Look Around

Many years ago St. Paul’s Church, during a time of discernment regarding out Vision and Mission, ask itself whether we are really a welcoming congregation. We know that we thought we were, and that we tried to be, but is that how people experienced us. It was pleasing to discover that many people, in fact, found us to be friendly and welcoming. Someone then asked if that’s what it means to be the Church, the Body of Christ.

In deed, a warm welcome and a friendly face is an expectation of people when they attend a church’s worship. The truth is we expect the same from any store, restaurant or place of business. The very least a church community can do is be friendly and welcoming.

September is one of those months when people consider going back to or finding a community to worship with. So, look around—is there someone who looks like they need yours to be the friendly and welcoming face that helps them feel at home. They might be a retiree who’s relocating to the Island; they might be a student away from home for the first time. It doesn’t matter, they are here, they’ve ventured into this place of worship and we can welcome them as well (or better than) any store or restaurant.

Our discernment processed, however, helped us realize that it’s not just about welcoming (as important as it is), it is also about transformation.

Transformation in this context means giving everyone the opportunity to be engulfed more fully into the love of God, a love that accepts us for who we are and than enables us to make the changes we need to be for fully alive in life with the Christ. We’re not selling hamburgers or beer here, we are, without prejudice, welcoming and invited people into a life dedicated to loving that which God loves. Look around and welcome others back (or to) St. Paul’s Church. It is an important step towards a truly transformed life.