Do you feel “part of the family” at MPC? Whether you are a member or a friend, old-timer or new, we strive to have a community that feels like a family, where we support one another and feel comfortable together. Whether you like to be in the center of the action or prefer a quieter spot on the sidelines, we hope you can feel and know that this is your family and spiritual home – that you belong here.
This past weekend the 5th and 6th graders slept over in the church, for our “Pajamajam” overnight adventure. Cindy Gullikson was my co-leader for the event and we had a great time. As we two sat by the pulpit late that night, and watched a lively game of “ghost in the graveyard” take place in and amongst and under the pews, we remarked to one another that this was the ultimate sign of belonging. When you have spent the night someplace, it is “home” for you. When you know all the hiding spots in closets and under pews, when you have watched the light of dawn sneak slowly through stained glass, and when the candles on our Communion table were hand-made by your own small hands, there can be no doubt that this is your place, and that you belong.
One adult shared with me that the day she felt she belonged here was the day she went to the kitchen and found out where the wine glasses were stored. When you don’t have to ask permission to use something, you know you are one of the family. For others of you it may be different. Maybe it was when you joined the choir, or served as lay leader. Perhaps when the Sunday morning greeters knew you by name, even before you put a name tag on.
I used to worship at St Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marin City. I joined the choir right away and got to wear one of their black and purple choir robes, and had a seat reserved for me in the front pew. But I didn’t feel “part of the family” until someone asked me to be on a committee. I’m incurably Presbyterian; committee leadership is my love language.
In about six weeks we will have the annual Committee Fair after church, on April 26th. We are having it early so that committees can use it as a way to include new people before the summer lull hits. If you are looking for more ways to “plug in,” this is a great way to find out where you can share your cooking skills, or where you can learn to garden together, or join with people to take political action on mass incarceration, or play with toddlers, or help the church develop a better composting practice. If you are already well-plugged in, now is a good time to take stock and prepare for new people. How can you and your committee make room for new people at the table? Can you plan something newcomer-friendly for May or June? How can you help people explore and find service that works for them, so they can best make use of the skills and passions God has gifted them with? As Presbyterians we do not believe that worship only happens on Sunday mornings, but that it is a part of all we do in service, action, and recreation. I’d love to talk further with any of you as you seek your place in our common work and worship.
Every Blessing,
Talitha