Diocese of Peterborough
What was your experience of church before your recent return?
Where in life can you guarantee a friendly face, a smile and an overwhelming feeling of peace and contentment? - Sunday mornings at church!
Why did you stop going?
Due to work travel and moving house I found it hard to find time to go to church on a regular basis.
What was it that prompted you to take it up the invitation to St Mary's Whittlebury on Back to Church Sunday?
For a few years I had felt lost, as if a part of me was missing, and I realised it was because I had walked away from God - not that he had walked away from me.
At the age of 11 when my parents quite suddenly died, I was told that Mummy and Daddy had gone to live with Jesus and that he would look after them. Although heart broken and confused I went to bed. Later that night I dreamt about an angel who said they would always watch over me.
As a grown woman now approaching 50 I realise that angel turned out to be the Lord our God and he is always there for me in times of trouble, hurt, bereavement, joy and happiness. When I left the church I let myself and him down by believing I knew all the answers. I was wrong - God never leaves us, never lets us down - it is we that are to blame.
What did returning to church feel like?
Going back to church was a overwhelming experience and I am not ashamed to say that tears welled in my eyes as I felt I had come home.
Where are you now on your faith journey?
Faith is always a long journey and one that never ends. For me going to church reminds me that if I trust in the Lord he will always walk by my side. Although life can sometimes be a challenge, without God in my life I would not be the strong person he has helped me to be.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to church?
Having faith without any conditions is hard to explain to a non church goer but I would say, take that step and walk through those church doors, feel the welcome and when you say your first prayer know that it is heard and if you have faith you will find the answers.