But I kind of like the idea that things are more porous. People can come in, gradually, as they like to: or they can just test the water and move away again, maybe not to come back for a few years.
Or they can just paddle in the shallow end for quite a while before they want to start swimming in the deep end.
What we do want to do as a church is to welcome people at the level they wish to commit to. That could mean taking a step of faith such as getting confirmed; it could mean joining the week afternoon Bible study group; it could mean joining the flower arranging rota. Any of these things.
And to welcome people, you need to have a bit of time to say hello. Now we love chatting after the service on a Sunday morning, but that's not always enough. So this year, we're holding a proper event of welcome on a Saturday afternoon. This Saturday (13th June) from 2.30pm till 4.30pm.
We'll have activities for children, like a ball pool and a bouncy castle, and we'll have activities for adults, such as thinking about the kinds of things you think we as a church should be getting involved with.
And you can even have tea with the vicar!
It'll be a more leisurely way of exploring what it is to be at church.
If you've ever wanted even just to dip your toe in to the water, or if you're ready to dive right in, do come along, this coming Saturday, at 2.30pm. It'll be lovely to see you.
Father Robert
