'Warm Space’ inside. Conversations in the cold outside.

BOB and I found the recent freezing weather particularly challenging. Never have I needed to de-ice the inside of my windscreen.

I had never driven on ice before and was terrified on the Fordton road to my church at Tedburn St Mary.  

How is it that there are people living on our streets in this weather?  Why do we allow it?  

Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to open our church to the homeless this Christmas.

Too often regulations and policies get in the way of us doing the “right” thing, putting our faith into action. We are being strangled by thick red tape.

Where would Jesus be? I believe that He would be on the streets with the homeless. 

We are committed to serving, as He did BUT our hands are tied, and wings are clipped. 

The “Warm Spaces” scheme is at least something we can do, and do well, at Crediton Methodist Church.

We welcomed the council’s invitation to join in and provide a “Warm Space”.  It is a wonderful opportunity for the council and the churches to work together for the good of the community. 

I find myself outside the church, offering a hot drink etc inside, and enjoying great conversations outside.

In fact some have been concerned about me outside in the cold.

A few ignore me, as easy as it is to ignore a homeless person. I recall reading, at the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, a quote by Mother Teresa: “It is better to have leprosy than be ignored.”

Advent Blessings

Rev Alison Richardson

Crediton Methodist Church