Research for the book “Rural Visitors” leads to the conclusion that “ few visitors find inspiration in the architectural niceties, and guide material is best written in simple language.”
Make your guide free; it can look professional with laser printer and photocopied - on good quality paper.
The guide could have:
- A message from the Rector/Vicar, or otherwise an opening few sentences. These can welcome and explain the function of the building (the Holy Stones) in relatedness with the living church (Living Stones).
Some examples:
Welcome to….! I hope you enjoy your visit to this beautiful and historic building and that you leave uplifted by its peaceful and inspiring atmosphere.
This is much more than just a historic monument. It is a holy place where Christians have worshipped for……. Today it serves as the parish church for…it hosts special services with other churches and is used by the village and others at times of birth, marriage and death and for …concerts…exhibitions……
Do take time to reflect on some of the key points described in this leaflet. At the place reserved for particular stillness and prayer you will find there a board where personal requests you have for prayers can be placed. We hope that you will meet with God in this place and go away refreshed. [Material adapted from the Simple Guide to Dorchester Abbey – gratefully acknowledged].
WELCOME Thank you for visiting… parish Church dedicated to St Mary. Recent excavations suggest…..(or the oldest part of this building is….).This means that Christians have probably worshipped on this site for….You stand on holy ground.
…villagers still worship in this Church and the building is a sign that God is present in the life of the village.
The noticeboard in the…. indicates when services are held. We are always delighted when visitors join our worship.
You may like to spare a few moments in the quiet and holiness to reflect on the purpose of God for your life and to pray for yourself, for those whom you love, and for those who maintain and worship in this house of God. You can do this whether or not you are a Christian. This Church is a place of Christian witness and worship and celebrates the fullness of all that gives meaning to our lives. [Material adapted from Glyn Evans’ introduction to Chastleton’s Simple Church Guide when he was Rector].
- A simple plan of the church with numbered points of interest and with a very short comment on each numbered point. For example:
1. Lead Font
c1170, a rare survival from the Norman monastic church; decorated with figures of 11 apostles
2. The Nave Built over the remains of the original Saxon church. People have been worshipping on this spot for………
Some suggestions for numbered points:
- the oldest part of the church linking it to anything notable in the life of the village or nation
- anything of particular note
- the space set aside for personal prayer if the building lends itself
- “The main items of liturgical furniture - an opportunity to explain to a generation, increasingly non-churchgoers, about baptism as the water of life, cleansing and regenerating; lectern as the word of life and the strength of tradition and culture; altar as the rewards of self-giving and the place of sharing.”
Each numbered “station” in the building could then lay out more information to spark a particular interest.
For example:
- The space set aside for personal prayer could have material to help people to pray, something to take away eg a bookmark, encouragement to write a prayer and display it; making it known that these prayer requests are prayed during a specific church service.
- The times of church services – with a note of the one where prayer requests are prayed – signalling the church as the home of a living Christian community
- A passage from scripture and one or two short prayers
For example:
From the Psalms:
Be still and know that I am God (Ps 46 v10)
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble (Ps 46 v1)
Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and he shall comfort your heart;
Wait patiently for the Lord. (Ps 27 v17)
A Prayer of St Francis:
Lord make me an instrument of Your peace…..
A PRAYER
Thank you, Heavenly Father,
for the love and devotion,
which first built and which now continues
to sustain this House of Prayer.In the stillness of this moment give me
your peace which passes all understanding.I lift myself, all those whom I love,
and all the things I care most about, to you.Help me to learn what matters most about life,
and to give something back with thanksgiving
to all those who give to me. Amen.[ from the Church Guide of St Mary’s Chastleton – with grateful acknowlegement].
This simple guide may then serve as a memento of the visit and provide a spur for the on-going spiritual journey.
Some of the material here is quoted or adapted from “Rural Visitors” by Leslie Francis and Jeremy Martineau with grateful acknowledgement. “Rural Visitors” may be obtained from ACORA Publishing, Arthur Rank Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Warwicks CV8 2LZ.
