We’re fortunate at HPC that we have an extensive staff who work from the church so it is seldom empty. But what more could we be doing for our visitors? There’s no doubt that people appreciate having an open church – you’ve only to read the comments in the Visitors’ Book to see that. People come for all sorts of reasons. I’m often surprised by the number sitting quietly, lighting candles or wandering round looking at the building. If they’re only sheltering from the rain still we’re providing a service and the casually picked up card of service times or concert details might bring them back another day.
As well as the staff, though, it is nice to be able to have stewards / welcomers on hand at least some of the time to be a friendly face for anyone who wants to talk.
Not all of us feel called to be pro-active with visitors – I personally prefer to wait till I’m approached – and a friendly smile may be all that’s needed to show there is someone who will help them if they want to talk, or leave them alone if they don’t.
We anticipate sessions of 2 hours at the most for each ‘steward’ and not too often – once a week is what most of us do at the moment, if we had a bigger team it could be less often. You don’t have to do it alone, you could bring a friend to keep you company; some people like to read or sew, study, pray, do their cleaning – so long as it’s not so absorbing that you miss the glance that says ‘Can I interrupt?’ And, of course, you could read up on the history of the church and do tours – some visitors really appreciate a knowledgeable guide.
As there are usually people in the office or the choir vestry there’s generally access to the kettle (and the loo) but a key can be provided for times when you might find yourself alone.
But to make this work we do need more volunteers – it has fallen to a very few people lately who turn out faithfully week after week, sometimes for very long shifts.
Please contact me by phone (020 7267 9339) or email ([email protected]) if you think you could help or would like to know more about what’s involved.
To coin a phrase “Your church needs you”
We Never Close or The Art of being a Welcoming Church
Judy East