Church isn't just about worship. Church is the building. It's the people inside it that makes the difference.
looking at what we do as a community other that worship, we have coffee mornings, games nights, warm spaces, craft and chat. These are open to members of our congregation and also to the community, its a chance for us to love our neighbours as the bible tells us to do and share our resources. Its a chance to reach out to those who become curious and want to know more about God in a welcoming way.
This is such a helpful post Claire - thank you for sharing.
It reminded me that today we received a prayer request via the email prayer chain.
A regular visitor to one of our out reach cafes has asked for prayer for a cancer diagnosis.
It is the relationships and friendships with church and non-church members that she has developed over the time she has been attending, that has given her confidence to ask for prayer.
The leader of the cafe very much sees her role as a calling from God and she provides what she refers to as a 'gentle witness' there.
Tracey
Hi Claire, I would agree with you. the church is a whole and a family which brings people together in the community. Worship is important, it is what we believe but we do so much more than pray on a Sunday. I hope you are enjoying the course.
from Alicia
Spot on Claire - It reminds me of the 95/98 point we heard about early on - 95% of the time we spend out of church, and 98% of us are lay. We don't have to be in church to worship and share our faith with others. One way I do this personally is caring for God's creation - being outdoors and working with others.
Hi Claire, I couldn't agree more. If we don't open our doors and make our churches welcoming, why would anyone want to come in? So what if we entice people in with a cup of coffee, and perhaps the chance to win at bingo! If we want to start a conversation about faith and our loving God, we need to meet them where they are, in a space they feel comfortable in. I can only think that all the things that you do in church are enriching your community and encouraging others to come to or explore their faith.
Amanda