From Rushden High Street

A visit from the Doc
It started with Andy Wilcock needing a bed for the night in Rushden - we had one available and so the arrangements were made. The church leaders had already spoken about inviting him to come to the church to do a ‘Swot’ analysis - to help them find the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats which the church enjoyed and faced. However, that had been put on hold when I arrived as the minister in September.

An opportunity had opened up for Andy and for us. He got the bed, and we decided that while he was with us he could meet up with the leaders in an informal way. This is something you could do - let me share with you what happened.

I invited all the church leaders round to our home, no agenda was set, just coffee, relax with one another and listen to what Andy had to say. It was not preaching, not ‘do this, don’t do that’, certainly no guarantee of a ‘magic wand’ and all would be well. Andy simply shared what was on his heart concerning mission, and gave some practical examples of things we could consider when doing outreach. And that was it!

Or was it? Twice during the following week people spoke to me about things which I realised had come out of our time together. Things which Andy mentioned almost in passing have certainly made me think and re-assess how I do things. I think that the leaders were motivated, and should hopefully continue to grow as a team together.

And all because Andy needed a bed for the night! I would urge you to look for ways in which you could invite him to speak with your church or leaders. It does not have to be a formal meeting; invite Andy, invite others round, put the kettle on and see where God takes you.


The Church in the High Street

Mention the High Street Church and many people will know that you are speaking about the one in Rushden. Back in December, it became literally the church in the High Street.

The town held a Christmas Market on the first Sunday in December. Various stalls, fairground rides, street entertainment, Salvation Army band playing carols, switching on the Christmas lights and the fast becoming renowned Christmas Pudding race! And all right outside our doors.

Of course, these kind of events which are so often held on Sundays do put us in a little of a dilemma. We may not be in agreement with Sunday trading and other things which are happening - but these things are here and I feel they are here to stay. So that leaves us with two alternatives: either hiding away in the church or playing a part in bringing to people’s notice why the celebrations are being held, showing them some love in action and really being ‘the church in the High Street’. We chose the latter.

We were given a stall, but soon realised that it was much better to be in amongst the people. We gave out leaflets, Christian booklets, colouring sheets for children and around 400 free cups of coffee and tea. Quite a few people wanted to have a look at the church. Some had not realised it was there, many had never been in. And yes, we even entered a team in the Christmas Pudding race (an obstacle race involving wheelbarrows, runners and Christmas Puddings).

More people know where we are now. Hopefully many will have read the literature we gave out. We will never know what influence we have had on people. I am certain that all those from the church who braved the cold on that day to be among the people felt that it was very worthwhile. It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t comfortable on a cold day. But it was where God wanted us to be.