who are neuro-diverse and/or have different learning abilities at Hull Minster.
Kevin described the large parish in Middlesbrough where he worships and the Easterside estate where the church building had to close as it was unsafe. Kevin recognised God was calling him to use his musical gifts to lead worship and he now works with a team to lead a new monthly worship service on the Easterside estate that is steadily growing.
Michelle shared how through Stepping Up she learnt to listen, to listen to God and to others. Through listening Michelle has discovered God’s call into leadership in the church in Bridlington, where she is serving in community mission, listening to others and helping to lead worship.
Bishop Eleanor
Bishop Eleanor spoke to us about “Ebenezer” which means stone of help, and the memorial stone erected by the prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 7:12 to commemorate God's help in a victory over the Philistines.
Bishop Eleanor then shared three of her “Ebenezers” with us – objects that remind her of times when God was her help.
A ring that reminds her of the dragons of fear that were slain when she was a student. She encouraged us not to be held back by our fears.
A stone that reminds her of the lady who was not a Christian but recognised God’s work in Bishop Eleanor’s life. She encouraged us to recognise people who God places in our path from outside of the church.
A fan that reminds her of God’s healing when she was seriously ill, and that God then called her to serve in the place where she was so very ill. She encouraged us that God may call us to serve him using the experience of our pain and his healing.
Worshipping together in the chapel was a joy, singing, praying and sharing communion, as Bishop Eleanor reflected on the Parable of the Sower, and how we will sow with tears but reap with joy.