It’s visitor season at MPC! Thanks in large part to our friendly outreach booth at the farmer’s market, and also to all the friends who say “my church does this fun thing in the summer… you should come…” our August Sundays are a major draw for new visitors. Come to think of it, maybe it’s also that we worship at 5 PM, meaning that those who wish to can STILL worship at the church of sleeping-in-late and make it there on time. Or maybe it’s the tasty BBQ and incredible potluck dishes. Well because of all these reasons and more, we see a lot of visitors in August.
Now a few reminders are in order. The first is to remind all of you “old-timers” what it feels like to walk into a new place for the first time. I recently had that experience on my vacation, in a cafe in Tacoma WA. It was a small place where everyone knew each other, and I couldn’t tell who was staff and who were customers. I freaked out silently for a few minutes until they welcomed me and dispelled the confusion.
Most people enter a new place subconsciously assuming they don’t belong, and any small question can seem huge. Where is the nursery, for example? Can I drink from my water bottle in the sanctuary or is that rude? Who are those three people at the front of the church? Am I going to have to shake everyone’s hands? Am I going to have to kneel and stand up at the right times? Do Presbyterians give communion to ex-Catholics? What if I get something wrong? Did I park in an OK spot? All of these are normal feelings when you’re in a new place. So this is why we always have a “welcome” at the beginning of the service, orienting everyone to people, places, lavender cards, and what direction to go for coffee. It’s also why we include short stage directions throughout the service, like “please stand,” “the next hymn is number 525,” and “let’s say the Charge, which is printed in your bulletin.” These are important ways to welcome people who may feel disoriented. In this line, if you are giving an Invitation, please make sure to give enough information. What is your name? What does PCUSA mean? What is the General Assembly, the Friday Night Walks, or CIPL? Assume nothing! (And still fit it in one minute – I know, it’s hard).
The second reminder is that people need to learn names. We usually don’t feel bad if you say “I don’t think I have met you before.” I swear this is true, even IF you have actually met and forgot it. We might see someone whose face looks familiar, but we think “I should remember them, I can’t believe I’ve forgotten who that is,” and instead of speaking we pass them by, feeling embarrassed, and nobody is happy. So don’t do that! Go ahead and say “I don’t think we’ve met,” or even, “I know we’ve met, but I’m so sorry, I’ve forgotten your name.” I promise the embarrassment won’t last long, but the impact of your honesty will. In this line, also, you can wear name tags! They are so, so helpful.
Finally, be friendly. Don’t assume someone else will come and do the welcoming. It’s up to all of us. And it can be as simple as a smile. Twice this past week, when I was at the MPC farmer’s market booth, I gave someone a big smile… and they smiled back, walked on, and halfway down the block did a U-turn to come back and ask something about our church. The power of a smile, a kind “hello,” or even a hug, can take someone from stranger to one of the family.
Jesus comes to us often in the face of the poor, the little children, and the stranger. Let’s make sure that if he comes to church this Sunday, he won’t go away without a warm welcome and a plate of delicious food.
Every Blessing,
Talitha