What do we believe?

During my time as a curate in Whitby, classes from one of the seven primary schools often came to one of the churches as part of their study for religious education. I must admit that I enjoyed such visits by the children as it gives an opportunity to teach them about what we do in church and what things are for. But more than this, it is an opportunity for the children to learn ghat church is a place where they can feel comfortable as themselves, that is as children.

 

The children seemed to enjoy their visits, as they got the opportunity to tryon some of the vestments and robes and to eat some of the bread wafers that we normally use for communion. A couple of weeks after one of the school's visits I received lots of letters from the children saying how much they had enjoyed the visit and which part of it they enjoyed most. One of these letters caught my attention more than the others. It was from a young girl, and like the rest of the letters it said how much she had enjoyed the visit and what she had enjoyed the most. But as well as this she also wrote, "I would like to come to church, but my dad won't let me".

 

This isn't the first time I have heard a child say that they wanted to go to church but their parents won't let them.

 

This leave us asking the question why so many parents have this negative response towards church and religion. Is it maybe because we are worried  about what others may think of us if we, or our children, are seen in church?

 

( I must confess that in my twenties I was very much of this attitude until my daughter asked me to take her to church).

 

On the 30th June 2008 we are also about to begin a simplified faith study course for those thinking about confirmation in September - but this is not a course that simply tells you what you should believe, instead it is one that gets you to ask yourself  what you believe, and hopefully helps you to develop your belief. Anyone is welcome to join in the course which will take place at St. John's in South Bank. You can come along for as long as you wish and drop out at any time. If, during this time, you feel you wish to be considered as a confirmation candidate, then that is possible, but at the same time you don't have to and the choice is yours.

 

If you would like some more information about either of these courses, or you would like to offer some genuine ideas of how the Church can speak to people where they are, then why not drop me a letter, or telephone me at home on 01642-453679.

 

I am always happy to listen and help wherever and if ever I can.

 

Fr. Terry.