Thoughts from the Rectory

 for June 2026

Dear Friends

Speaking with some friends the other week, we were reflecting on public facing roles and how sometimes there might be individuals who we find…shall we say ‘challenging’ and occasionally our response when seeing these individuals may be less than welcoming. While this may sometimes be the case (sadly even for clergy), I think I can speak for all the churches in the Glaven Valley in saying ‘it’s always good to see you’ and ‘it’s always better the you join us.’

There can sometimes be a perception that church is an inward and exclusive club, unwelcoming and closed to outsiders. I know that this is the experience of some and I’m sorry if that has been your experience, but it’s definitely not how our churches want to be perceived! We seek to be local churches that love to see you, but more than that, we invite you to come ‘just as you are.’

In this uncertain, confusing and contradictory world, our churches and their weekly services are some of the few places and times that demand little of us and that give the sense of perspective, grounding and hope that we all need and which can be hard to find. You don’t need much faith, you don’t need to know the right words, you just need to come as you are. It’s always good to see you. Church is always better when you join us……and you can come, just as you are.

God bless,
Jonathan