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Here, a church member relates his personal experience of being warmly received, and the benefits of regular attendance.
This is a story of returning to church, but not to faith, because since early childhood I’ve known there was a loving God, and have often prayed for things I hoped for.
It has to be said that amongst the excitement and chaos of growing up in a world that was distracting and difficult to make sense of, something was always quietly calling me.
A potted history: I attended Broom Methodist around 6-8 years old, then sang in the choir at St. Cuthbert’s around 12-14 years, and here I am again – although now with mostly white hair!
A Warm Welcome
It was over ten years ago my wife suggested we see what regular church is like. We’d joined in the Fire Festival, then a Christmas carol service, and we really liked the atmosphere.
Anyway, we went along and immediately enjoyed being in Church. We felt no pressure to attend regularly, just a gentle acceptance and a perhaps natural curiosity about who we were.
It wasn’t long before we’d become regular church-goers, and I remember a pleasant feeling as we got dressed in our Sunday most weeks. It felt both natural and right – like a way of remembering grandparents and other ancestors who might have done the same.
Journeying With
So, what’s it like to go to church in the new (now not-so-new) millenium?
In spite of my fears of being judged, the things I said when not at my best were kindly ignored. I could tell by others’ natural reactions, they’d noticed, but it was kind that nobody said a thing but instead were gently supportive.
I learned it helps to do the same when others too are not at their best.
There was a sense of being amongst people who were on a journey and were glad to have us along as fellow travellers. I now believe it’s natural for people to wish others well, unlike the current pandemic of division evident in the news.
With the passing of time, and through talking with the vicars about the prayer of penitence at the start of church services, I stopped judging and accepted that the idea is not punishment, but to learn from the past and flourish.
Healing
I think part of the problem is that society tells us justice is about punishment “for your own good”. Personally, I have never found that approach fits my experience, but rather that God’s justice is about healing and reconciliation.
Something that comes to mind at this point is this quote.
“A bruised reed he will not break…”
Matthew 12:20 (NIV)
And on the quality of preaching, though mine is not to judge, the words in the Bible are made very relatable by our service leaders. I think anyone would agree that’s a big plus – especially because it’s full of hidden meanings that contain valuable lessons for everyone’s benefit.
Then, there’s a part of the service where we share “The Peace”. We shake hands, hug, or embrace our friends, saying “Peace be with you.” I think it’s such a lovely sight to see – the place lights up with joyful expressions of love and affection.
A final experience I would like to share is seeing my granddaughters growing more confident, running about and playing with their friends.
“Just like it should be”, one of our vicars said.
I wonder what you think about that, dear reader?
It’s Not Normal!
The Church is more like a big family than I imagined, but not the usual type, where sibling rivalry and fighting for position mar the peace. Certainly, it’s a place where you can connect and find belonging.
I urge anyone who is thinking of trying church for the first time, or perhaps returning, to give it a go. We’ve two fantastic churches in our Parish. They’re each unique in their character but similar in the warmth of the welcome.
I cannot think of a better, more natural environment in which to find yourself.
Mike Underwood
Published in the November 2026 edition of the Parish magazines.
You can order Parish magazines, which contain additional articles, by visiting All Saints or Christ Church
Photo courtesy of Unsplash