Dear Friends,

I have just had the pleasure of a dear friend coming to stay for the weekend. It was her first visit to Bexhill-on-Sea and she was very impressed by how beautiful everything was. However, what interested me most about her visit was not her reaction to the stunning coast line on my doorstep but her somewhat anxious request to come with me to my Church Service on Sunday morning. Wanting to be a good host, I would never assume my visitors would wish to attend church with me and I would certainly never demand it.

My dear friend is not a Christian and as such, hasn't attended church since she was a Junior Soldier in the Salvation Army Sunday School. Of course, that wasn't an issue and I assured her I would be very happy for her to come. The journey to church in my car together was very revealing. It started with her saying, 'I promise I won't let you down', ' I won't swear and I'll sit perfectly still.' I smiled and assured her she had nothing to fear and just to 'be herself', she then asked if what she was wearing was appropriate. Normally a very colourful lady, she had chosen all black, ' I don't want to be disrespectful', she said. 'You look great!' I told her, trying to reassure her, as I could see her beginning to become more anxious, and even more comments began to flow, like:

'Please tell me if I sit in the wrong seat, I don't want to upset anyone' and 'I'm really not good at singing but I'll sing quietly,' and 'oh no I've no cash for collection!' and 'Do you tell us when to stand, sit and kneel?'

I didn't get a chance to answer any of her questions, as this normally very confident, focused, articulate lady was revealing her emotions. I felt as I listened to her that she was demonstrating the fears of those who look at our Church buildings from the outside, but fail to enter.

We arrived at church and I parked the car and switched off the engine. I looked directly at her and assured her she was about to enter a very safe space and meet kind, loving, generous people of faith, who would welcome her 'as part of the family and will want you to feel comfortable, relaxed and at peace in God's House.' I told her she could sit anywhere, exit anytime, use the facilities, move around, stand, kneel, participate or be a spectator and no one would be upset in any way. 'Just be yourself, they will love you just as you are.' She was and they did!

I was so proud of my church family as I watched them in action, introducing themselves and making her laugh: 'Come sit beside me' 'how lovely to see you!' And when she confessed she couldn't sing, she was assured she had come to the right place as 'we make a joyful noise here!'.

At the end of the service my friend gave me the biggest hug and said with tears in her eyes, 'what beautiful people!' The journey home revealed the huge positive impact the congregation had on her, and hearing her speak really warmed my heart.

My friend has gone back home now and I am left wondering how we can break down the barriers of anxiety held by those who are seeking faith, but too frightened to come through our doors.

I read a powerful statement about the Church - I understand in reading it is a call to what we should be and sadly not always what we are. However, as you read these words, may I encourage you to do all you can to keep our precious place of Worship a safe and welcoming space, where all are truly welcome.

God bless you,

Crawford,

Rev CJ Logan, Minister