 I. As a belief  II. As a method

God is ahead of the missionary and has an active presence in Aston.  In people  In cultures  In religions As missionaries we cooperate in the work of God.

 Jesus, heart of God, embraces all kinds of people.  We want to be as inclusive as He.

 In community › Eucharist - sharing › Evening prayer › Theological reflection  Individually › Personal prayer › Readings

 What it is not › Clear role/function › Authority › Passive/waiting › Initiating  What it is › Neighbour › Outreach › Active/welcoming › Supportive

 In unfamiliar situations  In order to understand  To take away prejudices It involves living in the neighbourhood

First stage Second stage  Befriending  Bridging

As individual As community  Finding one’s own place  Using individual talents  In personal commitment  Witness together  In shared responsibility  Supporting each other In spite of our obvious differences

 Settled in  Across contacts  Well-coming Church  Carl’s farewell  Aston Churches Together  Refugees and migrants  Alzheimer Society We make a difference

 Frustration: what am I doing here?  Unfocused  Not alert  Impatience Take your time and remain critical of yourself

 Street pastors  Drop-in centre  Interfaith dialogue  First neighbourhood association Keep on learning and try something else

 In God’s mission, not ours.  In bringing people together.  In justice for everyone to Peace

 What is your experience of a multicultural and multireligious society?  Do you believe in God’s active presence in cultures and religions?  What elements of a ministry of presence do you think useful in your own situation?  How do you want to be a missionary in the Europe of today?