It's interesting when you think about it... mama always told us not to talk to strangers. (And as a former police officer, I have to concede that mama is wise to teach that safety lesson to young children.) But as adults, I think many of us may still be a little apprehensive about talking to strangers.
So, when a stranger walks into our church, how are we responding? Are we listening to mama’s voice in our heads? Are we walking right by him/her to hook up with our posse for social hour? Or are we making an intentional effort to welcome this stranger to our church community?
These are rhetorical questions, of course. But I challenge you to take a moment and think about the last time you introduced yourself to someone new (to you) at church. How long ago was that? And how did it feel?
There’s something magical that happens when you meet someone new. It’s called relationship. Relationships are the building blocks of community. And community is the source of our human need to belong.
So, what do we owe the stranger?
This is the question we will be exploring in this Sunday’s services. But I’m curious to know your thoughts on the subject. Feel free to share your comments here on my blog site.
In the meantime, please accept my gratitude for taking in this stranger and giving me an opportunity to belong to this beloved community. We’ve all shared that experience here, so let’s pay it forward to the new strangers who come to us in search of a place to belong.
And if you are interested in learning more about becoming a member at ORUUC, please mark your calendar for this Sunday, March 21 at 12:30-2:30, and join our Newcomer Orientation class in the East Room. Please RSVP by emailing me at oruuc.membership@gmail.com.
Thank you for all you do! See you at church!
Gina
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