Welcoming into a Shared Space
Perhaps the best opportunity that many of us have to be welcoming and even evangelists is the moment that we see something sitting in “my seat” in worship. Many people like the consistency of having a usual seat, and it can be disorienting if someone else is sitting there. We easily turn it into “my seat,” feeling entitled to that space because it is where we always sit. Yet in worship, we all come together and make room for one another. Sometimes there will be people in our usual spot. It may be a visitor. It may also be a member who has not been to worship lately, as everyone is still adjusting to the new worship schedule. Whatever the reason, that moment of seeing someone in your usual space is a key moment. Do we fall into a sense of ownership, or are we filled with a spirit of welcome? Our response has a great deal of impact on the other person’s experience of the congregation. Going up to them and saying, “That’s my seat” tells the people that there is a set of hierarchies and rules that they are not a part of and often leaves them feeling unwelcome, not included, and that this congregation is does not have a place for them.
How might the moment of seeing someone in your usual place become a moment of inclu- sion and welcome? I would suggest saying, “It’s great to see you this morning. I’m not sure I recognize you.” That gives an opportunity to connect and make the person sitting there feel welcomed. You can then continue, “I usually sit in this row.” If there is a reason that it is im- portant to you to sit there, you can then share that reason and the people will likely be quite gracious in moving. You could also ask if that person is familiar with worship here, and if not offer to help guide them through the worship. In doing these things you can still have your usual seat if that is something that really matters to you while also engaging the people sitting there. If they are not inclined to move, perhaps finding a different seat for a week will be worthwhile for you in giving you a different perspective during worship.
As we move closer to Christmas, we often see new faces or faces that we have not seen in a while. Let’s use the opportunities we have to welcome them into worship, making the space of worship a shared space. After all, the church is an event that happens when people gather in faith to hear the gospel proclaimed and the sacrament shared. Worship happens in the gathering and sharing in a shared space.