What does a welcoming community look like?
This week the clergy went to our annual clergy conference, in person, for the first time in three years. It was great to see old faces and new. Our two associates had never attended this conference in person. In the car on the way out to Riverside, the “veterans” filled them in on what to expect. On the way home they remarked how very difficult it was to be the new person. No one introduced themselves. Breaking into conversations proved challenging at best. I have often said that finding a seat at our conference is a bit like walking into a cafeteria in Middle School. And our associates could identify with wondering where it was safe to sit. As a veteran, and not wanting to hover saw their boss, I saw my friends, sat with them, had good conversations and loved catching up in person after three years. It was balm for my soul at times.
Yet the associates’ remarks on the way home got to me thinking. How do we welcome new people? I was the old timer who just wanted to be comfortable and catch up with my friends. How often did I introduce myself to new people? Intentionally sit at a table where I didn’t know all of the people. I realized I will need to up my welcoming game at the next gathering to be sure.
I hope that this Sunday you think about how you are welcoming the stranger, or even the parishioner you kinda know, but never had a conversation with them. Are you introducing yourself, even though you are sure you all know each other’s names? Are you wearing your name tag? Are you respecting people’s personal space? Are you on the lookout for someone who has no one to talk to them? Are you willing to sit at a new table and meet someone new? Are you able to invite someone to coffee hour?
Think about ways that you can welcome the stranger. I know I am going to be working on that myself this Sunday.
Peace,
Rev. Rachel+