The word 'church' brings with it a variety of definitions and emotions. Some have only had good experiences, some have had bad ones. Some churches are friendly, some are not.
Something I find interesting is that different people have different experiences and feelings toward the same church. How can one church be friendly to some and not to others. I don't know why, really. I don't know why some people come and feel welcomed and accepted and others don't. It is a mystery and I am wondering if it has anything to do with the individual who is on the 'outside' (for lack of better term).
We feel privileged to be able to lead and journey with a young faith community (ie church). As each week passes, our relationships deepen with this group as does our love for them.
It is a church that some find very warm and welcoming and others clearly do not. If given the chance, I like to ask newcomers and visitors how they've been received and I get answers from both sides of the spectrum.
Today I witnessed and experienced something beautiful, something authentic, something right. A young lady came for the first time today but she blended in as if she was with old friends. Because she sat next to people I assumed she not only knew them, but came with them. After the worship time another young woman brought her over to me and introduced us. This young lady didn't know anyone when she came but by the time she left, she had been received and welcomed by many. In fact, she was one of the last to leave. She was invited to this thing and that thing and encouraged to come.
I felt so proud of my 'flock' as I watched them respond to her. I was proud to see her laughing and chatting with people like they were old friends. This is the way it is meant to be.
When I asked her how she found out about us and why she came, she told me it was our signs! I was shocked and proud. Every Friday we put out those sandwich boards and every Sunday we take them down again. She told me she has looked at them for six months and decided to check us out. Love it!
So to all my South Meadows family...thank you for being the church, and giving her what seemed to me to be a positive experience!
Sunday, September 25, 2005
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4 comments:
The first time I went to South Meadows I felt the same way. I expected to sit by myself in the back and not talk with anyone. Within 2 minutes of sitting down, Mara came up to me and welcomed me, and invited me to sit with them. Everyone was very warm and friendly. If I hadn't been welcomed the way I had been, I never would have returned...it was supposed to be a one time thing.
p.s
I saw the signs too, and it made me think about going.
Awesome Job, gotta love those signs.
J
It is those times that I really miss South Meadows
Chris and I really struggled with that when we moved here. Its tough be the "new" people anywhere. But it is so great to hear stories like this one:)
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