At this year's Church Mission Society (CMS) Assembly gathering, held in Glasgow between 10-13 November, Aspen, a community dedicated to connecting and accompanying changemakers in God’s unfolding movement to renew all things, was launched. The initiative was introduced by a group who spent the past year shaping the vision, which included Lee Barnes, Diocesan Adviser for Curacy & Fresh Expressions.
The name ‘Aspen’ was chosen because it is a pioneer species of tree and is one of the first to grow in desolate spaces. It is resilient and its leaves shimmer which is taken by some cultures to symbolise going between heaven and earth.
The purpose of the community is to accompany change makers, pioneers, fringe dwellers and midwives of the new to join in God’s unfolding movement to heal and renew all things. It is part of the body of Christ and is somewhere for pioneers to belong and be part of a community that encourages and celebrates who they are and the pioneering practice they are called to.
Speaking about the new community, Lee said:
“I am really excited about the Aspen community and its potential for those who, through a prayerful discernment process, look to explore joining – if right for them. Both from personal experience and working with those who have the God-gift of Pioneering, I am aware how people can sometimes feel quite isolated, lonely, misunderstood, and not quite ‘fitting in’ but, at the same time, are engaged in the unfolding movement of God. Aspen is one place to gather, support and encourage these ‘change-makers, pioneers, fringe-dwellers and midwives of the new’. I look forward to seeing what it becomes."
If you are interested in finding out more about the Aspen community, please email Lee Barnes on lee.barnes@bristoldiocese.org