Barb

Its been a while since I did a church visit, but a few weeks ago I went to Sovereign Grace Community Church. It is part of a community of churches my aunt mentioned I should try out. It meets in a local high school auditorium. I'm happy with the church I currently go to on Saturday nights, but it leaves Sunday mornings open to try out other places. This church was filled to the brims with large families. I felt a little out of place because I wasn't wearing a denim skirt like all the other women ;-) I knew few of the songs and the pastor's sermon was nothing to write home about. HOWEVER...I'd give it another try. I felt welcomed there. All because of Barb. Walking in, I was given a mummbled "welcome" from the greeters, pointed in the direction of the auditorium, and given the familiar "you must be a visitor" look. I sat down and waited for the service to start. A lady came over, said 'hi', firmly shook my hand, and said, "My name's Barb! I haven't seen you here before? Is this your first time visiting?". We chatted for a few mintues and she mentioned going to find her kids before service started. She ended with a, "Nice to meet you. I'll see you after service and we'll chat more." I sat there in shock! After service? I had been invited to stay and chat? Often at church, we are good at saying "visitors are welcome to stick around for coffee and snacks" but we often are saying it to ourselves or it falls on deaf ears that have just heard about the offering we are going to receive. But being specifically invited to chat with a new found friend made staying worth doing. Someone knows I'm here. Someone wants to talk to me. Or, my biggest thought, someone will know if I ditch out early (which I did...I had plans that didn't permit me to stay long after, maybe next time). Amazing. Barb has it right. She's the best greeter ever and I doubt that was her official role for the day. I mean, when was the last time you remembered the name of a church greeter?