Mind the Gap

As we approach the season of the nativity I've noticed afresh how people make the distinction between the secular and sacred celebration. In my part of the world, radio Devon UK has just successfully broadcast a Carol Service that seemed to bridge the gap between these two realms.

On Monday 22nd December the BBC simultaneously broadcast live on the Radio from Plymouth Central Hall Methodist Church as well as through a Webcast on the internet. The weeks before the broadcast, they advertised that they wanted as many groups to become involved across the region and beyond. A Carol Service Kit was made available on the internet and groups of all kinds and locations took up the challenge.

Pub and Club, Church and Home, Community Groups, Congregations and families signed up for the event. There seemed to be a renewed sense of togetherness regardless whether you were Bishop or Barmaid, Church or Club member, Faith and Frivolity seemed to go hand in hand. For 1 hour Political Correctness gave way to Proper Christmas Celebration.

Here is the BBC's own report of the event. "

Thousands of people joined us on Monday 22 December for one of the biggest Christmas carol services the South West has ever seen.

"Sing Christmas" was an interactive community service which brought together congregations gathered in pubs, clubs, residential homes, cafés and places of work in one big service.

People even gathered around their village tree

Everyone was invited to tune their radios or log on to the BBC websites, sing the same carols and listen to the Christmas story unfold.

The main service was held at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall from 8pm and relayed to BBC Local Radio across the South West.

It was also broadcast on The Big Screen in Plymouth city centre - where a Salvation Army band played along - and on the four local BBC websites.

We had people taking part in Devon, Cornwall, Jersey, Guernsey, the USA, Canada, Belfast and even New Zealand where former 'Devon Maid', Janet Pugh, joined in after cooking breakfasts for her guests at her B+B in The Bay Of Islands.

There was music, lots of well known carols, special guests and a unique interactive element - all about the real meaning of Christmas and we're hoping to do it all again - even bigger and better - next year!

Happy Christmas to everyone who took part!" (http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/articles/2008/10/16/sing_christmas_feature.shtml)

For me this image, of barrierless community sharing in worship of the Christchild, is about not minding the Gap. It is also the task of a tentmaker minister to enable Congregation and Community to feel at ease in each others presence. It is the taking part without too much concern for theological difference that indeed this makes theological sense as the One who came was just at ease regardless of sacred or secular arena in which he moved.

This is the essence of incarnational ministry.