The Gift of Connection

“Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me,
and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”
Luke 9:48

As we cross the threshold of the new year, I would like to give thanks to the ministers of Trinity’s threshold: our Greeters. Welcoming the stranger is among the most important ministries in the Church. It was central to Jesus’ ministry and vital to the spread of the faith. It is a virtue of monastic communities and the hallmark of healthy parishes everywhere. Greeters are the frontline of welcome to worshipers at Trinity.

Greeters are the first people newcomers meet: the first name, the first smile, the first impression of our commitment to living out the Gospel. The best Greeters know this makes them responsible for introducing guests to other church members and helping them feel welcome. They hang around after the service to make sure I meet new folks and then, in better days, help them find their way to hospitality hour.

Greeters are also guides and protectors. It’s quite important for newcomers and guests to receive a bulletin that will help them navigate the service. It is a great kindness that Greeters help people make their way to receive Holy Communion. It is a blessing to have them keep an eye on the whole congregation throughout the service, in case of emergencies.

The pandemic has, unsurprisingly, cut our roster of Greeters significantly, making each one of these ministers even more precious to our community. They are true ministers of the Gospel welcoming people home to the house of our God. The most effective Greeters are those who remember what it was like to walk through those doors the first time. Prayerfully consider whether you might be called to be a Greeter.

Most of all, when you receive your next Sunday bulletin with a warm “Good morning!” make a point of thanking those who serve.

In peace,