I realise it's been ages since I posted anything, so here's something on the same theme as the last post...
Passed a church yesterday that I had visited in the past. New outside now is a bit electronic display board that flashes 'WELCOME' in capital letters.
Problem is, I've been there several times, and never felt welcome. In fact, I've each time I've visited I've tried to chat to make converstation, and found it all but impossible to break into the fellowship (is that something you're supposed to have to break in to?).
Anyway, I couldn't help but think that the sign reminded me rather of those hold messages 'Your call is important to us, please hold and we'll connect you to the next available operator'... 'Your salvation is important to us.... please hold for the next available pastor...'?
Thing is, a sign is only really of any use if it reflects accurately the thing which it indicates. What use a sign on a shop window saying 'Open' when the door is locked?
The problem is, politics has taught us that it's all about the signs these days. More aspiration than statement of fact, many labels we see in passing, read or hear are there to entice us with what the writer hopes we'll believe, whether it's there or not.
I hope that this one is an exception and is in fact now, reality.
Perhaps I'll pop in some day and find out :-)
Please don't write at me and say 'you're being critical' - yes, yes, I am. Criticism is good. There. Happy?
Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Friendliest Church in the World
We visited a little local church that meets in a school last Sunday. Gonna give them another visit this weekend (assuming I am back from near flu-y death!).
On walking in the door and looking lost, a girl about the age of the wife came up and started chatting. Her boyfriend (I wonder if he hates the word fiance as much as I did?) then joined us, and we chatted away for almost 30 minutes until the service started. And then again afterwards, and they introduced us to their friends.
The service was started and ended with food. Lots of food, and tea/coffee.
The service itself was very normal, and while the building was freezing (they actually hand you a blanket with your notice-sheet as you enter the hall), the people were very friendly indeed.
It reminded me of a church I once visited in Edinburgh, where I had nine - count them - nine! invitations to lunch between leaving my seat and reaching the back door. I think that was the friendliest church in the world. Bellevue Chapel in Edinburgh, we salute you!
But this church did come a close second. Many people were similar ages to us which, while not essential, does help with the banter.
They were also very normal. The didn't appear to be being friendly in order that we should attend their church, there was no pressure to fill in an attendance card ("there's a visitor's book if you want to use it but you don't have to so really don't bother if you don't want to"), and they talked about normal things. You know, the weather. Their jobs. The church.
A very pleasant experience. Definitely worth repeating. And all the more so because the two we met are not going to be there this week - so we'll see if it's common at their church :-)
On walking in the door and looking lost, a girl about the age of the wife came up and started chatting. Her boyfriend (I wonder if he hates the word fiance as much as I did?) then joined us, and we chatted away for almost 30 minutes until the service started. And then again afterwards, and they introduced us to their friends.
The service was started and ended with food. Lots of food, and tea/coffee.
The service itself was very normal, and while the building was freezing (they actually hand you a blanket with your notice-sheet as you enter the hall), the people were very friendly indeed.
It reminded me of a church I once visited in Edinburgh, where I had nine - count them - nine! invitations to lunch between leaving my seat and reaching the back door. I think that was the friendliest church in the world. Bellevue Chapel in Edinburgh, we salute you!
But this church did come a close second. Many people were similar ages to us which, while not essential, does help with the banter.
They were also very normal. The didn't appear to be being friendly in order that we should attend their church, there was no pressure to fill in an attendance card ("there's a visitor's book if you want to use it but you don't have to so really don't bother if you don't want to"), and they talked about normal things. You know, the weather. Their jobs. The church.
A very pleasant experience. Definitely worth repeating. And all the more so because the two we met are not going to be there this week - so we'll see if it's common at their church :-)
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