Dear Friends,

 

It is many years now since the day when I went into Bristol Crown Court for the first time. I had been summoned to do jury service. ‘Great’, I thought – ‘two weeks off school’ (I was a teacher at the time, in a large, tough Comprehensive school). In the event, it proved to be a fascinating experience which changed my life, and as a direct result I decided to embark upon legal training in order to work in criminal law – but that’s another story! What I still remember vividly is the almost awesome feeling of being in court for the first time: the strange costumes, worn by otherwise normal men, the ritualised standing and bowing at certain times, the formality of the language, the sense of order, and of everyone knowing their place and what to do.  Very slowly, I became more accustomed to it all; and then the time came, some three years later, when as an articled clerk for the leading criminal law solicitors’ practice in Bristol, I started going to court on most working days, and it all became very familiar indeed.

 

I mention all this, because I once read that for many people, going into a church for the first time feels as alien an experience as going into court did for me. I’m sure it must be hard for newcomers to feel at home – especially in our church at Wraxall, where it takes a great deal of physical effort to get that dark, heavy old door to open before you can even step inside – and how embarrassing if you’re a bit late! I value very much my non religious friends who never set foot inside a church, and I always try to remember what it must be like to feel an outsider. That’s why it might be easier to come first to a concert or a lunch, rather than to an actual church service.

 

There are many people in our parish who are really glad that our churches at Wraxall and Failand are there, but who just wouldn’t feel comfortable about coming to a service. Many others used to come, but have just got out of the habit, and making the first move back feels awkward. But on Sunday 24^th September, our diocese of Bath & Wells is marking ‘Back to Church Sunday’, with the aim of encouraging reluctant church-goers to ‘give it a go’ and venture inside. With this in mind, regular church-goers are asked to think about who they can invite, and then give them an invitation to the service. This idea started in Manchester in 2004, when at least 900 people returned to church, having been invited by a friend. So we thought it would be a good idea to try it here. If you’re a regular, think of a friend who might appreciate an invitation, and the excuse to make that first tentative step inside; if you feel like an outsider, then this is the day for you to come and try out this new experience – and to receive the warmest of welcomes.

 

It does get to be familiar in time, and you’ll soon feel at home. (One of the loveliest things about our smAll Saints group, for pre-school children, which meets in church, is the way these little children grow up feeling that church is a place where they belong, and are at ease.) So do come along on 24^th September; you will be welcome, and you’ll find that, like those funny men in wigs, we’re actually very normal people (on the whole!); we try to speak in intelligible English; and not to act too peculiarly. We’re all seeking to make some sense of the huge mystery we call God, and to draw a little closer to that light and love through our very imperfect worship.

 

So, see you then? (Wraxall, 9.30, Failand 11.15)

But perhaps I should warn you – it can be a life-changing experience……

 

With love,

Rosey