Ss Simon & Jude Church, Cockshutt
As we continue through the Ordinary Season (otherwise known as Quiet Time) of church life there is, nevertheless, an underlying sense of excitement and hope, as many of us look forward to our chosen holiday destinations and “getting away from it all”, or simply staying at home enjoying meeting-up with old friends and distant family.
However, it’s easy to overlook the fact that for many, a visit to our parish is, in fact, their chosen destination for a break, something our Visitor’s Book is witness to. It’s a curious thing; when you pop into church to carry-out your jobs or lock-up, you might think that the church has remained still and unused; everything seems the same; quiet and restful, its big, tall windows letting in lots of light and dust motes in the air.
But a glance in the Visitor’s Book tells another story; as we’ve been getting on with our daily lives, so others have chosen to spend time in our old church. For many it’s a place where they can quietly reflect after visiting a loved-one’s grave, for others, it’s a refuge from the busyness and problems which pervade all our lives. Some visitors are on a mission to discover our church history, whilst others quietly contemplate the WW1 & WW2 memorials, paying tribute to the fallen.
The list is endless, but every visitor is valued; your comments are cherished, and contribute towards the ongoing, but age-old story of our humble, rural church.
Wherever and whoever you are, we thank you for visiting and wish you all a peaceful and restful summer.
Best Wishes
Cathy & John
Images copyright Meres & Meadows Messenger.