So yesterday evening I began to ponder what church I should attend today. It's not really my favourite part of moving, simply because I feel that so much is at stake at the end of the process. I want to find a community where I can offer my skills and abilities, and be challenged and supported in return. So I pick a church that I had come across in my preliminary search a few weeks ago.
Last evening, I decide to attend their 11 am service - mostly so I can sleep in and not feel so rushed. Things changed this morning when I awoke at 7:30, bright eye and bushy tailed. I figured it was a sign. So I got up and got ready for the 9 am service. I was rushing a bit at the end and was a bit worried as it grew clearer that I'd be a few minutes late. However, as I meandered through the foyer, the call came for folks to take their seats.
Now choosing a seat in a church one has never attended is always a tricky thing. You really don't want to take the seat of a regular. And sitting in a demographically defined area of which you are not that demographic (ie. the seniors section, the parents-with-squirmy-kids section, the junior high kids) is also not the best idea. However, I managed to find a seat. I filled out the new to your church card. I got through the service.
Then after the service, the lady siting next to me, Maxine, introduced herself. She said she felt she'd been lead to sit next to me because she thought I was new. She told me all about the church, even though she'd only recently begun to attend herself. She introduced me to assorted people. She made sure I had the information I needed and really did try to make me feel welcome.
I wonder what would have happened if I'd gone to the 11 am service?
The search for a church continues in the weeks ahead. More to come.