I cannot tell you how much it warms my heart whenever people say this to me (and it happens almost every week). For the gospel teaches us that we should welcome every stranger as though he or she were the Lord Jesus himself. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews writes, "Be sure to welcome strangers... By doing this, some people have welcomed angels as guests, without even knowing it."
How important it is that people's first impression of the church be one of welcome, of open friendliness, of heartfelt hospitality! But what about the next time a newcomer comes to St Paul's, and the next? How can we move beyond the level of friendliness to true friendship, from well-intentioned but superficial greetings to genuine sharing - what the Bible calls koinonia?
This is a challenge faced not only by ourselves at St Paul's but by every congregation that is growing and receiving strangers into its midst. And I do not believe that there is any simple solution, any magic wand which we can wave and people will find themselves instantly a part of the fellowship. The reason for this is, of course, that relationships generally do not "happen". They are built. That is just as true of church life as it is in our homes and families. The question which lies before us, then, is, "How do we build these relationships?"
Let me suggest three strategies which we are adopting at St Paul's (and perhaps you can add some others of your own!). The first is through social events - the parish picnic, our occasional dinners, parties at the wave pool, the Seder supper, the retreat, the camping weekend at Kejimkujik Park. The main purpose of these events is to enable us as members of St Paul's to get to know one another by relaxing and enjoying ourselves in one another's company. These events are also an opportunity to invite friends who may not be members of any church to meet some of our church family and to discover that Christians can be fun to be with!
A second way of moving towards a sense of belonging comes through participating in any of the small groups of the church, be it the choirs, the Ladies' Guild, the Jubilee Unit, the Chancel Guild, the craft group, the music group, the drama group, the young couples' group, or one of the Bible study groups. None of these groups is a "closed shop". And each provides an opportunity to share with and get to know other members of the congregation through working or studying alongside them. If you are a member of one of the church groups, think of inviting someone new to come with you to the next meeting!
This fall we shall be also starting a programme specifically designed to help newcomers take their place in our congregational life. Many people come to St Paul's asking questions about the Anglican Church, about what it means to be a Christian - and that is just the beginning. Beginning Wednesday, 18 October, and running to late November, we shall be offering a series of evenings to tackle such matters. Each evening will begin with a supper and then move into an hour or so of presentation and discussion on a particular aspect of Christian faith. You don't have to be a newcomer to take part. You may want to "brush up" on lessons you learned in confirmation classes years ago. No one is expected to have an extensive knowledge of Christian teaching and no question you may bring with you will be considered too "far out". The evenings are open to all, and include a mini-retreat in mid-November too. There will be more information about this in the Sunday morning leaflets in October. Meanwhile - especially if you feel you would like to get more into things at St Paul's - I hope you will think about coming along!
The study of the Bible is important for all Christians, but it can be challenging if undertaken without the aid of study materials or commentaries. I think the best general resource for daily Bible reading is the daily study notes published by Scripture Union. These notes provide short reflections on the Biblical passage of the day, and help you respond to the Scripture in prayer. They are available from:
Scripture UnionA slightly more challenging study is available with the book, Search the Scriptures, which is published by Inter-Varsity Press and is available at many Christian bookstores. This study guide takes you through the entire Bible, and it uses questions to help you reflect on the passage you have read.
If you are interested in a more thorough study of God's word, I would suggest getting a Bible commentary on a particular book, and using the commentary to aid your thinking. For this purpose I would recommend the "Bible Speaks Today" commentary series or for a more academic approach the "Word Bible Commentaries" are generally very good.
There are many books available on prayer, and so I am hesitant to recommend just a couple. I have found the book Listening to God by Joyce Huggett to be helpful. Richard Foster has also written several good books on prayer: one is entitled Prayer, and a second The Celebration of Discipline. I have found both of these to be very useful.
I hope you will find these resources to be beneficial. I would encourage you to take the time to study God's word and to pray each day, that you may grow in your relationship with God.
However, it was felt that interest in participating and attending was on the wane. Therefore, with this in mind, the Parish Council is hoping that everyone will take the time to fill in this questionnaire. You may return it either by mailing it to the church office in the enclosed self-addressed envelope or by placing it on the offering plate at a Sunday service. Thank you!
The results will be analyzed and used to decide what form the Summer Fair should take in 1996, or, alternatively, what should replace it. A meeting to discuss this will be held on Monday, 16 October, at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Room, immediately before the next Parish Council meeting. Please plan to attend. Dessert and coffee will be served.
The conference will be held at Keddy's Brunswick Hotel and an early bird registration fee of $50.00 each for groups of 6 or more will remain in effect until October 2. The fee does not include accommodation. For further information, please refer to the conference pamphlets which are at the back of the church, or call Pamela Herod at 479-2386.
We wish to express our heartfelt sympathy to Reta Palmer and her family at this sad time for them. Bill was one of the long standing and faithful members of the visiting committee with his wife, Reta.
During the year the members have made in excess of two hundred visits and have been in touch with fellow parishioners though telephone calls and greeting cards.
Any parish member who would like to be contacted kindly call the office of the church at 429-2240 and we will be in touch.
Written and composed with God's help for Thanksgiving Day 1995.
"Let the people praise thee, O God, let all the people praise thee." (Psalm 67:3)
Can you help us by making a donation to our Sale of Work? We would be delighted to receive it ... and we thank you in anticipation!!!
What do we need?
Baked items can be brought to the Halifax Shopping Centre from 9:00 a.m. on the 26th, or pick up can be arranged on the 25th. Crafts, sewing, knitting, etc. can be left in the Church Office at any time. Please label them for Sale of Work.
Too busy? Please consider a donation of money. For more information call the church office.
"Sir, I have good news and bad news," he said. "Give me the good news first," he replied.
"The good news is that you are going up."
"Fine," he replied. "Now the bad news."
"The bad news is: can you be ready for Friday afternoon?"