I am hopeful these days. As a churchy person, the season of Epiphany (between the commemoration of the visit of the Magi to Bethlehem and the beginning of Lent) is a hopeful time – Jesus has been born, and his ministry is flourishing. We won’t talk much about his journey to the cross until Lent begins our march to Holy Week.
So, the season is about hope. Hope in the ministry of Jesus who comes to change lives, and repurpose the people of God into Joy.
But, I am hopeful also because of all the conversations.The picture with this blog was taken in our narthex (entryway) at Holy Cross. When you’re in worship, you’re behind some big glass windows and doors (often shut), so you can pray and think and worship. But the narthex is a gathering place, a crossroads, an entryway. So, if you’re in the narthex you’re in the perfect place for chatting, for connecting, and meeting folks.
We spruced up our narthex recently, with 2 refinished pews, with cushions that are lovely to look and and comfortable to sit upon. We added some bar stools at a different height, and even a high topped table. Now we’ve added a nice coffee bar where our volunteers can set up coffee and cookies. The whole idea is one of connection. We are more likely to enjoy our worship experience if we know a few people who will be there. But during worship is not the best time to meet someone and chat. So the narthex. Before and after worship. Just because. Conversations happen there. Casual moments happen there.
The picture with this blog was taken before worship on January 12th, 2020. There is chatting, there is laughing. There is community. A chance to ‘check in’. A chance for the generations to connect. At Holy Cross we’ve been working on ‘connecting’ for awhile. Our Churchlife time has been talking about ‘Honoring Our Neighbors’ Faith’ – with special guests quite often from other faith groups. We have learned a lot. Come February we plan to talk about Inclusion some more – being welcoming to our Gay and Lesbian neighbors, and how we can include caring for creation in our conversation. We will talk. We will learn. And who knows? Maybe we will reach out in new ways, with new collaborations and connections.
See you there? I am hopeful.
Holy Cross is located at 1998 Lansing Ave NE, Salem, Or 97301. www.holycrosslutheran-salem.org We meet for worship on Sundays at 9:30am, and our Churchlife time as well as kids Sunday School is at 11 am. Join us.