How YBA churches have been connecting

YBA Mission Enabler Revd Kez Robinson writes: "During the heart of lockdown YBA churches were invited to meet and explore some of the particular joys and struggles of being church in this season. 27 of our churches got together in groups and explored ideas and needs. It was so encouraging to be in a 'virtual room' with others in leadership, to hear what was going on and to see ideas being sparked from each other.
 
It was really exciting to see some of the things have been happening across the Association. The creativity and deep faith commitment of our body of churches, evident as we gathered, was inspiring.
 
There were common themes across the groups that met. Without a doubt the biggest area of lament was a lack of gathered fellowship as we have been unable to meet in our buildings. We miss each other. What a great sign that we like each other! We are family and we long to share fellowship, community and life together in Christ.
 
There were also some really positive things shared too. The way church service sheets and CDs have been passed to neighbours, viewing figures for online services have, across the board, outstripped actual church attendance 'in normal time' and this has given us new insights to online possibilities. One example is the way some young people have gathered in Whats App groups and through Zoom.
The reality is that many folk feel enormous relief at not having the tyranny of the rotas any more. Can we find a way not to go back to this?!
 
Across the churches that met, there was the real sense that although there is difficulty and challenge there is also possibility and opportunity. Maybe this will spur us on not to go back to how things were, but to engage - directly, individually and personally in sharing our faith. Could this be what was needed to bust us out of our buildings? One church has even reported that in this season they are letting go of their building completely. How exciting to take a risk in God rather than shrinking in nervousness….
  
The YBA Team noted there were common themes throughout the group meetings, which would be great to examine more closely going forwards. Church communities said they would welcome some input with the following:

• Tech needs and how to make the most of our online presence.
• Children’s provision and how not to lose sight of this group when we are not meeting.
• How we keep a sense of identity when many of our members are accessing multiple services.
• Mission needs and possibilities in the pandemic season.
• How does the church community respond to the needs of the general community? Already we are seeing the economic effects - people losing their jobs etc. What can we do to offer support and hope in the next economic season? 

Following on from this, we are working on a series of webinars for people to access and take ideas from. These will be shared through our Newsround emails as usual. And if you have connections that might be useful in these areas, please do get in touch - click to email -  so that we can explore sharing the very best of ourselves in faith and mission."

Every blessing to all of you and I look forward to seeing you at a webinar soon!
 
Kez and your YBA Team