“Do you have siblings?” “Have you been to the beach in the past year?” “Are you a preacher’s kid?” “Have you ever lived overseas?” “Do you enjoy being a part of First on Fifth?” These, and many other questions echoed through the kitchen this past Sunday afternoon as our newest members and church leaders played Get-to-Know-You Bingo at our New Member Meet & Greet. This special event allows those who have most recently joined our faith community to gather together in a more relaxed setting with staff and church leaders to get to know each other better.
As I watched the group on Sunday I saw an older adult church leader sharing stories with one of our college students and asking about his experience on campus. I listened as one of our associates advised one of our young adult members on apartment hunting. I watched long-time church members make space for and lovingly embrace each and every one of the new members that were there and my heart was so full!
Each Sunday one of my most favorite parts of worship is sitting on the platform and looking out at each and every one of the faces that are in the Sanctuary. What an honor it is to watch as you all love and care for each other, warmly welcome visitors and newcomers and add your unique voice to our worship. How I wish everyone had a place like First on Fifth to belong!
Are there people in your life that are in need of a loving community? Who in your realm is struggling and needs to be embraced for exactly who they are? Do you interact with someone each day that you think would benefit from worshipping with us? My challenge to you this month is to pay attention to those people in your life that need a place of love and belonging and invite them to come to church with you one Sunday. We are only better, and a more complete picture of God’s kingdom, with each and every beloved child of God that finds belonging here.
Mary Kaylor