A Week in the life of Gillian-Mary, Enabler for Riverton Union parish.
I am an Anglican priest, contracted by Methodist church as Enabler for Union parish of Riverton, coastal Southland. This is my second year. I live in Lumsden, 100km away. The first year I tried staying in Riverton for a long weekend, Thursday – Sunday. We found this was taking too much of parishioners precious weekends so now I stay one week a month in a rented crib and enjoy some free time and work 8 units ( 1 unit = morning/afternoon or eve session). Is this a great job! A typical week looks like this:
Help: Talk with a small group about principles of LSM. How can we share more of what we do in the parish? We were worried about burnout for the preachers but maybe its burnout for the leaders? Teams working well, how does role of Parish Council challenge LSM model of ministry? Can they too learn to work as a team? Interesting conversation, expect to continue this, probably at parish planning day.
Listen: Coffee with parishioner as I listen to some more of the parish story and the hurts still needing healing in the aftermath of parish changing direction to LSM.
Supervision: Check in with Ministry Leadership Team. We talk about tasks, what resources needed, pray together and usually have a laugh as we get to know each other better.
Encourage: Talk through with Pastoral Team leader about a training session on "story listening". The difficulty is timing as all leading busy lives!
Refreshment: Time out for me. Enjoy walking on the beach, discover I'm not as agile as I was jumping the rocks. Bothereration! I might be getting older.
Provide: Resources for preachers – looking at Methodist Lead Worship year 2. Think we could get a group going. Also get further with setting date for first adult Sunday Club gathering. This is really exciting for a group of parishioners looking for a chance to revisit subjects they have put on a graffiti board. Starting off with the Holy Spirit. Sure hope she comes!
Assist: Visit home group "Friday Friends" and join in bible study looking at coming reading for Sunday. A wonderful group of women that energise me and give me hope for future church!! Wonder if we can get a group together, men? Maybe Monday Mates!!
Facilitate: On-going call process and discernment for next Worship team Leader. Wow, God surely led us left field on this one!
I am not "the minister" but enable the ministering community to be the presence of Christ in this community. To do this I have received Enabler training with the Anglican Church (Waikanae 1997), receive regular supervision and spiritual direction, have a supportive family and a group of friends with whom I am able to let my hair down, relax, enjoy good food and wine and laugh! I love what I do and feel I am greatly blessed.