This is Sackville Road in Bexhill on Sea. We have a church in this street, looked after by my colleague Tricia Williams.
The church is an enormous building which, in its day, had a congregation of over 400, including, in retirement, Rev Dr Leslie Weatherhead. Now the congregation is around 30, mostly older folk. The premises are used by some groups and a toddlers group but the church has needed some hope and a new focus.
On the first Friday of December, Bexhill's Christmas lights were switched on. The church was open for free refreshments. Over 140 people came in and much conversation was had. A major publicity drive had happened in the weeks before along this street. Some people apparently came in and had never been in. The local congregation were amazed at the response. They opened their door on an important night in the town and saw that if they open the door people might well come through it!
I share this story nineteen days into Advent when we think with our Advent calendars opening doors on them. We are often surprised what lies behind a door. People largely don't know what is behind church doors and are surprised when they come in what is there. Our welcome the other side of the door matters. I suggested in an Advent group tonight this weekend with carol services and people who come in through our doors perhaps only once a year, this weekend is the most important we do. Can people find light not just in pretty lights on the street, but inside a church by our attitude and our hospitality. Can we make room for people as the light of the world makes room for us by coming and brightening us up?
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