Dear Friends,
“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me” (Matthew 10:40)

School is winding down; graduations have taken place and summer is quickly approaching. Summertime is meant for recreation or as I like to refer re-creation. This is a time to turn our hurried and busy lives around and to re-create ourselves for God’s purpose. This is a season to relax, reflect, read, enjoy the sunshine and free ourselves from everyday responsibilities. As Ginger said: “It’s time for us to KISS” (Keep It Simple Saints)!

We have entered the season of Pentecost. Pentecost is the longest season on the church calendar and is reflective of a time of growth. Green is the liturgical color that represents life and growth. From Pentecost Sunday until Advent we will grow in our knowledge and relationship with God.

Summer is often the time for vacations. Over the years, I have visited many different churches while traveling. I am always interested in seeing how a community welcomes me as a visitor. Following is a list of some of the best ways that I have encountered:

  1. Being greeted at the door and given a bulletin. I love when the greeter or usher says, “I don’t believe we have met before; my name is ____.” Once they find out I am visiting they offer a welcome bag or pamphlet about the church.
  2. During the peace, I am included and again welcomed by those around me.
  3. After the service, someone other than the Officiant or Greeter says hi and talks with me.
  4. If there is a coffee hour, someone invites me to attend (other than the priest during announcements) and escorts me to where it is being held.
  5. During coffee hour, folks are standing and speaking to each other and welcome me into conversations.

How well are we doing in these areas? This list is not only for first time visitors, but especially for repeat visitors! We have a fabulous team of official ushers and greeters, but if we all see ourselves in the role of greeters, I believe we will do better. We will be welcoming as I believe Christ intended.

If you are away on vacation, please bring back a bulletin to share or things that you see or like from other churches. If you do not know where to worship while away, check out this link to find a nearby Episcopal church. Find a Church – The Episcopal Church

I hope that you find some great re-creation time this summer!

Blessings,
Gini+