Not very long ago Pastor Gordon commented that people seem to be hanging around for fellowship after worship services more than was the norm years ago. We noted that a number of factors has contributed to this “buzz” of conversation and connection after services: the enlarged gathering area has definitely contributed but also the Second Sunday snacks has done its job too of encouraging more lingering and engagement. But maybe something more cultural and systemic has happened because the last time he noted the people talking together it wasn’t because of food being available that day. I love seeing new people in that mix of social connection after worship. The day I noticed people lingering after worship all of the folks still talking were people who were relatively new within the last year or two. I just heard a visitor affirm again on Sunday what a welcoming place this is…beyond what he expected to receive. Those comments are music to a pastor’s ears!
I also know that is not the experience of every person who comes through the doors. I recently heard someone wonder if being a single person was the reason they weren’t welcomed as robustly as they have seen others welcomed in the sanctuary on Sundays (thankfully this person is still here, and I so appreciated the honesty of the feedback!) We also heard feedback from someone who said that they worshipped with us for the first time in the summer and didn’t have very many people talk to them. They stayed with us because of our commitments to inclusion and our stance as a Room for All congregation. They honestly received a much warmer welcome in another congregation that summer and if they had gone by welcome alone would have likely joined that other congregation. They kept coming and when fall came around they experienced us as a totally different church. They were very warmly welcomed and embraced with many people talking to them after worship.
For those of us who have been around for a long time, that second paragraph can feel rather startling. It contradicts who we see ourselves as being. It certainly falls short of who we aim to be as a congregation. This whole question of how to welcome people is complicated. I understand that not everyone wants to be inundated as a visitor….I always try to keep in mind that introverts want connection in a different way, for instance, than those who love a crowd. People have commented over the years that they appreciate the space Hope Church gives newcomers to find their own way into the life of the church rather than getting the full court press when they first arrived. There is obviously a polarity at work here between offering welcome and inclusion and offering freedom and space.
But as we turn the corner into summer mode before the end of May arrives (our first 10am service is on May 26), I thought it would be wise to invite us to keep our attention on those who are new in our midst throughout the summer. Let’s ensure that we greet people and offer them a warm word of welcome. Let’s hang for a few extra minutes even on those gorgeous days when the sun and beach may be calling in order to include someone in conversation if they are desiring it. It makes no difference if they are tourists in town for a single Sunday or people looking for a new church home….the offer of hospitality and warmth and connection is a gift we can share every time someone comes through our doors. I’ll keep my eyes open for those opportunities and invite you to do the same!
Peace,
~Pastor Jill