PJ’s Page –
Here we are, in the middle of summer….school is out….vacations are being taken….the temperature is at last consistently warm in Seattle. This is the time of year when the days are so long and gorgeous that it’s a shame to leave town! Such beauty all around!
It’s difficult to hold that beauty and joy in one hand, if you will, while balancing all of the troublesome things in the world in the other. At this writing, I’ve spent more time explaining Romans 13 to people who’ve never set foot in a church than I ever imagined I would. Our sign even includes a quote from Romans 13: “Love does no wrong to a neighbor.” As I was putting it up, a man on his bicycle, with his son in tow, called out “I love your sign!”
In times that defy explanation, people sometimes turn to the church or other places that hold “authority” in the community looking for answers. How can we be a place that welcome people warmly? What are some good suggestions for getting to know newcomers in our midst? Here are some suggestions as we meet those who might be experiencing worship at Luther Memorial for the first time:
See someone you don’t know? Introduce yourself! Ask how their day is going so far.
Recognize someone, but you’re not sure you recall their name? That’s okay! Say hello and remind them of your name….”Hi! Good to see you! I’m Julie, could you remind me of your name?” Then ask how their day is going so far!
See someone in worship you haven’t seen for awhile? No guilt trips allowed! Just say that it’s good to see them. And then….ask how their day is going so far.
If you meet newcomers with children introduce them to others in worship who also have children. That way, the kids can get to know one another and the parents might enjoy the chance to grab some coffee. And then….ask how their day is going so far.
We say and sing that All Are Welcome and we mean it! How we welcome the stranger among us says so much about who we understand Jesus to be. I challenge you to be that person of welcome in a world where that may be just what the other person needs.
Faithfully,
Pastor Julie+
P.S. I hope YOUR day is as amazing as you are!