Reflections on Sunday

The Passing of the Peace on Sunday, August 24

What a full morning we had this past Sunday! Almost 200 people attended the 10:30 a.m. service—we even had to bring in some extra chairs!

We blessed backpacks, announced our new mission statement, debuted our new nametags, and followed it all up with a delightful Back to School-themed lunch in the “cafeteria” courtesy of the amazing Ministry of Fun. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped make it such a wonderful day!

As I watched the nave fill with more and more people, I noticed that it became challenging for folks arriving a bit later to find a seat. Our nave currently seats a total of 225 people, not counting clergy, choir, acolytes, and altar servers. As an experiment, we are adding an extra chair to some of the rows, which will bring us up to 235 seats. In theory, we should have enough room for everyone to find a seat most Sundays, but sometimes it can be a challenge. But what a good “problem” to have!

Here are a few thoughts about how we can make the best use of our space to ensure that we have room for everyone who wants to worship with us:

1. Make use of the front rows and the side sections! Sometimes I see families searching high and low for enough seats for them to sit together, while the front row is completely empty. I know folks often feel awkward walking up to the very front row once the service has begun. Perhaps those who arrive a bit earlier might consider going ahead and sitting towards the front, to help free up seats in the back for later arrivals. Plus, the front rows are great for seeing and hearing the service!

2. Be mindful of how full the nave is getting as worship is beginning. I know it is human nature to want to put a “buffer seat” in between our own household and the next one in the row, but on days when the nave gets very full, I invite you to consider scooting in toward the middle and sitting next to a new friend! This will eliminate unused single seats in the middle of the row that are hard to reach, freeing up more seats closer to the aisle for those just arriving.

3. Above all, be on the lookout for new faces who may be searching for a spot to sit. Give them an encouraging smile and offer them a seat next to you if one is free. I’m sure many of us recall what it feels like to walk into a new church for the first time, perhaps a bit frazzled from trying to get ourselves and our family out the door on time. Keeping this awareness in the forefront of our minds will help us continue to welcome people warmly, especially as we approach the beginning of Sunday School and the launch of a new program year starting on September 7. 

Yours in Christ,

Carmen

P.S. Upon hearing the news of yesterday’s mass shooting during a worship service at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, I wanted to add a prayer for the affected community, and for all of us who lament another senseless act of gun violence in our nation.

Heavenly Father, once again we weep with those who weep. Two of your precious innocent children have lost their lives, and many more have been hurt because of a hateful act of violence. Receive the victims into your loving arms, surround their loved ones with your compassion and mercy. Be with the survivors in their healing. Give your protection to all students, teachers, staff, and law enforcement officers who work in school settings. Help parents and caregivers navigate the anxiety and fear that follows such an awful event. Help us not to become numb to these tragedies, and give us all the will to work together for the prevention of them. May the love of your Son give us the strength to pray for all these things, even when we struggle to find adequate words. Amen.