HCLM BLOG

I had a lot of firsts this summer. First time having an electrical bill over $300. First time burying a pet. First trip to Israel. The later not only gave me an unbelievable experience but a new perspective on life. Having the chance to see the country for the first time was incredible. Having the opportunity to experience culture while living in people’s homes was priceless. I saw things with new eyes, things that locals don’t normally see, both good and bad.

Paul shared with me an e-mail he received an e-mail from a student from Concordia University (I’m assuming he is a life long Lutheran). He came to Holy Cross for the first time and left underwhelmed because he wasn’t identified as a guest and no one came to greet him as a guest. Now there are a lot of people who are guests during a weekend service, many of whom attend weekly and become members. So it would be easy for me to get defensive but perhaps we can learn something through this man’s first time eyes.

I realize that most people are uncomfortable walking up to someone they do not know, ranked right after getting a root canal and Add to that the fear of greeting someone as a guest who is a long time member and the task can become crippling. Since we have a God who welcomes us, perhaps we can cast aside our fears and be stretched to extend the same courtesy to those around us. After all, the next person you see on Sunday might not be connected to a church community. Why not be first?

On a related note, a new L-team season is starting on August 15. One of the new teams is a guest team that will connect with guests, the ones that write down their names in the blue folder (a good indication they want to be contacted). Perhaps that will become your team.