Where do we draw Boundaries on Ministry?

This week has been a very busy one with St. Michael's Day being on Saturday. The celebration was wonderful as we went out into the street and paraded around Camden Town! One thing I can say....I have never led 200 people down a street in a Cassick before!!



St. Michael's Day for me was also a painful reminder of the community this church is located in. We have a woman named Sara who has been with St. Michael's Church ever since Nicholas has been there. She has had extreme ups and downs in her emotions and has wrestled with depression constantly. St. Michael's Day was a low day for her and she came to the mass absolutley drunk. She shouted out things during the service and even attacked one of the church wardens because they wouldn't serve her more communion wine. She then hid underneath the altar in the chapel for a while so that no one could talk with her or reason with her. After a couple people finally got her out of her "huddle" position in the chapel, she came into the sanctuary and threw one of the largest fits I have ever seen. Sara started punching the altar, kicking down all of the flowers and candle sticks, and even throwing down the cross near by. Finally, the church had to throw her drunk and beligerant self out.



This event has really caused me to think about how much the church can possibly reach out. The congregation of St. Michael's has known for years that Sara drinks and has even enrolled her in psychological courses. She just isn't able to follow through.



St. Michael's Church is no stranger to this behavior either. Acouple years ago they had two gentlemen walk in from the street and start fighting each other with knives from the coffee/tea bar after the mass. There have also been problems with people coming in off the street and having sex on the altar!! Talk about disprespect. Sometimes I can't believe that the church continues it's outreach to these people. Don't we need a little respect and thankyou? Ofcourse, I have to remind myself that most people are very appreciative of the church's actions in this community. The question still rolls in my head though- are there lines to be drawn in ministry?