Ann and I were at the Immanuel Church at Broadway, Ernakulum last week for a wedding. It was tastefully decorated for Christmas and new year.
At the alter hung a star, the pulpit was surrounded by Christmas decor and the pews had flowers !
While sitting in the pew I recalled first visit to this church seven years ago. The presbyter welcomed Anna and myself warmly after the service and took time to get to know us! It is that gesture which drew us to become the members of this church.
It is none of the interior of the exterior of a church which warms the hearts of the worshippers but the care and welcome offered to those who come to attend the worship service.
A church service brings people with different needs. How they go back after the worship service is what matters!
I wonder whether a human touch of care and attention is shared warmly with people to make them feel invited to turn Godward!
Anna and I feel engaged with this question as to how we can be an encouragement to other fellow worshippers and receive other's gestures of regards towards us gratefully! This is the beginning of a worshipping congregation becoming a pilgrim community!
It is not an altar, pulpit or the interior in a church, or the choir which are the only means of grace in a church but also the way we usher in the visitors and send them away warmly after the service.
It is not an altar, pulpit or the interior in a church, or the choir which are the only means of grace in a church but also the way we usher in the visitors and send them away warmly after the service.
M.C.Mathew (text and photo)
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