A few months ago, I was witness to a terrifying scene in our sanctuary. I was in the balcony, and I looked down to see a group of MPC members having a friendly post-Celebration chat — while someone I knew to be a recent visitor sat about eight feet away, alone, fiddling with her bulletin, the very picture of isolation. I immediately dashed down to that visitor and checked in with her to make sure she felt welcome and included. I think — well, I hope — it made a difference.
I know from happy experience that MPC members and friends of the family are a considerate, caring, friendly group. I bet most of us would be shocked to hear that people perceive us as unfriendly or insular. But the fact is that we often appear that way. Bill and I are frequently told by visitors that it’s hard to “break into” the MPC community, and that it’s a very common experience to go to Celebration for weeks without anyone engaging them in conversation or greeting them (except the greeters — thank you greeters!). Folks, this is a terrifying situation, and it’s something we all need to work on changing.
As the pandemic eases, more and more visitors will be coming to MPC. Some of them will walk through our doors wondering what it means to worship together. Others will be wondering how to just be around people again, after months of covid-enforced isolation. And when these folks arrive, it’s crucial that we extend ourselves, and show these visitors what a caring and welcoming community we are on the inside.
We are an open-hearted, loving community. But we have a history of seeming unfriendliness to overcome, plus we’re also a bit out of practice with just being social. So Bill and I are asking you to please recommit yourself to friendliness, to welcome, to inclusion. Please walk up to a stranger, smile (with your eyes! behind your mask!) and ask their name. It’s all that simple. In other words, let’s make sure we really are “joyfully imperfect people who welcome all with hospitality, openness and acceptance”.
Thank you for all you do –
Steve McKiernan