Was somewhat disappointed by lack of welcome at St. Mary's Church in Melton Mowbray when I attende their 10 am service this morning. We have been visiting friends in the town for the weekend and having dropped by the church yesterday felt encouraged to go along today. Couldn't fault the lady who was "on duty" yesterday as she piled me with lots of info about the church including a free copy of the Parish magazine.
Not so impressive today when despite clearly being new in town and alone not one person spoke to me before or after the service save for the Reader & Curate doing the obligatory thank you for coming on exit.
This made me think about how best we can welcome newcomers in to church. I know that for some people the opportunity for an hour's peace means they don't want be disturbed but surely the first time we see a stranger enter church we should at least enquire after them. If it is clear they wish to be left alone that is fine but maybe part of their motivation fro coming along is to feel that they belong, that they are part of a community? If we ignore them how can we ever hope to meet their needs?
My need ths morning was simply to feel close to God and to meet him through the Eucharist and as far that objective was concerned St Mary's succeeded. A beautiful church and an excellent sermon both helped fulfil that desire for spiritual sustenance. But had I been looking for fellowship and friendship I would have been left disappointed - which I find sad and disappointing.
I hope that anyone who comes along to Ss Peter & Paul's never leaves feeling like that. And I hope that the lesson I learned this morning about the importance of warmth and welcome helps me as I journey along my path in ministry
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