Dear friends

 

GOD IN THE MIDST – GOD IN THE MESS

 

We have visitor’s books at the back of both St Martin’s and St Mary Magdalene’s. There are often lovely comments from our (thousands) of visitors. Sometimes there are comments which are peculiar, a bit batty, or even downright rude. Last month we had one at St Mary Magdalene’s visitor’s book which fitted the latter category to perfection – I quote:

 

“I am uncertain what Messy Church is, but the appearance of the building suggests you have accomplished it with admirable, if distressing, determination.”

 

It’s hard to know quite what our visitor was driving at. I doubt he was an architectural critic specializing in Blomfield’s later restorative work. I rather suspect his bugbear was that down one side of the church was a wonderful display of Easter bonnets made by children from Woodstock CE Primary School. Down the other side of the church was an equally wonderful display from students at The Marlborough CE School about images of Christ. The church was also set up for concerts by the Woodstock Music Society (they were fabulous). Plus there are lots of leaflets and books about Prayer and Christianity all over the place. Not to mention the corner of the church, well-loved and well-used, full of books and soft toys for children.

 

Messy Church is, in fact, our new act of worship for primary school-age children and their parents. We had the first one last month, 50 came, and it was brilliant.  It takes place on the fourth Sunday of every month at 3pm, and you’d be very welcome. So that answers his first point.

 

But what of his second? What does he think churches are for? What do YOU think churches are for?  Should a parish church fulfil Philip Larkin’s prophecy of a building representative of a dying institution

 

a shape is less recognisable each week, a purpose more obscure

 

or should it be what I think, and hope, we have in Bladon and Woodstock? Historic buildings yes, but not shrines preserved in aspic, but living buildings reflecting that we have a Living Faith. Places at the heart of their communities, for believer and non-believer alike. Places where our schools can mount exhibitions, and our choirs and orchestras make music. Places where our children are baptized, young lovers wed, and the grieving embraced when loved ones die. And most importantly of all, places of worship where, day by day, week by week, hundreds say their prayers, sing God’s praises, and receive His very self in bread and wine?

 

If that’s messy, give me that over neat and tidy any day.

 

And while it’s always dangerous to presume to know the mind of God, my reading of the Gospels suggests that Jesus probably prefers it that way too.

 

With my love and prayers

 

Adrian