There can be little that fills people with more fear than walking into a room of complete strangers who are obviously very happy with their familiar surroundings, company and ways of doing things. An invite to stay with long lost friends is tinged with the anxiety of wondering whether we’ll ‘fit in.’ Joining a new club can give us the jitters as to whether we shall know anyone or unwittingly make fools of ourselves. Even going into a good old English pub fills some people with dread as all eyes seem to fix on ‘the stranger in our midst.’

The same is invariably true of going to church. If you haven’t been for a while (maybe many years) there’s a sense of guilt and of course the worry about where you will sit or whether you will stand up in the right place or sing out at the wrong moment. It’s no wonder so many people are put off going at all.

And yet, many people who do venture through the door (courageous souls]!) often remark how they have enjoyed the experience saying how much they have been made to feel welcome and at home. I often hear people say ‘services have changed a bit since I last went to church, probably as a child!’

How do we make it clear that Christian worship is for EVERYONE!

It may have escaped your notice that there is daily worship at St Christopher’s - Morning Prayer at 8 a.m. each day. Very few come. Maybe that’s because it’s viewed as an esoteric rite for the enthusiastic few. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is a scripturally based, relaxed, undemanding and quiet time (no singing) apart with God with no pressure or odd secret rites. It includes a short reflection on a biblical reading and a time of intercessory prayer. Holy Communion is added at the request of those present.

You may feel that this is something in which you would like to participate. Just come along one morning and see. 8 a.m. may not be a good time for you. If enough people request another time (midday!?) then all things are possible. Our daily prayer is the spiritual life blood of both church and individual Christian. Jesus did it, so should we.

The same applies to our bible study. Someone remarked recently “I have never read the bible throughout. I get half way through Genesis and give up.” I’m not surprised! Not the best way to read scripture. Never fret. Help is at hand. Not only do we do gentle bible study at 8 a.m. each morning but helpful booklets are available for anyone to take home to assist them to read the bible and make sense of what they are reading in digestible portions. These booklets are available at the back of the church or on- request from the clergy.

So, come on, Just Do It!

Come to church. The church needs you and you might just feel more at home than you imagine.

Get reading your bible. It’s not half as frightening as you think. It might even change your life – for the better!

Alan Hayday.