Last Saturday I was driving across town to catch a train, running late, and found my way blocked by the Alban Procession. As I backed out of a narrow street I caught a glimpse of dozens of smiling faces and a sea of maroon banners rippling in the breeze. But that only made my irritation greater.  I didn’t want to think about the obstacle. I only wanted to get round it.

It struck me later that my irritation was because, really, I wanted to be part of  that very special St Albans celebration, but it wasn’t convenient.

Do you feel like that when you see people heading cheerfully into church at Easter, Christmas, Remembrance Sunday,  and Mothering Sunday and Harvest?  You’d like to be part of it – but life is busy and it’s just not convenient.

And let’s face it – going to church is a bit less enjoyable than watching a wonderful, colourful procession on a sunny day. But the procession wouldn’t happen unless the church was there. The organising energy for our brilliant civic celebration comes from the Abbey. So if you think church is a bit dull, think again.  

Processions, fabulous clothes, great stories, ideas, mindfulness, deep reflection, not to mention lovely music, beautiful words, fun, craft activities and a community of loving people who will support you at every stage of life  – that’s church. Isn’t that worth making a bit of detour for?

Why not make detour in your life and find the Way?