Jane, a churchwarden at St James, Weethley, writes about how the Ragley air show provided a great mission opportunity.
In early June, the Ragley air show attracted huge numbers of people to Weethley. Many visitors came flocking up to St James Church to view the magnificent air displays and admire the panoramic views across the countryside. We saw this as an opportunity for churchyard ministry reaching out to the wider community by offering hospitality.
We supplied tea, coffee and cake free to all. More importantly, we gave them our time. We came alongside and chatted, but mostly listened to all sorts of intimate, personal stories and some of the past and present life challenges individuals have faced. In meeting people where they were at, hopefully something of Jesus’ compassion for them shone through us in a small way, just as the sun shone all weekend!.
Several people ventured into the church for the first time. Some left messages in the visitors’ book; the over-riding theme was a real, felt sense of God’s peaceful presence radiating within and without the church. It was a brilliant and uplifting experience, and we gained so much through conversation and bonding. It was a real privilege.
The only sadness was that so many found it surprising and difficult to believe there was no charge. That conversation alone enabled us to share the message of God’s unconditional love, no strings attached. “Freely you have received, freely give” was our motto for the weekend, and we received so much more through giving. Hopefully, some might go away and do the same. Just think what could happen if every single person decided to engage in one random act of kindness? The world could be transformed!
It reminds me of the quote by William Wilberforce:
“Things great have small beginnings. Every downpour is just a raindrop; every fire is just a spark; every harvest is just a seed; every journey is just a step because without that step there will be no journey; without that raindrop there can be no shower; without that seed here can be no harvest."
We will definitely be there next year, sowing mores seeds of friendship. You are welcome to join us!