Articles - From the Curate

Coming back to Church

16 years ago, I felt called to come back to Church after an absence of nearly twenty years. I remember that very well. It was very scary going to a new place, one I had never been to, on my own, not knowing anyone. The physical act of stepping over the threshold and going into the church was quite daunting. I squeezed in the back just as the service started and 'hid' on the back row. I was very relieved when someone came over to me, said hello and showed me which books to use. I will never forget the person who welcomed me and spoke to me with such care.

Move on to the end of June, when I came to St Edmunds as the new curate. This was different, I didn't feel the same hesitancy because I was used to coming to church, to different churches and so I was not as daunted and I have to say, St Edmunds is an extremely welcoming place. Thank you for that.

Coming back to church or coming for the first time, can be daunting for some people - it certainly was for me. But what helped me was the small relationship that I had with that friendly person and their kind words of welcome.

Why am I telling you this story? Well throughout the Diocese, churches are holding Back to Church Sunday on the 27th September. This is an opportunity for all of us, young and old, to invite someone who hasn't been to church for a long time, or in fact who are new to church completely, to come and spend time with us here at St Edmund's in our Sunday morning worship. Sometimes people want to restart or start getting to know God, but don't know how to or don't have an opportunity - well here is one - and we can help them take that up if they want. And all it takes of us is an invite, a welcome and words of care and support - and this is what can make all the difference to someone feeling daunted by the thought of stepping over the threshold - as I found out when I did it.

Jesus used every opportunity to build relationships with people didn't he? Even Zaccheus climbing the tree to get a better view, enabled Jesus to use that opportunity to start a relationship with him. It's just the same for us - giving people an opportunity - by inviting and encouraging them - which can give them their own chance to build relationships with us and with God if they want to.
So I would encourage all of us to pray about whom we could invite to come to St Edmund's on that day. And if that sounds daunting - 'stepping over the threshold' by being bold and asking someone to come - then let's not forget that God has already welcomed and invited us and He is already there ahead of us. He can give us that boldness.

So let's pray for boldness and start that relationship of invitation and welcome and see what happens!

Back to Church Sunday - 27th September. Who shall we invite?

Best wishes
Diane

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