Each week we feature one of the many ministries that make up the work and witness of All Saints Church. This week we offer this reflection from Peter Hulit on his experience with the Welcome Ministry.
In August 2016 my husband Greg and I wandered into All Saints; he was doing a field study in religion as part of his work for an MA in psychotherapy. I’d remembered All Saints from the late 80’s when my partner was referred to the All Saints AIDS Service Center. We were looking for support and were welcomed in at that difficult time.
On that summer morning, with some trepidation we walked toward the Church. People with red tags greeted us on our way in. The sanctuary was beautiful but we felt a bit awkward with the liturgy that everyone but us seemed to know. Then the priest said those words that well up inside me each time I hear them “Whoever you are and where ever you are in your spiritual journey you are welcome at this table.” A bit teary we whispered “I kind of like it here” We didn’t turn down the invitation.
After service we went to the welcome table; Wanda welcomed us, engaged us, gave us the proverbial red bag and mentioned a coffee. She was so warm and welcoming we took the chance and went inside. We were nervous but Dan put us at easy, answered our questions and made us feel welcome. Greg often works on Sunday so I went on my own. Even though I knew no one, there was always someone who saw me with a welcoming “Good Morning, Good to see you.”
After the election I couldn’t watch more TV; I thought maybe I‘d go to All Saints. The door was open; Zelda welcomed me in with the rest of the mourners. I decided then, I wanted to be part of this community.
Linda spotted me after a few Sundays and asked how I was doing; her welcoming embrace made me feel a part of All Saints and seen. I took the winter New Member Class and started attending more regularly. I met and grew close to people in the class
All Saints is big so I wondered, how could I meet more people and find my place. I happened to attend a small group and sat down next to Susan. By the end of the meeting she asked if I wanted to be part of her Greeter Team. I said yes. My first day was on Feast of St Francis. What a great start: Men, Women, Children, Dogs, Cats, and Teddy bears!
It’s been over a year I’ve been greeting. The first gift of the Welcoming Ministry is giving back the gift of welcome that had been given to me years before and on that first day. I‘ve met wonderful people who I know better each week. I feel, more deeply, a part of the community. I always feel happy and full of the spirit out front welcoming people to the church.
I look especially for those people who don’t look up, for those that may feel uncomfortable, unconnected, awkward or out of place. I remember how that feels. Those for whom it takes extra effort to get to church inspire me; I like to make sure their path to the door is physically welcoming. When I listen I hear wonderful stories of peoples lives.
In the year that followed, I was confirmed into the faith; I facilitate a bereavement group at a hospital and I’m finishing my formation class in spiritual direction. All Saints provides me the foundation to do this work.
I’ve gotten so much from All Saints and I realize if not for the welcoming, out stretched hand from those who welcomed me, it may not have happened. If I can offer that same gift of welcome to someone looking in for the first time that God offered me than I’m blessed.
For more information on the Welcome Ministry visit the table on the lawn on Sunday or contact Christine Cox at ccox@allsaints-pas.org 626.583.2765
