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Dear Friends
Just a few weeks ago I attended a seminar, which was being held in a church in Edinburgh. The seminar was basically about how we understand and develop church life. At one point in the day we were asked to do an exercise, which proved very interesting.
We were invited to imagine we were either a) a newcomer to the church, b) a child coining to church or c) an elderly person coming to church. Then we were asked to walk round the church building - inside and out - and ask the question: 'How does this building make us feel about ourselves and about God?'
It was a fascinating exercise to do. I imagined I was a newcomer. As I walked round the church I have to say I felt very welcome because of the way the church was laid out and because of the literature of welcome that was lying around. However, I also felt that as a newcomer, just walking off the street, the main church building would be a very alien environment - not the kind of building I would be particularly comfortable with.
Most of us reading this magazine are all people who are familiar with the church. We know what happens at worship, and we are on the whole comfortable with what we do when we gather on a Sunday. But, I wonder if you ever think what it would be like to be someone else - be it a newcomer, a child or an older person? It is hard to imagine that when we are in a place with which we are so familiar. However, it would be interesting to try! Some Sunday when you arrive at church, imagine you are someone else and see how it feels. It could be revealing and worthwhile!
I suppose that the basic question I am asking is this: How good are we at welcoming strangers? Do we talk to people we don't know? Are we willing to take that risk in order to make someone feel welcome? If someone comes to worship, do we assume they know what we do here, or do we take time to make sure everyone is comfortable and at ease? Do we provide an environment where children feel at ease and relaxed, or could we do more? What happens if someone is not very mobile or cannot see very well - do we provide facilities for them? Are there obstacles they have to negotiate or do we make it straightforward? The question is not 'Do we feel welcome?' The question is how welcome do other people feel - and one way to think that through is to try and put ourselves in someone else's shoes.
Our welcome is absolutely critical. If people feel welcomed, then there is a good chance they will come back. If they feel ignored, they are unlikely to return. Welcome is what Jesus gives to us - an unconditional welcome, so it is essential that we welcome others too.
Every blessing.
Iain
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