Someone's been reading m'blog!

Just Text Giving now available at City Church

Do you remember a previous post where I shared five things churches could do to engage with visitors? Well, it would seem the Minister has been keeping a sharp eye on m'blog because he has adopted one of my ideas!

As you can see from the picture, it was the idea of setting up a Just Text Giving service for City Church. I noticed that Fowey Church were advertising their Just Text Giving service. I thought it was a marvellous idea especially as I had no cash on me in which to donate to the church. And when I spotted their advert I immediately donated money via text. 

It is very easy to use. To donate to City Church simply text CURC00, leave a space and then add the amount you would like to donate. £2, £5, £10, for example. You send that message to 70070. 

I couldn't wait to try it out so I sent a text to 70070 with CURC00 £5 in the message. And it worked! Within seconds I got a reply thanking me for my donation and a link to gift aid my donation. All very straightforward. 

I'm delighted that the Minister set this up based on reading my blog. It really made my day knowing that I've helped City Church to strengthen their fundraising efforts. 

Has your church had success with Just Text Giving? What other ways do you engage with your visitors? Please do share in the comments below.

Until next time.

With best wishes,
Matt the Elder

Ps: Feel free to 'Like' City Church on Facebook!

5 things your church can do to welcome visitors

"Thou shalt not steal ideas from other churches..."

Previously, I blogged about my recent holiday to Cornwall. I also mentioned that as I visited a number of churches on my hiking route I picked up a few ideas of how they welcomed visitors. I thought I would share with you my top five favourite ideas.

1. Welcome cards on pews

 I spotted these at St Andrew's in Tywardraeth. They were perched on the end of each pew and on one side was a welcome message and on the other was two short prayers and contact details of the Parish Priest.

I particularly liked the comment about not worrying if you've not visited before and don't know what to do! How reassuring - we've all been in those situations!

The welcome cards were delightful. I sat down, rested my weary feet and quietly said the prayers. Although no one else was in the church (apart from the Big Fella) I felt very welcome. In fact, after I read the card I had a big smile on my face.

It's the little things that leave a lasting impression.

2. A Visitor's Guide

Granted, this is not a new idea. Lots of places have visitors guides but I'm not aware that City Church has ever produced one. I often pick one up as a memento of my visit to a particular church.

3. An introduction to Christianity

I spotted this at Fowey Parish Church. A very engaging introduction to Jesus and Christianity.

This display placed opposite the main door and was very eye-catching. I loved the illustrations and commentary. A really nice touch, I thought.

4. Contemplative tour of the church

 Fowey Parish Church have clearly thought long and hard about what makes a church a tourist attraction. Here's another idea from them, a contemplative tour of the church. Each panel gives an explanation about aspects of the church, a Bible quote and a prayer. 

It was all very well thought out and we spend about 40 minutes following the tour.

5. Just Giving - text a donation

Another idea from Fowey Parish Church. Not everyone has change on them but most people will have a mobile phone. Just Text Giving is a quick and easy way of donating without rummaging for loose change. Brilliantly simple!






What do you think of these ideas? Have you had any success in your church adopting these or similar ideas? What works for you? Have you spotted other ideas? Please do share in the comments below.

With best wishes,
Matt the Elder

Charming churches in Du Maurier Country

Matt the Elder's Cornish Adventure

Last week myself and the Big Fella packed our walking boots & the tent and headed off to Cornwall. Cor, what a scorcher! God must be looking favourably upon me to bless my camping and hiking holiday with such wonderful weather! Perhaps God is a fan of m'blog?

I hadn't intended to write about my holiday as it had nothing to do with my being an elder at City Church. However, half way through the holiday I realised that every walk myself and the Big Fella planned involved a detour to a local church. In fact, when I mentioned this to the Big Fella he reminded me that pretty much all our holidays take in numerous churches and synagogues.

And so I thought I would share with you some of the churches we visited during our hiking holiday in Cornwall.

Daphne Du Maurier Country

One of my favourite authors is Daphne Du Maurier. Rebecca, Jamaica Inn and Frenchman's Creek are some of my favourite novels. We often spend a week or so in Cornwall and more often than not we spend it in Polruan, just across the estuary from Fowey - where Du Maurier lived and which served as an inspiration for many of her Cornish novels. It is a beautiful area and one we consider to be our second home.  

We walked every day and averaged about 8-9 miles of coastal and countryside trails. So, without further ado, here are some of the churches we visited.

St Julitta, Lanteglos

Walking from Polruan to Pont we decided to take a short diversion to visit Lanteglos, the church where Du Maurier was married. It proved to be the perfect spot for lunch. The churchyard was beautiful and clearly a haven for wildlife. Inside, the church was an oasis of calm and the cool temperature was a much needed respite from the heatwave outside!

A view from across the churchyard

Looking ahead to the alter

Taken from above

This robin was not shy!

Churchyard

A monk's tomb

St John, Bodinnick

We have been to Bodinnick many, many times but we had never spotted this delightful little church. It's right at the end of the Hall Walk path and just up from the Ship Inn. A wonderful discovery!

A hidden gem

A view of the alter

Close-up of the alter

St Andrew, Tywardraeth

We stopped at St Andrew's church in Tywardraeth after completing The House on the Strand walk. It was one of the hottest days and we were flagging! We couldn't wait for half a Cornish cider at the nearest pub but delayed the pleasure so we could visit St Andrew's.

The impressive St Andrew's

Looking towards the alter

A view from behind

St Ildierna, Lansallos

That we actually visited this church is in itself a miracle. Throughout most of the walk St Ildierna was always in our sights, getting closer and closer each step. Until, that is, we dipped into a valley and took a wrong turn. Of course, being the one holding a map this was all my fault! I'll admit, harsh words were exchanged but eventually we found the church. 

Again, a delightful church and one that offered us hot and frustrated hikers a moment to regroup and thank God that we are fortunate to be able to take holidays and walk such distances together.

"It's just over that hill!"

A view of the alter

Beautiful wood carvings

A view from our picnic spot

Unruly parishioners... beware!

Fowey Parish Church

No visit to Fowey is complete without a visit to the church. Fowey is often packed with visitors so this church is a welcome break from the crowds. 

Close up of the alter

A view from the back 

We had a fantastic time and I hope you have enjoyed reading about the churches we visited. I have one more blog to post about my holiday which will look at some of the unique things some of these churches are doing to welcome visitors, some of which I think may work at City Church.

Have you visited the churches mentioned above? What are some of your favourite churches? Please do share your thoughts below. 

With best wishes,

Matt the Elder