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	May 2003
		A Quick Word by Paul Grayston
			A ministry with the right focus One of the delights of our time in England is discovering special little ministries in unexpected places. Like the ministry to people of Asian origin in Sheffield run from a tiny shop and offering care and friendship, a soccer team, and swimming lessons for women. Like the drop-in centre/coffee/op-shop for older people opened by a Methodist church who could see a need in their local community. And the Focus Service, a ministry to people with special needs - people with profound intellectual disabilities. On Sunday night there we are, an hour early at the smart modern warm(!) parish hall borrowed from St Peter's Greenhill, to run through the service and help the Focus team set up. As 7pm approaches, taxis and minibuses and carers' cars pull up. Some come from the other end of Sheffield to join in. We sit in the circle of 20 chairs. Lucy's wheelchair is manoeuvred into position. Tea-towels A cross is carried in and its meaning is explained. Candles are lit and we are told that God sends away darkness and scary things. We open with a song in simple words with Signing. Not made-up actions but proper Signing for those who need it to follow the words. In place of Bible readings, tea-towels are distributed and this time part of the story of Isaac is acted out. Each character is played by two people: a member of the congregation together with a member of the team. Tony wants to take every part but settles for the part of Abraham (with beaming smile). The 'set' is felt-pen sketches of a tent and a sunrise projected on the back wall. The drama is acted out again and explained again. Absolute delight Then the team performs another drama about a conflict in a group home. Everyone talks about the best way to defuse the situation. The drama is repeated. More specially written songs. A prayer which we repeat back phrase by phrase. And afterwards a birthday party for Tony who blows out his candles in one go. And it's time to tidy up. Our evening at the Focus Service has been an absolute delight, and so much fun, and I ponder the church's ministry to those on the margins. Those who are overlooked. Who are not catered for in our churches. Those who are left out of ministry and worship and Christian community. Those who Jesus would be with and would have us be with. Where? Where is your ministry to those on the margins? Where is your parish or church ministering to meet a real need? The ministry to Asian people, the drop-in-centre for older people and the wonderful Focus Service are surely a challenge and an inspiration for us all.