Issue 487 Featured Article: Pause and Space at PAUSE SPACE – An Introduction to the Pause Space Ministry
Fox Lo
Director of Fellowship Department
[email protected]
Pause [pɔːz]
It means “temporary cessation of an action or speech” with synonyms “stop, suspend, rest…”.
The PAUSE bookshop was opened in 2014, using books as a medium for people to rest, read and think. In response to changes in the times, resources and manpower reallocation of FES in recent years, the bookshop was closed in March 2021. PAUSE had a pause.
How does PAUSE continue?
In response to this question, during a retreat, our staff team decided to transform the original location of the Pause bookshop into a shared space.
The next question was, “How do we share this space?” Different members of the FES community therefore embarked on a series of discussions to explore various possibilities …… After exchanges and consultations between staff and different stakeholders, the final consensus was to convert the current site into the following:
• Weekday evenings and weekends are dedicated to devotions, spiritual conversations, prayer meetings, spiritual growth, art appreciation, and other art and spiritual events/exhibitions, as well as lending space to various organizations to hold art/spiritual exhibitions; and
• Weekday daytime semi-open space for personal self-study/work/quiet.
Space[speɪs]
It means “a continuous area or space that is free, usable or unoccupied” and its synonyms include “room, universe, place, plot, seat, gap…”.
With the thorough design of Kay, our interior designer, the original location of the bookshop was renovated in May this year. The renovation was completed by the end of May, and the test run started on June 1st.
How has SPACE been attempted?
Starting in late June, we have been working with a variety of partners to use the space for artistic, spiritual, and spiritual care activities. These include the “Art Spirituality Workshop” co-organized with Atelier of the WORD, the “Care for Youth Edition Mental Health First Aid Certificate Course (Church Edition)” co-organized with HeArea, the “Reshaping the Mind Picture Workshop” and the “Coffee for Life Workshop” co-organized with Distmont Worshop. Our Inter-School department’s “Idontdevotion” ministry also partnered with Dustykid to organize an exhibition in this space, “Finding God in Everyday Spiritual Practice, POP UP Reading Experience”. These events attracted many old acquaintances and new friends, which really reflect the needs of the people in this city and era.
We will continue to pursue this direction—in the hope that participants in the city, who are living a harsh and burdensome life, will be able to take a break from their hustle and bustle and have their hearts nourished and cared for through the diverse artistic and spiritual activities offered at the Pause Space. On the other hand, we also hope to connect with dedicated people who are interested in promoting various artistic and spiritual activities to provide space to serve brothers and sisters.