Sunny&8010 Ways to Make Christmas Visitors Feel Welcome at Church
Posted on December 24, 2018
The holiday season lends Christians the opportunity to extend the love of Christ more than the usual weekend experience. ‘Christ’ resides in ‘Christ’mas, in more ways than one. By knowing how Christ intended to draw hearts to freedom through salvation, we can be better equipped to offer an authentic experience to those that are visiting our church, or experiencing church for the first time.
Whether visitors are here visiting the “other” side of their extended family, or just stumbling in fresh off the moving truck to a new hometown, it’s important for all to feel included. They should be able to walk into any church and feel like family, whether it’s their first time or thousandth time in church.
The Hat (#jammed daily devo, day 329)
Posted on November 25, 2018
November #jammed: Gracious.
Day 329: Thankful for my church family.
Sitting in the stiff wooden pew, I scanned the congregation to see if anyone else had a hat on. Sure enough …I spotted one other lady, about fifty years my senior, across the altar from my side of the church wearing a purple hat. Surely no one is going to mess with her about it, I conquered. And I left mine on, too.
Visiting the denomination I grew up in always causes a mix of reminiscent feelings. Part of me misses the old routine, and the other part of me wants to run when the old lady behind me nudges me to put my phone away as I’m checking in. I enjoy saying the old prayers and singing the old songs …until they change the wordage just enough so everyone can tell the last time I’ve been to mass.
Today’s verse reminds us to go into the world. When I sit in church on Sunday, hat on …with my coffee …checking into Facebook … I don’t have to scan around to see if the way I am is acceptable, or worry about being nudged.
We are to “announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all,” yet I felt I wasn’t to be included that day with my hat on and my phone out sitting in a stiff pew. At home, the words are up on the screen. It doesn’t matter that I’m divorced, have three tattoos, and wear a hat in church. I can put my hands in the air and feel included.
Church should feel like a representation of Jesus’ love for us ...where all are welcome …from every generation.
Father, Praise You for the church, and thank You for the Chapel. Forgive us for judging each other by denomination, and help us all to see to spread the gospel of Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Get the conversation started by commenting below, and let’s encourage one another as we face life in 2017 armed with grace!
#greatgrace17
Happy Measuring,
Megs
Get the #jammed Daily Devo sent straight to your inbox each morning, by subscribing to Sunny&80.
The Hat (#jammed daily devo, day 329)
Posted on November 25, 2017
November #jammed: Gracious.
Day 329: Thankful for my church family.
Sitting in the stiff wooden pew, I scanned the congregation to see if anyone else had a hat on. Sure enough …I spotted one other lady, about fifty years my senior, across the altar from my side of the church wearing a purple hat. Surely no one is going to mess with her about it, I conquered. And I left mine on, too.
Visiting the denomination I grew up in always causes a mix of reminiscent feelings. Part of me misses the old routine, and the other part of me wants to run when the old lady behind me nudges me to put my phone away as I’m checking in. I enjoy saying the old prayers and singing the old songs …until they change the wordage just enough so everyone can tell the last time I’ve been to mass.
Today’s verse reminds us to go into the world. When I sit in church on Sunday, hat on …with my coffee …checking into Facebook … I don’t have to scan around to see if the way I am is acceptable, or worry about being nudged.
We are to “announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all,” yet I felt I wasn’t to be included that day with my hat on and my phone out sitting in a stiff pew. At home, the words are up on the screen. It doesn’t matter that I’m divorced, have three tattoos, and wear a hat in church. I can put my hands in the air and feel included.
Church should feel like a representation of Jesus’ love for us ...where all are welcome …from every generation.
Father, Praise You for the church, and thank You for the Chapel. Forgive us for judging each other by denomination, and help us all to see to spread the gospel of Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Get the conversation started by commenting below, and let’s encourage one another as we face life in 2017 armed with grace!
#greatgrace17
Happy Measuring,
Megs
Get the #jammed Daily Devo sent straight to your inbox each morning, by subscribing to Sunny&80.
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