Going that extra mile to welcome

Author: Sue Shillam

Published on: 1 June 2018

You asked us to explain what we feel that we do extremely well to make people feel welcome at Hemblington.

Well we don’t consciously do anything, we just seem to love people who come to visit our ‘out of the way’ church. From the lovingly kept churchyard with its prayer walk and conservation areas; there is a ‘natural’ sense of welcome from the door which is always kept open from Spring to Autumn, to the flowers and the posters with information on our myriad of events. We make sure that our little hospitality tray with drinks and biscuits is always refreshed.

Because the church is much loved by the church and local community; it shares and gives back that love with all who come for worship or just to visit.

In terms of ‘growing the church’ well it depends on whether one means the number of people coming to services or the lives we touch with our commitment to Jesus in all sorts of different times and places.

The improved facilities have definitely allowed us to welcome more passing visitors and to organise longer events which need better catering and a disabled friendly WC, especially where children are involved. They have also made the church far more comfortable for baptisms, weddings and funerals which makes such a difference to those involved. Level access is definitely helpful.

However, Hemblington Church is and will always be committed to outreach and we love to be involved in many of the village activities.


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Sue Shillam

Lay Minister, Hemblington Church

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