There were two dozen of us for the Sunday Eucharist. We learned that Natalya, the homeless young woman who found us in church last Sunday is staying in a mountain holiday chalet, and likely to stay there a while, as she still cannot decide what she wants to do next or where she wants to go. It's still unclear what more can be done to help her, until she makes up her mind. Will a time of solitude free from pressure be fruitful? Or is she too accustomed to surviving in her own company for it to make a difference? It's hard to tell. At least she's in a safe place for now, and that's what matters.
After discussion with Clare and Church Warden Jane this morning, I've accepted an invitation to return here in August. We both love being here and would like to share time with Sister-in-Law Ann who had booked to come this time, but was too sick to travel, afflicted by the horrible 'flu that's killing people currently in Britain. I feel very much at ease ministering here.
Although it's not as big and diverse a congregation as Geneva, it has many similar qualities of openness and diversity with several native Swiss English speakers among expats and visitors. It's a special place of welcome for people passing through very occasionally, or those who come and stay periodically, as well as residents. The church now seek a permanent chaplain, but cannot any longer afford a full time priest. I hope and pray that a person is found who can really value the qualities of this community and the special role it plays in the Christian witness to the people of this region, as well as to vastly greater numbers who pass through. Being a sign of stability and consistency in this changing world is a challenging vocation, at a time when many churches are made so vulnerable by ignorance, indifference and lack of support.
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