Dear Beloved Siblings in Christ,

I am Lisa Therrell, your new synod vice president. I attend Faith Lutheran Church in Leavenworth, Washington. What I want to share with you today are my thoughts on the importance of being a welcoming and invitational church as guests arrive through our doors.

First a confession. I am an introvert! When I attend a new church, I enjoy worship, but afterwards I want to rush to my car and drive away. I work to channel my more gregarious friends in new social settings.  When visitors come to our churches, put yourselves in their shoes and remember how hard it is to interact with a group of strangers.

As your VP, I have enjoyed visiting more ELCA churches in our synod, especially in the Lewis Clark Valley which is near my family farm; however, in some churches, no one even takes the time to introduce themselves. In one church, a lady invited me to come next door for coffee, but then immediately rushed away. In another, I have been there about 5 times, and they still don’t recognize me so I reintroduce myself, even though the first time they were very friendly. In another, I went to the coffee hour, searched for a table where there was an extra chair and I thought the people looked friendly. They said I could join them, but then proceeded to chat as if I was invisible. I will admit, I am testing for hospitality. Finally, a teenager came and sat beside me. I turned to them, introduced myself, they introduced themselves, we shook hands, and FINALLY, the rest of the family introduced themselves. It goes better if I show up early, tell those around me that I am their synod VP, and then I am well received. But what does this say about how we treat the stranger in our midst?

When in my early 20s, I worked at a nature center in rural Pennsylvania. One beautiful Sunday morning I rode my bike for about 12 miles to get to the nearest church, which was out in the country. I arrived in time for Sunday School and then worship. A young family invited me to come to their farm for Sunday dinner! I accepted the invitation. I played with the kids and helped the dad put together a mechanical swing to rock their baby. We ate and enjoyed fellowship. Then I began the long bike ride home. I am so grateful for those instances in life where hospitality is extended and I have taken the time to receive that gift.

At Faith Lutheran we have lots of tourists joining us. Even though I know I will probably never see them again, I set aside my inner introvert and make sure they are welcomed and invited next door for coffee. After my own experiences, I am modifying my line to this, “You are welcome to come next door AND JOIN ME for coffee.” In that way, they know they are accompanied, not set adrift in a sea of strangers who are more interested in catching up with each other.

“…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” Matthew 25

We lament that many of our churches are in decline. So let’s open up our Lutheran arms to receive and welcome the stranger. Think of a few conversation starters, and be invitational. Blessed be.

Lisa Therrell