On the road this summer

This past Sunday there was some excitement at my church because a new couple had come to worship, a couple who were good singers and were well versed in a Presbyterian order of service. When I spoke to them at coffee hour I found out that they were on their way back to B.C.

The responses to their presence, my own included, were telling about how we can hope that people will drop by and already know and understand what we do and will contribute gifts that we want. It also got me thinking about the role we play as welcomers and as guests when we are away from home, especially in the summer.

I believe that this couple felt welcomed and appreciated without being eaten alive. That is something my church tends to do well. Those who are good at gently striking up warm conversation without centering anyone out do this freely. Sometimes we are short on greeters in summer to answer questions and direct people, but generally we are aware and offer hospitality.

Summer is definitely prime time for visitors and sometimes for those who are seeking and church shopping. It's not a time to take a break or feel 'off the hook' from being on our game of offering hospitality. Are you ready? Do you have a plan? If you offer a kids' program in lieu of regular Sunday school, do you connect with visiting families before the service to let them know what is happening and when? If there isn't a separate program, do you direct families to resources and pew activities or a space to take a child who is struggling with the length of the service? 

For any who will be traveling over the summer, particularly with children, think about how you will make worship part of your time away. The benefits of this are many:
a) maintaining routines of spending time with God
b) remembering that how our own church does things is not the only way
c) experiencing God in new and fresh ways that allow the Spirit to inspire us
d) connecting with and being encouraged by the broader church and how we have brothers and sisters in every town and community

To make the most of the experience of visiting another church, think about doing one or more of these things with your family:

1) Really take in this new place of worship. Look at bulletin boards, bulletins, newsletters, how the space is used and decorated, etc. Ask the greeters questions about their church. 

2) Participate fully in the worship experience. If you normally have a leadership role at home, take this time to be at rest and soak up the teaching and opportunity to praise without being 'on'. Let this time minister to you and your family.

3) Take part in coffee time and accept the hospitality offered. Allow the people to minister to you and encourage them in their ministry. Share what you like about their building, the worship time, the welcome you received. Let them know the difference it made to you.

4) Probably the most important thing is to debrief together in some way afterwards. Talk about how this service was like worship at home. What was different? What did you particularly like? What challenged you? How did this experience make you feel? If you didn't feel welcomed well, talk about what it might be like for someone at your own church who doesn't feel welcome. If you felt blessed by the opportunity, talk about why that might have been. How does the attitude we bring impact our experience? 

You may not be able to get to a church service for any number of reasons. Take in other faith-filled events if you can, such as concerts in local parks in the evening. Family worship and devotions while camping can be incredibly memorable and meaningful, not to mention fun. Resources are available online as a springboard for a brief or longer time of reflection. Involve everyone in some way, whether it is choosing songs to sing, a favourite Bible story, picking an object to inspire reflection, or just adding to a prayer together or sharing what has been a fun part of the day or trip so far. Devotions around a campfire at the end of the day can help to welcome sleep and remind us of God's constant presence and blessings.

Wherever you may travel, remember that God goes with you. Celebrate this as you journey and are rejuvenated in your time away. Safe journeys this summer, and may the times you are at home offer rich opportunities for showing hospitality to those passing through or looking for a spiritual home.