We are continuing our journey through the book – Community Rules: An Episcopal Manual by Ian Markham and Kathryn Glover, both administrators at Virginia Theological Seminary. There are 52 “Community Rules,” which fit nicely into a one-rule-a-week rhythm over the course of a year. So I am going to be working my way through this book in 2019, reading and writing through the lens of our Life Together as part of the Christ the King Episcopal Church family, as well as part of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.
Rule # 4: Welcome, Welcome, Welcome. Markham and Glover’s reflection on this rule can be found in their book, which can be purchased here.
How does this rule apply to our Life Together at Christ the King? The Episcopal Church takes great pride in our commitment to be a welcoming Church…so much so that our slogan is “The Episcopal Church Welcomes You.” When surveyed about the particular characteristics of their parish, most Episcopalians say that theirs is a warm, welcoming, friendly parish. Of course, those who are filling out the surveys are those who are most active in their parish – those who have had enough of a positive experience to remain engaged.
But being a truly welcoming parish or community is difficult work. There has to be a commitment from a large number of people to make the act of welcoming newcomers and guests a priority. In the coming months we will be working on making our website more welcoming, inviting, and informative. The same goes for our Sunday bulletin and other printed materials. We will also need to look at our signage to make sure newcomers know where to park, where the nursery is, and how to navigate our campus.
But all of these administrative, structural efforts need to be coupled with a commitment from each of us to be observant. If we see somebody who might need help finding the nursery, or finding the right page in the Prayer Book, or standing/sitting alone at coffee hour, how might we summons the courage to lend a helping hand or offer a warm welcome? A hospitable smile and a genuine interest in others can go a long way towards truly becoming a welcoming parish.
Perhaps a Lenten discipline for us to try could be to speak to one person you do not know prior to speaking to your friends/family at coffee hour. Such a simple gesture of welcome and hospitality might make a profound difference in someone’s life. Let’s give it a try!
Lenten blessings and peace,
Richard+