Dear Friends,
This September is busy for Holy Trinity as we are once again privileged to host the coffee time concerts for the Lammermuir Festival. This year the series begins on Thursday 5th September, and for the following nine days it is expected that almost a thousand people will come through our doors to listen to the music. Some of those people will be regular church goers (and I expect some of you might attend a concert or two)… some may already know our building because of attending weddings or funerals… but for some it will be the first time they have ever ‘noticed’ or ‘found’ our church. And what all of those people experience when they come, matters.
As I talk to people, many comment upon the lovely simplicity of the architecture, how well the grounds are kept, the flowers on display, the acoustics (which apparently are brilliant!) and, more often than not, the peaceful, prayerful ambience of the place. All these are important, and should never be underestimated. All of these make people feel at home, comfortable and welcomed.
But it is wonderful that quite a large number of people visit our church building outwith the Lammermuir Festival. Some of these are because their group meet in the church – but there are so many who just ‘pop in’ to sit, look, ‘be’. It is for these that I am pleased that we always keep our doors open in an age when this is an unusual practice for churches. This alone sends a strong message to the community. It says that we believe that the universe is fundamentally a friendly, positive place. It says that we welcome anyone and everyone regardless of belief or non-belief, whatever their background or status. It shows an openness of spirit and heart which says that Holy Trinity is a place where anyone can come, where they won’t be expected to change… but where they can make friends. When visitors come to the services (and we have had many this year), it is always important that we are attentive to them, noticing if they get lost in the liturgy, inviting to walk them across to the Centre for coffee with us, talking to them after the service… in other words modelling what Jesus would do if He was physically part of our congregation. These are actions that speak louder than words, as the phrase goes.
It is up to each one of us to give as genuine a welcome to those who visit a spossible. And that includes ANYONE. We do very well already. We can always do even better. A simple smile and a handshake is powerful, appreciated and noticed. Let us continue to work on being welcoming and interested in the other.
with love, Liz
