Common Ground 2011 was Holy Ground

By George Porter

Common Ground 2011 was an ecumenical forum of Canadians whose life, work and ministry connect them in some way with young people. Held at London, Ontario’s Lamplighter Inn, the five-day event brought together people from Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Church and other faith communities. Spencer Edwards, one of the event facilitators, noted in a post-event Facebook comment that, while we came together seeking common ground, we really found holy ground. All the participants from this diocese agreed. Seen above they are the Rev. Amanda Longmore, me, Christopher Ketch, the Rev. Cathy Laskey, the Rev. Chris Hayes, and Debora Kantor.

Like most youth ministry training events, Common Ground featured excellent teaching in large and small settings as well as opportunities to explore resources. In this relaxing setting there were times to talk and play together, as well as times to go off-site for adventure and ministry.

Unlike many other events, however, Common Ground was as much about formation as information. Worship together was a primary experience, rather than being an add-on or an aside. This component was carefully and thoughtfully designed to respectfully engage people from various traditions, but it was not aimed at lowest common denominator blandness. The Rev. Chris Hayes said: “I was moved deeply to the core of my spirit by the times of worship together.” These times, he said, “were the highlights of the week (musically breathtaking [thanks to the ministry of Gord Johnson and Larry Campbell from saint benedict’s table, an Anglican fresh expressions community in Winnipeg], creative, energetic and inspired.”)

Chris Ketch noted that this should serve as a model for those planning youth events where “so often it feels like worship is just an afterthought.”

The Rev. Cathy Laskey was struck by an analogy shared during the event. A participant “told us about growing asparagus. A row is dug 18 inches deep so that the asparagus may be planted. Then it takes three years before any sign of growth sprouts up through the ground. And if that wasn’t long enough, it takes another two years before it can be harvested. Anyone who is sharing in ministry with youth is sharing in planting asparagus.” Common Ground 2011 was a challenge to walk as mentors, shepherds and God-bearers with young people in their journeys, being both “near and direct with them” – being a ‘non-anxious presence’ in their lives, she continued. It was also a challenge to see youth ministry as a congregational reality rather than an appendage.

The participants — four of us were sponsored by a special grant from the Ecclesiastical Province of Canada — all agree that there was way to much to describe and would be willing to speak with others about what they brought away with them. Contact them through me, george.porter at Anglican.nb.ca. Noting that the east coast provinces already have some common things on the go, one also suggested a diocesan version of Common Ground.

          

15 August 2011
Diocesan Communications