Letter to the Reverend of a local Church

Hi,

This sunday will be the first time I have visited a church service by myself. A great many changes have occured over the last few weeks, and attending church feels like the right progression.

I'm interested in finding out about the 'small groups'. I definately would like to join Bible study on wednesday, and while I would like to also join another group, i'm nervous of 'jumping in too deep'. I don't want to find myself surrounded by passionate strangers, upsetting what is at the moment a very delicate, but potentially enormous faith.

Part of me can't believe I am here, writing this e-mail and feeling the way I do. 3 weeks ago I had a comfortable, vindicated and self-centered life. The response i've had from searching with an open heart has been at once joyful and scary. God has moved through my heart with unexpected speed, I just want to make sure it's his will for me to dive in and not my own tendancy to overstretch!

Your advice would be most welcome,

Thanks,

EDIT: Here is the reply.

"Thanks for your message. I am glad you are coming to [our church] on a Sunday. One of the great ways to think about Christianity is to come to church because this is where you hear about Jesus.

Reading your e-mail it sounds as if you have become a Christian (You know what, he's bloody right! What a scary thought.) That is very exciting. I understand your apprehension about joining a small group. At the moment small groups are winding down just before Christmas.

What I can suggest is the Christianity Explored group, which is a six week course looking at Mark's account of Jesus' life. The Taster session is oneither Wednesday 23rd January 2008 or Thursday 24th January 2008 starting at [our church] at 7:30pm. The group is there for both non-Christians and Christians who want to brush up on the basics. This is quite an easy way into things and might be a small group that suits you at this time.

I know that sounds a long way off so I was wondering whether you want to meet up and go to a Carols By Candlelight service next Sunday? There are services at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm. Let me know if you want to and which one you can make.

Best wishes."

I'm very fortunate to have such a great local church.