FROM THE VICAR
I don’t know how many of you knew of the computer program ‘Zoom’ this time two years ago. I certainly didn’t. Then the Coronavirus pandemic happened, and we were all under instruction to stay at home as much as possible. As if from nowhere, the popularity of ‘Zoom’ as a way of seeing and speaking to each other through our computers, tablets, and phones really took off. It enabled us to communicate with each other. It helped us to do lots of things in ways we would not have previously imagined, including church services. Of course, it wasn’t without its problems – if the pandemic had a catchphrase, it would probably be “you’re on mute”!
As we continued to stay at home, digital and online communication became more important than ever. It wasn’t just Zoom. Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram became key ways of keeping in touch with friends and family. Emails flowed back and forth perhaps more freely than ever before. Even the telephone, which had perhaps started to feel a bit old-fashioned, experienced something of a renaissance.
With all this came new ways of being church – and some new skills I never expected to have to acquire as a Vicar, such as video editing. We’ve only dipped our toes in the digital water at the moment. Each of the churches in the benefice has its own Facebook page, and we have a benefice YouTube channel, where as well as pre-recorded videos we have been live-streaming some of our services. We would love to be able to do more, so if you’re a social media expert, or you know your way around a laptop and don’t mind giving up a couple of hours on some Sundays to help us with the live-streaming technology, do please get in touch. We would love to hear from you, and we would love you to help us communicate better.
I am very aware of the privilege I have of communicating with you all through this column in every edition of the Hambledonian. I also quite literally get a pulpit every Sunday from which to put my message across. Indeed, some of you probably think that you hear too much from me! I’m mindful that there are plenty of people, and groups of people, across the world and here in our village from whom we don’t hear very much. If you have something to say, then don’t be shy. Use this magazine if it helps – our editor will be pleased to hear from you and guide you. For the rest of us, we need to make sure that we aren’t dominating the conversation so much that nobody else can get a word in.
It’s often in the quiet that we hear the most profound voices. In 1 Kings 19 the prophet Elijah withstands a strong wind, and an earthquake, and a fire, but didn’t find God in any of them. It was in the silence afterwards that he heard God speak to him. While we’re busy communicating with each other in lots of ways – whether that be online, by telephone, or now face-to-face again – let’s make sure that there is no-one left on mute. Leave that space and silence for other people, and for God, to communicate with you.
Fr David