How to offer a warm welcome

This beautiful carving of the Madonna and Child was tucked away at the back of St Andrew's, Greystoke. It was carved from a holly log by a German wood carver held at the nearby castle at the end of the Second World War. All he had available for carving was a small pocket knife and a tiny chisel. It's a beautiful and moving piece of art.

It was only one of many delights in this church (which, as usual, I happened on by pure good fortune). There's a magnificent sculpture of Christ, a terrific east window, some medieval carved tombs, and plenty more for the avid church-bagger. Oh, and of course, it's a very congenial place to pray! 

But beyond all this lay something absolutely wonderful that had nothing to do with the bricks and mortar. St Andrew's is a church that has absolutely nailed hospitality, and I found out why. 

First, an idea of how the place has been opened up to strangers like me. At the church gate was a sign giving times of the services, but also mentioning that the children's area in church has lots of toys and books so anyone passing with children might just want to go in and play. Inside the door another welcome notice mentioned that visitors might be thirsty, so the (clearly marked) kitchen was stocked with tea, coffee, milk, sugar and biscuits: help yourself. In the same direction were toilets, also unlocked and clearly signposted. The children's area turned out to be a huge tent / gazebo in the south aisle, a great place for kids to hang out. And in another part of the church was a bookcase of old Bibles; another sign invited people to have a read, offered some suggested passages (and an idea of how to find them) and suggested that if you don't have a Bible take one of these home with you. 

As I marvelled at all this, Jackie and Rose turned up. Rose lives nearby and takes care of the church building; Jackie's her daughter and is staying with her. We had a marvellous and enjoyable chat. They'd come to lock up the church, but there was no question of shutting me out: "You take as long as you like and we'll come back later." We talked a little about my travels and when they discovered I was wild camping I was immediately invited to stay with them. I'd have said yes: they were terrific company. But I was due to stay with one of my lads that evening in Ambleside so, reluctantly, I declined. Maybe next time ...

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