Advent Hospitality

It has been a joy over the last few months to get to know many of you and hear your stories about how you first came to be a part of St. Michael’s Church. One interesting thing I have noticed is that many of you first came to St. Michael’s during Advent or Christmas. One person told me that she decided to come to church during Advent because she wanted to sing O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Another person told me that she was at St. Michael’s for a community meeting and heard the choir practicing Christmas hymns; the music was so beautiful that she decided to attend St. Michael’s the next Sunday. Another member of St. Michael’s told me he came to St. Michael’s because someone invited him to come and see a friend in the Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve; he was so impressed with the joy and holy chaos of the event that he just kept coming to church.

These stories illustrate the importance of our hospitality and welcome during the Advent and Christmas seasons. We are offered the opportunity to invite people into the deep fullness of joy that we find in our worship and in our church community. Here are some ways that you can help offer hospitality and welcome:

• Invite, invite, invite. The number-one reason an individual starts attending a church is because someone has invited them. And, it is best to invite someone to come with you. Remember, it is hard to go to a church for the first time; people feel more at ease when they go with someone who can show them the ropes. We have many special events during Advent and Christmas that are great opportunities for an invitation?Advent Lessons and Carols, the St. Nicholas Day Celebration, or Christmas Eve.

• If you see someone new at church, introduce yourself. Welcome them. Invite them to come with you to Coffee Hour or a special reception. Introduce them to others in the church. Invite them to come back.

• Remember that more people feel depressed in December than any other month of the year. These seasons can be times of grief for people who have lost loved ones, or times of loneliness for those who are far from family and friends. Be sensitive to this, reaching out to people in love and support.

• Don’t be shy. Let people know the joy, connection, and meaning you receive from your church and your relationship with God.

• Be sensitive. Be gentle. Some people have been wounded or manipulated by the church. Let them know they are welcome regardless of where they are in their faith or in their searching.

Yours in Christ,

Mary