Faith and Place 

We often hear that church is the people not the building and that some people are put off by a church building.  This can be true, but we must not underestimate the importance of faith and place. For many people faith is absolutely experienced in a place conducive to contemplation, beauty and prayer-soaked walls.  Sometimes described as a thin place.

There is something awesome about treading where other Christians have previously trod.  A sense of continuity.  Having Christian roots and putting down roots is for many an integral part of Christian identity and spiritual wellbeing.  In Cornwall we have many ancient churches with many faith inspired stories.  Music and art is immensely powerful in drawing people in, where better than in a church.  Our buildings need to be used by the community and in a rural setting even more so, as there is often very little, or no other public space available.   Congregations cannot simply sit in their buildings and expect the community to flock there.   Congregations need to be in their communities at all levels, talking and building relationships, discovering where the need is and serving that need.  Our buildings are a fantastic resource.  We have a unique gift to offer and using our buildings to serve the community in which we live can be part of this.  Buildings are there for the whole community and if they are locked and not used for the community we need to ask why?   Used well and with the right facilities they are not a costly burden, but an asset to be offered with generosity.

Many things draw people to faith.  Church bells, church bats, people looking for their ancestors in the stained-glass windows and gravestones.   Everything about the building is a wonderful opportunity to reach out to the community.

I used to be surprised by the number of visitors that use my local church, but not anymore.  I understand why people seek out a sacred space be they pilgrims, sightseers, walkers or locals.  All find a place of welcome and a resting in this special space.
 
Recently I was fortunate to be able to attend a service in Bath Abbey and the preacher told us to look up, to look around.  He said to look, feel, listen and experience the presence of God. I think that sums it up, a church is somewhere you can experience a sense of the other.