I WAS helping my three-year-old to get dressed recently, and because it was already a warm day I gave him the option of trousers or shorts. After a full minute of indecisiveness, and with a big sigh, he finally came out with a slightly plaintive “When is it winter?”

I feel his pain. Life would be much simpler if we weren’t being presented with a seemingly endless stream of choices and decisions. And whilst I do sometimes feel drawn to experiment with something new, I more usually cling to the tried and trusted: why risk a potentially disastrous McSomethingOfTheWeek when you know you could just get a Big Mac? 

The curious thing, of course, is that all of my current favourites and go-to choices must once have been a first-time experience. 

There must have been an initial adventurous foray into the world of double-stacked burgers and fries; a first Star Wars film; a first kiss; a first everything. 

And for me, a first time I was aware of wondering about God, then finding him waiting for me, showing his love for me in a real and life-changing way; I’ve stuck with it ever since.

That joyful encounter was very different to my first experience of church, which was something that I didn’t particularly enjoy as a child. Thankfully, the days of uncomfortable Sunday-best outfits and having to sing “Away in a Manger” to the whole church every Christmas are long gone. 

But even now, as a 40-something pastor, it can still feel odd visiting a new church for the first time: Will they like me? 

Will I sit in the wrong place? 

Will I start singing the hymn too soon and too loud? (Just an example – that’s definitely never happened to me.)

Invariably, the answers have always been: Yes, no, and wouldn’t matter even if you did.    

In June, Crediton Congregational Church is hoping to make that first experience, one that is worthwhile. 

On Sunday, Jun 11 we are hosting a Barbecue lunch for everyone to share, and on Sunday, June 18 we are having a first of our own – a Come and See service, when anyone and everyone can come and find out what goes on every Sunday morning. 

Why not come and join us as we all take a first step together?

Dave Poulson

Associate Pastor

Crediton Congregational Church