AS I WRITE this, all is quiet at church. Our guests and my co-volunteer are sleeping: safe, warm, well fed. We have had a sociable evening together, sharing good food, countless cups of tea, chat, games, even a fiendish jigsaw! There is a generosity of giving from the volunteer team, brought together from different churches and none, by a concern for those who would otherwise be out in the cold winter weather. There is a cheeriness, an openness, and a gratitude from the guests.

In every person, I believe, there is the light of God, and it is such a privilege to offer hospitality, kindness and respect to our guests. When we are prejudiced or make errors of judgement about others, and shut ourselves away behind the walls that protect us, we lose so much. Life does not flow as it should. We do not allow the other to grow tall, to feel loved, appreciated. Throughout these winter months, I hope our guests feel welcomed, cared for, valued. And I hope that we for our part, have relinquished any feelings of superiority, learnt to see the world through different eyes and been grateful to our guests for sharing themselves with us. Perhaps this 'Winter Shelter' is as Jean Vanier says, 'A tiny sign among thousands of others, that love is possible.’ Thus as disciples of Jesus, we choose in this small way, to walk alongside our neighbours. And I can tell you my life is all the richer for doing so.

Anne Pater, Stricklandgate Methodist Church, Kendal

Kendal Winter Shelter

This month's Christian Viewpoint theme is Winter Shelter