St Mary’s Parish, West Moors

Revd Andy Muckle, vicar of St Mary’s Parish Church West Moors reflects on taking part in the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) five-week course over Zoom and explains why others should be encouraged to do the same.

“As a church community we felt it was very important for us as a loving group of Christians journeying through life together to engage with this material” explained Revd Andy Muckle.

The St Mary’s Parish Church West Moors community initially experienced “some trepidation” about engaging with the material, Andy revealed.

“As leaders, we were initially wary that using Zoom would be inhibiting to those attending but the feedback received was that Zoom actually enabled people to speak openly” he said.

He continued: “People reflected back that whilst the course material was deeply personal and uncomfortable in places, the experience of engaging with the material deepened their understanding of people with different experiences than their own.

“Having the videos to present and run the sessions consistently throughout the course was very helpful.

“There was very positive feedback from participants on the powerfully moving story films.

“They were given an insight into worlds they had not seen.

Reflecting on the experience of taking part in the LLF course as a church community, Andy said: “It would be difficult to say people enjoyed the course,” he laughed, “but they engaged, they were open, and as incumbent, I was extremely proud of the open and honest conversations we took part in.”

“I believe as a church community we have both been tested and strengthened in our faith by the experience of engaging with Living in Love and Faith.”