Today, I had my hair coloured and cut. I enjoy the extravagant amount of time that takes, and the experience of being pampered. I don't go to a fancy, expensive hairdresser (I did a couple of times, but really objected to the cost) This hairdresser's salon has been there for years and its customers are mostly older ladies who have been going there for years. It's not in my parish but I wish something like it was.
There are two hairdressers but they do so much more than look after people's hair. Many of the regulars come every week, and one lady who had been in hospital was enthusiastically greeted by another customer today with a cheery "We missed you!" My hairdresser was off after work to see one of her customers at home - an old lady on her own who was struggling with her Freeview box, and the analogue switch-off around here is imminent. The hairdresser was off to see what she could do to help. She often takes her customers home or offers to pick them up from hospital appointments. Concern is shown if customers don't keep appointments. Phone calls are made - "Are you OK?" There is a taxi driver who often drops off customers and who will pick up their pension at the next-door Post Office during their appointment. These are good people doing small acts of kindness for their neighbours and making valuable connections as they do.
It often strikes me that this is a real community hub. News is exchanged, advice sought and given, and people are cared for - not just their hair but their whole selves. This is a bit like how our churches at their best can be. We're not church simply to care for people's spiritual needs but their whole person. And that is what I see in that small, not-very-modern hairdresser with an extensive network among some of the most vulnerable in our society, and the willingness to serve them. It's a holy place.
And, although it's not in the parish, another customer was at a talk I gave to a ladies' group and reported back to the hairdresser afterwards. Thankfully it was a favourable report, as I really don't want to upset someone who is regularly colouring my hair!
Welcome to the blogosphere!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really important point you make- it's often said in our village that the most 'Christian' people are not necessarily those who come to church but quietly serve their neighbours by maintaining contact, helping with shopping, collecting prescriptions from the surgery and so on. Many villages no longer have an obvious place to meet (we have just lost our church hall) but we are now trying to work with the British Legion to organise coffee mornings there and setting up a petanque pitch at the Legion for those too old for football! The churchgoers among us do this because we are charged to do so, others just because they are good people.And if we want to increase the size of our congregations, this must be the place to start.
Thank you, Laura. I think it must be harder in rural places where there are fewer facilities to meet this need. In a city we have the facilities, but there is still an ongoing problem with isolation which can be just as acute.
DeleteWow - I want to live there! Sounds lovely :) A really encouraging read - that there are people out there willing to be in community with each other. And a really challenging read - because - well - I don't think a lot of our churches work in community that well. I love that it is about caring holistically - not just ensuring the Bible has been read (or the hair has been washed!) - but a genuine concern for the whole of one's life. Love it.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the blogosphere :) I shall add you to my blogroll - happy blogging!!
Thanks, Jo! God is so far ahead of us in this!
DeleteA lovely post making important points. I too wish that this vision and working out of community could be found everywhere. It's there in many places when we look for it and yes, this is what the church to should be and do.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think there is so much more of this in our communities than we can ever know about, and the church has very little to teach many people about love of neighbour...
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