Personal story - An upper room

In 2002 we accepted Joyce and David Huggett’s invitation to undertake a retreat in their restored Derbyshire cottage. Incorporated into our days was an evening Holy Communion service. We observed carefully and were particularly impressed with Joyce’s dedication and prayerful preparation for this.

The attic room, approached by climbing a ladder, was set aside as a chapel and a skylight over our heads permitted us to enjoy in turn scudding clouds, passing jet plane trails, blue sky or dark as evening descended. The cottage was situated on one side of the village, slightly removed from many of the local sounds enhancing the quiet atmosphere at the top of the cottage.

Engaging the Five Senses

During the day Joyce prepared by praying over the readings and choosing music to accompany them. Her desire was for us all to meet with and experience God through a whole range of media and to express her love encounter with God. I have read even theologians say that it is in the encounter that God is known and revealed.

Graciously and tenderly Joyce helped us to enter into the presence of God and encouraged us to focus on Him, inviting us, enabling us to worship and encounter him in the relationship for which He originally created for us to enjoy. I realised what a natural way to witness to God our saviour, in being free to express who we are and to release some of the fullness received from God by using all the various media that are available.

How many do I use in order to express my feelings and worship of God? To what degree is this ability to express suppressed by my academic traditional church background I wondered? Is this another way I fail to witness of my love and response to Jesus? What if I was to prepare prayerfully too and begin prayer with a time of affirming God’s presence and who he is? Could prayer time become something more than another ‘work’ to be done?

Joyce’s relationship with God, as expressed and reflected through her preparation and creativity, has left an indelible imprint on our spiritual experiences. So much so that we have encouraged others to come to this intimate place of encounter and experience with our God in home groups around the communion elements.

A 'hands on' approach is important in today’s education system. So perhaps they make a point that we should take note of, in the way we teach, worship and experience God.

People, when given the opportunity to handle an object created by God, found themselves with a 'sermon in their hands' as God revealed teachings during a quiet time of observation and contemplation.

Judy Flint