Any special plans for Easter: maybe a meal with family or friends, or an Easter egg hunt, or a trip to church in a new spring outfit? Lots of people like to check in with God for this holy celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, because it underlines the hope of resurrection for earth and soul as well. Whether you consider yourself to be an occasional visitor to your local church or regular churchgoer, here are some easy ways to participate in an Easter welcome.
First of all, keep in mind that God has invited each of us to this year’s celebration. Jesus might call some from the midst of whatever spiritual climate change we are experiencing. The Holy Spirit might beckon through a small, steady voice behind too many drastic spiritual highs and lows. God might speak with a comforting voice, during the inner torrential rains that follows a death, a serious illness or a grave personal loss. God’s stillness might punctuate someone’s search for meaning when there no apparent answers. God speaks and invites. “O, Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise up.” Psalm 139
Secondly, we are all meant to provide a spiritual home for one another, especially when we gather together as the Body of Christ. We are meant to be like the apostles in the same boat together with Jesus. So we ask you, “What will you do to make others feel at home?” Here are some suggestions.
- Think about inviting someone to come with you this year and offer a ride.
- Arrive early so you can greet others in the parking lot or on the steps of the church.
- Move over in the pew before others enter the church. Smile when someone sits beside you.
- If you know lots of the songs, sit near the back so that you can encourage others to sing by worshiping with full voice yourself.
- Compliment someone or how nice they look or how beautiful their children are.
- Introduce yourself to someone you don’t know. Ask what brought him or her here today.
- Thank someone for coming. You might add, “I will look for you the next time I come.”
- Pray that God will touch someone who has come after a long absence. You don’t have to know who, since God can pour out blessings in many, many ways.
Consider reading our book, Sharing the Faith That You Love, so you can learn more ways to welcome people every week.
John and Therese Boucher are noted authors and run the websites, Catholic Evangelizer, Christ Key and Christmas Carol Festival as well as their own site John and Theresa Boucher. They also have numerous speaking engagements and run various workshops. The links are below:
http://www.catholicevangelizer.com
http://www.christmascarolfestival.com
http://www.johnandthereseboucher.com