Fat Boy Slim

Matt Woodcock, Church of England Pioneer Minister and Mission Supporter in the Diocese of York:

The other day I was asked one of those tantalising questions: ‘Would you like to become a member?’ The fact it was to join the Mother’s Union took me back a bit, but that was OK. It was lovely to be asked. Apparently blokes join all the time these days.

The invitation reminded me that being a member of something can be a wonderfully life-giving commitment. Joining with others in nurturing an interest, trying something new or simply belonging. Be it to an Italian cookery club, the Pork Pie Appreciation Society or gathering of weekend bog snorkellers. I’m on a bit of a roll recently. I’ve become a member of two groups - a squash and a book club.

The first to help reduce my girth. The second to expand my mind. So far I’m having more success with the literature. Squash is feistier than I thought. I lost my cool on court the other day after an accusation of foul play. “I don’t cheat, I’m a vicar!” I shouted. “Well I don’t cheat and I’m a computer programmer!” came my opponent’s reply. Fair point.

Well, clearly you wouldn’t know it at times, but I also belong to what some call a 'holy club' - the church. An institution, to quote a former archbishop, that exists primarily for “the benefit of non-members.” I see evidence of that every day in big and small ways. Countless hours being given in the loving service of others. Of course, like most institutions, the church is also a definite work in progress. I remember attending a service once with my mum in a near-deserted one. Sitting down, we were told - albeit incredibly politely - that we’d have to move. “Any particular reason?” mum asked. “That’s Marjorie’s pew,” came the answer.

So for me, clubs, societies, institutions or movements - holy or otherwise - work best when there’s a culture of genuine welcome and invitation. Of openness and generosity. Of no pew reservations.

Individually too, the example of Christ inspires me to strive to treat everyone with the same love, care and compassion no matter who they are.

Living with the attitude that joyfully serving and loving others is the best way to enrich ourselves.

As the soon-to-be newest member of the Mother’s Union, Chris, I’ll try to remember that.