The Planted to Flourish Intergenerate workshop day on 8 August had over 30 participants and was a rich gathering in every way from the content, to the conversations to the delicious catering. The majestic tree growing in the front yard of St Barnabas Church, Stoke provided great inspiration to reflect on and what it means to be healthy and flourishing communities of faith.

The day invited participants to reflect on the biblical vision of intergenerational faith communities and through meaningful conversations, creative activities and shared meals together, the workshop modelled the very principles it sought to encourage.

The day began with participants holding a tiny mustard seed while reflecting on Jesus' words in Matthew 13:31. It was a powerful reminder that God often grows something significant from the smallest beginnings. This theme continued through Psalm 1:3, which describes people who are planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in every season.

Allan Harkness challenged participants to remember not only who they are, but whose they are. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, God's people lived, worshipped, learned and served together across the generations.

Participants were encouraged to see age segregation as the exception rather than the norm. Healthy faith communities thrive when people of all ages share their gifts, serve alongside one another and participate fully in the life of the church.

Raewyn, who co-leads the Lighthouse church in Westport with Matt Watts, was encouraged by the strong biblical foundation for intergenerational ministry and the reminder that "inclusive, all-age community is not an optional extra. An intergenerational perspective creates the rich soil needed for individuals and faith communities to flourish."

Facilitators Tammy Preston and Rachel Sangster used the metaphor of a tree to explore the different elements that contribute to flourishing faith communities. The stump drawing on Job 14:7-9, speaks of new growth emerging even from what appears dead.

The trunk symbolised lifelong faith formation, reminding attendees that discipleship is a lifelong journey that requires accompaniment, just as Jesus demonstrated on the Road to Emmaus as he journeyed along-side.

Melanie Cave from Roots for Churches used Ephesians 3:17 and reminded us of the importance of being "rooted and grounded in love". Just as trees flourish through connected root systems, churches flourish when people remain deeply connected to Christ and one another. The image of a forest sharing strength and resources offered a powerful picture of the Body of Christ.

We constructed a tree together and when we came to the branches and fruit participants were invited to first consider areas of fruitlessness in their lives or ministries. Through honest reflection we pondered areas in need of repentance or acknowledging where grief and despair have been apart of our journeys. We were reminded that acknowledging disappointment is often part of God's pathway toward growth and fruitfulness.

Susie, from Waimea Parish, shared this:

We are all learners, learning and growing in faith together across the ages and stages of life. It is about accompanying one another on this lifelong journey of discipleship so being together is really important. We looked at the metaphor of a tree – the leaves are where the energy is made – where do we (as a faith community) get our energy from? Across the room the common answer was by being together – gathering, meeting, praying, worshipping, serving – together – for God.

Liesel, elder care coordinator shared that she appreciated huddles between children’s workers and older persons workers which allowed for opportunity to see things across the bigger picture. Liesel reflected:

There were many different approaches throughout the day from personal space, to small group time, to discussion building and there was even space created to acknowledge, that it is not always hunky-dory and we need to grieve, lament and repent over spoiled or diseased fruit.

As the day concluded, participants left inspired to cultivate communities of faith where all generations belong, contribute and grow together. Like trees planted beside life-giving water, communities rooted in Christ and connected across the generations are truly planted to flourish.

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
_{John 15:5}